WEST BRANCH AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

MORRISDALE, PA

REGULAR MEETING                                                                                         February 26, 2007

The regular meeting of the West Branch Area School District Board of Directors was held in the high school library on February 26, 2007 at 7:05 p.m.

Members present:  Ronald Mollura; Anna Mae Pezzulla; Tom Veres; Larry Allen; Timothy Eyerly; Robert Smith; Larry Cowder (7:27 p.m.); Mary Ann Couteret.  Members absent:  Erling Anderson (family emergency)

Others present:  Arleen P. Multhauf, D.Ed., Superintendent; William Hayward, Elementary Principal; Sean Wechtenhiser, High School Principal; David Consiglio, Solicitor; Paul Carr, Business Manager; Jamie Bumbarger, The Progress; Miriam Ennis, Board Secretary; Leah Lawrence; Kaitlyn Houston; Linda Miller; Lori Bell; Wanda Rougeux; Ken Rougeux; Jeff Ennis; Phyllis Gable; John Milliron; Elaine Dixson; Michelle Bamat; Scott Bamat; Mary Narehood; Laura Coble; Gerald L. Coble; Tina L. Moore; Kristen Remp; Betty Fry; Matthew Fry; Wendy McGonigal; David L. Williamson, Athletic Director; Rhonda Trude; Terry Trude; Ellen Smith; Jeff Eyet; Trent Yarrison; Joe Kovalcin; Holly Michael; Doug Dixson; Michele Narehood; Michael Narehood; Doug Dixson; Donna Martell; Tom Martell; Sue Betts; Lynn Brewer; Allison Koleno; Jaimy Buck; Dale King; Susan Lawrence; Daisi Eyerly; Terry Parks; Preston Raymond

Kaitlyn Houston, Student Government:

·       Snow Ball Dance was held at the Harbor Inn.

·       Girls and Boys Basketball went to the playoffs.

·       The drama club will be holding the play “West Side Story” March 30, 31 and April 1, 2007.

·       Cheerleader tryouts were held.

·       Band Front tryouts are being held.

Leah Lawrence, Senior Class:

·       Seniors were measured for caps and gowns.

·       Announcements have been ordered.

Charles Franson, Walter Hopkins:

Mr. Franson apprised the Board of the recent audit of the year that ended June 30, 2006.  There were no findings and no material weaknesses.  The district is financially sound with a deficit of $171,473.00.  Revenues were $12,869,188 and expenditures were $13,040,661.  Revenues were up due to increased Access funds and wage tax and expenditures were under budget by $846,000.  The fund balance to start the year is $2.2 million.

Anna Mae Pezzulla commended Wendy Fernburg, Special Education Supervisor and Ellen Smith, Special Education Secretary for their excellent work with the Access funds.  Mr. Paul Carr, Business Manager was commended for the excellent work to bring the cafeteria in the black. 

Tom Veres motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to accept the audit as presented.

Motion carried.

Executive Session for Litigation and Personnel was called at 7:25 p.m.

Meeting reconvened at 9:05 p.m.

Robert Smith left the meeting at 9:05 p.m.

Wanda Rougeux, Karthaus Township – Mrs. Rougeux addressed the Board concerning Askey Road.  She is opposed to the change from September of 2006.  She would like to know why Tim Eyerly, Board member, took a ride back the road when the decision was already made.  The children are safer and happier not going back Askey Road.

Daisi Eyerly, Morris Township – Will speak at the end of the meeting.

Tom Veres motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the minutes of January 22, 2007.

Administrative Reports:

Dr. Multhauf –

·       No Report

Mr. Wechtenhiser –

·       The students took Math & Reading assessment examination on January 25, 2007.  This examination was for a national assessment.  The district received a certificate for participating. 

Mr. Hayward –

·       The district sent a check for $243 to the Marty Lyons Foundation for terminally ill children.

·       January 19 the elementary students held a Pint Size Heroes Challenge blood drive.

·       First in Math software is accessible from home.

·       Ace It! Tutoring is available for students in grades 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 for eleven weeks.

·       AYP was achieved for two years for PSSA’s.  A thank you goes to the staff and students for this achievement.

·       William Shaw presented a Legal Eagles Program for grades 4, 5 & 6.

·       A student advanced three grade levels in reading in the elementary.  Teacher and student were using the SRA Reading Program.

Ron Mollura, Board President, would like to extend thanks to the staff and students for attaining AYP from the Board of Education.

Mr. Carr –

·       No Report

CIU – Anna Mae Pezzulla

·       The district should not be receiving invoices for the Broadband internet service.  How many thousands of dollars did the district save?

·       Dr. Scott Etter, CIU Attorney, discussed clearances with the CIU board.  He recommended that all staff and volunteers should be required to have clearances before beginning employment.

·       The CIU budget was approved.  It will now need further approval from the district.

CCCTC – Larry Allen

·       Construction at the career center is going well and is on schedule.

·       The auto body class is building a motorcycle for competition.

Technology Committee –  No Report

Tom Veres had several questions on the bills.  Check no. 31907 – chemicals for the boilers; check no. 31951 – in house tech support and virus filtering; check no. 31962 – piano tuning; check no. 31910 – carpet scrubber repairs; check no. 31940 – front-end repair of the John Deere tractor.

Tim Eyerly is interested in copies of the cafeteria reports.  Paul Carr will mail.

Larry Allen motioned, Tom Veres seconded, to approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented.  Individual roll call:  Tom Veres – yes; Larry Cowder – yes; Mary Ann Couteret – yes; Larry Allen – yes; Anna Mae Pezzulla – no; Tim Eyerly – no; Ron Mollura – yes.  5 yes, 2 no.  Motion carried.

Tim Eyerly motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to defer payment of the construction bills.

Motion carried.

Committee Reports:

Athletics –

Tim Eyerly questioned the ticket motion that was on the agenda.  He thought that the ticket prices were to remain the same and not be put on the agenda.  The cheerleader handbook should not be part of the Athletic handbook and was always separate because cheerleading is not recognized as a PIAA sport. Mr. Mollura would like to see the Cheerleaders cheering at all events.   Tim Eyerly also advised the board that the new turn around spot for Askey Road is Everett Clark.

Transportation –

Ron Mollura, Board President, would like the issue of Askey Road resolved and does not want to hear of the issue again.  Mary Ann Couteret asked Tim Eyerly why he created a third turn around.  Tim Eyerly said that the Board members that went to look at Askey Road felt that this was the safest turn around.  Paul Carr, Business Manager said that the supervisors and landowner would have to be contacted concerning the new turn around.  A parent spoke to the board concerning Askey Road.  She is building a home there and has four children who are riding the bus or will be in the future.  She feels that the township has made many improvements to the road. 

Mary Ann Couteret motioned, Tom Veres seconded, to approve moving the Askey Road turn around to .8 of a mile from the entrance to Askey Road.  This move is contingent upon the township supervisors making improvements to the turn around.  Individual roll call:  Tim Eyerly – no; Larry Cowder – yes; Tom Veres – yes; Larry Allen – no; Anna Mae Pezzulla – yes; Mary Ann Couteret – yes; Ron Mollura – yes.  5 yes, 2 no.  Motion carried.

A. BOARD:

David Consiglio, Solicitor, explained the referendum the Board would be voting on at this meeting.  Tim Eyerly said he would be voting against the referendum because it was a cover-up of the Act 72 that was repealed.  Larry Allen asked what would happen if the referendum was not placed on the ballot.  The Solicitor responded that there was no choice but to have the voters make the decision.

Larry Allen motioned, Tim Eyerly seconded, to approve the following motion:

Propose the Board hire Stuart Hall, Esquire, of Miller and Hall, Lock Haven, PA to represent the school district in the lawsuit filed by DeGol Brothers Carpet, Duncansville, PA.

Motion carried.

Larry Cowder motioned, Larry Allen seconded, to approve the following motion:

Propose the Board approve the motion to adopt the Resolution authorizing the placement of a question on the May 15, 2007 primary election ballot.  The referendum will seek voter consent for the levying of a 1.0% Earned Income and Net Profits tax for the purpose of generating revenue.  This is pursuant to the Taxpayer Relief Act, Act 1 of Special Session 2006 and the Local Tax Enabling Act of December 31, 1965.  Individual roll call:  Anna Mae Pezzulla – yes; Tom Veres – yes; Mary Ann Couteret – yes; Tim Eyerly – no; Larry Cowder – yes; Larry Allen – yes; Ron Mollura – yes.  6 yes, 1 no.  Motion carried.

B.   PERSONNEL:

A discussion was held on whether evaluations forms for teachers can be examined by the Board.  David Consiglio, Solicitor, will study the matter further.

Tim Eyerly motioned, Larry Allen seconded, to defer the following motion:

Propose the Board approve Jaimy Buck for tenure.

Motion carried.

Trent Yarrison, WBAEA President, is concerned about the tenure issue.  He contends that the Board must grant tenure if the teacher’s evaluations are satisfactory.

Tim Eyerly motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion:

Propose the Board approve requiring all volunteers, substitutes and new employees to have all paperwork before starting employment with the district.  All paperwork will be submitted to the Board prior to approval.

Motion carried.

Tom Veres motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion:

Propose the Board approve the following substitutes pending receipt of all necessary paperwork:

      Karen Twiddy – Emergency Certificate

      Donna Christensen – Principal K-12, Special Education K-12, Environmental Education K-12,

          Mid-Level Science 7-9, Reading Specialist  

      Jarrod Hendricks – Elementary Education

      Roderick Krasinski – Custodial

      Noreen Hubler – Custodial

      Curtis Quick – Custodial

Motion carried.

Tom Veres motioned, Tim Eyerly seconded, to approve the following motion:                     

Propose the Board approve Employee No. 620 for retirement on disability on or about March 20, 2007.

Motion carried.

Larry Cowder motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion:

Propose the Board approve Lisa Shaffer for unpaid leave on March 1 and 2, 2007 and Dawn Boyd on February 26 to March 2, 2007.

Motion carried.

Tom Veres motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to defer the following motion:

Propose the Board approve the resignation of Jennifer Lannen as Junior Class Advisor effective February 1, 2007.

Motion carried.

C.   PROGRAM:

A discussion was held on several motions.  Paul Carr, Business Manager, stated that the parents would pay a fee of .30 per transaction to use the Nutri Kids on-line lunch account access.  The Board requested that the Administration require individuals to check on the availability of the school car before mileage reimbursement is requested on conference request forms.  Form may be altered to add a section for availability of school vehicle.

Tim Eyerly motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to defer the following motion:

Propose the Board approve the agreement with NutriKids to provide on-line access for parents to monitor children’s lunch accounts and provide fee-based credit card payment.

Motion carried.

Larry Allen motioned, Tom Veres seconded, to approve the following motions:

Propose the Board advertise for business and community members to participate in the Strategic Planning process.

Propose the Board approve the following field trip requests:

Clearfield Lock Haven-Employment Workshop:  Clearfield, PA; March 7, 2007

Special Education/Transition Council Cost to district: $85.00 Person in charge: Jaculin A. Zimmerman

West Branch Elementary Band/Band Fest:  McConnellsburg High School; May 4, 2007

Cost to district:  Reg. fee – 126.00; teacher dues – 103.00; van use.  Cost to district: $229.00 and van

Art Club:  The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, PA; March 25, 2007

Cost to district:  School van.  Person in charge:  Preston Raymond

Propose the Board approve the following workshop requests:

Creating and Managing Writer’s Workshop:  Harrisburg, PA; May 16, 2007 

Barbara Spencer:  Reg. fee:  179.00; sub – 85.00.  Total cost:  $264.00   PROFESSIONAL DAY

English as a Second Language:  Tuscarora IU 11; March 7, 2007

Bruce George:  Mileage – 65.96; sub – 85.00.  Total cost:  $150.96

First in Math at West Decatur:  Central Intermediate Unit 10; February 27, 2007

Bruce George:  Sub – 42.50.  Total cost:  $42.50

Energize Your Physical Education Program:  Pittsburgh, PA; April 11, 2007

Scott Beer:  Reg. fee – 189.00; sub – 85.00.  Total cost:  $274.00  PROFESSIONAL DAY

PA Assoc. of Pupil Services Adm. Chapter 12 Workshop:  Monroeville, PA; March 28, 2007

Sean Wechtenhiser:  Reg. fee – 95.00; mileage – 66.45.  Total cost:  $161.45

50 Ready to Use Writing Mini-Lessons:  Ramada Inn, Altoona, PA; April 27, 2007

Christina Onuskanich: Reg. fee – 179.00; materials – 36.94; sub – 85.00. Total cost: $300.94 PROF.             DAY

Stacy Ricciotti:  Reg. fee – 179.00; materials – 36.94; sub – 85.00.  Total cost:  $300.94 PROF. DAY

Assistive Tech Roundtable:  Central Intermediate Unit 10; February 15, 2007

Adele Williams:  Reg. fee – 30.00; sub – 85.00.  Total cost:  $115.00 ACCESS FUNDS

Sue Betts:  Reg. fee – 30.00; sub – 85.00.  Total cost:  $115.00    ACCESS FUNDS

2007 PA School Counselor Conference:  Lancaster, PA; April 19 – 20, 2007

Van Johnson:  Reg. fee – 325.00; motel – 219.78; meals – 25.00.  Total cost:  $569.78 2 PROF. DAYS

Attendance/Child Accounting Conference:  Hershey, PA; March 21-23, 2007

Dorothy Isaacson:  Reg. fee – 255.00; motel (with meals) – 399.00; mileage – 138.71.  Total:  $792.71

Response to Intervention:  Strategies for Reading & Math:  CIU 10; March 14, 2007

Wendy Fernburg:  No cost to district

Sarah Ewing:  Sub – 42.50.  Total cost:  $42.50

Technology and the Law: Social Networking / Cyberbullying:  State College, PA; March 27, 2007

Sean Wechtenhiser:  Reg. fee - 130.00.  Total cost:  $130.00

Arleen P. Multhauf:  Reg. fee – 130.00; mileage – 38.80.  Total cost:  $168.80

Propose the Board approve the Dual Enrollment Agreement with Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, Johnstown, PA.  Students will be awarded college credit at $25.00 per credit for approved high school courses such as Advanced Chemistry, Calculus and Honors English 12.

Propose the Board approve the hosting of the PMEA, District 4 Jazz Band Festival during the 2007-08 school year from January 31 through February 2, 2008 at no cost to the school district.

Individual roll call:  Mary Ann Couteret – yes; Larry Cowder – yes; Anna Mae Pezzulla – no; Larry Allen – yes; Tim Eyerly – no; Tom Veres – yes; Ron Mollura – yes.  5 yes, 2 no.  Motion carried.

D.   BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS:

A discussion was held on the PP&L project.  Larry Allen asked Paul Carr if the district could afford the project.  Paul Carr felt that the district could afford the project and with PP&L projections, the district could save approximately 1.5 million dollars over 15 years.  Ron Mollura asked Linda Miller, PP&L, if there would be a penalty if the loan was paid off early and Linda Miller responded that there would be no penalty.  Anna Mae Pezzulla was concerned that the roof replacement was not in the project.  She is concerned with the cost and would like to have the district do the project in-house.  PP&L assured the Board that shutting down the boilers would not harm them but extend their life.  Ron Mollura feels that the project is a “golden opportunity” for the taxpayers of the district and could save the district money.  PP&L and the district solicitor will put language in the contract that will give the Board involvement in the project.

Tim Eyerly motioned, Larry Allen seconded, to approve the following motion:

Propose the Board approve the three-year asbestos reinspection and management plan update at a cost of $1,950.00. 

Motion carried.

Larry Cowder motioned, Larry Allen seconded, to approve the following motion:

Propose the Board approve the Volz Environmental testing not to exceed a cost of $4,000.00.

Motion carried.

Tom Veres motioned, Tim Eyerly seconded, to approve the following motion:         

Propose the Board approve the contract with PP&L for an Act 77 energy conservation project at a cost of $1,166,789.00 and contingent on resolution of contract language.  Individual roll call:  Larry Cowder – yes; Larry Allen – yes; Anna Mae Pezzulla – no; Mary Ann Couteret – yes; Tom Veres – yes; Tim Eyerly – yes; Ron Mollura – yes.  6 yes, 1 no.  Motion carried.

Tom Veres motioned, Tim Eyerly seconded, to approve the following motion:         

Propose the Board approve a bank loan from M&T Bank for an amount of $1,200,000.00.  Individual roll call:  Larry Allen – yes; Mary Ann Couteret – yes; Larry Cowder – yes; Tim Eyerly –yes; Tom Veres – yes; Anna Mae Pezzulla – no; Ron Mollura – yes.  6 yes, 1 no.  Motion carried.

E.   ATHLETICS AND TRANSPORTATION:

David Williamson, Athletic Director, gave the Board information pertaining to revenue and expenditures for the athletic teams.  The expenditures were $19,300 more than the revenues of $18,290 for the fall sports teams.  An increase in ticket sales to varsity football would generate approximately $4,000.00.  Currently, the admission prices are $3 for adults and $1 for students for varsity athletic events.  The increase will be tabled and brought to the Board at the next committee meeting.

Tim Eyerly motioned, Tom Veres seconded, to defer the following motion:

Propose the Board increase ticket prices for Varsity Athletic events beginning with the 2007-2008 school year.

Admission:        Adults         $4.00                     

                        Students      $2.00

Junior Varsity only events (football) will remain:  Adults     $2.00

                                                                     Students $1.00

Fall:  Volleyball, Varsity Football

Winter:  Boys and Girls Basketball, Wrestling

Motion carried.

Tim Eyerly motioned, Larry Allen seconded, to approve the following motions:

Propose the Board approve hiring Patty Wood as Assistant Track/Field Coach.

Propose the Board approve the following Spring Volunteer coaches pending receipt of necessary paperwork:

      Track/Field:  Rachel Carr, Matt Hauck

      Softball:  Jerry Nevling, Doug Cole, Aaron Tiracorda

      Baseball:  Ron Henry, Charlie Saggese

Propose the Board approve the following bids for athletic supplies for spring 2007 sports:

A.  Varsity Softball:  DeMans – 402.90; Sportsmans - 174.60; Sport Supply Group – 17.88. 

      TOTAL:  $595.38

B.   Jr. High Softball:  Sportsmans – 116.24; Sport Supply Group – 200.59.  TOTAL:  $316.83

C.   Baseball:  DeMans – 14.50; Sportsmans - 479.38; Sport Supply Group – 311.43.  TOTAL:  $805.31

D.   Track & Field:  DeMans – 109.00; Sportsmans – 16.80; Gopher – 39.70; Sport Supply – 6.00; First to Finish – 579.00; M.F. Athletics – 26.00.  TOTAL:  $776.50  

Motion carried.

Tim Eyerly motioned, Larry Cowder seconded, to defer the following motion:

Propose the Board approve the Cheerleader Addendum to the Athletic Handbook as

recommended by the administrative team.

Motion carried.

A discussion was held on the girls’ volleyball team attending the KSA Wide World of Sports Disney Classic Tournament.  Dr. Multhauf feels that the volleyball team should not attend the classic because the students and teachers will lose the first three days of school, which are vital.  Terry Trude, Volleyball Coach, told the Board that the team has worked hard and it is a valuable experience.  The trip is funded by the volleyball team.  The Board and public felt that this would be a chance of a lifetime for the students and would be a great socialization opportunity for the students.

Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Larry Cowder seconded, to approve the following motion:

Propose the Board approve the girls’ volleyball team participating in the KSA Wide World of Sports Disney Classic to be held August 29 – September 2, 2007 at no cost to the school district.

Motion carried.

F.    POLICY:

David Consiglio, Solicitor, confirmed that he had reviewed the policies on the agenda and from a legal perspective, felt that he needed to advise the Board that he annotated additional items that he thought would have already had been checked concerning Policy No. 115.  Minor changes were made to Policy No. 123.

Larry Cowder motioned, Tim Eyerly seconded, to approve the following motion:

Propose the Board approve the final reading of the following policies:

Policy No. 100    Strategic Plan

Policy No. 103    Nondiscrimination in School and Classroom Practices

Policy No. 113    Special Education

Policy No. 115    Vocational Technical Education

Policy No. 122    Extracurricular Activities

Policy No. 123    Interscholastic Athletics

Policy No. 140    Charter

Motion carried.

Tim Eyerly motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, that all items for the agenda will be submitted to the Superintendent’s Office by 9:00 a.m. the Wednesday prior to the committee and regular meetings.  A letter will be sent to all staff concerning this change.  There will be no addendum except for emergency items.

Motion carried.

Tim Eyerly motioned, Anna Mae Pezzulla seconded, that the Technology Coordinator set-up the sound system for the board meetings and meeting will be recorded.

Motion carried.

Ron Mollura, Board President, announced that an Executive Session would be held March 9, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. for Personnel in the Board Conference room.

Old Business –