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 5, 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.
ABSENT: Thomas A. Zimmerman
OPENING EXERCISES – were provided by Mr. James E. Temple.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
Motion made by Ms. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following items:
(Note: This motion was acted on at 7:40 p.m. following an executive session)
A. Approve an agreement with the City of Williamsport to sell the District Service Center and
associated real estate for the sum of $1,260,000, in accordance with the agreement as
presented.
B. Approve a lease agreement with Confair Company, Inc. t/a Church Street Realty to occupy the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor of the Penn Tower Building for a period of five years at a cost not to exceed $560,000 plus other expenses as specified in the agreement. Execution of this agreement is contingent upon execution of the agreement of sale with the City of Williamsport as referred to above.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Stone reported that a meeting was held with Mr. Vern McKissick today to review his progress on the feasibility study.
Motion made by Ms. Markle, seconded by Mr. Shultz, to approve the balance of the agenda including the addendum.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Construction Projects
A. Affirm the contract with WMCS, Inc., 104 N. Broad Street, Jersey Shore, for the supply and installation of the WAHS Stadium access ramp at a cost not to exceed $35,000. (The estimate on the July 15th agenda was $30,000.)
FINANCE REPORT
5.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the month of May 2008:
B. Payroll Report for the month of July 2008:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,538,267.59
General Fund – Restricted 210,668.57
Athletics and Extra Curricular 6,498.24
Food Service Fund 4,407.93
Data Processing Fund 21,550.06
Maintenance Fund 30,614.13
Earned Income Tax 38,552.72
Student Activities .00
TOTAL $2,850,559.24
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
08/05/08 465,064.00 08/05/08A 264,821.10
08/05/08B 106,922.73 08/05/08C 3,510.11
08/05/08D 168.00 08/05/08E 1,576,891.76
08/05/08F 179,552.28 08/05/08G 8,000.00
08/05/08H 602.50 08/05/08I 69,921.95
08/05/08J 26,363.72 08/05/08K 336.00
08/05/08L 168.00
5.3 Approve the FY09 Interscholastic Athletic and Voluntary Student Accident Insurance with AG Administrators at a cost of $15,500 ($15,500 FY08 Ace American). The voluntary student accident insurance premium is $28 school time and $124 for 24 hour coverage.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
7.1 Approve of a contract with Global Talent Associates for two days of presentations by the dance group Step Afrika! A public presentation and up to six smaller building-based workshops are included in the schedule, designed to increase interest among District students in expressive dance. The Global Talent Associates contract is not to exceed $13,000, to be paid from the Cohort IV 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant.
7.2 Approve of Olweus Bully Prevention Program training at Stevens Elementary School. The following members of the core team to be compensated for two days of training at the summer curriculum rate of $90.00 per day:
Martha Miller, Carol A. Kinney, Catherine Hanner, Christina Williams, Laura Schmack
Compensated for one and one-half days:
Tracy Haupt
Compensated for one day:
Cindy Schuyler
Trainer compensated for three days (one preparation, 2 training):
Billie Miller
All compensation includes appropriate benefits. Expenses reimbursed from the Governor’s Safe School Initiative grant.
7.3 Approve Michelle Dixon, Wendy Kelsey and Debbie Goff to provide up to three days of literacy professional development August 5, 6, and 7, 2008. Each Literacy Coordinator will be paid at the rate of $90 plus appropriate benefits for up to three days of training and three days of preparation. All funds are budgeted under the district’s professional development budget.
7.4
Approve submission of a Williamsport Area School District "Annual Employee
Evaluation Form for Educational Specialist/Nurse and Guidance Counselor"
to The Pennsylvania Department of Education for their approval as an
alternative to the PDE-5501 form. An alternative evaluation form has already
been approved by PDE for teachers.
7.5 Approve the Metamorphosis Performing Company to present two sets of assembly programs at all 6 elementary schools during the 2008-2009 school year:
Fall, “Under Construction” for Grade 3 students
October 22, 23 & 24
Spring: “Sense of Touch” for Grade 2 Students
April 22, 23 & 24
The performances will be conducted in all 6 elementary schools on the dates listed above. The cost of the each show is $475 and the total for all 12 shows is $5700. The programs are funded through the elementary curriculum budget.
PERSONNEL REPORT
8.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignation(s), effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Matthew D. Hartman, full-time Special Education teacher at Roosevelt Middle School, for other employment, effective August 5, 2008.
B. Matthew H. Reber, full-time Mathematics teacher at Curtin Middle School, due to relocation out of the area, effective July 31, 2008.
C. Richard L. Retorick, substitute custodian for the District, for personal reasons, effective August 15, 2008.
D. Steve L. Reed, Lead Assistant Softball Coach at Roosevelt Middle School, for personal reasons, effective for the 2008-2009 school year.
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leave(s) of absence:
A. Kate E. Kreger, full-time Language Arts (6th Grade) teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for an unpaid leave, effective September 12, 2008, through the end of the first semester of the 2008-09 school term (tentative ending date of January 23, 2009).
B. Jaumeal J. Dickerson*, full-time Paraprofessional at the high school, for an unpaid leave effective September 12, 2008, through November 17, 2008.
C. Scott E. Ferguson, Sr., auxiliary custodian for the District, for fifteen (15) days of military leave on August 4, 2008, through August 22, 2008 (as reflected in orders) in accordance with School District Policy and Act 174 of 1990. School law allows a maximum of 15 paid military days per year.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Rachel J. Hickoff-Cresko, 36 East Franklin St., Topton 19562, as a professional employee, effective with the 2008-2009 school term (scheduled date is August 21, 2008), as a Reading Specialist at Stevens Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 4, master’s + 27, $46,900 (replacing Faith Leonard, resigned). Ms. Hickoff-Cresko will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2008-2009 school term.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. Vanessa M. Guthrie Follmer, 54 Jocelyn Path, Montgomery, as a temporary professional employee, effective with the 2008-2009 school term (scheduled date is August 21, 2008), as a ½ Guided Reading and ½ Kindergarten Teacher at Cochran Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $39,250 (replacing Sandra Ritter, transferred to replace Rhonda Getgen, transferred to replace Karen Kulp, retired). Ms. Guthrie will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2008-2009 school term.
C. Kirsten Schuyler Grove, 52 Roderick Rd., 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 Language Arts (6th Grade) at Lycoming Valley Middle School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $39,250, prorated (replacing Kate Kreger, on unpaid leave). Ms. Grove will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2008-2009 school term.
D. Thao E. Ten Eyck, 1802 Campbell St., 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, as a Reading Specialist at Jackson Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1, master's, $42,250, prorated (replacing Elissa Koontz, on unpaid leave). Ms. Ten Eyck will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2008-2009 school term.
E. The following fall and/or winter sport coaches at the respective schools for the 2008-2009 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
Football
Ninth Grade Coaches: Tony C. Cipriani (3) $3,017 (David Anthony Cipriani approved for this position in error on 07/15/08)
Wrestling
Head Coach: Joseph R. Eaton (5) $8,024
F. Reaffirm the appointment of Andrew K. Zimmerman as Assistant Coach for boy’ ;s soccer with a stipend of $2,006. (This item was approved on the July 15th agenda. However, Mr. Zimmerman wishes to abstain and he did not realize that this item was on the addendum that was not distributed until the beginning of the board meeting.)
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
G. The following as Coordinating Teachers at the stipend amounts indicated for each position for the 2008-2009 school year:
Diane M. Breon Library Department $2,500
Andrea M. McDonough Varner Art Department $2,500
Leslie L. Whitehill Health & Physical Education Dept. $2,500
H. Kenneth T. Harter, 717 Bakers Rd., Trout Run, Maintenance Specialist/Electrician for the District, as a Backup Sewage Treatment Plant Operator, at the annual stipend of $600 ($50 per month) for the 2008-2009 school year.
I. The entire District teaching staff, substitute teachers, teacher aides and BLaST teachers assigned to our buildings for service in the intramural program, at the rate of $14.52 per hour (2008-09 rate) per hour for the actual number of hours worked.
J. 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:
Trisha K. Moore 1216 Allegheny St., Jersey Shore
Lindsay R. Shirn 1088 Lockcuff Rd., Williamsport
Rachel P. Skinner 21 Dochter St., Salladasburg
Lynne M. Ivory 59 Neitz Rd., Northumberland
K. The entire District teaching staff, substitute teachers, and BLaST teachers assigned to our buildings as homebound instructors for the 2008-2009 school year, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, as the needs of the service require, at the rate of $28.36 per hour (2008-09 rate) per hour (or contract rate) for the actual number of hours employed.
L. Deena E. Conklin, 717 East Main St., Lock Haven, as a temporary professional employee, effective with the 2008-2009 school term (scheduled date is August 21, 2008), to teach Special Education at the high school, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $39,250 (+ $200) (replacing Eugene Breisch, retiring in October 2008). Ms. Conklin will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2008-2009 school term.
M. Angela B. Corey, 318 Glenwood Ave., 1st Floor, Williamsport, to maintain, update, and process records, applications, and reports related to the Adult Education/Adult Literacy Grants, for approximately 20 hours per month, effective on or about September 10, 2008, through June, 2009, at wage rate per collective bargaining agreement (funded through Adult Education/Adult Literacy Grants).
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
N. David L. Gingery, 221 Hemlock Hill Rd., Montgomery, as a paid intern in the Tax Office, effective August 4, 2008, for the duration of up to 480 hours, at the rate of $7.15 per hour (no benefits).
O. The following fall sport coaches at the respective schools for the 2008-2009 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*):
Roosevelt Middle School
Softball
Lead Assistant: Valerie Gair (5) * $1,404
(replacing Steve Reed, resigned)
Assistant: Curtis P. Fink (5) $1,204 (replacing Valerie Gair, transferred)
Curtin Middle School
Softball
Volunteer: Kevin Crane ---
Volunteer: Jennie Shaffer ---
8.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position change(s):
A. Vicki J. Loehr, 811 Fourth Ave., Williamsport, from a full-time Guidance Counselor at Cochran Elementary School to a half-time Guidance Counselor for the Alternative Education Program at the high school, effective August 21, 2008, at a salary rate of Step 5, master's, $47,750, prorated (new position approved by the Board). Ms. Loehr has requested this transfer.
8.5 CONTRACTED SERVICES
A. Approve Janna N. Walsh, 2311 Hillside Ave., Williamsport, qualified interpreter of American Sign Language (ASL) and Pidgin Sign English (PSE) to provide day-to-day substitute interpreter services (as needed) to eligible students at the rate of $45.00 per hour for hours worked, effective August 26, 2008, through June 5, 2009. Ms. Walsh’s services reflect portal-to-portal charges (provided that travel time shall not exceed one hour per day). Services provided after 5:00 p.m., or weekends shall be paid at the rate of $50.00 per hour. Extra-curricular services beyond two (2) hours will be double the rate unless a second interpreter is provided.
8.5 CONTRACTED SERVICES CONT’D:
B. Cindi L. Brown, 1209 Main St., Bloomsburg, qualified interpreter of American Sign Language (ASL) and Pidgin Sign English (PSE) to provide day-to-day substitute interpreter services (as needed) to eligible students at the rate of $40.00 per hour ($10.00 for each quarter hour) for hours worked and travel time (not to exceed one hour each way), effective August 26, 2008, through June 5, 2009.
8.6 ADJUSTMENTS TO SALARY
Current Event Staff New Rate
Samuel E. Caldwell $9.50 per hour
Michael L. Frey $9.50 per hour
George R. Gira $9.50 per hour
Lee C. Grassmyer $8.50 per hour
Jeffrey J. Legge $8.50 per hour
Robert G. Loudenslager $8.50 per hour
Paul R. Novak $8.50 per hour
James L. Reed $9.50 per hour
Steve L. Reed (event coordinator rate) $10.00 per hour
Kress S. Slopey $9.50 per hour
Allan R. Weaver $9.50 per hour
8.7 OTHER
A. Adopt the following Non-Discrimination Policy Statement as recommended by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Review Term, under Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA (said policy to be adopted annually).
The Williamsport Area School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and handicap, in its activities, programs, or employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX Ed. Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, services, activities, and facilities that are accessible to and usable by handicapped individuals contact:
Debbra J. Savage, Esq., Director of Human Resources
Williamsport Area School District
201 W. Third Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone (570) 327-5500, ext. 3541
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
9.1 RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
A 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.
B. Authorize the following Williamsport Area Support Personnel (WASP) members to attend the PSEA Core School in Gettysburg, July 21 through July 25, 2008: Richard A. McDonald. Wages and benefits are to be reimbursed to the District by the Pennsylvania State Educators Association (PSEA) and Williamsport Area Education Support Professionals (WAESP).
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. Approximately 125 Williamsport Area High School marching band members, accompanied by staff and parent chaperones, to travel to downtown Williamsport to participate in the Little League World Series Parade during August 2008.
District transportation is requested and will be paid by the WAHS Band Association.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
11.1
Approve the agreement with YMCA Child Care Services, Inc. for student
supervision assistance of the Breakfast Program as needed for the 2008-09
school year at $10.25 per hour. YMCA will not be paid on days when breakfast
is not served.
11.2
Approve a repair and maintenance contract for the period of 8/1/08 through
7/31/09 with TKM for an A.B. Dick Folding Machine located in the Tax Office, at
a cost of $517.50. TAX ITEMS
12.1
Approve the following tax summaries.
12.2
Authorize the Municipal and School Income Tax Office to obtain income
information from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for the purpose of
verifying income taxes reported to this local office.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Kathleen R. Kelley, Ph.D.
Dr. Kelley reported that we received $150,000 in special education contingency
funds and $128,000 in the Classrooms for the Future Grant.
President Stone called an executive session at 6:26 p.m. concerning legal
advice and real estate. The meeting reconvened at 7:40 p.m. Following the
executive session the board acted on items
4.1 A and B.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS – None
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
Upon motion made by Ms. Markle, seconded by Ms. Harris and carried, the meeting
adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
______________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary