OFFICIAL MINUTES
WEST BRANCH AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
MORRISDALE, PA
REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2007
The regular meeting of the West Branch Area School District Board of Directors was held in the high school auditorium on November 19, 2007 at 7:03 p.m.
Members present: Ronald Mollura; Anna Mae Pezzulla; Tom Veres; Larry Allen; Timothy Eyerly; Robert Smith; Mary Ann Couteret – 7:12; Erling Anderson.
Others present: Arleen P. Multhauf, D.Ed., Superintendent; William Hayward, Elementary Principal; Wendy Fernburg, Supervisor of Special Education; Sean Wechtenhiser, High School Principal; Paul Carr, Business Manager; Christina Grossi, Senior Class Representative; Miriam Ennis, Board Secretary;
Linda Miller; Phyllis Gable; Gerald Coble; Robert Myers; Charles Howe; Allison Koleno; Paul J. Monella II; Jeff Eyet; Chris Marsh; Preston Raymond; Trent Yarrison; Jeff Ennis; John Milliron; Stephanie Kopchik; Fred Martin; Dana Dunlap; Bill Gongaware; Bonnie Fenush; Kayla Fenush; Megan Weichiser; Shari Buck; Kimberly Owens; Kari Larson; Alexandria Lanager; Taylor Thomas; Molly Sabol; Naydea Marker; pat Gongaware; Taylor Eirich; Georgette Eirich; Kevin Myers; Ellen Smith; Donald S. Hubler; Chantell Hubler; David L. Williamson; Lynn Brewer; Jerry White; Dana Myers
An Executive Session for Personnel and Athletics was held on November 9, 2007.
Student Reports:
Christina Grossi:
· The cookie dough sale was held for the class. There were incentives for the class to sell.
A total of 10 containers were required to be sold. This was to finance their trip to Cedar Point.
· December 10 will be measurements for caps and gowns.
Presentations:
Kevin Myers, Assistant Jr. High Soccer Coach, presented the Board with the first game ball of their first win as a newly formed team.
RJ Myers, Girls Varsity Soccer Coach, Kim Owens, Kari Larson and Molly Sabol presented the Board with three soccer balls. The first was for the Kim Owens, goal keeper, who shut out opponents eight times this year. The second was for Mollie Sabol who had 30 goals this season and the third was for Kari Larson’s scoring of 83 goals this season. The team led District 6 in team goals with 98 goals.
Linda Miller, PP&L, presented the Scoping Audit Report to the Board. She addressed the areas of concern:
· Elementary school roof needs replaced.
· High School windows not replaced in Phase 1 need replaced.
· Elementary school walk-in refrigerator and freezer need upgraded.
· Business Office HVAC needs tuned-up. It is either too hot or too cold.
· Teacher’s Lounge needs cooling.
· The new High School Gym lights are outdated.
· Several exterior doors in back of High School need replaced.
Other areas of concern:
· Emergency lighting – classrooms, offices, restrooms
· Elementary emergency generator
· Replace High School and Elementary walk-in refrigerator and freezer units
· Elementary School entryway (safety and security)
· High School old classroom floors
· Exterior lighting (safety and security)
· Security cameras for Administration entrance (grants available)
PP&L also listed solutions to these concerns. The net cost to the district would be $2,930,793.00. These numbers are preliminary and could be more or less depending on the out come of the bidding process. Tim Eyerly questioned whether they could replace the windows that would gain the most energy efficiency for now. Linda Miller responded that the window project could be broken down. The roof is about half of the project and the roof will probably have a 30 year warranty. Larry Cowder questioned the use of PP&L as project manager when they are an electrical contractor. Linda Miller explained that they are a HVC mechanical company and that Garland Roof will do the specs for the roof. The roof will probably be bid out in January which is the best time to get a good quote. Tim Eyerly suggested that the outdoor freezer be removed from the parking lot at the elementary school.
Tom Veres motioned, Erling Anderson seconded, to approve the letter of intent for the Investment Grade Study offered by PP&L Energy Services. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors:
Kevin Myers, Assistant Jr. High Soccer Coach, presented the Board with a breakdown of the soccer field repairs needed at the Gethsemane Church. Alan Larson and other companies have donated labor and equipment for the project. The soccer association is requesting $1,800.00 from the district for grass seed, grass killer, and mulch. This is a one time request.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Larry Allen seconded, to give the soccer association $2,000.00 for needed repairs to the field at the Gethsemane Church. Motion carried.
Dana Dunlap, PIAA District 6 certified referee, told the Board of the need for the repairs to the fields at Gethsemane Church and thanked the Board for the $2,000.00.
Kayla Fenush and Megan Werkheiser, approached the board to build a soccer field on the property that
was cleared next to the football field. With the help of family, friends and businesses they would like to raise the money to pursue this as their senior project. They will know by May 2009 if the project is possible and they will come back with a plan to the Board. If the project does not come to fruition, the money will be donated to a charity in Clearfield County. They will also have time to choose another senior project if the field is not possible. Anna Mae Pezzulla suggested that the Board put aside $10,000.00 for the girls for the soccer field project. Mr. Wechtenhiser said that it states that the senior project cannot start until the end of the junior year. Mary Ann Couteret suggested that the $15,043.30 that is designated as the Tennis Court Fund be now known as the Soccer Field Fund. The tennis court fund was to be used to replace the tennis courts behind the school when the construction project was complete. The tennis court was originally built with a federal grant. Mae Pezzulla then suggested that an additional $10,000.00 be put aside for the Soccer Field Fund. Some board members expressed concern that this might set a precedent for other senior projects.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve changing the Tennis Court
Account to the Soccer Field Fund and to set aside $15,043.30 for the preliminary studies. Motion carried.
Lester Smeal, representing the Warrior Youth Football Association, thanked the Board, Administration, Athletic Director and the Varsity Football Staff for the support of another successful program. This year 40 students were involved in grades K-2; grades 3 – 6 had 54 students. There was also a cheerleading program were 42 students were involved.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Robert Smith seconded, to approve the minutes of October 22, 2007 as presented. Motion carried.
Ron Mollura presented Tim Eyerly and Anna Mae Pezzulla certificates from PSBA for their years to service to the Board.
Ron Mollura presented Dr. Multhauf with the official minutes of the meetings at which the Board did not extend her contract and renew her contract.
Administrative Reports:
Sean Wechtenhiser reported that the Boys’ Cross Country Team won the Juniata Valley League Cross Country title this year. Ethan Lidgett, Dylan Husted, Zack Pelton and Chandra Murray were named leaguer All-Stars. The whiteboards have arrived that were purchased from the Classrooms for the Future Grant. Mr. Wechtenhiser will be submitting a grant for Dual Enrollment for the 2008-09 school year. Home school, private school and charter school students must be notified as part of the grant requirement. This grant will allow seniors to enroll in college classes during their senior year and they will receive college and high school credits for these classes. Penn State DuBois and Lock Haven Clearfield will be our partners in this program. The School Improvement Plan will need approval this evening. When PDE receives the plan then the district can apply for a $9,500.00 School Improvement Grant that will help defray some of the costs of the plan.
Mr. Hayward reported to the Board concerning the Internet Safety program that was presented to the community. Only 6 members of the community attended. A program was held during the day for grades 4 – 6. Congratulations were given to grades K-1 for receiving a Wal-Mart Grant. Ron Mollura questioned how the crisis plan and security were coming along. Mr. Hayward said that the plan is still at the printers. Stanley was in yesterday and repaired the front doors but the camera situation was still not rectified.
Wendy Fernburg – No Report
Paul Carr, stated that the state auditors are in the building. West Branch will be the first district to have a security audit next week.
Dr. Multhauf read a letter from the PA Inspired Leadership concerning Wendy Fernburg completing the course.
CIU – No Report
CCCTC – Larry Allen reported that the renovations are complete. There are some new programs in the works and grants will be obtained for returning adult students.
Technology Committee – No Report
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Robert Smith seconded, to approve the Treasurer’s Report, General Fund bills, Cafeteria bills, PP&L bill and the Atlas Neon Sign final payment of $7,982.50. Motion carried.
Ron Mollura questioned the bill for Paul Gable and Sons of $2,380.71 to rewire the fire pump. He questioned why the fire pump was not wired as per code. Anna Mae Pezzulla questioned why the Labor and Industry approved the Occupancy Permit when the emergency lights in the Auditorium do not work. Attorney Levin wondered whether the fire code had changed during that period or after that period of time. Dr. Multhauf was instructed to write a letter to the Department of Labor and Industry and question why the district received an Occupancy Permit if the fire pump was not up to code and the emergency lights did not work in the Auditorium. Ron Mollura suggested that we get the Architect and Project Manager back to the school and also get the Fiore bills No. 21, 22 and 23 that are outstanding. Dr. Multhauf was also instructed to send letters sent to all contractors who have outstanding items and to the architect inquiring when the issues will be resolved.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Robert Smith seconded, to instruct Dr. Multhauf to write a letter to the Department of Labor and Industry concerning the Occupancy Permit. Motion carried.
An Executive Session was held at 8:10 p.m. for Athletics.
Meeting reconvened at 8:15 p.m.
A discussion was held on the Gethsemane bus stop. Dana Myers, daycare director at the church, requested that the bus stop be provided because of the volume of traffic when the children cross the highway and if another incident took place at the school, the children would be on a bus and not crossing the highway. She was concerned that the proposal from Mr. Carr was “vengefull”. Paul Carr, said that three buses could carry the students and that the students would be bused to Winburne and then to the school. Some board members were not in favor of busing the students from the church to Winburne and back to the school. Tim Eyerly suggested that the bus go to Winburne and on the return trip pull into the church pick up the students and then go to the school for drop-off.
Larry Cowder motioned, Robert Smith seconded, to approve picking up the Gethsemane Daycare students at the church after the bus returns from Winburne and then dropping them off at the school. Motion carried.
David Williamson, Athletic Director, thanked Chad Koleno, varsity football coach and his staff for their hard work and dedication to the students.
A. PERSONNEL:
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motions:
Propose the Board approve the resignation of Kristal L. Hebden as part-time secretary effective
October 29, 2007.
Propose the Board approve the agreement with Jason P. Michaels, Technology Coach, from October 15, 2007 through June 30, 2008, as attached.
Propose the Board approve the following substitutes. All paperwork has been received.
Dawn Verbitsky - Custodian
Propose the Board approve the following volunteers. All paperwork has been received.
Sally Holt – Elementary Gerry Hockenburry – Elementary
Kirsten Maguire – Elementary Dawn Fetterolf – Elementary
Jeanie Scott – Elementary
Motion carried.
Jessica Frank, high school English teacher, is starting a “Warrior Weight Loss Challenge” for employees.
B. PROGRAM:
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Robert Smith seconded, to approve the following motions:
Propose the Board approve the following workshop requests:
Essential Partners: Working With Law Enforcement and First Responders for a Safe School Community: Mars, PA; December 10, 2007
Sean Wechtenhiser: Reg. fee – 25.00. Cost to district: $25.00
Andrew Brickley: Reg. fee – 25.00; subs – 85.00. Cost to district: $110.00 TITLE 11 FUNDS
Governor’s Institute for Innovation in Ed.: State College; Dec. 17-29, 2007 TITLE II FUNDS
Chris Marsh: Subs - $255.00. Cost to district: $255.00
Brain STEPS School Re-entry Consulting Team: Patton, Harrisburg; Feb 21 & 22, 2007;
Dates to be announced: March, April, May, 2008
Susan Betts: Subs – 425.00; motel -60.85. Cost to district: $515.85
Brandy Fetters: Subs – 425.00. Cost to district: $425.00
Agriculture in the Classroom II: Delaware Valley College, Doylestown, PA; April 25-27, 2008Carlene Pearce-Houston: Sub – 85.00. Cost to district: $85.00 TITLE 11 FUNDS
PETE & Conference: Hershey Lodge, Hershey, PA; February 10-12, 2008 -
1 Prof. Day – JoEllen Hunt TITLE FUNDS – JoEllen Hunt
JoEllen Hunt: Reg. fee–180.00; motel–265.96; meals–32.00; subs–170.00. Total: $647.96
Jeremy Craven: Reg. fee $315.00; motel – 244.00. Total cost: $559.00
House of Delegates/PSEA: Pittsburgh, PA; December 7, 2007 PROFESSIONAL DAY
Van Johnson: No cost to district
Assistive Technology Roundtable: Central Intermediate Unit; Dec. 14, 2007 and April 24, 2008
Adele Williams: Subs – 170.00. Total cost to district: $170.00
Sue Betts: Subs – 170.00. Total cost to district: $170.00
Propose the Board approve the following field trip request:
International Club: Slifer House Museum/German Market; December 7, 2007
Cost to district: Subs - $85.00 Persons in charge: Lori Bollinger and Colleen Viehdorfer
Ski Club: Person in charge: Joseph Beahan
Holiday Valley Ski Resort; January 20 & 27, 2008. Cost to district: -0-
Tussey Mt. Ski Area: January 13, 2008. Cost to district: -0-
Holiday Valley Ski Resort: February 13, 2008. Cost to district: Subs – $170.00
Propose the Board approve the “Getting Results” plan prepared by the high school principal and faculty team to be submitted to the intermediate unit and department of education.
Propose the Board approve Jessica Frank as advisor to the Academic Decathlon program.
Motion carried.
Tim Eyerly motioned, Larry Cowder seconded, to defer the following motion until the posting for 28 days has been completed:
Propose the Board approve the Strategic Plan for the school district for 2008-2014. Motion carried.
C. BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS:
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Robert Smith seconded to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the quote from Pase Excavating and Hauling to slope the bank behind the elementary school to address safety concerns. Individual roll call: Tom Veres – no; Larry Cowder – no; Mary Ann Couteret – no; Erling Anderson – no; Larry Allen – no; Robert Smith – no; Anna Mae Pezzulla – yes; Tim Eyerly – no; Ron Mollura – no. 1 yes, 8 no. Motion failed.
A quote was received from Royers Floor Coverings at a cost of $69,426.80 for C section floors and the first and second floors.
D. ATHLETICS AND TRANSPORTATION:
Tim Eyerly motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motions:
Propose the Board approve the following volunteer coach. All paperwork has been received.
Wrestling: Roy Stapleton
Propose the Board approve Drayer Physical Institute for athletic trainer services at a cost of $8,000; $4,000 for Winter and $4,000 for Spring for the period of December 15, 2007 until the remainder of the school year.
Propose the Board accept the resignation of Chad Koleno as Head Varsity Football Coach.
Motion carried.
Permission to add a tenth playing date for the Varsity Football schedule for 2008 will be referred to the Athletic Committee for the December 3 Reorganizational meeting.
E. BUDGET AND FINANCE:
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Tim Eyerly seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the exoneration from payment of 2007 School Per Capita tax for the following:
Karthaus Township: 11 residents
Morris Township: 2 residents
These district residents meet the income eligibility requirements of $10,000.00 a year or less. Applications are on file in the Business Office.
Motion carried.
F. POLICY:
Tim Eyerly motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the final reading of the following policies:
Finances:
No. 626 Federal Fiscal Compliance
Pupils:
No. 209 Health Examinations/Screenings
Motion carried.
A discussion was held on the recommended revision to the visitor policy made by Mr. Levin, solicitor. Change will be “Visitors shall be defined to include anyone other than lawfully reenrolled students, instructional staff, support staff, administrators and members of the school board (during their terms of office) who have Act 34 and Act 151 clearances. Visitors shall also include employees on sabbatical leave, substitute employees not actually employed on the day that access is desired and all vendors not then making a delivery.”
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve the first reading of the following policy:
Property:
No. 716 Visitors
Motion carried.
Tim Eyerly motioned, Anna Mae Pezzulla seconded, to reject the following motion:
Propose the Board eliminate the following policy:
Community:
No. 907 School Visitors
Motion carried.
Correspondence: None
Old Business:
Anna Mae Pezzulla questioned Paul Carr, Business Manager, on the Annual Financial Report that was submitted to the PA Department of Education for the 2006-2007 school year. Mrs. Pezzulla reported that there is a positive fund balance of $3.6 million which is an increase of $1.4 million over the previous fiscal year. She questioned why administrators request a millage increase if the district had that amount of money and the Board was chastied for being “fiscally irresponsible”. Dr. Multhauf responded that cuts were made to technology, professional
development and assistant coaches. Since the fund balance exceeds the 8.5% of the budget that is permitted to be in reserve, Mrs. Pezzulla suggested that the district place $2 million in
the capital improvement fund to pay for the upcoming PP&L project. Tim Eyerly suggested that the board decide when PP&L makes its recommendation and the new board is seated.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Robert Smith seconded, to approve setting aside $2 million for capital improvements from the fund balance and if the cost of the PP&L project is less, the remaining funds will be used for current debt. Individual voice roll call: Robert Smith – yes; Erling Anderson – yes; Tim Eyerly – no; Larry Cowder – yes; Tom Veres – yes; Larry Allen – no; Anna Mae Pezzulla – yes; Mary Ann Couteret – no; Ron Mollura – no. 5 yes, 4 no. Motion carried.
Job description for the Food Services Secretary was discussed. The board would like the job description to reflect a 9 month position and 23 hours per week and also the removal of the mail from the job description. It will need to be brought back to the board for approval.
Ron Mollura reported that Robert Lutz thanked the Board for installing the new message sign in front of the administrative wing. Mr. Mollura asked when the trees would be removed. Mr. Carr responded that they will be removed in the Spring. Changes also need to be made in the brightness of the lettering.
Ron Mollura also questioned when the new time clocks would be programmed.
New Business:
Ron Mollura asked administration who determined that the aides would not be paid for their attendance at a meeting on October 15, 2007 that they were called to attend. Mr. Wechtenhiser responded that they used the phone chain in the high school to call staff members. Dr. Multhauf said that she said that the aides would not be paid for their time.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Robert Smith seconded, to pay the aides for the time they were called into the October 15, 2007 meeting concerning the situation that occurred on October 12, 2007. Motion carried.
Mary Ann Couteret asked if there are enough handicapped parking spaces. Dr. Multhauf responded that we have what is required. Mary Ann wanted to know if we have enough if a visitor comes and the space is being filled by an employee.
Mary Ann Couteret questioned why the students are no longer using trays in the elementary cafeteria. She was in the other day and the students were trying to carry cereal and other items and the cafeteria was a mess. Tim Eyerly questioned if the elementary and high school have the same amount of time. Ron Mollura said that the state report said that we have one too many positions in the elementary.
Recognition of Visitors – None
Executive Session was held at 9:40 p.m. for Personnel.
Larry Allen left the Executive Session at 10:30 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 10:50 p.m.
Anna Mae Pezzulla motioned, Erling Anderson seconded, to approve the following motion:
Propose the Board approve that the superintendent be instructed to exercise the following discipline upon employee #00077. The employee will be suspended 30 working days from employment and will be demoted upon return to work. Individual roll call: Anna Mae Pezzulla – yes; Tom Veres – yes; Mary Ann Couteret – yes; Tim Eyerly – yes; Larry Cowder – yes; Robert Smith – yes; Erling Anderson – yes; Ron Mollura – yes. 8 yes, 0 no. Motion carried.
Public Comment – none.
Robert Smith motioned, Tim Eyerly seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Miriam Ennis
Board Secretary