WEST BRANCH AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING                                                                                        JANUARY 22, 2007

The regular meeting of the West Branch Area School District Board of Directors was held in the high school library on January 22, 2007 at 7:01 p.m. 

Members present:  Ronald Mollura; Anna Mae Pezzulla; Tom Veres; Larry Allen; Timothy Eyerly; Robert Smith; Larry Cowder; Mary Ann Couteret; Erling Anderson (7:05 p.m.) 

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; Lori Bell; Linda Miller, PP & L; Jeff Ennis; Chris Little; Cindy Kay Shugart; Daisi Eyerly; Clint Dumas; Robert Myers; Pat Gongaware; Jessica Gongaware; Donald C. Murray, Sr.; Karen Williams; Chanel Murray; Linda Murray; Tyler Bryan; Chandra Murray; Jeff Eyet; Bill Gongaware; Ellen Smith; Garrett Miller; Tom Longe; H. Michael; Len Coval; Amanda McCartney; Lynn Brewer; Allison Koleno; Martha White; Joe Kovalcin.

Leah Carr – Student Government:

·       Midterm tests were January 12, 16, 17 & 18, 2007.

·       End of the marking period is January 22, 2007.

·       Winter sports which is boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball and wrestling is continuing.

·       An elementary cheer clinic was held January 20, 2007.

·       Engineering Club is working on a project with electronic stethoscopes.

·       Drama Club is practicing for the performance of West Side Story to be held at the end of March.

Leah Lawrence – Senior Class

·       Diploma information has been distributed to the class.

·       Measurements for caps and gowns have been taken.

·       Cookie dough fundraiser was held.

Arleen P. Multhauf, D.Ed., Superintendent, presented certificates to the Board members for School Director Recognition month.

Linda Murray – Graham Township:  Ms. Murray stated that her daughter was suspended for one day prior to Christmas for holes in her jeans, which the mother was wearing.  Since her and her husband were working, her daughter was told to put on a pair of gym shorts in the middle of December.  Her other daughter wore the same pair of jeans since the suspension and was not called to the office.  She has noticed that students are coming to school with chains on clothing which is also a violation of the dress code.  She would like the district to be fair to all students and follow the dress code in its entirety.  Ron Mollura responded that the administration follows the school handbook to the best of their ability and the handbook is sent home for parents to read.

Kristin Remp – Karthaus Township:  Presented to the Board petitions  concerning Askey Road from residents of Karthaus.  She feels that the taxpayers are being burned with unnecessary mileage.

Tom Longe – Karthaus Township Supervisor:  This is the second time he has been to the Board concerning Askey Road.  He feels that the road is safe and does not see any problems.  The township is using a different type of ash on the road.  If there are complaints concerning the road, what are they?  Ron Mollura responded that the Board looked at the road and there are no reflectors or guide rails and the potholes are horrendous.

Kristin Remp – Karthaus Township:  If the state deemed that the road is safe, then what is the problem?  Tim Eyerly suggested that the Board meet on Saturday and check the road again.  Mrs. Remp also handed petitions to Mr. Carr.

Christine Little – Elementary Cafeteria Worker:  Ron Mollura, Board President requested that Ms. Little hold her presentation for the executive session. 

Cindy Kay Shugert – Elementary Cafeteria Worker:  Also requested to speak but the Board President suggested that she hold comment until executive session.

Daisi Eyerly – Morris Township:  She requested to speak at the end of the meeting.

Executive Session was called at 7:15 p.m. for Personnel and Litigation.

Meeting reconvened at 9:15 p.m.

Bob Smith motioned, Tim Eyerly seconded, to approve the revised minutes of September 25, 2006 and the minutes of December 4, 2006.

Dr. Multhauf –

·       The Strategic Plan is due to the Pennsylvania Department of Education by September 2007.  Committees will be forming and any school directors should contact her if they are interested in participating in the process.

Mr. Wechtenhiser –

·       No report

Mr. Hayward –

·       Forty-six fourth grade students were selected to have their poems published in “A Celebration of Young Poets”.  A certificate of achievement has been given to the West Branch Area Elementary School because of the exceptional high merit of our students’ entries.

Ron Mollura requested that letters of congratulations be sent to the students.

Mrs. Fernburg –

·       No report

CIU –

·       Re-organization is taking place at the CIU.

CCCTC – None

Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Robert Smith seconded, to approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented.

Voice roll call:  unanimous approval

Anna Mae Pezzulla asked Mary Ann Couteret, Finance Committee Chairperson, if she had added up the invoices at the committee meeting last week.  Mary Ann Couteret responded no.

Tim Eyerly motioned, Robert Smith seconded, to pay the general fund and cafeteria bills as presented.  Individual roll call:  Tom Veres – yes; Larry Cowder – no; Mary Ann Couteret – yes; Erling Anderson – yes; Larry Allen – yes; Robert Smith – no; Anna Mae Pezzulla – no; Tim Eyerly – yes; Ron Mollura – yes.  6 yes, 3 no.  Motion carried.

A.   BOARD:

Larry Cowder motioned, Robert Smith seconded, to approve the following motion:

Propose the Board decommission the Tax Commission formed under Act 1 of 2006 and direct the Board Secretary to send them a letter of appreciation for their service to the school district.

Voice roll call:  unanimous approval

B.   PERSONNEL:

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

Propose the Board accept the resignation for the purpose of retirement from David K. Catanzaro effective after the last official school day of the 2006-07 school year.

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

      Theresa Dunlap – Secretarial, Cafeteria Monitor, Aide

      Ryan Doyle – Health and Physical Education

      Desiree Samansky – Personal Care Aide

      Jack Kephart – Elementary Education

      Terry Parks – Elementary Education

      Barry Gormont – Emergency Certification

      Danielle Kenawell – Cafeteria

      Jeremiah Evans – Cafeteria

      Kirk Earnest - Custodial

Propose the Board approve Family Medical Leave for Employee No. 215 beginning on or around April 25, 2007 to approximately June 7, 2007.

Propose the Board approve Family Medical Leave for Employee No. 106 beginning November 21, 2006 p.m. and extending 12 weeks.

Propose the Board require adult volunteers in the elementary school provide appropriate clearances, as required of new employees, to the district office commencing with the 2007-08 school year.

Propose the Board approve an unpaid leave of absence for Stefanie Sattesahn, RN, BSN on

April 4, 5 & 10, 2007 if these days are required to make up school days missed due to inclement weather or other emergency.

Voice roll call:  unanimous approval

C.   PROGRAM:

Larry Cowder motioned, Robert Smith seconded, to approve the following motion:

Propose the Board approve the following field trip requests:

Eisenhower Auditorium:  State College, PA; February 13, 2007

Third and Fourth Grade:  No cost to district 

Persons in charge:  Stacy Ricciotti and Stephanie MacTavish

Clearfield County Career and Technology Center:  Clearfield, PA; January 26, 2007

Cost to district:  Subs – 85.00; buses – 225.00.  Total:  $310.00

Persons in charge:  Doug Sankey and Kim Struble    

Fifth grade:  Fort Roberdeau; Mary 25, 2007

Cost to district:  -0- Person in charge:  Nan Reams

A discussion was held on several of the workshop requests.  Anna Mae Pezzulla requested that the Board follow the current teachers’ contract, which states that two teachers are permitted to go per conference.  It was decided to permit three teachers to go to the “What’s New in Adult Literacy” workshop because one teacher was from special education and two were from regular education.  The non-tenured Kindergarten teacher will be required to use one personal day to attend the Kindergarten conference.  Tim Eyerly asked if the staff is using the driver’s education car and school vans.

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

Propose the Board approve the following workshop requests:

Discipline under IDEA 2004:  “Applying the New Regs.”  Audio Conf.; February 1, 2007

Wendy Fernburg:  Reg. fee – 240.00.  Total cost:  $240.00 FUNDED BY:  ACCESS

PASBO Budget:  Best Western, DuBois, PA; February 15, 2007

Paul Carr and Arleen P. Multhauf, D.Ed.:  Reg. fee - 150.00; mileage – 38.80.  Total:  $188.80

Hillyard Custodial Management Clinic:  Clearfield, PA; February 7 & 8, 2007

David Nelson:  Reg. fee – 100.00.  Total cost:  $100.00

Grant Writing & Resource Development Workshop:  Pittsburgh, PA; April 19 & 20, 2007

Sean Wechtenhiser:  Reg. fee – 349.00.  Total cost:  $349.00

Jeremy Craven:  Reg. fee – 350.00; motel – 100.00; meals 70.00; mileage 137.74. Total: $657.74

Special Education Plan Training:  Harrisburg, PA; January 26, 2007

Wendy Fernburg:  No cost to district         

ACCESS for ELL-Training as certified administrator:  Central Intermediate Unit 10; January 4, 2007

Bruce George:  Sub – 85.00.  Total cost:  $85.00

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

Miriam Ennis:  Reg. fee - 180.00; motel - 178.00; meals – 60.00; mileage – 111.25.  Total: $529.25

PA Educational Technology Expo & Conference:  Hershey, PA; February 11 – 13, 2007

Jeremy Craven: Reg. fee – 300.00; motel – 200.00; meals – 100.00; mileage – 126.00. Total: $726.00

2007 PSFCA Kick-Off Clinic:  Hershey, PA; February 2-3, 2007

Chad Koleno:  Reg. fee – 60.00; sub – 85.00.  Total cost:  $145.00

Christopher Mason:  Reg. fee – 60.00; sub – 85.00.  Total cost:  $145.00

Gerald White:  Reg. fee – 60.00; sub – 85.00.  Total cost:  $145.00

Enhancing Spanish Language Instruction:  Harrisburg, PA; March 19, 2007

Lori Bollinger:  Reg. fee – 189.00; meals – 8:00; mileage – 91.18; sub – 85.00.  Total:  $373.18

PANA State-wide Satellite Update:  Central Intermediate Unit 10; January 23, 2007

Stefanie Sattesahn:  Sub – 67.00.  Total:  $67.00

CPI Training:  Central Intermediate Unit; January 24, 2007    ACCESS

Susan Zimmerman:  Reg. fee – 30.00; sub – 42.60.  Total:  $72.60   

Connie Shimmel:  Reg. fee – 30.00; sub – 42.60.  Total:  $72.60

What’s New in Young Adult Literature/How to Use It In Your Prog: St. College, PA; March 1, 2007

Kathleen Howe:  Reg. fee – 175.00; sub – 85.00.  Total:  $260.00

Ronda Hanslovan:  Reg. fee – 175.00; sub – 85.00.  Total:  $260.00

Deb Moriarity:  Reg. fee – 175.00; sub – 85.00.  Total:  $260.00

Voice roll call:  Unanimous approval

Tim Eyerly motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion provided that one personal day is used by the non-tenured teacher:

Conference for Kindergarten Teachers:  Harrisburg, PA; March 5 & 6, 2007 FUNDED BY:  TITLE II

Susan Lawrence:  Reg. fee – 289.00; motel – 112.00; sub – 170.00.  Total:  $571.00

Jaimy Buck:  Reg. fee – 289.00; motel – 112.00; sub – 170.00.  Total:  $571.00

Allison Koleno:  Reg. fee – 289.00; motel – 112.00; sub – 170.00.  Total:  $571.00

Voice roll call:  unanimous approval

Robert Smith motioned, Tim Eyerly seconded, to approve the following workshop with the exception of the motel expense:

2007 PARSS Annual Meeting:  Ramada Inn, State College, PA; April 25-27, 2007

Arleen P. Multhauf, D.Ed.:  Reg. fee – 180.00; motel – 77.00; mileage – 40.00.  Total cost: $297.00

Individual voice roll call:  Robert Smith – yes; Erling Anderson – yes; Tim Eyerly – yes; Larry Cowder – yes; Tom Veres – yes; Larry Allen – no; Anna Mae Pezzulla – yes; Mary Ann Couteret – yes; Ron Mollura – yes.  8 yes, 1 no.  Motion carried.

Ron Mollura explained to the Board that he and Erling Anderson had visited the Life Skills classrooms and was recommending to the Board that the classrooms stay in their current state.  Mr. Mollura and Mr. Anderson were very impressed with the teachers, staff and students.  The students were well behaved and the program is very successful. They feel that changing the program now would be breaking something that was not broken.

Robert Smith motioned, Larry Cowder seconded, to reject the following motion:

Propose the Board approve the transfer of entity for two (2) secondary life skills classes from the CIU 10 to the school district starting with the 2007-2008 school year.

Voice roll call:  unanimous approval

D.   BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS:

Larry Cowder motioned, Robert Smith seconded, to approve the following motion:

Propose the Board approve Fire Alarm maintenance agreement with Select Security including 24 hr.

monitoring for the price of $7,062.00 per year.  This covers all equipment and labor for our Edwards fire alarm system.  The agreement does not cover theft, vandalism, mandated upgrades by manufacturer, acts of God and any unauthorized work done to system.

Voice roll call:  unanimous approval

A discussion was held on the PP & L contract.  The Solicitor explained that a conference call was set up between him, Linda Miller, Arleen P. Multhauf, D.Ed. and the Attorney for PP & L.  Language of the contract was discussed.  Several areas were discussed such as warranties, hold harmless clause and risk of loss.  It will be the district’s responsibility for asbestos abatement if asbestos is found present in the replacement of the windows.  Dave Nelson will be meeting with Volz the asbestos abatement company.  The Board decided to table the contract until further study of the abatement costs.  Ron Mollura will be at the meeting with Volz. 

Mary Ann Couteret motioned, Larry Cowder seconded, to defer the following motions:

Propose the Board approve the contract with PP & L for an Act 77 energy conservation project at a cost of $1,166,789.00.

Propose the Board approve a bank loan from M & T Bank for an amount of $_______________.

Voice roll call:  unanimous approval

A discussion was held on purchasing a broom sweep for the district.  David Nelson, Maintenance Supervisor, cited lack of staff and safety as the reason for the purchase.  Tim Eyerly suggested that the district check out the state piggyback program.

Propose the Board approve purchasing a broom sweep for sidewalks at a cost of $3,288.99.  State piggyback contract will be checked first for any cost savings.

Voice roll call:  unanimous approval

E.   ATHLETICS AND TRANSPORTATION:

Erling Anderson motioned, Tom Veres seconded, to approve the following motions:

Propose the Board accept the resignation of Sean Wechtenhiser as Boys’ and Girls’ Assistant Track and Field Coach, and approve him as Volunteer Assistant.

Propose the Board accept the resignation of Tim Tice as Jr. High Assistant Wrestling Coach effective January 4, 2007 due to personal reasons.

Propose the Board approve hiring Garrett Miller as Jr. High Assistant Wrestling Coach effective

January 4, 2007, pending receipt of all necessary paperwork.

Propose the Board accept the resignation of Clark Dale as Assistant Girls’ Soccer Coach and approve him as Volunteer Coach.

Propose the Board approve Danny Clark as a Volunteer for the Jr. High Boys’ Basketball program and Track and Field pending receipt of all necessary paperwork.

Propose the Board approve Bill Gongaware as Assistant Girls’ Soccer Coach.  Paperwork is on file.

Propose the Board approve hiring Bryan Williams as Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach, pending receipt of all necessary paperwork.

Propose the Board discontinue its cooperative Sports agreement for Boys’ Soccer with Philipsburg-Osceola School District.

Propose the Board approve the formation of a Junior High Girls’ Soccer team to be financed by the West Branch Lady Warriors Soccer Booster Club and be no cost to the school district.  This will be a two or three year pilot program.

Voice roll call:  unanimous approval

F.    BUDGET:

A discussion was held concerning the Act 1 Taxpayers Relief Act.  The time frame for adopting a resolution authorizing the May 15, 2007 referendum question to be put on the ballot is March 13, 2007.  A public hearing must be held.  The Board decided to hold the hearing on February 19, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the high school library.  The committee meeting will be advertised as a voting meeting.  The Board will also begin holding budget meetings beginning in April.  

Tim Eyerly motioned, Larry Cowder seconded, to advertise the Notice of Intent to Adopt Resolution Authorizing the May 15, 2007 Ballot Question and Resolution Levying and Assessing the Act 1 Income Tax if approved by the voters.

Voice roll call:  unanimous approval

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

Propose the Board file exceptions under Act 1 through Pennsylvania Department of Education for medical insurance, special education and retirement payment costs.  This will allow the board if approved, to raise taxes beyond the 4.4 mills limit under the Index.

Propose the Board approve the preliminary budget for 2007-08 in the total amount of $15,570,379.00.

Voice roll call:  unanimous approval

Anna Mae Pezzulla and Robert Smith left the meeting at 9:45 p.m.

G.  POLICY:

Tim Eyerly motioned, Larry Cowder seconded, to approve the following motion pending Solicitor’s review:

Propose the Board approve the following policies for first reading:

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 School   

Voice roll call:  unanimous approval

ADDENDUM:     

PERSONNEL:

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

Propose the Board accept the resignation of Tina Kolesar from the position of Cafeteria Monitor effective January 26, 2007.            

Propose the Board approve the following substitute.  All paperwork has been received.

William Gongaware, Jr. – Custodial

Voice roll call:  unanimous approval

PROGRAM:

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

Propose the Board approve the following field trip:

Teen Court:  Clearfield County Courthouse, Clearfield, PA; March 13, 2007

Cost to district:  Subs – 170.00 and school bus.  Person in Charge: Joe Matson

Daisi Eyerly – Morris Township:  She asked the Board why we have hall monitors when we have a camera system.  In reference to the dress code, the first period class should be the place where students are looked at for dress code violations.  She would like to know why the district does not have a proven grant writer.  She would also like to see the resignations of Dr. Multhauf and Paul Carr.  She would like a copy of Paul Carr’s job description.

Correspondence – None

Old Business – It is the consensus of the Board to have the Department of Education do the management audit at the district.  Dr. Multhauf will contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education to do the audit.

Tim Eyerly requested that a meeting be set up on Saturday to review the Askey Road situation.  Board members who wish to attend are to be at the school at 9:00 a.m.

Larry Cowder motioned, Erling Anderson seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Miriam Ennis

Board Secretary