WEST BRANCH AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
MORRISDALE, PA
REGULAR MEETING April 23, 2007
The regular meeting of the West Branch Area School District Board of Directors was held in the high school library on April 23, 2007 at 7:10 p.m.
Members present: Ronald Mollura; Anna Mae Pezzulla; Tom Veres; Larry Allen; Timothy Eyerly; Mary Ann Couteret; Erling Anderson. Members absent: Larry Cowder; Robert Smith-Business out of town.
Others present: Arleen P. Multhauf, D.Ed., Superintendent; William Hayward, Elementary Principal; Wendy Fernburg, Supervisor of Special Education; Sean Wechtenhiser, High School Principal; David Consiglio, Solicitor; Paul Carr, Business Manager; Jamie Bumbarger, The Progress; Miriam Ennis, Board Secretary; Lori Bell; Spencer Folmar; Allison Koleno; Lynn Brewer; Holly Michael; Shari Buck; Wendy Sabol; Debra Moriarity; Jeremy Craven; Phyllis Gable; Jeff Eyet; Susan Lawrence; Trent Yarrison; Joe Kovalcin; Karen Boask; Stacey Guenot; Sue Veneziano; Valerie Kovalick; Terri Reed; Preston Raymond; Kim Eyerly; Mary C. Sheroke
Executive Session for Personnel was held at 7:11 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 8:20 p.m.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the minutes of March 26, 2007 as presented.
Administrative Reports:
Dr. Multhauf
· No report
Mr. Wechtenhiser
· No report
Mr. Hayward
· Two teams from West Branch participated in the Reading Competition. The Lollipops placed first and the Nerds brought home the Grand Prize. Thirty-nine teams competed.
· Kindergarten registration will be held April 24 & 25, 2007.
Ronald Mollura, Board President, extended congratulations from the Board to the Reading Competition teams from the West Branch Board of Education.
Mrs. Fernburg
· No report
CIU Budget was approved by the Central Intermediate Unit and will need to be approved by the district. The CIU has found a grant writer and will be writing a grant to purchase technology equipment.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Tom Veres seconded, to approve the Central Intermediate Unit Budget for July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. Individual roll call: Erling Anderson yes; Tim Eyerly no; Tom Veres yes; Larry Allen - yes; Anna Mae Pezzulla yes; Mary Ann Couteret yes; Ron Mollura yes. 6 yes, 1 no. Motion carried.
CCCTC No report
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Erling Anderson seconded, to approve the Treasurers Reports, General Fund and Cafeteria bills as presented.
Paul Carr, Business Manager, recommended that the Board pay the Comm Group for work the company had done during the construction project for $47,407.56. Tim Eyerly questioned whether the phone system was in working order. Mr. Carr has no complaints with their work. Mary Ann Couteret would like the bill passed to the Finance Committee.
Larry Allen motioned, Anna Mae Pezzulla seconded, to approve the payment of $47,407.56 to the Comm Group. Individual roll call: Tom Veres no; Mary Ann Couteret no; Erling Anderson no; Larry Allen yes; Anna Mae Pezzulla yes; Tim Eyerly no; Ron Mollura no. 2 yes, 5 no. Motion failed.
A. PERSONNEL:
A discussion was held on the proposed hiring of a Stage Manager. Mr. Wechtenhiser explained that this individual would be handling the light and soundboard, checking to make sure that all equipment is working properly for the events being held and would then catalog and store all equipment after the event. Tim Eyerly thought that when the Board had interviewed Jeremy Craven, Technology Coordinator, he would be responsible for the auditorium. The administration explained that this is outside the area of the tech coordinators expertise and that with his time constraints it would be difficult for him to handle the auditorium.
Deb Moriarity, Drama Director reported that damages occurred to equipment during the recent play. The damages amounted to approximately $1,000.00 and will be covered by the drama club. She explained that the equipment is very sensitive.
Concerning the time clock installation, Dr. Multhauf told the Board that she has not received the second quote and that if the Board wishes they could set an amount that was not to be exceeded.
Tom Veres motioned, Anna Mae Pezzulla seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board terminate Christina Kopchik effective March 13, 2007 for cause and reject the grievance that was filed.
Motion carried.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to defer the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the revised job description for Head Cook.
Motion carried.
Tom Veres motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the resignation of Charles Tarner custodian, effective April 3, 2007.
Motion carried.
Larry Allen motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the job description for Stage Manager. Individual roll call: Anna Mae Pezzulla no; Tom Veres yes; Mary Ann Couteret yes; Tim Eyerly no; Larry Allen yes; Erling Anderson yes; Ron Mollura yes. 5 yes, 2 no. Motion carried.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Larry Allen seconded, to defer the following motion:
Propose the Board approve advertising the position of Stage Manager at a proposed stipend of $1,000 per year.
Motion carried.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to install regular time clocks in sight of a security camera.
Motion carried.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion from the addendum:
Propose the Board approve David Learish as Drivers Education instructor administer the Driver Education End-of Course Skill Test to our students. This allows for the actual licensing of the students who pass a certified drivers education course. This eliminates the need for students to test at the PennDot site. One day of training on May 23, 2007 at the Hyde Maintenance Office is required for Mr. Learish. Individual roll call: Mary Ann Couteret yes; Erling Anderson yes; Anna Mae Pezzulla yes; Larry Allen yes; Tim Eyerly no; Tom Veres yes; Ron Mollura yes. 6 yes, 1 no. Motion carried.
Mary Ann Couteret questioned why there was an addendum when the board had passed a motion for a deadline to submit items for the agenda. The deadline for items for the agenda will be 9:00 a.m. the Wednesday before the Committee Meeting unless an emergency should arise.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Tom Veres seconded to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve to deny Grievance No. 2 of the West Branch Education Support Professionals Association, Karen Bosak. Individual roll call: Erling Anderson yes; Larry Allen no; Anna Mae Pezzulla yes; Mary Ann Couteret yes; Tom Veres yes; Tim Eyerly yes; Ron Mollura yes. 6 yes, 1 no. Motion carried.
B. PROGRAM:
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Erling Anderson seconded, to approve the following motions:
Propose the Board approve the following field trip requests:
Kindergarten: Philipsburg Public Library, May 23, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Persons in charge: Susan Lawrence, Allison Koleno, Jaimy Buck
First Grade: Horse Shoe Curve and Altoona Curve Game, May 17, 1007
Cost to district: -0- Person in charge: Chad Koleno
Second Grade: Penns Cave, May 17, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Person in charge: Hank Wilson
Third Grade: Penn State University, May 24, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Person in charge: Cheri Cantolina
Fourth Grade: Lincoln Caverns, May 15, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Person in charge: Wendy Timblin
Sixth Grade: Altoona Curve, May 17, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Persons in charge: Cheryl Green, Chip Ropchock, Shari Buck
Physics Class: Physics Day, Hershey Park; May 10, 2007
Cost to district: Subs 170.00 and School van will be used Persons in charge: Jason Hoffman, Betty Fry
Life Skills Classes: Clearfield Bowling Alley, Dairy Queen; May 9, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Person in charge: Jackie Zimmerman
Eighth Grade: Graham Township Building; April 17 & 19, 2007
Cost to district: Subs 170.00 School van was used Person in charge: Joe Matson
Yearbook: State College; April 25, 2007
Cost to district: Sub 85.00 Person in charge: Ronda Hanslovan
Propose the Board approve the following workshop requests:
PAFPC Conference: Pittsburgh, PA; April 15-18, 2007 TITLE 1 FUNDS/SCHOOL CAR USED
Linda Stone: Reg. fee 325.00; motel 328.50; meals 95.00. Total cost: $748.50
Karen Kochkodin: Reg. fee 325.00; motel 328.50; meals 95.00. Total cost: $748.50
William Hayward: Reg. fee 325.00; motel 657.00; meals 95.00. Total cost: $1,077.00
Speech Therapist Networking Meeting: Philipsburg Elementary School; May 3, 2007
Amanda McCartney: Cost to district: -0-
Choices in Deafness/Communication and Language: Ramada Inn, Altoona; May 17, 2007
Amanda McCartney: Cost to district: -0-
An Insiders Perspective on Autism and Aspergers: Harrisburg, PA; May 10, 2007
Tammy Walker: Reg. fee 139.00; sub 85.00. Cost to district: $224.00
Jane McDowell: Reg. fee 139.00; sub 85.00. Cost to district: $224.00
Cheri Cantolina: Reg. fee 139.00; sub 85.00. Cost to district: $224.00
Michele Koleno: Reg. fee 139.00; sub 85.00. Cost to district: $224.00 PROF. DAY
Rebecca Houser: Reg. fee 139.00; sub 85.00. Cost to district: $224.00 PROF. DAY
Creating and High Quality Writing Program: Pittsburgh, PA; May 23, 2007
Thomas Partner: Sub 85.00. Cost to district: $85.00
Jerry White: Sub 85.00. Cost to district: $85.00
Motion carried.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Erling Anderson seconded, to rescind the following motions:
Propose the Board approve the following field trip requests:
Kindergarten: Philipsburg Public Library, May 23, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Persons in charge: Susan Lawrence, Allison Koleno, Jaimy Buck
First Grade: Horse Shoe Curve and Altoona Curve Game, May 17, 1007
Cost to district: -0- Person in charge: Chad Koleno
Second Grade: Penns Cave, May 17, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Person in charge: Hank Wilson
Third Grade: Penn State University, May 24, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Person in charge: Cheri Cantolina
Fourth Grade: Lincoln Caverns, May 15, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Person in charge: Wendy Timblin
Sixth Grade: Altoona Curve, May 17, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Persons in charge: Cheryl Green, Chip Ropchock, Shari Buck
Physics Class: Physics Day, Hershey Park; May 10, 2007
Cost to district: Subs 170.00 and School van will be used Persons in charge: Jason Hoffman, Betty Fry
Life Skills Classes: Clearfield Bowling Alley, Dairy Queen; May 9, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Person in charge: Jackie Zimmerman
Eighth Grade: Graham Township Building; April 17 & 19, 2007
Cost to district: Subs 170.00 School van was used Person in charge: Joe Matson
Yearbook: State College; April 25, 2007
Cost to district: Sub 85.00 Person in charge: Ronda Hanslovan
Propose the Board approve the following workshop requests:
PAFPC Conference: Pittsburgh, PA; April 15-18, 2007 TITLE 1 FUNDS/SCHOOL CAR USED
Linda Stone: Reg. fee 325.00; motel 328.50; meals 95.00. Total cost: $748.50
Karen Kochkodin: Reg. fee 325.00; motel 328.50; meals 95.00. Total cost: $748.50
William Hayward: Reg. fee 325.00; motel 657.00; meals 95.00. Total cost: $1,077.00
Speech Therapist Networking Meeting: Philipsburg Elementary School; May 3, 2007
Amanda McCartney: Cost to district: -0-
Choices in Deafness/Communication and Language: Ramada Inn, Altoona; May 17, 2007
Amanda McCartney: Cost to district: -0-
An Insiders Perspective on Autism and Aspergers: Harrisburg, PA; May 10, 2007
Tammy Walker: Reg. fee 139.00; sub 85.00. Cost to district: $224.00
Jane McDowell: Reg. fee 139.00; sub 85.00. Cost to district: $224.00
Cheri Cantolina: Reg. fee 139.00; sub 85.00. Cost to district: $224.00
Michele Koleno: Reg. fee 139.00; sub 85.00. Cost to district: $224.00 PROF. DAY
Rebecca Houser: Reg. fee 139.00; sub 85.00. Cost to district: $224.00 PROF. DAY
Creating and High Quality Writing Program: Pittsburgh, PA; May 23, 2007
Thomas Partner: Sub 85.00. Cost to district: $85.00
Jerry White: Sub 85.00. Cost to district: $85.00
Mary Ann Couteret motioned, Anna Mae Pezzulla seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the following field trip requests:
Kindergarten: Philipsburg Public Library, May 23, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Persons in charge: Susan Lawrence, Allison Koleno, Jaimy Buck
First Grade: Horse Shoe Curve and Altoona Curve Game, May 17, 1007
Cost to district: -0- Person in charge: Chad Koleno
Second Grade: Penns Cave, May 17, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Person in charge: Hank Wilson
Third Grade: Penn State University, May 24, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Person in charge: Cheri Cantolina
Fourth Grade: Lincoln Caverns, May 15, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Person in charge: Wendy Timblin
Sixth Grade: Altoona Curve, May 17, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Persons in charge: Cheryl Green, Chip Ropchock, Shari Buck
Physics Class: Physics Day, Hershey Park; May 10, 2007
Cost to district: Subs 170.00 and School van will be used Persons in charge: Jason Hoffman, Betty Fry
Life Skills Classes: Clearfield Bowling Alley, Dairy Queen; May 9, 2007
Cost to district: -0- Person in charge: Jackie Zimmerman
Eighth Grade: Graham Township Building; April 17 & 19, 2007
Cost to district: Subs 170.00 School van was used Person in charge: Joe Matson
Yearbook: State College; April 25, 2007
Cost to district: Sub 85.00 Person in charge: Ronda Hanslovan
Motion carried.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Erling Anderson seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the following workshop requests:
PAFPC Conference: Pittsburgh, PA; April 15-18, 2007 TITLE 1 FUNDS/SCHOOL CAR USED
Linda Stone: Reg. fee 325.00; motel 328.50; meals 95.00. Total cost: $748.50
Karen Kochkodin: Reg. fee 325.00; motel 328.50; meals 95.00. Total cost: $748.50
William Hayward: Reg. fee 325.00; motel 657.00; meals 95.00. Total cost: $1,077.00
Speech Therapist Networking Meeting: Philipsburg Elementary School; May 3, 2007
Amanda McCartney: Cost to district: -0-
Choices in Deafness/Communication and Language: Ramada Inn, Altoona; May 17, 2007
Amanda McCartney: Cost to district: -0-
An Insiders Perspective on Autism and Aspersers: Harrisburg, PA; May 10, 2007
Tammy Walker: Reg. fee 139.00; sub 85.00. Cost to district: $224.00
Jane McDowell: Reg. fee 139.00; sub 85.00. Cost to district: $224.00
Cheri Cantolina: Reg. fee 139.00; sub 85.00. Cost to district: $224.00
Michele Koleno: Reg. fee 139.00; sub 85.00. Cost to district: $224.00 PROF. DAY
Rebecca Houser: Reg. fee 139.00; sub 85.00. Cost to district: $224.00 PROF. DAY
Creating and High Quality Writing Program: Pittsburgh, PA; May 23, 2007
Thomas Partner: Sub 85.00. Cost to district: $85.00
Jerry White: Sub 85.00. Cost to district: $85.00
Individual roll call: Larry Allen yes; Mary Ann Couteret no; Tim Eyerly no; Tom Veres yes; Erling Anderson yes; Anna Mae Pezzulla yes; Ron Mollura yes. 5 yes, 2 no. Motion carried.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Tom Veres seconded, to approve the following field trip request from the addendum:
Enrichment: Hands-on Democracy: State College, PA; April 20, 2007
Cost to district: Subs 127.50; reg. 50.00. Total cost: $177.50.
Person in charge: Jen Brickley and Adam Carr. School Van Used
Individual roll call: Erling Anderson yes; Mary Ann Couteret no; Anna Mae Pezzulla yes; Larry Allen yes; Tom Veres yes; Tim Eyerly no; Ron Mollura yes. 5 yes, 2 no. Motion carried.
David Consiglio reported that there is still one provision of the NutriKids contract that has not been settled which is the limit of liability.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Tim Eyerly seconded to defer the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the agreement with NutriKids to provide on-line access for parents to monitor childrens lunch accounts and provide fee-based credit card payment pending final contract negotiations.
Motion carried.
C. BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS:
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Tom Veres seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the proposal offered by The Friends of West Branch Drama Club to build a structure, 24 X 14, to house the drama equipment and sets at no cost to the district. This will be located behind the water treatment facility on campus.
Motion carried.
D. ATHLETICS AND TRANSPORTATION:
Tom Veres motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motions:
Propose the Board accept the resignation of Tom Partner as Varsity Football Assistant Coach.
Propose the Board approve hiring Ryan Bickel as Assistant Varsity Football Coach.
Propose the Board approve hiring Douglas Myers as Varsity Girls Head Basketball Coach.
Propose the Board approve hiring Dennis Arnold as Varsity Girls Assistant Basketball Coach.
Propose the Board approve hiring Dan Socash as Jr. High Girls Head Basketball Coach.
Propose the Board approve hiring Adam Carr as Jr. High Girls Assistant Basketball Coach.
Motion carried.
E. BUDGET:
Tom Veres motioned, Larry Allen seconded, to approve the following motion from the addendum:
Propose the Board approve the bids for school supplies for the 2007-08 school year with the stipulation that these bid totals could be revised downward due to budgetary constraints. Individual roll call: Tom Veres yes; Tim Eyerly no; Mary Ann Couteret yes; Anna Mae Pezzulla yes; Erling Anderson yes; Larry Allen yes; Ron Mollura yes. 6 yes, 1 no. Motion carried.
William Hayward, Elementary Principal, spoke to the Board concerning full-day kindergarten. West Branch is the only district in Clearfield County that does not have a full-day kindergarten program. When our students go to first grade, they are already behind. Mr. Hayward is proposing that two teachers move from first and second grade to kindergarten, which would increase class size from an average of 15 students to 21 in the first grade and 19 in the second grade. These class sizes are in line with other districts in our county. Surveys conducted in previous years have been overwhelmingly in favor of full-day kindergarten. Students would be receiving approximately 7 hours of instruction instead of the current three hours to three and one-half hours of instruction.
Robert Smith and Larry Cowder were reached by speakerphone at 9:00 p.m.
Larry Allen motioned, Tim Eyerly seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the Accountability Block Grant in the amount of $304,543.00 plus $28,775.00 for implementation of Full-day Kindergarten. Individual roll call: Larry Allen yes; Robert Smith no; Larry Cowder no; Erling Anderson yes; Tom Veres no; Tim Eyerly yes; Mary Ann Couteret no; Anna Mae Pezzulla no; Ron Mollura no. 6 no, 3 yes. Motion failed.
Mary Ann Couteret motioned, Robert Smith seconded, to approve the Accountability Block Grant for the purpose of class size reduction. Individual roll call: Tim Eyerly no; Anna Mae Pezzulla yes; Tom Veres yes; Robert Smith yes; Larry Cowder yes; Larry Allen yes; Erling Anderson yes; Mary Ann Couteret yes; Ron Mollura yes. 8 yes, 1 no. Motion carried.
Lori Bell, parent, wanted an explanation of the Boards vote and why the Board would turn down the opportunity to fund the full-day program at no cost to the district.
Tim Eyerly motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the Resolution Urging the Repeal of Act 1 and Enactment of True Property Tax Reform.
Motion carried.
Correspondence None
Old Business None
New Business Ron Mollura and Dr. Multhauf met with the Junior High seventh and eighth grade today. The students had a list of concerns and wants. The students would like to have an extra five minutes to eat lunch. Mr. Wechtenhiser, High School Principal, responded that the period before or after lunch would need to be reduced by five minutes. Mr. Wechtenhiser will study the request.
Larry Allen motioned, Anna Mae Pezzulla seconded, to approve the following motion from the addendum:
Propose the Board approve the cost of $340.00 for reappointment of notary to Paul Carr, Business Manager.
Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors:
Spencer Folmar, student, gave a brief summary of the letters and emails from community members, parents and the pit band concerning the production of West Side Story.
Deb Moriarity, Drama Instructor, would like to use the auditorium for a summer youth theatre.
Ron Mollura spoke of his concerns relating to the use of the auditorium and the emergency lights not working properly. The electrical firm and architect will be contacted to check on the situation.
Wendy Sabol, parent, would like to know why the Board is against full-day kindergarten. Ron Mollura responded that the students would not have the mind-frame to stay involved for a full day. He is concerned that the free additional money would be taken away at any time and leave the district to fund the program.
Valerie Kovalick, parent, is concerned that with NCLB that our students will not be able to compete without a full-day kindergarten program and stated that the standards will not go back.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Miriam Ennis
Board Secretary