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10/27/08 Board Meeting Agenda and Minutes
The minutes follow the agenda..
Agenda
(All attachments are PDFs)
State College Area School District
Board Meeting on October 27, 2008
7:30 pm - BOARD ROOM
131 W. Nittany Avenue
State College, PA 16801
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. RECOGNITIONS
TSA National Achievements
PASBO - Randy Brown
III. COMMUNICATIONS
a) Information and Coming Events on the DWFMP
IV. OPEN DISCUSSION (Each individual will be limited to up to 5 minutes for item(s) not on the agenda and as time permits.)
V. ROUTINE APPROVALS
A. Travel Authorizations
B. Financial Reports
VI. ACTION ITEMS
A. Human Resources Recommendations (attachment VI-A). Dennis Guth will present the human resources recommendations to the
board for approval.
B. Easement Agreements for PFMS Athletic Fields and Patton Township (attachment VI-B). Ed Poprik will review information
and provide a recommendation for the Easement Agreement for PFMS athletic fields and Patton Township for board approval.
VII. INFORMATION / DISCUSSION
A.
District Wide Facilities Master Plan. Discussion on the DWFMP steering
committee, upcoming community dialogue, next steps, and communications
report.
B. Summer Projects Report (attachment VII-B Summer recap). Ed Poprik will provide an update and status on the completion of the district summer projects.
C. Follow-up from the Ferguson Township Elementary School parent meeting (attachment VII-C) Mike Hardy
D. Tech Ed/Family Consumer Science Report (attachment VII-D).
Pamela Francis, Paul Heasley, and Mary Peterson will provide and review
information on the district's Tech Ed/Family Consumer Science Program.
E. Review Policy 707 - Use of School Facilities (attachment VII-E Strategic Plan goals).
Board members will review Policy 707 - Use of School Facilities,
specifically Section 4, #4 and discuss possibilities for revision.
F. Review Policy 006 for Definition of a Quorum (attachment VII-F) Board members will review Policy 006 and discuss the definition of a quorum for possible revision for more clarification.
VIII. FUTURE AGENDA PLANNING
A. District-Wide Facilities Master Plan
B. FY 2010 Budget Development
C. Approval of 2009 EIT Rules and Regulations
D. Action on Shared Parking and Access for Welch Pool and South Building
E. Academic Support Program Update
F. PDS Report
G. Strategic Plan Report
H. Science Curriculum Report
I. Discuss New CACs
J. Policy 249 - Anti-Harassment/Anti-Bullying
K. Policy 251 - Homeless Policy
L. Review Policy 006, Concerning Definition of a Quorum
M. Appointments of Auditor, Solicitor, and Architect
N. PSSA Report
O. Proposed High School Academic and CTC Program Course Changes for the 2009-2010 school year.
P. Revenue Enhancing Partnership
IX. ADJOURNMENT to EXECUTIVE SESSION
REGULAR BOARD MEETING APPROVED MINUTES
October 27, 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. With the agenda before them, Dr. Madore asked board members if all were in agreement of the items to be accomplished for the meeting. Board members were in agreement with no additions or revisions.
Board Members present: Lou Ann Evans, David Hutchinson, Rick Madore, Ann McGlaughlin, Jim Pawelczyk, Donna Queeney, Gowan Roper, Chris Small, Dorothea Stahl
Board Members absent:
Board Secretary: Marie Caster (acting)
Solicitor: Scott Etter
Assistant Superintendent: Michael Hardy
District Personnel: Jeffrey Ammerman, Julie Backstrom, Randy Brown, Craig Butler, Pamela Francis, Dennis Guth, Paul Heasley, Barry King, Mary Peterson, Ed Poprik, Jeff Seamans, Wilda Stanfield, Jane Stanton, Pat Vernon, Holli Jo Warner, Karen Wiser
Guests: Pindi Albert, Chloe Alpert, Kerry Benninghoff, Josh Bram, Russ Burkhardt, Will Cox, Jeff Duclos, Doug Ford, Doug Fowkes, Ed Mahon, Brian Pugh, Eric Rodabaugh, Nick Rossi, Alex Warner, Kelly Wilkins.
II. RECOGNITIONS
Mike Hardy introduced Craig Butler, who spoke on the TSA (Technology Student Association) State and National Achievers. Mr. Butler introduced Pat Vernon and Jeff Seamans as faculty advisors of the Association. The following students participated in the TSA Conference and competitive events in Orlando, Florida: Pindi Albert, Chloe Alpert, Rikki Betts, Josh Bram, Russ Burkhardt, Will Cox, Jeff Duclos, Josh Kaye, Eric Margusity, Brian Pugh, Eric Rodabaugh, Nick Rossi, Dominick Scala, Austin Shears, Alex Warner. Chloe Alpert was elected as the State TSA President, and Pat Vernon received an Advisor of the Year plaque. Representative Kerry Benninghoff congratulated the students for their participation and outstanding achievements at the events.
Randy Brown was recognized and congratulated for achieving the level of PA Registered School Business Administrator (PRSBA) through the PA Association of School Business Officials (PASBO).
III. COMMUNICATIONS
Kelly Wilkins, chairperson for the DWFMP Steering Committee, reported on the community meetings. Approximately 160 people attended the first community dialogue on October 7; information is available on the SCASD website; the public is encouraged to attend the next community dialogue on November 5 at 7:00 pm in the Mount Nittany Middle School cafeteria. Julie Backstrom reviewed the timeline. She indicated that all modes of communication have been utilized to get the word out and there will be more radio spots before the next community meeting.
Rick Madore - Once again, encouraged the public to attend the November 5 community dialogue.
- Reminded the public of the First Page Event for Lifelong Readers on November 7. All proceeds support the Library Endowment Fund; tickets are $25 and are still available; facility, food and service are being donated by Skip at Celebration Hall.
- Announced that the board held an executive session on a legal matter after the October 20 work session; tonight, an executive session on a legal matter was held before the regular meeting, and will adjourn to an executive session on legal and personnel matters.
- Robert Lumley-Sapanski was elected as Second Vice-President of PSBA.
IV. ROUTINE APPROVALS
Board members were presented with a listing of travel requests for staff members to attend meetings or conferences for approval.
The Treasurer’s Cash Report, Report on Investments, Student Activities Funds report, Budget Status Report and Monthly Revenue Report, all as of September 30, 2008 were presented to the board for approval. A copy of the reports is part of the official minutes.
Ms. Evans moved, Dr. Roper seconded to approve the routine approvals as presented.
Dorothea Stahl stated that her first name was misspelled in the travel requests under the Mason OH School Visit and asked that it be corrected.
Ms. Stahl requested that the board receive the requests for approval of booster clubs before end of school year.
With the above motion and second, and with the correction to Dorothea Stahl’s name on the listing of travel requests, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote.
V. HUMAN RESOURCES RECOMMENDATIONS
Dennis Guth presented the Human Resources Recommendations for approval. A copy of the Human Resources Report is part of the official minutes.
Retirement/Resignations
Karen Yanak, Speech and Language Specialist, retires effective June 12, 2009.
Extra Duty/Extra Pay
Christine Kondash recommended as Assistant Coach of the Junior High Girls’ Track & Field Team for the 2008-2009 school year at a salary of $1,970.10.
Support Personnel
Community Education – Hired
Lisa Adams at $12.00/hour
Secretarial/Clerical – Hired
Theresa Mellott at $12.71/hour
Paraprofessional – Hired
Patricia Gray at $9.34/$8.68/hour
Shane Twomley at $9.34/hour
Paraprofessional – Terminated
Jo Anne Smith (Retirement)
Custodial/Maintenance - Hired
Victor Harpster and Salvatore Martuscelli at $9.00/hour
Lifeguards – Hired
Kenneth Brown at $8.75/hour
New Extra Duty/Extra Pay Positions
Below are the proposed criteria for pay for each new and revised EDEP position recommended for the 2008-2009 school year:
African American Support Group Advisor 3.0 pts @ $398/pt = $1,194.00
Dance Dance Revolution Advisor 1.5 pts @ $398/pt = $ 597.00
Latin Club Advisor 2.0 pts @ $398/pt = $ 796.00
Swing Dance Club Advisor 3.5 pts @ $398/pt = $1,383.00
Student Chapter of the National Association of Home Builders Advisor
2.5 pts @ $398/pt = $ 995.00
Leo Club Advisor - current criteria for pay 3.0 pts @ $398/pt = $1,194.00
- revised criteria for pay 3.5 pts @ $398/pt = $1.393.00
Revised Position Description
Recommended approval of the position description for Assistant Business Administrator.
Wage Adjustment – Assistant Business Administrator
Recommended the upgrade of Randy Brown, Director of Accounting, position Range V in the Act 93 administrative classification, to Assistant Business Administrator, Range III, at an adjusted salary of $88,309, effective November 1, 2008.
Ms. Stahl moved, Dr. Pawelczyk seconded to approve the human resources report, with memorandums, as presented. All board members present voted aye on a roll call vote.
VI. EASEMENT AGREEMENTS
Ed Poprik presented a recommendation for acceptance of two Easement Agreements for the Park Forest Middle School Athletic Tract. This information was originally presented to the board in February as a discussion item.
Dr. Queeney moved, Ms. Evans seconded to accept the two Easement Agreements between Patton Township and the State College Area School District. All board members present voted aye on a roll call vote.
VII. DISTRICT WIDE FACILITIES MASTER PLAN UPDATE
Dr. Madore asked if anybody feels there is anything further that needs to be done. The board members discussed: The possible option of creating a blog to gather comments; Mount Lebanon School District use of this method and it works very well; expressed concern as to how the data coming in via the blog will be used and evaluated; need for moderation; and the substantial input on blog causing heavy workload for somebody. Wilda Stanfield shared information related to Mount Lebanon’s blog use. She indicated that guidelines and criteria need to be created to help eliminate certain types of comments. Ms. Stanfield suggested creating a test internal blog asking for input as to how we should use our blog. It was agreed that guidelines are most important to have before creating a blog; suggested the DWFMP Steering Committee take ownership of the blog, since it is really for their purposes; and agreed to use website as we currently are and work on guidelines for blog.
Ed Poprik will do more fact-checking of facilities before steering committee meeting. Ms. Stanfield and Mr. Poprik are working on a virtual building tour with actual pictures from site visits.
VIII. SUMMER PROJECTS REPORT
Mr. Poprik reviewed an outline of the larger Physical Plant bid projects slated for summer 2008, and provided answers to questions after each project review. Doug Fowkes of Pittsburgh Stage spoke about the installation of the new stage lighting system at the High School North auditorium. Mr. Fowkes explained that the rigging system is dedicated to holding the lighting system. He spoke of the current state of the stage and the additional work to be completed in December. The engineer has determined the rigging is safe and appropriate to use as is. Mr. Fowkes stated that they would be replacing miscellaneous hardware during the upcoming week. He recommended locking and locking out each set of rigging to prevent them from being tampered with until the miscellaneous hardware is replaced.
Mr. Poprik reported that the physical plant department staff used this past summer to identify equipment not being used over the summer, such as refrigerators in faculty lounges, computer equipment, etc. By unplugging the equipment, the district saved over 300,000 KWH of electricity, which equates to approximately $20,000. Mr. Poprik believes the district can go far with this type of program in the future. The board commended Mr. Poprik and his department for their energy saving efforts.
Doug Ford, Technical Director with the State College Thespians, addressed the board. He believes that the stage is not safe as is. He informed the board that all performances scheduled for the North Building auditorium have been postponed or cancelled until the rigging is corrected. They will work on alternate venues and dates for future performances.
Questions and discussion addressing various types of cables, age of cables, safety as is, request for annual inspections, and moving timeline for earlier completion occurred.
IX. FERGUSON TOWNSHIP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARENT MEETING
Mike Hardy reported on the October 16 meeting with Ferguson Township parents concerned about class size exceeding the limit stated in our policy. Approximately 20 parents attended the meeting and provided input. Six options were identified, which are outlined on the handout from Mr. Hardy. Parents of Ferguson Township Elementary School students were contacted, with only one parent indicating a willingness to move their student to another school. Mr. Poprik provided information on adding modular classroom(s), stating that it normally takes approximately six months to complete, with a cost range of $90,000 to $295,000. Discussion continued on the need to plan for long term, both with space and personnel; communication with parents; and the gathering of modular information for future budgeting. Mr. Hardy and Mr. Poprik will come up with a proposal on how to move forward. The handout, with the identified six options, is part of the official minutes.
Board members recessed from 9:45 to 9:57 pm.
X. CTC PROGRAM REPORT
Pam Francis, along with Barry King, introduced Paul Heasley, Coordinator of Tech Ed/CTC, and Mary Peterson, Coordinator of FCS/CTC, who gave the second of eleven scheduled CTC Program presentations. Mr. King explained the realignment of current responsibilities of the director and coordinators, and spoke on combined three areas of the CTC that compliment each of their curricular offerings. With PowerPoint presentations, Mr. Heasley and Ms. Peterson each reviewed the various areas of Technology Education and FCS (Family and Consumer Sciences), respectively. Both coordinators spoke about the grades served by each area, current enrollment, strengths and growth areas, and positioning for the future Twenty-First Century. A copy of the CTC Program Report and PowerPoint presentation is included with the official minutes.
XI. REVIEW OF POLICY 707
Ed Poprik presented background information to aid in the review of Policy 707 – Use of School Facilities. He reported that the one-time waiver of the policy, that allowed an overnight event to be held at the High School North Building earlier this month, went very well. Mr. Poprik expressed concern that if the board makes a blanket change to the policy, it will require that we allow all groups, including fraternities and sororities. If we have the 11:00 pm end time in the policy, we can turn away requesters, if desired. There was a brief discussion among board members. Mr. Poprik asked the board to look at “part 2” when considering whether to revise the policy: the strategic plan suggests studying building use fees and adjust if necessary. Currently, all buildings are available on any night. An option other than increasing fees could be to force consolidation of building use by only using certain buildings, or certain nights for specific buildings, thereby reducing custodial costs, technical support and energy usage. Mr. Poprik will provide data on past usage. The board agreed to not set a timeline for reviewing this policy again, but will look at it again when Ed has additional information to bring back to the board.
XII. REVIEW OF POLICY 006
In July, the board held a regular meeting with two members present via phone, rather than in person. Policy 006 – Meetings, Section 2. Quorum, states A quorum shall be five (5) school directors present at a meeting. A board member suggested that only one member be present by phone to reach a quorum. Dr. Etter stated that voting by phone on routine issues is acceptable, however, when voting on major issues such as a bond issue, voting by phone would not be recommended. The only time this issue arises is when the board members present at a meeting are below quorum level, whether to accept phone in to meet quorum level.
After discussion, board members agreed to a change in the policy to read, in essence, …must be four members physically present in the meeting room, with no more than one present by remote, for the entire meeting, to constitute a quorum. The district solicitor will assist with final wording.
XIII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Add change in meeting venue and using laptops for board meetings.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Stahl moved, Dr. Pawelczyk seconded to adjourn the meeting at 11:07 pm. The motion passed and Dr. Madore adjourned the meeting to an Executive Session on legal and personnel matters.
Submitted by,
Marie Caster
Acting Board Secretary
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