OFFICIAL MINUTES
WEST BRANCH AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
MORRISDALE, PA
REORGANIZATION MEETING December 3, 2007
The reorganization meeting of the West Branch Area School District Board of Directors was held in the high school library on December 3, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Others present: Wendy Fernburg, Supervisor of Special Education; William Hayward, Elementary Principal; Sean Wechtenhiser, High School Principal; Paul Carr, Business Manager; Allen J. Levin, Solicitor; Miriam Ennis, Board Secretary; Lori Bell; Laura Coble; Rose Pearce; Phyllis Gable; Jeff Ennis; Annie Lynn, The Progress; Ron Mollura; Holly Petriskey; Trent Yarrison; Spencer Folmar; Laurie Josephson; Mary Sheroke; Jerry White; Kim Eyerly; Ellen Smith; Lynn Brewer; Allison L. Koleno; Preston Raymond; Donna Hayward; Robert Myers
Reorganization of Board:
Ron Mollura asked for nominations for Temporary President. Gerald Coble nominated, Don Yontosh seconded, to appoint Tim Eyerly as Temporary President. Mary Ann Couteret motioned, Tom Veres seconded, to close the nominations. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Tim Eyerly asked for nominations for Board President. Larry Allen nominated, Gerald Coble seconded, to appoint Joe Kovalcin as Board President. Don Yontosh nominated, Tom Veres seconded, to appoint Tim Eyerly as Board President. The vote went as follows: Larry Allen, Gerald Coble and Joe Kovalcin voted for Joe Kovalcin. Don Yontosh, Mary Ann Couteret, Larry Cowder, Tom Veres and Tim Eyerly voted for Tim Eyerly. Tim Eyerly was appointed Board President for 2008.
Tim Eyerly asked for nominations for Vice-President. Mary Ann Couteret nominated, Don Yontosh seconded, to appoint Tom Veres as Vice-President. Larry Allen nominated, Gerald Coble seconded, to appoint Joseph Kovalcin as Vice-President. Tim Eyerly, Mary Ann Couteret, Tom Veres, Donald Yontosh and Larry Cowder voted for Tom Veres. Gerald Coble, Larry Allen and Joe Kovalcin voted for Joe Kovalcin. Tom Veres was appointed Board Vice-President for 2008.
Members present: Gerald Coble; Joseph Kovalcin; Tom Veres; Larry Allen; Timothy Eyerly; Larry Cowder(7:05 p.m.); Mary Ann Couteret; Donald Yontosh.
Tim Eyerly read the letter of resignation from William Thompson as school board director from Region II Graham Township, Morris Township (precinct 2-Hawk Run and Munson).
Tim Eyerly scheduled a regular board meeting for December 20, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school library. Mr. Eyerly also suggested that the regular meetings start at 7:30 p.m. so that any executive sessions can be held before the meeting.
Tom Veres motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following dates for regular meetings for 2008: January 28; February 25; March 17; April 28; May 19; June 23; July 28; August 18; September 22; October 27; November 24 and Reorganization meeting as December 1. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Committee meetings will be held as “Committee as the Whole” at 7:00 p.m. until the district hires a superintendent. Joseph Kovalcin motioned, Don Yontosh seconded, to approve the following dates for committee meetings for 2008: January 21; February 18; March 10; April 21; May 12; June 16; July 21; August 11; September 15; October 20; November 17; December – none. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Mary Ann Couteret asked if information would be shared with other board members when they are not on a particular committee. Tim Eyerly said that the committees would give minutes of their committees to the individual board members. Larry Allen said that the board has always taken the recommendation of the individual committees.
Tom Veres motioned, Don Yontosh seconded, to hold the Finance Committee meetings the Tuesday after the committee meeting in the Board Conference room. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Tom Veres motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the committees and chairpersons for 2008 as follows: Personnel & Education – Tom Veres (Chairperson), Gerald Coble, vacancy; Transportation & Athletics – Don Yontosh (Chairperson), Joe Kovalcin, Mary Ann Couteret; Buildings & Grounds – Larry Allen (Chairperson), Joseph Kovalcin, Larry Cowder; Cafeteria – Don Yontosh (Chairperson), Mary Ann Couteret, vacancy; Finance Committee – Mary Ann Couteret (Chairperson), Larry Cowder, Tom Veres. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Tim Eyerly appointed the following board members as board representatives: CIU 10 – Tom Veres, Alternate – Gerald Coble; Clearfield Career & Tech – Larry Allen, Alternate – Joseph Kovalcin; Legislative Chairperson – Tim Eyerly; Technology Committee – Larry Allen, Alternate – Gerald Coble.
Tom Veres motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve reappointing for 2008 the firm of Levin & Wise, as solicitors for West Branch School District, at a rate of $100.00 per hour with expenses paid for travel time and mileage except for regular monthly board meetings. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Student Representative Reports:
Spencer Folmar, Student Government:
· Introduction to new board members
· Fall sports held their banquets
· Winter sports have started their seasons
· Drama Club attended the London Theatre production of Macbeth at the Eisenhower Auditorium on October 31.
· International Club is attending Slifer House Museum/German Fair on December 7.
· Renaissance Assembly will be held December 14.
Recognition of Visitors:
Trent Yarrison, West Branch Teachers’ Association President, introduced himself to the new board members and stated that the union is always willing to work with the Board.
Administrative Reports:
Sean Wechtenhiser spoke to the Board concerning the proposal given to the Board from Pennsylvania Educational Consultants. The firm would provide the district with a short and long-term plan for proficiency on the PSSA’s. The cost would be $1,000 per day. Materials would be additional and would just be for the cost of printing. The $9,500 grant that the school can apply for could be put towards the cost of the consulting firm. Mr. Wechtenhiser also requested that the Board approve a security guard because there is a need.
William Hayward asked the Board what the plan will be if the Department of Labor and Industry would come in and shut down the auditorium. The band and chorus concerts will be held soon and could the district work out something that the auditorium could still be used. In addition, the district does not have a good way to communicate with everyone and would the Board consider checking into the cost of two-way radios. Tim Eyerly suggested that the district check with PC Works to use the current phone system with a certain ring tone to the regular classrooms with two-way radios for other areas. Mary Ann Couteret suggested an all call system. Laurie Josephson spoke to the Board concerning an issue of the phones not working properly. Mr. Hayward will look into the cost of walkie-talkies. Mr. Hayward is proposing that the district pay the support staff to participate in a mock drill to be held for high school and elementary on in-service day January 14, 2008. The elementary staff will be participating on December 10, 2007. He is also requesting additional time through out the rest of the year. After a discussion, it was decided that the mock drills would be held approximately every two months and would require approximately 45 minutes of time after school. Don Yontosh suggested that the Board review at the end of the year and bring it up at the beginning of the next school year.
Allen J. Levin, Solicitor, spoke to Allied Mechanical & Electrical and they agreed that the fault was with their company and that they had left out a part for the emergency lighting in the auditorium. A proposal has been sent by Allied to the Architect for approval. The Department of Labor & Industry will not come in and close down the auditorium because they have already issued the occupancy certificate.
An Executive Session for Personnel and Contractual was held at 7:50 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 9:00 p.m.
Administrative Reports:
Wendy Fernburg called the Department of Education and spoke with Dr. Connor and he said that she was permitted to sign the NOREP’s until an Interim Superintendent was found. Tim Eyerly suggested that she keep a copy of the e-mail and send a copy to the Solicitor. Mrs. Fernburg responded that she was and that a copy of the e-mail would be attached with every NOREP.
Reorganization Motion:
Mary Ann Couteret motioned, Don Yontosh seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve payment of bills through December 20, 2007, with a list to be provided at the December 20 board meeting. This approval includes use of the current facsimile signature plate until a replacement plate can be manufactured, if necessary, due to the change in Board President. Voice roll call: unanimous approval.
Personnel:
Mary Ann Couteret motioned, Joe Kovalcin seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the following volunteers. All paperwork has been received.
William Myers – Girls’ Basketball
Donna Shoffner – Elementary
Stephanie Russell – Elementary
Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Joe Kovalcin motioned, Don Yontosh seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve paying support staff for one-half day on January 14, 2008 to participate in a crisis drill at the high school and elementary school. This will include the possibility of one crisis drill every two months after school until the month of June. A report will be given in July. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Joe Kovalcin motioned, Gerald Coble seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve Robert Stuart Auber as a security guard at the contract rate.
Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Joe Kovalcin motioned, Don Yontosh seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board open the head cook position at the elementary school. This could be a temporary position based on resolution of any legal services that need resolved. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Paul Carr needs direction from the Board as to who would be signing purchase orders and other reports that need to go to the Department of Education.
Don Yontosh motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve Miriam Ennis, Board Secretary, as Acting Superintendent for the limited purpose of signing purchase orders and reports pending the appointment of an interim superintendent. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Mr. Carr announced that there would be a meeting on Wednesday at 10:00 with PP&L concerning the upcoming project. Joe Kovalcin and Don Yontosh will represent the Board at the meeting.
A quote was received from Timothy Sabol for the replacement of the entry on the west side of the new addition at a cost of $4,036.00
Program:
Don Yontosh questioned if the motion to hire Pennsylvania Educational Consultants was a good thing and did the teachers want or need this, and has this information already been covered in previous teacher workshops. Sean Wechtenhiser said that the state is moving to eligible content instead of standards. Joe Kovalcin is concerned with the amount of time that teachers will not be in their classrooms. Tim Eyerly asked if the $12,000 includes substitutes and Mr. Wechtenhiser responded that it did not. Jeff Ennis asked if other schools had been contacted to see how this program worked in their schools. Tim Eyerly suggested that the consultants give a presentation to the Board on December 20, 2007.
Joe Kovalcin motioned, Don Yontosh seconded, to defer the following motion:
Propose the Board approve Pennsylvania Educational Consultants, with the services of Drs. Juan Banghn and Jim Stockdale, to implement the instruction of Pennsylvania eligible content and provide leadership in K-12 curriculum matters. At a cost not to exceed $12,000 for the 2007-08 school year. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Tim Eyerly asked why the strategic plan was not completed. He asked why it was on last months agenda to be voted on as complete when it fact it was not. Mr. Hayward said that he cannot navigate the computer page and does not have his part completed and will need help to complete his part. Sean Wechtenhiser will contact Dr. Dan Perna to help complete the strategic plan process.
Don Yontosh motioned, Joe Kovalcin seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve Dr. Dan Perna to complete the strategic planning process not to exceed $4,000.00. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Sean Wechtenhiser explained dual enrollment grant for which he is applying. Next years’ senior class will be able to take courses through Penn State and Lock Haven, Clearfield for college credit. The grant will defray the cost of the credits and the parents will pay the rest.
Tim Eyerly motioned, Larry Cowder seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the formation of a Committee for Dual Enrollment. Membership includes a board member and other designated positions. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Joe Kovalcin and Larry Cowder will serve on the Committee for Dual Enrollment.
Don Yontosh motioned, Joe Kovalcin seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the following workshops:
Pa Literacy Conference: Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel; Jan. 28-29, 2008/Title II
Tammy Walker: Reg. fee–329.00; meals–50.00; mileage–129.98; sub–170.00. Total: 683.98 Two Professional Days (mileage will be used if driver’s ed car is not available)
Jane McDowell: Reg. fee–329.00; motel–115.00; meals–50.00; sub–170.00. Total: 664.00 Two Professional Days
Lynne Rockey: Reg. fee – 329.00; motel – 58.00; subs – 170.00. Total: $557.00
Rhonda Trude: Reg. fee – 329.00; motel – 58.00; subs – 170.00. Total: $557.00
Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Tim Eyerly motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve Jerry Coble attending the new board orientation, Fast Track Session to be held December 15 & 16, 2007 pursuant to Policy 004, Section 9. The Board will reimburse for all necessary expenses and expenses will be itemized and presented at the next board meeting. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
The request for a tenth playing date for the Varsity Football team for 2008 will be referred to the Athletic Committee.
Budget:
Joe Kovalcin motioned, Don Yontosh seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the resolution for the 2008-2009 final budget not to exceed the 6.6% (5 mills) index as calculated by the state. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Mary Ann Couteret motioned, Larry Allen seconded, to approve advertising the vacant seat on the board for Region II (Graham Precinct and Morris Precinct 2). Written applications from interested eligible electors will be accepted until December 17, 2007. The appointment will be made at the December 20, 2007 board meeting. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Larry Cowder motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve advertising for an Interim Superintendent. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Old Business:
Mary Ann Couteret questioned if the travel expense policy had a second reading. This policy pertained to the staff taking the school car. Board Secretary will locate the policy.
New Business:
Mary Ann Couteret spoke to the Board concerning the removal of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from the lunch menu. Mr. Carr said that it was the recommendation of the dietitian. The peanut butter and jelly sandwich is approximately 500 calories. Toasted cheese, ham & cheese, tuna and egg salad are replacing it. Tim Eyerly suggested that an announcement be made to let the students know that there will be peanut butter and jelly and the sandwich for that particular day.
Larry Cowder motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve putting peanut butter and jelly back on the lunch menu. Voice roll call: unanimous approval
Recognition of Visitors: None
Tim Eyerly requested that The Progress print a retraction that stated the Board approved William Hayward as the Acting Superintendent. He was appointed to delay or cancel classes if necessary due to weather conditions.
Don Yontosh motioned, Larry Cowder seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 10:19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Miriam Ennis
Board Secretary