WEST BRANCH AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
MORRISDALE, PA APRIL 28, 2008
The regular meeting of the West Branch Area School District Board of Directors was held April 28, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. in the high school library.
Members present: Tim Eyerly, Joe Kovalcin, Ron Mollura, Don Yontosh, Gerald Coble, Mary Ann Couteret Members Absent: Larry Cowder, Larry Allen and Tom Veres
Patrick Lukasavich, Interim Superintendent; Wendy Fernburg, Supervisor of Special Education; Sean Wechtenhiser, High School Principal; William Hayward, Elementary Principal; Allen Levin, Solicitor; Miriam Ennis, Board Secretary; Jackie Zimmerman; Sandra Sloppy; Holly Michael; Shari Buck; Karen Owens (WOKW); David L. Williamson; Len Coval; Dennis Marince; Trent Yarrison; Spencer Folmar; Christina Grossi; Allison Koleno; Lynn Brewer; Jeremy Craven; Annie Lynn; Preston Raymond; Jeff Eyet
Student Reports:
Christina Grossi – Senior Class
· Senior Projects are April 29, 2008. Senior projects can be viewed at the gym from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
· Graduation announcements should soon be arriving.
· Class BBQ will be held May 31, 2008.
· Outdoor graduation is being planned and details are being worked out.
Spencer Folmar – Student Government
· Spring sports are under way.
· The play had a good turnout this year. The drama will be losing 12 seniors.
· The second prom will be held May 18 from 6:00 until 10:00.
· Request for a senior project with a plaque to honor past teachers and displayed in the trophy case. This project will need approved.
· Student government attended District VI Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils Conference at Shade Gap on April 16. They visited the Flight 99 memorial and miners site.
· The International Club went to State College to the Palmer Art Museum and Ethnic Restaurant.
Presentations:
Jeff Aveni, Clearfield County Probation program, spoke to the Board concerning a program that is being operated that has adults and juveniles pay fines and restitution. Individuals could be brought to the school and the officers would supervise and work with the adults and juveniles. The fines and restitutions are paid at the rate of $5 per hour. They would need a couple of days notice. Some jobs that they could perform is mowing grass and clearing brush. They have replaced bleacher seats at Clearfield Area School District and saved the district approximately $20,000 in labor costs.
Don Yontosh motioned, Joe Kovalcin seconded, to proceed with using the Clearfield County Probation program operated by Jeff Aveni with times and dates to be set with Dave Nelson. Motion carried.
Jackie Zimmerman, High School Life Skills Teacher, would like to install a pond in the courtyard. Lowe’s have donated the equipment necessary for building the pond. Dan Socash, Science Teacher, is using this project as part of his standards and curriculum. Mr. Zimmerman presented the Board with Morning Glories that were grown in the school greenhouse.
Dennis Marnice, Community Member, is interested in honoring the Vietnam Vets that were killed during the war and graduated from West Branch with a plaque and photo to be displayed in the trophy case. There were five people killed and their names are: Robert Gable, Richard Jones, John Shirokey, Thomas Fenush and Ted Ropchock. Mr. Wechtenhiser is checking with the Guidance Office to see if there are any juniors who might use this as a Senior Project.
Gail Hurley, Parent, whose son died June 2, 1995, is requesting that the tree and stone that was placed at the school in his memory by his classmates be replaced. The tree and stone were removed during the building project three years ago and was not put back into place. Mr. Nelson is trying to find a tree to replace it but has not been able to get the same tree.
Mary Ann Couteret motioned, Don Yontosh seconded, to approve Spencer Folmar’s Senior Project to hang a plaque in honor of past teachers service to the district. Motion carried.
Ron Mollura motioned, Don Yontosh seconded, to approve the minutes of March 17, 2008 and April 2, 2008 as presented. Motion carried.
PERSONNEL:
Joe Kovalcin motioned, Ron Mollura seconded, to approve the following motions:
Propose the Board approve the resignation for retirement of Daryl Gurbal, Elementary
Janitor, effective June 6, 2008. Mr. Gurbal has been a West Branch employee for 13 years.
Propose the Board approve the following substitutes. Paperwork has been received.
Elizabeth Waple – Personal Care Aide/Classroom Aide
David Dunlap – Custodial
Shasta Long – Special Education N-12
Propose the Board approve the following volunteers. Paperwork has been received.
Janice Taylor – District Volunteer
Michelle Bamat – District Volunteer
Kimberly Eboch – District Volunteer
Jason Eboch – District Volunteer
Carol Barton – District Volunteer
Sara McCracken – District Volunteer
Gregory Hunter – District Volunteer
Jodi Sanker – District Volunteer
Stephanie Kopchik – District Volunteer
Motion carried.
Tim Eyerly motioned, Don Yontosh seconded, to approve the Board consider, effective April 29, 2008 requiring substitutes in support staff positions be permitted to serve no more than five consecutive workdays in the same position if other qualified substitutes are available on a rotating basis. Motion carried.
Don Yontosh motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motions:
Propose the Board approve J. Scott McCamley as a Driver Education Teacher for the behind-the-wheel portion of the course. Certification has been received.
Propose the Board approve Leave Without Pay for Jessica Frank, English Teacher, for April 18, 2008.
Propose the Board approve, as presented, the following conference requests:
A. Barbara Spencer, Elementary Teacher Grade 3, to the Helping Students Build Self-Esteem workshop in State College, PA on May 1, 2008, with all costs, $280, to be paid with Title II funding (registration $195.00 and a substitute teacher for one day $85.)
B. Van Johnson, Elementary Guidance Counselor, to the House of Delegates/PSEA/ PD Council, in Philadelphia, PA on May 16, 2008, with no cost to the district.
C. Gail Bumbarger, Substitute Aide, Doris Hudish, Elementary Aide, Colleen Raymond, High School Aide, Susan Zimmerman, High School Aide, Jamie McCracken, High School Aide, Shelly Houser, Substitute Aide, Jackie Tarner, High School Aide, Connie Shimmel, Elementary Aide, Michelle Guerra, Substitute Aide, Nichole McClure, Elementary Aide, Stephanie Sattesahn, School Nurse, Michelle Turner, School Nurse, and Judy Fetcho, Substitute Aide, to attend required First Aide, CPR and AED Training at West Branch on May 6, 2008, with all costs, $424.30, to be paid by ACCESS funding (registration $260 and salary for aides $164.30)
D. Dorothy Isaacson, High School Guidance Secretary, and Cynthia Gormont, High School
Secretary, to attend Microsoft Excel Seminar, in Altoona, PA on June 23-24, 2008, with
costs to the district, $338, (registration $256, mileage $82).
E. Van Johnson, Elementary Guidance Counselor, to attend Childhood Neurology Workshop, in Scranton, PA, on May 6, 2008, with cost to the district, $339, (registration fee $164, lodging $125, and meals $50).
F. Scott Beer, High School Health/Phys. Ed. Teacher, to attend 2008 Teen Pregnancy Prevention Conference, at Penn State University, on May 19 & 20, 2008, with all costs, $469, to be paid with Title II funds (registration $299 and subs $170).
G. Jeremy Craven, Technology Coordinator, and Sean Wechtenhiser, High School Principal,to attend the required Classrooms For The Future Training, in State College, PA, on May 7, 2008, with no cost to the district.
H. Karen Kochkodin and Linda Stone, Title 1 Reading Teachers, to attend Response to
Intervention: Effectively Intervening With Students Before They Fall Too Far Behind in
Reading, in State College, PA on May 27, 2008, with all costs, $410, to be paid with Title 1 funds (registration $390 and meals $20).
I. Dave Nelson, Maintenance Supervisor, to attend Resilient Floor Care Clinic, in Clearfield, PA, on April 24, 2008, with all costs, $10, to be paid by the district (registration $10).
J. Angela Trude and Susan Betts, Elementary Learning Support Teachers, to attend Response to Intervention, in State College, PA on May 27, 2008, with all costs, $560, to be paid with Title II funds (registration $390 and subs $170).
K. Sue Betts and Angela Trude, Elementary Learning Support Teachers, to attend Writing Legally Defensible IEP’s, CIU 10, West Decatur, PA, on June 23, 2008, with all costs, 30, to be paid with Title II funds (registration fees $30).
Don Yontosh motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve employing the following staff for the 2008 Summer Feeding Program:
Kim Eyerly – Head Cook
Karen Bosak – Cafeteria Worker
Lori Quick – Bonded Clerk
Helen Galley – Cafeteria Substitute
Rachel Smith – Clerk Substitute
Tim Eyerly abstained from voting because his wife is a cafeteria worker.
Motion carried.
INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES:
Ron Mollura motioned, Gerald Coble seconded, to approve Melody McCartney as Band Front Advisor. Motion carried.
Don Yontosh motioned, Joe Kovalcin seconded, to approve the following motions:
Propose the Board approve, as presented, the following field trip requests:
A. Rebecca Lutcho and Barbara Spencer, Grade 3 Teachers, to take approximately 45 students to the Weather Station – Punxsutawney, PA on May 15, 2008, with all costs to be paid by PTO.
B. Michele Koleno and Cheri Cantolina, Grade 3 Teachers, Grade 3 Teacher, to take approximately 48 students to the Weather Station – Punxsutawney, PA on May 13, 2008, with all costs to be paid by PTO.
C.Jessica Frank, 2008-2009 Yearbook Advisor, to take Yearbook students to Josten’s Printing Plant on May 7, 2008, with costs to the district not to exceed $85 for one
Substitute and the use of a school van.
D. Kristin Coudriet, Debra Galley, Hank Wilson, Laurie Josephson, Jane McDowell and Tammy Walker, Grade 2 Teachers, to take classes to Penn’s Cave on May 22, 2008, with all costs to be paid by the PTO.
E. Kim Hubler, High School Guidance Counselor, Doug Sankey High School Guidance Counselor, Matt Johnson, Science Teacher, Joe Matson, Civics Teacher, to take Grade 8 students to the Clearfield Career and Technology Center on May 7, 2008, with cost to the district not to exceed $590, ($170 for two substitutes and $420 two school buses.)
F. Brandy Fetters, High School Learning Support Teacher, Michelle Humenay, Cen-Clear Child Services, and Erica Morton, Cen-Clear Child Services, to take Learning Support students enrolled in the Work Readiness Class to Appalachian Wood, Lowes and Mountain Laurel Nursing Home, on May 20, 2008, with cost to the district not to exceed $85 for one substitute and the use of two school vans.
G. Colleen Viehdorfer, Russian Teacher, and Lori Bollinger, Spanish Teacher, to take Student Government to State Museum of PA, Whitaker Science & Art Center, Riverboat Ride and Capitol Dinner Theatre, in Harrisburg, PA on May 14, 2008, with cost to the district not to exceed $170 for two subs.
H. Jennifer Brickley, Social Studies/Enrichment Teacher, Adam Carr, Social Studies Teacher, Dan Stilson, Music 7-8/Chorus/Guitar Teacher, and Ronda Hanslovan, English Teacher, to take Class of 2008 to Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio on June 2, 2008, with cost to the district not to exceed $255 for three substitutes.
Propose the Board approve, as presented, the Academic Standards and Assessment Report, Professional Education Report and Student Services Report portions of the 2008-2014 Strategic Plan. Motion carried.
Mr. Hayward – Elementary Report
· PSSA Math and Reading April 1-4, 2008.
· Kindergarten Registration was held April 8 & 9, 2008 with 53 children registering.
· Report cards for the third nine weeks were sent out April 8.
· April 17 was an assembly with Rohan Murphy who is training for the 2008 Para-Olympics and in the afternoon Phil Davis, 2007-2008 Division 1 National Wrestling Champion at 197.
The West Branch PTO sponsored the assemblies.
· The fourth grade will be taking the PSSA Science test on April 29-May 1.
· The band and chorus concert will be held Monday, May 5 in the auditorium.
· The progress reports will be sent out May 5.
Mr. Wechtenhiser – High School Report
· After two PSSA Senior Math retakes, 12 students did not pass the test. After the first retake for Reading, seven students had not passed.
· PSSA Science exams will be given to grades 8 and 11 this week.
· The strategic plan was completed and submitted on time via the website.
· The National Honor Society sponsored a blood drive today.
· The AC Wall adaptor was missing for the electronic sign. The part was shipped and is now working properly.
· The Classrooms For The Future 2008-09 has been submitted for $394,696.00. The district should get some continuation funding.
· The local newspapers request for graduation information must be submitted no later than May 14.
· WTAJ Success by Six was at the school to film a segment on the Lexus Challenge that Mr. Matson’s students entered. Their entry was on composting. It will be aired June 24.
A discussion was held on submitting the graduation information to The Progress. The Board suggested that the Guidance Office check with other schools to see what their policy is for submitting information, call The Progress, and see if their timeline has changed. There should also be a paper trail.
Mrs. Fernburg – Supervisor of Special Education
· May 16 the Life Skills students taught by Mrs. Zimmerman will be planting flowers at the Lock Haven University. The university will give a monetary donation to the class. The Progress and Gant Daily will be taking pictures. The CIU has also asked that the students plant flowers at their facility. The date will be determined.
Dr. Lukasavich – District Report
· The proposed budget has actual salary figures for the teachers and the other salaries have not been determined. The final preliminary budget will be ready May 19. The final budget will be approved June 23. Federal funding is based on the 2000 census and the census is probably incorrect. There may be adjustments in the January and each school can check their data. There may also be an appeals process.
· The May Committee meeting will be held May 14.
The Board would like a report on the Elementary tutoring program that was instituted for one half day with one of the Kindergarten teachers.
ATHLETICS:
Don Yontosh motioned, Gerald Coble seconded, to approve the following motions:
Propose the Board accept the resignation of Jarrod Hendricks as Assistant Varsity Football Coach.
Propose the Board approve Jarrod Hendricks as a volunteer to the football program.
Motion carried.
Davey Williamson – Athletic Director
· Davey Williamson reported on the purchase of soccer uniforms. There will be four programs up for uniform replacement. The Board decided to defer and solicit bids again for another brand of uniform. The current bid was for “Underarmor”.
· Public parking near the baseball and softball fields has improved with the addition of the cones.
Ron Mollura motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to defer the purchase of girls’ soccer uniforms until other bids are solicited. Motion carried.
FACILITIES:
Ron Mollura motioned, Joe Kovalcin seconded, to approve the use of the school BBQ Pit by the Morrisdale United Methodist on May 3, 2008. Motion carried.
David Nelson – Maintenance Supervisor
· Merle Yeager, Auctioneer, was here and the district has enough of items for an auction. The freezer will be auctioned off but the highest bidder will not be able to get the freezer until early fall.
· PPL contractors were at the school and are putting together a schedule for Phase Two.
· The trees in front of the school are scheduled to be removed on Monday, May 5.
FINANCE AND PURCHASE:
Ron Mollura motioned, Joe Kovalcin seconded, to approve, as presented, the Central Intermediate Unit General Operating Budget for 2008-09 in the amount of $1,700,167. No local district funding is required. Motion carried.
Mary Ann Couteret motioned, Gerald Coble seconded, to approve the following motions:
Propose the Board approve a donation of $700 for the 2008-09 Clearfield County Teen Court Program.
Propose the Board approve, as presented, and authorize the payment of General Fund bills for March and April.
Motion carried.
Don Yontosh motioned, Joe Kovalcin seconded, to approve the following motions:
Propose the Board approve, as presented, and authorize the payment of Cafeteria bills for March and April.
Propose the Board approve, as presented, and authorize the payment of Athletic bills for April.
Motion carried.
Mary Ann Couteret motioned, Joe Kovalcin seconded, to approve that special counsel make a compromise offer of settlement to counsel for DeGol Carpet unto the terms and conditions previously presented in Executive Session. Individual roll call: Mary Ann Couteret – yes; Don Yontosh – no; Joe Kovalcin – yes; Gerald Coble – yes; Ron Mollura – yes; Tim Eyerly – yes. 5 yes, 1 no. Motion carried.
Joe Kovalcin motioned, Don Yontosh seconded, to approve, as presented, the Treasurer’s Financial Report, Activities Report and Cafeteria Report. Motion carried.
Gerald Coble motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve, effective April 18, 2008, and continuing for the balance of the 2007-08 school year, a $.02 fuel adjustment per approved mile for all Long, R&A and Sones contracted West Branch School District van runs.
Motion carried.
Don Yontosh motion, Joe Kovalcin seconded, to approve utilizing District Capital Reserve Funds and the Pennsylvania State COSTARS-13 Piggyback Contract, the purchase of a 2008 Ford Super Duty F-350 truck, in the amount of $40,334.40. Motion carried.
Jim Dugan – Interim Business Manager
· The State did not extend the Piggyback Contract for school vans.
· The proposal for Food Service Management or advertising for a Cafeteria Manager does not bind the district to a company or hiring a manager.
Don Yontosh motion, Joe Kovalcin seconded, to authorize the Interim Business Manager to advertise for Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide Food Service Management Services, effective August 4, 2008. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has approved the District’s RFP document and procedures. Also, authorize the Interim Business Manager to advertise for the position of Food Service Director for the 2008-2009 school year. The Board of Directors will review RFPs submitted and applications received before determining how the cafeteria will be managed for the 2008-2009 school term. Individual roll call: Joe Kovalcin – yes; Don Yontosh – yes; Ron Mollura – no; Gerald Coble – yes; Mary Ann Couteret – yes; Tim Eyerly – yes. 5 yes, 1 no. Motion carried.
Joe Kovalcin motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve a bank loan from Municipal Capital Corporation, 461 Linden Street, Allentown, PA 18102, in the amount of $609,371.00 at the rate of 3.95% for a term of 15 years (annual payments of $53,846.91 beginning November 1, 2008). Rate proposals were also reviewed by Linda S. Miller, Account Manager, PPL Energy Services Mid-Atlantic, LLC. This financing is part of the PPL Energy Services building renovations for 2008, Phase Two, approved February 25, 2008. Motion carried.
REPORTS:
CIU Report – None
CCCTC Report –
· Budget was presented and the increase was 3%. The budget will be presented at the
next board meeting for approval. The numbers of students are up for next year.
Technology Committee – None
Cafeteria Committee - None
Executive Session for Personnel was held at 9:05 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 9:15 p.m.
Tim Eyerly motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to open the Drama Advisor position for the 2008-2009 school year. The present advisor can reapply. Individual roll call: Gerald Coble – no; Mary Ann Couteret – yes; Ron Mollura – yes; Joe Kovalcin – no; Don Yontosh – no; Tim Eyerly – yes. 3 yes, 3 no. Motion dies.
Don Yontosh motioned, Gerald Coble seconded, to approve instituting policy and regulations for the Drama program, clearances will be submitted in a timely manner and all volunteers or helpers must have all necessary paperwork. Individual roll call: Mary Ann Couteret – yes; Joe Kovalcin – yes; Don Yontosh – yes; Gerald Coble – yes; Ron Mollura – yes; Tim Eyerly – yes. 6 yes, 0 no. Motion carried.
Correspondence – None
Recognition of Visitors – None
Executive Session for Personnel and Contractual will be held immediately following the meeting. The meeting will not reconvene.
A discussion was held on the payment of Paul Carr’s travel expense. Travel was for CCCTC, CIU and travel to bank for deposits for a period of a year. Tim Eyerly stated that the Board had requested that Mr. Carr use the driver education car for deposits.
Ron Mollura motioned, Gerald Coble seconded, to approve the payment of the travel expense bill submitted by Paul Carr for bank travel. Motion carried.
Don Yontosh motioned, Gerald Coble seconded, to adjourn at 9:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Miriam Ennis
Board Secretary