1/14/08 Board Meeting Minutes

REGULAR BOARD MEETING
January 14, 2008
7:30 PM, Board Room
131 W. Nittany Avenue
State College, PA 16801

I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Rick Madore, board president, called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.

Board members present: Lou Ann Evans, Barney Grimes, David Hutchinson, Rick Madore, Ann McGlaughlin, Donna Queeney, Gowen Roper, Chris Small, Dorothea Stahl

Board Members Absent:

Board Secretary: Mary Jenn Dorman

Solicitor: Scott Etter

Superintendent: Patricia Best

District Personnel: Julie Backstrom, Susan Brindle, Randy Brown, Karen Burke-Crawford, Craig Butler, Pamela Francis, Dennis Guth, Michael Hardy, Paul Heasley, Barry King, Jeanne Knouse, Debra Latta, Tim Linden, Tom Mincemoyer, Patrick Moore, Ronald Pavlechko, Ed Poprik, Sharon Salter, Kevin Stahl, Wilda Stanfield, Van Swauger, Kristina Tice, Jean Vadella, Holli Jo Warner, Barbara Wible, Dennis Younkin

Guests: Karen Burgos, Robert Davis, Jillian Favorite, Phyllis Favorite, Robert Favorite, James Harbison, Cindy Harding, Ernest Harpster, Kaitlyn Henry, Shirl Henry, Robert Hoffman, Allison Hoover, W.B. Ingram, Satbyol Kang, Paul Kernfeld, Patricia Kleban, Timothy Ling, Sara McMullen, Carl Pillot, Amanda Shepard, Kevin Supina, Marti Supina, Patricia Wild, Lisa Zimmerman

II. RECOGNITION
Patricia Best announced the ongoing tradition of recognitions that occur this time of the school year. Dr. Best introduced Barry King, Director of the CTC Program, Craig Butler, Principal of High School North, and Ronald Pavlechko, Director of Athletics. Mr. King announced the CTC Program students and Mr. Paul Heasley for their recognitions. Mr. Butler announced the students recognized for attending the 2007 Pennsylvania Governor�s Schools of Excellence; and Mr. Pavlechko announced the Girls� Volleyball All-State Athletes for the fall season.

CTC Program: Allison Hoover, Amanda Shepard, Lisa Zimmerman, and Paul Heasley

PA Governor�s School of the Arts: Eva Chidester, Pinar Eser, Timothy Ling, Carl Pillot, Kevin Supina
International Studies: Raimundo Esteva, Catherine Yang
Agricultural Sciences: Arsh Chopra, Kaitlyn Henry
Science: Molly Kozminsky
Global Entrepreneurship: Neal Carlin
Teaching: David Knoppers
Information Technology: Jillian Favorite, Sarah Findeis, Paul Kernfeld
Health Care: Satbyol Kang

Girls� Volleyball All-State Athletes: Sarah McMullen and Hallie Morse

III. COMMUNICATIONS
David Hutchinson announced that he had his meeting with Scott Conklin and it went well. Mr. Hutchinson also discussed the exams for graduation requirement and he testified against this proposal in Harrisburg. He heard no one in support of the Governor�s proposal. The proposal is being heard in the State House, Tuesday, January 15. The House will be voting Wednesday afternoon with a short comment period prior to the vote. If any board member would consider going to Harrisburg, Mr. Hutchinson would be happy to do so.

There needs to be a way for the public to be more involved. Mr. Hutchinson sent his testimony to the Centre Daily Times in hopes they will write an article on the issue. The passing of this proposal could be a negative impact on State College. Please contact Legislators.

Patricia Best informed the Board that the Executive Director of PASA also testified and PASA
is in agreement with the PA School Board Association. The proposal would mean about 10 more examinations with logistics being very complex to manage this testing program. There is also curricular difficulty across the state. The purpose is to be career and college ready, but this proposal needs to be slowed down for more discussion time.

Mr. Hutchinson�s testimony will be posted on the web site with links to the legislators.

Patricia Best announced an invitation for board members and administrators to attend the MCSC that will take place in the Lewistown area.

IV. OPEN DISCUSSION
Ernest Harpster and James Harbison addressed the board with a request to waive the district policy for the use of a district facility for the BB Gun Championship Competition. The original request was for the use of Ferguson Township School but they would like to re-apply for Mount Nittany Middle School for March 22 and 23, 2008. The size of the building fits with classrooms for testing, which is part of the competition, and the cafeteria for eating. Mr. Harbison explained the program, the process and the certified instructors in attendance. The event has been held at the Penns Valley School District in the past.

Board members and Dr. Best discussed the request. Concerns and issues were: The weapons policy and facility use policy, not about the activity, activity is an educational process, safety for students, exceptions for Civil War Unit and Archery that is part of the curriculum, the school code, mixed messages to students, controlled group � no advertising, a letter from Penns Valley School District regarding their experience with the event, and a BB Gun is a weapon.

Patricia Best explained further that the reasons for exceptions to the policies be very clear. It was decided that at the next meeting a decision could be provided. Rick Madore asked for a motion to bring the item back on the next agenda, giving people two weeks to consider the request with all the discussion heard tonight.

Dorothea Stahl moved, Chris Small seconded to have this as an action item on the January 28, 2008 board meeting agenda. The item will be on the next agenda.

Cindy Harding addressed the board on the 4H Program and complimented both Mr. Harpster and Mr. Harbison for the safety program.

With the motion and second above, six board members voted aye, three nay for the item to be placed on the next meeting agenda for action. The motion passed.

V. ROUTINE APPROVALS
Board members were presented with a listing of travel requests, with addendum, for staff members to attend meetings or conferences for approval.

Bills payable for December, 2007 were previously mailed to board members. A list of the bills is part of the official minutes.

General Fund $6,036,793.37
Checks 129308 through 129859
and V100355 through V100376

Athletic Fund 36,689.52
Check 33666 through 33803

Food Service Fund 111,857.33
Checks 52757 through 52811

Student Activities Fund 14,968.51
Checks 81854 through 81891

PNC Purchasing Card (November 2007) 59,806.76
Checks 90-93, 307-327, 550-583, 5426-5543
TOTAL $6,260,115.49

Recommended approval of the meeting minutes for the reorganization/regular meeting on December 3, 2007, the work session held December 10, 2007, and the regular meeting held December 17, 2007.

Recommended approval of the appointment of Marion Wheland to the Citizens Advisory Committee for Private Fundraising effective immediately.

Dr. Roper moved, Ms. McGlaughlin seconded to approve the travel requests, with addendum, the school district bills for the month of December 2007 (PNC November), meeting minutes from the reorganization/regular meeting December 3, work session minutes from December 10, regular meeting minutes from December 17, 2007, and the appointment to the CAC for Private Fund Raising as presented. All board members present voted aye on a roll call vote.

VI. PERSONNEL REPORT
Dennis Guth presented the Personnel Report for approval. A copy of the Personnel Report is part of the official minutes.

Retirements/Resignations
Linda Bergeman, Kindergarten Teacher in the Lemont School and on a Charter school Leave of Absence, retires January 31, 2008.
Rebecca Robinson, Physical Education Teacher in the Corl Street and Easterly Parkway Schools, retires March 21, 2008.

Leaves of Absences
Maure Irwin-Furmanek, Art Teacher in the Park Forest Middle School, requested a .19 Leave of Absence for Professional Development during the 2008-09 school year and requested approval to work part-time for the Pennsylvania State University supervising students in Art Education.

Lester (Nick) Petnick, Social Studies Teacher in the High School North, requested a Health Sabbatical Leave of Absence beginning January 21, 2008 and ending January 29, 2009.

Susan Thomas, Special Education Teacher in the Ferguson Township School requested a Medical Leave of Absence beginning January 8, 2008 continuing until approximately February 29, 2008.

Appointments
Margaret Pedlow recommended to position as 1.0 Predictable Term Substitute Music Teacher in the Panorama Village and Boalsburg Schools effective January 8, 2008 through the remainder of the 2007-08 school year only at a salary of $38,710 prorated to $22,003.92.

Marilyn Goldfarb, Mathematics Teacher in the Delta Program, requested a .50 voluntary reduction in assignment effective with the 2008-09 school year.

Extra Duty/Extra Pay
Sarah Twietmeyer resigned as Girls� Volleyball Assistant Coach effective December 14, 2007.

Holli Jo Warner requested a Leave of Absence from Student Council Advisor at Park Forest Middle School for the second semester of the 2007-08 school year only.

Support Personnel

Community Education - Hired
Randall Leath, Galen Lentz, Cindy Maund, and Marianna Rodriguez at $18.00/hour

Paraprofessional � Terminated
Aziz Aseem, Denise Desousa (Retirement) and Alice Griffin

Custodial/Maintenance - Hired
Harvey Frye, Glenn Hepner, and Levi Richards at $9.00/hour

Custodial/Maintenance � Terminated
Lois Andrews

Food Service � Hired
Lance Brodie and Linda Grosshans at $8.60/hour

Bus Drivers - Terminated
Traci Edwards

Lifeguards � Hired
C. Tuana Carleton at $8.75/hour

Substitute Listing
Listing of new names be approved and added to the substitute (guest) listing of teachers,
secretaries and paraprofessionals.

Dr. Roper moved, Dr. Queeney seconded to approve the personnel report as presented. All board members present voted aye on a roll call vote.

VII. APPROVAL of REVISIONS for POLICY 603 and POLICY 604
Dennis Younkin presented the second reading of the revisions for Policy 603 � Budget Preparation and Policy 604 � Budget Revision. Mr. Younkin explained that the revisions were due to aspects of Act 1 and goals and objectives from budget heads tied to the Strategic Plan. Mr. Younkin pointed out that under Policy 603, the reference to the Fund Balance was removed. Since the reference to the Fund Balance was removed here, a policy will be worked on to address the fund balance. A copy of the policies presented for adoption is part of the official minutes.

Board members discussed: no minimum of the 5% stated anywhere, should it be taken out before it is addressed with another policy, 5% bottom verses 8% ceiling by state, can work on policy over the next couple of months, a consequence to delay on approval, and all can be done as a package together.

Dr. Queeney moved, Dr. Roper seconded to table the policy acceptance until a policy is presented on the fund balance. All board members present voted aye with voice vote. The motion passed.


VIII. The DISTRICT CELLULAR PHONE SERVICE
Kevin Stahl discussed the proposal to attempt to reduce the cellular phone cost by pooling the needs of the entire district. Both AT & T and Nextel/Sprint responded to the RFP (request for proposal) in a manner non-conforming to specifics requested. It was recommended that the cellular phone service proposals submitted be rejected as non-conforming, and the initiative will be revisited in October of this year. A copy of the recommendation is part of the official minutes.

Dr. Queeney moved, Dorothea Stahl seconded to approve the recommendation to reject
the bids as submitted from AT & T and Nextel/Sprint and revisit this item in October of this year. All board members present voted aye on a roll call vote.

IX. BID AWARD for TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT for the 2008-09 SCHOOL YEAR
Kevin Stahl, joined by Van Swauger, recommended the bid award for the three (3) 72 passenger school buses for the 2008-09 school year go to the low bid submitted by Wolfington in the amount not to exceed $225,235. Mr. Stahl will submit the trade-in buses to the trade-in online auction prior to committing the trade in value of $3,200 of the vendor. A copy of the bid award, with table of bidders, is part of the official minutes.

Dr. Queeney moved, Ms. Evans seconded to accept the recommendation of the bid award to Wolfington for the three 72 passenger buses for the 2008-09 school year in the amount not to exceed $225,235. Al board members present voted aye on a roll call vote.

Board member inquired about House Bill 1796 and Van Swauger responded.

X. PROPOSED 2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
Board members received the proposed calendar prior to the meeting and a revised calendar (minor change) was at their places. Michael Hardy presented and reviewed the proposed 2008-2009 school year calendar for board consideration. Mr. Hardy reviewed each month with a power point presentation, discussed Act 80 days, in-service days, and the elementary and secondary difference in required hours by the state. The calendar will be posted on the district web site and will be brought back the first meeting in February for action. A copy of the proposed 2008-2009 school year calendar and revision is part of the official minutes.

Board members took a break 9:30 - 9:38 pm.

XI. SPECIAL EDUCATION REPORT
Sharon Salter, the Assistant Director of Special Education, joined Patrick Moore for the report presentation. Mr. Moore provided the information materials to board members prior to the meeting and gave an overview for the special education program. Mr. Moore discussed enrollment and projected enrollment, staffing regulations of Chapter 14, contracted services, the 2005-06 Special Education report prepared by PDE, and the Special Education plan that is reviewed every three years. This plan is the Strategic Plan on Special Education and is on the district web site.

Mr. Moore spoke on the current initiatives in the district: Response to Intervention - Currently, a child has had to fail to be eligible for services; students can have support services earlier. The district will have a choice with the IDEA 06 Regulations; wait for student to fail or response to intervention. In the Special Education Plan, all children will be proficient in reading in 2010.
Competent Learner Model � We have selected to be trained as Competent Learner Coaches for autistic children. The results have been very favorable. Autism requires one on one support.

Progress monitoring of IEP goals and the challenges ahead for the Special Education Program were discussed. They included: the HEARTS and STRIDES Programs, NCLB and AYP, Access to recap special costs, costs shifting to local boards, assistive technology, the alternative �school day�, teacher preparation, and collaborative teaching. A copy of the Special Education Report is part of the official minutes.

Ed Poprik requested permission from the board to switch letters D and C, having the Memorial Field Update first. Board members were in agreement.

XII. MEMORIAL FIELD PROJECT UPDATE
Ed Poprik introduced Bob Hoffman and Bob Davis, structure consultant to Bob Hoffman Architects, and Ron Pavlechko. Mr. Poprik moved immediately into discussing the options that were being proposed, A � D.
A � Close west side, lose 1400+ seats, no cost involved
B � Close S end (wall is worse there), separate out, lose 282 seats, $50,000 - $75,000
C � Repair wall at end, restore seats to usable, $225,000 - $250,000, 3-year option
D � Replace entire wall and move into Fraser Street, $2 million cost

Mr. Poprik stressed the importance for board members to take haste and encouraged them to
be ready for action on this item in two weeks so the design can begin based on their approval choice. None of the choices provided a complete solution to the many needs of this field but will be a good start.

Mr. Pavlechko reviewed information submitted to help with the board�s deliberations which included: A schedule of events January 1, 2007 � December 31, 2007, a diagram of designated seating sections for varsity football games, a summary of attendance records for home football games � 2006 and 2007 seasons, and a listing of opponent schools stadium seating capacity.

Board members discussed: What is wanted, CAC liked option B but did not have Ron Pavlechko�s information, cost and long-term plan, 3-5 year fix with plan C, 2-year fix for option B, section of stadium being discussed is dangerous, not much history on the wall, pushing out and/or rotating, monitor quickness of the movement of the wall, shut down to fix the whole stadium, a new stadium somewhere else, temporary seating, and the elimination of options A and B. A copy of the options report and athletic information submitted is part of the official minutes. This item will be on the January 28 agenda as an action item.

XIII. DISTRICT WIDE FACIITIES MASTER PLAN (DWFMP)
Rick Madore informed board members that this is a start of information for down the road. There will be a work session on Monday, February 4, on this item.

Ed Poprik explained that there is no prescribed format for a process. The outcome is disscribed and reviewed on page 4, regarding what needs to be in the end product, but no specific process to get there. Discussed how and when and how often public input would be solicited, finance involved in process, when do you hire a design professional � hire one or solicit public input prior to hiring a designer, and certain issues may form and dictate how decisions are made.

Further discussion occurred: Board members meeting with designers, individually or together,
meet with all that would like to talk with the district, could be many, designers do a presentation to administrators and board at meetings, good to get info out there, building schools not dependent on the usual resources, a line not to cross, be aware of group integrity, information on green buildings, want a safe setting, information gathered through a process, process must be open, administrators have done a very good job getting information for the board, and setting up next step(s).

Dr. Madore reviewed that the intended purpose discussed is to create a Master Plan, plan with Administration and working together. Hold Monday, February 4 for a work session, to determine who establishes the process, processes known to choose from, the district�s tried and true methods to begin from that have been used in the past, and defining the process should be different than the firm carrying out the process.


XIV. REPORTS
President - Rick Madore announced that the second session of the PSBA Fast Track Meetings were very worthwhile and appreciated the opportunity to attend.

Superintendent - Patricia Best spoke on the �Flip the Switch� program happening at the HS North building Tuesday, January 15, 9:20 a.m. with guest Kyle Peck speaking on Classrooms of the Future, a video will be shown, and a tour of classrooms.
- Tuesday, January 15 is also the Martin Luther King, Jr. Dinner at the Penn Stater. Houserville, Lemont Schools and Delta Program will be recognized for their diversity programming
- Monday, January 21, is the district in-service day in honor of MLK, Jr. The opening of the day is with Dr. Bob Allen and men who participated in the Negro Baseball League historical period.
- Sunday, January 20, a reception is being held for the district K-12 Art Exhibition at the Robeson Gallery on the PSU Campus from 1:00 � 4:00 pm.

CIU - Gowen Roper reported that meetings are continuing to secure a new Director.

PSBA - Lou Ann Evans reported that on May 8 and 9, 2008 in Philadelphia, the PSBA School Design Construction Conference is being held.
- Web Conferences are being offered on the Right to Know Act.

NSBA - David Hutchinson will not be here for the February 4 Wok Session due to attending the FRN Conference in Washington, D.C.
- Mr. Hutchinson provided a NSBA sample resolution for adoption on NCLB at each board members place. NSBA would like all local boards to review this and consider placing the resolution on an agenda as an action item.

COG - Donna Queeney reported that no meeting was held in the month of December.

XV. FUTURE AGENDA PLANNING
Cross off the Bid Award for School Buses
Add � FY09 Preliminary Budget, Advanced Placement Report, PSBA Code of Conduct
Discussed the March 10 meeting during spring break and interest in changing both meetings in March to Mondays, March 17 and March 31. Will discuss this item at the next meeting.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT
Dr. Queeney moved, Dr. Roper seconded to adjourn the meeting at 11:21 pm. The motion passed. Dr. Madore announced the meeting adjourned to an executive session on litigation, negotiations, and personnel issues.
Submitted by,


Mary Jenn Dorman
Board Secretary