WEST BRANCH AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
MORRISDALE, PA
REGULAR MEETING August 20, 2007
The regular meeting of the West Branch Area School District Board of Directors was held in the high school library on August 20, 2007 at 7:05 p.m.
Members present: Ronald Mollura; Tom Veres; Larry Allen; Robert Smith; Mary Ann Couteret; Erling Anderson; Anna Mae Pezzulla (7:10); Timothy Eyerly (7:06); Larry Cowder (7:06)
Others present: Arleen P. Multhauf, D.Ed., Superintendent; William Hayward, Elementary Principal; Wendy Fernburg, Supervisor of Special Education; Miriam Ennis, Board Secretary; Jamie Bumbarger, The Progress; Robert Myers; Holly Michael; Jane McDowell; Sue Betts; Shari Buck; Karen J. Owens; Ellen Smith; Laurie Josephson; William Thompson; Nicole McClure; Valerie Kovalick; Cheryl Green; Dave Learish; David L. Williamson; Holly Petriskey; Sherri McGarvey; Roy McGarvey; Allison Koleno; Lynn Brewer; Jeff Ennis; Laura Coble; Gerald Coble; Kelly Dobo; Denise Dobo; Joe Kovalcin; Wendy Timblin
Recognition of Visitors:
Robert Myers addressed the Board concerning the replacement of the soccer goals. A quote from Angelos Soccer Corner came in at $3,565.00.
Tom Veres motioned, Larry Allen seconded, to approve the purchase of Soccer goals in the amount of $3,565.00. Individual roll call: Tom Veres-yes; Larry Cowder yes; Mary Ann Couteret yes; Erling Anderson yes; Larry Allen yes; Tim Eyerly yes; Ron Mollura yes. 7 yes, 0 no. Motion carried.
Dave Williamson, Athletic Director, reported to the Board the numbers for the various athletic teams. He also discussed the open coaching positions in Jr. High Football and Assistant Volleyball. Scott Williams who has applied for the Assistant Volleyball position does not have the required paperwork.
Administrative Reports:
William Hayward presented to the Board the numerous options for elementary staffing. Option 1 would be to hire one teacher to replace the two teachers that were lost and assign a staff member to 4th grade. Class enrollments would be three classes of 24 and 1 class of 23. Option 2 is to not hire any teachers. There would be four classes of 6th grade and then reassign a teacher to 4th grade for four classes. The number of students in three classes would be 26 and 1 class of 27 students. Option 3 would be to not hire a teacher. Kindergarten would have four classes, 15 per class. Staff would then be re-aligned to 4th grade. This option does not allow for extra reading remediation and will put the kindergarten part of the Accountability Grant in jeopardy. This amount is $26,000.00. Kindergarten option will reduce kindergarten to five sections and the remaining kindergarten teacher would be used as a reading coach since the district did not meet AYP for the 2006-2007 school year. Currently the incoming kindergarten class is 60. If the current enrollment increases, it would be at the discretion of Mr. Hayward to return to six sections of kindergarten classes. Mrs. Pezzulla would favor full day kindergarten if the current enrollment stays at 60.
Mr. Hayward is recommending option 1, which is to hire one teacher.
Wendy Fernburg, Supervisor of Special Education, pointed out that 22 of the students in 4th grade are Special Education students. She is also concerned that the teacher that has received training for an afternoon autistic student has also been chosen to be an afternoon reading coach.
Wendy Fernburg, Supervisor of Special Education, told the Board that as of August 15 she has 244 students who have speech or a learning disability; 19 out of district placements; 17 gifted K-12 and 7 Section 504 students who do not qualify for special education but have a plan for the regular education classroom. Seven new students have enrolled in the last three days. There are 56 students being billed through ACCESS. The ACCESS payments received from June 2006 to May 2007 is $185,431.03. The administrative time study brought in $33,007.74. ACCESS money collected through the CIU is $13,717.65. The total of ACCESS funds for June 2006 to May 2007 is $199,148.68. There is a need for more one on one instruction for special education students. Mr. Mollura asked at what point we might need to hire another special education teacher. Mrs. Fernburg replied that she would decide when the caseloads have reached capacity.
Paul Carr reported the bus routes are posted on the doors of the elementary and high school.
Mr. Hayward reminded the Board that Monday, August 27 is Kindergarten orientation.
Mary Ann Couteret asked why schedules are not mailed out to the students. Postage was listed as a possible reason.
CIU Reorganization meeting.
CCCTC Construction going fine. Truck driving training facility is top of the line.
Technology none
Tim Eyerly questioned why several activity accounts were overspent. Mr. Hayward responded that the trip to Hershey was more than the magazine sale income. The grades involved were 7-9. Mr. Hayward said that a number of students did not go because of discipline issues and the number of buses should have probably been reduced. The buses also were not bid. The Board would like a report from Doug Sankey, Guidance Counselor, as to how many students went and how many paid.
Mary Ann Couteret asked if the amount remaining from the past Junior Class Advisors salary had been placed in the Junior Class account to make up for the funds that were lost. Dr. Multhauf responded that the Board had not made an official decision.
Tim Eyerly asked if the balance of the Class of 2006 monies had been rolled into the general fund. Mr. Carr responded that the account had been closed and put into the Student Government account.
A discussion was held on the construction fund. Mr. Carr recommended to the Board that the outstanding amount of $5,206.50 be paid to the Comm. Group. They have been hereto put in the panic hardware and wire the front and back doors for key fobs in the elementary. Mr. Carr said that PC Works will be reprogramming the phones and corrections should be done by the beginning of next week.
Larry Allen motioned, Tom Veres seconded, to approve the General Fund bills, Cafeteria bills, Comm. Group bill of $5,206.50 and PP&L of $220,892.77. Individual roll call: Robert Smith yes; Erling Anderson yes; Tim Eyerly yes; Larry Cowder yes; Tom Veres yes; Larry Allen yes; Anna Mae Pezzulla yes; Mary Ann Couteret yes; Ron Mollura yes. 9 yes, 0 no. Motion carried.
Executive session for Personnel was held at 8:05 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 9:10 p.m.
A. BOARD:
Tom Veres motioned, Larry Allen seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve Attorney Carl P. Beard of Andrews & Beard Law Offices to assist in the negotiations for the support staff contract at an hourly rate of $130. Individual roll call: Anna Mae Pezzulla yes; Tom Veres yes; Mary Ann Couteret yes; Tim Eyerly yes; Larry Cowder yes; Larry Allen yes; Robert Smith yes; Erling Anderson yes; Ron Mollura yes. 9 yes, 0 no.
Motion carried.
B. PERSONNEL:
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Larry Allen seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve Mark Rudella, Winburne, PA, for an internship in Technology pending submission of paperwork. Mr. Rudella is a Computer Information Science major at Lock Haven University.
Motion carried.
Tom Veres motioned, Anna Mae Pezzulla seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board hire Kristal Hebran for 20-hour per 5-day week Secretary position starting August 27, 2007 for 185 days.
Motion carried.
Larry Allen motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve Jarrod Hendricks as an Elementary teacher starting August 27, 2007. Individual roll call: Mary Ann Couteret yes; Erling Anderson no; Larry Cowder no; Anna Mae Pezzulla no; Larry Allen yes; Tim Eyerly yes; Tom Veres yes; Ron Mollura yes. 5 yes, 3 no.
Motion carried.
Tom Veres motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the resignation of Jessica Moore as Special Education teacher.
Motion carried.
Tom Veres motioned, Anna Mae Pezzulla seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve Brandy Fetters as a substitute in Special Education pending receipt of her Special Education certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education starting August 27, 2007. Individual roll call: Larry Cowder no; Erling Anderson yes; Larry Allen yes; Anna Mae Pezzulla yes; Mary Ann Couteret yes; Tom Veres yes; Tim Eyerly no; Ron Mollura yes. 6 yes, 2 no. Motion carried.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board hire the following individuals for part-time Personal Care Aides not to exceed 29.5 hours per 5-day week for 178 days.
Jackie Tarner
Wendy Sabol
Nicole McClure
Motion carried.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Larry Allen seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the reassignment of Elizabeth Guenot from full-time food service staff to 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Monday Friday, custodial staff, with a 12-month probationary period beginning August 27, 2007.
Motion carried.
Mary Ann Couteret motioned, Anna Mae Pezzulla seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the following substitutes. All paperwork has been received.
Brandie Butler Art K 12
Shelley Houser Cafι Monitor, Personal Care Aide, Classroom Aide
Douglas Rolley Custodial
Judith Fetcho Secretarial, Classroom Aide, Personal Care Aide, Cafeteria Monitor
Motion carried.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Tim Eyerly seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the following volunteers. All paperwork has been received.
Kristine Kolesar Elem, Athletics, Band Karen Thomas Elementary
Lorie Rowles Elementary Kim Folmar Elementary
Shelley Houser Elementary/High School Jenna Turner Soccer
Kevin Clark - Football
Motion carried.
Larry Allen motioned, Anna Mae Pezzulla seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve Kristin Coudriet for tenure.
Motion carried.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve reducing Kindergarten from six to five sections. The half time Kindergarten teacher will then be assigned as a reading coach. The number that must be reached to return to six sections is 85 and will be at the discretion of Mr. Hayward, Elementary Principal.
Motion carried.
Tom Veres motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve Holly Modzel as a volunteer for Junior High Girls Basketball. Mrs. Modzel has been a volunteer in the elementary school during the 2006-2007 school year.
Motion carried.
C. PROGRAM:
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the following workshop requests:
Non-Violent Crisis Prevention Initial Training: CIU at West Branch; August 20, 2007
Jamie Buck; Cheri Cantolina; Betty Fry; Crystal Gay; Laurie Josephson; Michelle Koleno; Tina Kolesar; Dave Learish; Shirley Moslak; Tom Partner; Rebecca Roos; Jennifer Sproull
Cost to district - $180.00 ACCESS FUNDS
Non-violent Crisis Prevention Refresher: CIU at West Branch; August 21, 2007
Carolyn Dobo; Pam Emigh; Sarah Ewing; Jeff Eyet; Wendy Fernburg; Laurie Hoffman; Doris Hudish; Betty Leathers; Cindy Michaels; Colleen Raymond; Rose Shaner; Cindy Swatsworth; Karen Williams; Hank Wilson Cost to district - $210.00 ACCESS FUNDS
Motion carried.
Mary Ann Couteret motioned, Larry Cowder seconded, to approve the following workshop request:
PA Inspired Leadership Program / Support: IU 8, Duncansville, PA; September 17 & 18, 2007;
November 5 & 6, 2007; Jan. 22 & 23, 2008, March 26, 2008
Wendy Fernburg: Mileage - $334.40 (If driver education car is not available)
Motion carried.
Mr. Eyerly questioned why Mr. Carr was not using the school car for the food show workshop. Dr. Multhauf responded that the workshop that Mr. Carr is going to is a financial benefit to the school.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Tim Eyerly seconded to approve the following workshop with the use of the school car if the school car is available:
Feesers 2007 Fall Food Show: Giant Center, Hershey, PA; September 25, 2007
Paul Carr: Meals 30.00; mileage 126.10. Total cost to cafeteria: $156.10
Motion carried.
A discussion was held on the charging of mileage for the district by the superintendent and why she cannot take the school car. Dr. Multhauf responded that according to David Consiglio, Solicitor, and her contract, she is entitled to mileage. She is also requesting a motel (if needed) in case there is a snowstorm for instance.
Tim Eyerly motioned, Anna Mae Pezzulla seconded, to approve the following workshop requests with the use of the school car if available:
PA Inspired Leadership: IU 8, Duncansville, PA; Sept. 11 & 12; Nov. 13 & 14; Jan. 8 & 9; Mar. 17 & 18
Arleen P. Multhauf: Motel 200.00 (if needed); mileage 350.00. Total cost to district: $550.00
School Leadership Conference: Hershey Lodge, Hershey, PA; October 4, 2007
Arleen P. Multhauf: Reg. fee 232.00; motel 100.00; meals 20.00; mileage 125.00.
Total cost to district: $477.00 Individual roll call: Larry Allen no; Mary Ann Couteret yes; Larry Cowder no; Tim Eyerly yes; Tom Veres yes; Erling Anderson no; Anna Mae Pezzulla yes; Ron Mollura no. 4 yes, 4 no. Motion failed.
Larry Allen motioned, Larry Cowder seconded, to approve the following workshop requests:
PA Inspired Leadership: IU 8, Duncansville, PA; Sept. 11 & 12; Nov. 13 & 14; Jan. 8 & 9; Mar. 17 & 18
Arleen P. Multhauf: Motel 200.00 (if needed); mileage 350.00. Total cost to district: $550.00
School Leadership Conference: Hershey Lodge, Hershey, PA; October 4, 2007
Arleen P. Multhauf: Reg. fee 232.00; motel 100.00; meals 20.00; mileage 125.00.
Total cost to district: $477.00. Individual roll call: Erling Anderson yes; Mary Ann Couteret yes; Larry Cowder yes; Anna Mae Pezzulla no; Larry Allen yes; Tom Veres yes; Tim Eyerly no; Ron Mollura yes. 6 yes, 2 no. Motion carried.
D. BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS:
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Larry Cowder seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve preventative maintenance agreement with Cleveland Brothers for the emergency generator beginning November 1, 2007 until October 31, 2008 at a cost of $1,007.
Motion carried.
Erling Anderson motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board accept the quotation for the repair of the coolant line offered by Cleveland Brothers for the amount not to exceed $800.00.
Motion carried.
Tim Eyerly questioned whether the coolant line was covered under warranty. Dave Nelson, Maintenance Supervisor, responded that the warranty had run out.
The elementary roof was discussed. Ron Mollura asked if the Board was willing to do a 30-year roof on the entire elementary building and eliminate the skylights. Mr. Carr said that the roof could be included in the 08-09 budget and the work would be a summer project for next year. Dr. Multhauf suggested that the district use PP&L to study the project. Anna Mae Pezzulla asked where the window blinds were at the elementary. Mr. Carr responded that there were no blinds in the elementary.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Tom Veres seconded, to approve PP&L to do a study on the elementary roof.
Motion carried.
D. ATHLETICS AND TRANSPORTATION:
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Larry Allen seconded, to approve the following motions:
Propose the Board approve Dehen Company or the bid to purchase 16 Cheerleading uniforms.
Propose the Board approve the following volunteers:
John Milliron - Football
Kevin Myers - Soccer
Propose the Board approve the Student Athletic Handbook and Coaches Athletic Handbook for the
2007-08 school year.
Motion carried.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Larry Allen seconded, to approve the following motions:
Propose the Board approve Nathan Owens as Jr. High Assistant Football Coach. FBI Clearance is in process.
Propose the Board approve Scott Williams as Assistant Volleyball Coach to work under the direct supervision of the Head Coach until the school district is in receipt of his FBI Clearance. Individual roll call vote: Tom Veres yes; Tim Eyerly no; Mary Ann Couteret yes; Anna Mae Pezzulla yes; Erling Anderson yes; Larry Allen yes; Larry Cowder yes; Ron Mollura yes. 7 yes, 1 no. Motion carried.
E. POLICY:
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Erling Anderson seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the first reading of the following policies:
Operations:
No. 805 Emergency Preparedness
No. 806 Child/Student Abuse
No. 807 Opening Exercises/Flag Displays
Motion carried.
Correspondence: None
Old Business:
Mary Ann Couteret requested that a form be used to record how much has been spent out of each budget category and how much revenue has been received. Mrs. Pezzulla stated that this would be impossible and that Mr. Carr was very busy. Mrs. Couteret stated that it is not impossible. They have asked for the 2006-07 revenue report five times and most of the revenue should be in from the state. Mr. Carr will run a year to date revenue report and send it to the board members.
The time clocks have been installed and still are being programmed.
Mr. Carr has not had any word on the digital message board. The sign for the field house should be in place before the first football game.
New Business:
A discussion was held on the compensation that was requested from the tax collectors for the extra paperwork that will be created for the payment plan. Tim Eyerly asked about the solicitor getting back to the Board. Dr. Multhauf responded that the Board had two motions on the agenda and both were deferred and the Board did not act. The email from Attorney Consiglio said that according to the Act 1 language the Board had 45 days after adoption to adjust compensation.
Ron Mollura requested that a letter be sent to all kitchen staff to clarify the starting and ending times for all staff. Head Cooks will start at 6:45 and 7:00 a.m. All kitchen staff will be done at 2:00 p.m. unless there are extenuating circumstances. He would like to have everyone on the same page.
Mr. Mollura would also like to have the UPS, Fed Ex and DHL contacted to have the packages delivered to the appropriate building so that packages do not have to be then sent from the Administrative Wing back to the Elementary or High School building.
Old Business:
Tim Eyerly questioned Dr. Multhauf as to when the Board would be determining a solicitor for the district. Dr. Multhauf said that the quotes are not due until August 31, 2007.
Jeff Ennis asked when curbing would be installed in the parking lot. Ron Mollura responded that when all the building issues are addressed and the amount of the construction money that is left over is determined then that could possibly be addressed.
Jeff Ennis suggested that the school district talk to the Post Office about having the mail sorted directly to the elementary and high school.
Executive session for Personnel will be held following the meeting. Meeting will not reconvene.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Erling Anderson seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Miriam Ennis
Board Secretary