OFFICIAL MINUTES

WEST BRANCH AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING

MORRISDALE, PA

 

                                    DATE: October 27, 2009

The regular meeting of the West Branch Area School District Board of Directors was held October 26, 2009, at 7:12 p.m. in the high school library.

 

MBRS

PRESENT

 

Joe Kovalcin, Donald Murray Sr., Larry Allen, Gerald Coble, Mary Ann Couteret, Tom Veres, Ron Mollura, Don Yontosh

MBRS

ABSENT

 

Tim Eyerly

OTHERS

PRESENT

 

Michael Panek, Superintendent; Kasi Jackson, Board Secretary; Jason McMillen, Business Manager; Allen Levin, Solicitor; Sean Wechtenhiser, Elementary Principal; J.R. Holenchik, Secondary Principal; Wendy Fernburg, Supervisor of Special Education, Holly Petriskey, Holly Michael, Greg Modzel, Mel Smeal, Lester Smeal, Dave Nelson, Maintenance Supervisor; Annie Lynn, Matthew Rebmann, Dan Rebmann, Lynn Brewer, Michelle Guerra, Tina Moore, Paul Carr, Shari Buck, Susan Betts, Dr. Hugh Dwyer, Carla Reitz, Jeff Reitz, Laurie Josephson, Cindy Woolworth, William Woolworth, Donald Kolesar Jr., Preston Raymond

 

STUDENT REPORTS

Brook Smeal, Sr. Class Representative:

·         The seniors are in the process of ordering t-shirts

·         10/30/09 the Halloween parade and pep rally will be held

·         Senior superlatives were picked and are working on getting pictures

·         Seniors turned in their pictures for the yearbook

·         A cookie dough fundraiser will be held around Christmas

 

Jason Ward, Student Government Representative:

·         Homecoming week was held from 10/5/09—10/9/09

·         PSSA retakes are being conducted the week of 10/26/09—10/30/09

·         Six students from West Branch will be going to district band

·         10/30/09 is senior night

 

REC OF

VISITORS

 

Dr. Hugh Dwyer from the Central Intermediate Unit #10 talked to the board about how the unit runs, the CIU mission, some services that are provided, the strategic plan, financial information, the goals of the CIU #10, and different trainings that are held throughout the year.

 

Mr. Matson and the student’s participation in the National Environmental Competition informed the board on the ways they will be analyzing the water and how great of an impact it has on the community. They were able to meet with Bud George and also get in contact with Senator Wozniaks office on different ways to treat the water. They also asked for permission to use one of the rooms after school for meetings.

 

Larry Allen motioned, Don Yontosh seconded, to approve the National Environment students to have access to the use of a room at the school after hours for meetings. Motion carried.

 

Carla Reitz asked the board for permission to be on the November agenda to talk to the board about the size of the learning support classes. Ms. Jackson said she would make sure she is on the agenda for November.

 

Bill Woolworth asked the board to purchase radios for the security personnel for better communication around the school. He gave Mr. Kovalcin a quote, Mr. Kovalcin said they need three quotes and they will go from there. Mr. Coble suggested that the security personnel invest in shirts that say “Event Staff”, so they stand out.

 

Paul Carr asked the board why the band boosters cannot sell items at the football games since the band and football boosters did everything the board asked. He asked the board for the questions to be answered.

 

MINS

APPRVD

 

Gerald Coble motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the meeting minutes from September 28, 2009. Motion carried.

ADM

REPORTS

 

Mr. Wechtenhiser:

·         The Halloween parade will start in the elementary at 1:15 p.m. due to the Sr. high having their pep rally

·         Red Ribbon weeks is being held 10/26/09—10/30/09

·         Last year’s fourth grade was recognized at the assembly held on 10/23/09 for their PSSA test scores. 90.2% passed the test.

 

Mr. Holenchik:

·         School improvement activities and e-metric trainings are being held

·         Department chair meetings are being held

·         Mr. Holenchik is giving lesson plan feedback to the teachers, observations, and walk through.

·         The staff is also contact parents about students if need be.

·         Mr. Mollura questioned if the Vietnam memorial was being done, Mr. Holenchik replied and said they do have a student working on it and he is gathering information and getting the plaque together.

 

Mrs. Fernburg:

·         Reminder that all board members are invited to an Open Hours at “The Apartment” during American Education Week, November 16—November 20. Mr. Burfield and his class will be there on Monday, November 16, from 9:30 a.m.—1 p.m. and Mrs. Zimmerman and her class will be there on Wednesday from 11:45 a.m.—1:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

 

Mr. McMillen:

·         Brought up bus issues that needed to be addressed

·         Attended an Earned Income Tax meeting and WB needs to pick an alternative incase Mr. McMillen cannot attend. There are 68 representatives at the meeting and the meetings are held every 3rd Tuesday of the month. West Branch represents 10% of the votes.

 

Mr. Williamson:

·         Recognized students for doing good things:

·         Brandon Speigle reached 1,000 rushing yards at the football game last Friday

·         Terry Trude had his 300th victory

·         The girls volleyball team on how well they are doing

·         The girls soccer team on how well they are doing.

 

Mr. Panek:

·         Thanked Dr. Dwyer for the CIU’s efforts to gather more information on the H1N1

·         Thanked Bobbi Pfingstler and Sam Peterson for presenting seminars at the in-service on 10/12/09 along with Mr. Holenchik and Mrs. O’Hare

·         The District received a grant in the amount of $4,600 from the Wal*Mart distribution center

 

CIU:

 

·         Next meeting will be held on 11/24/09 at 7:30 p.m. The date has been changed due to the Thanksgiving holiday

 

PERSONNEL

 

Ron Mollura motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded to approve the following motions:

·         Approved the following volunteers:

o    Paula Pash—Cheerleading

o    Mark Russell / Lisa Woods / Jennifer Ferringer / Margaret Phelps—District

 

 

·         Approved the following substitutes to the district:

o    Matthew Lobb—Social Studies

o    Brian Gormont—Emergency Permit

o    Alexis Pino—Emergency Permit

 

·         Ronda Hanslovan to attend the Best Young Adult Book training in state college on 11-3-09, registration fee is $199, sub cost is $85. Total cost to the district is $284 paid for by access funds.

·         Sue Betts to attend the Assistive Tech Roundtable training, held at the CIU #10 on 10-5-09, 1-27-10, 3-30-10, sub cost is $255. Total cost to the district is $255 paid for by access funds.

·         Sarah Ewing to attend the Assistive Tech Roundtable training, held at the CIU #10 on 10-5-09, 1-27-10, 3-30-10, sub cost is $255. Total cost to the district is $255 paid for by access funds.

·         Amanda Harris to attend Caseload Determination in Speech/Language, held at the CIU #10 on 11-13-09. There is no cost to the district.

·         Danielle Gregory to attend Caseload Determination in Speech/Language, held at the CIU #10 on 11-13-09. There is no cost to the district.

·         Cheryl Green to attend Reducing Behavior Programs held, at the CIU #10 on 10-7-09, cost to the district is $85 for a sub, paid for by title II funds.

·         Michele Guerra to attend the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, held at the CIU #10 on 10-27-09. Cost to the district is $59, $30 for the registration fee, and $29 for a sub cost, paid for by title II funds.

·         Rhonda Trude to attend the Guided math training, held at State College on 11-16-09. Registration fee is $199, sub cost is $85, and total cost to the district is $284, paid for by title II funds.

·         Laurie Josephson to attend the Guided math training, held at State College on 11-16-09. Registration fee is $225, sub cost is $85, and total cost to the district is $284, paid for by title II funds.

·         Danielle Gregory to attend Practical Therapy Techniques, held in State College on 12-9-09. Total cost to the district is $199 for the registration fee, paid for by access funds.

·         Karl Hoover to attend TEAP conference, held at Camp Hill on 11-5-09/11-6-09. Registration fee is $35, motel/meal fee is $135, mileage is $141, and sub cost is $170. Total cost to the district is $481, paid for by title II funds.

·         Karen Kochkodin to attend R.T.I. training, held at the CIU #10 on 11-4-09, 12-4-09, 1-11-10. Cost to the district is $60 for the registration fee, paid for by title II funds.

·         Wendy Timblin to attend Science/Literacy workshop, held at Clarion University on 11-17-09, 11-18-09. Cost to the district is $30 for registration fee and $170 for sub fee, paid for by title II funds.

·         Jane McDowell to attend Keeping Students Engaged while working in small groups, held in State College on 12-4-09. Total cost to the district is $313.40. Registration fee is $199, mileage is $19.40, and sub cost is $85, paid for by title II funds.

·         Cheryl Green to attend the Literacy Device folders workshop, held at the CIU #10 on 12-3-09. Total cost to the district is $125, $40 for the registration fee, $85 for the sub cost, paid for by title II funds.

·         Angie Lucas to attend PSSA Math Training, held at the CIU #10 on 11-16-09. Total cost to the district is $85 for a sub cost, paid for by access funds.

·         Susan Betts to attend PSSA Math Training, held at the CIU #10 on 11-16-09. Total cost to the district is $85 for a sub cost, paid for by access funds.

 

·         Recognized Karl Hoover, Secondary Technology Teacher, being placed on step 3, B+8, salary being $39,693, pro-rated for the 2009-2010 school year.

·         Appointed Paul Carr as an alternate representative to the Clearfield County EIT collection committee.

·         Approved employee #831 to continue maternity leave until the end of the 2009-2010 school year. The employee will continue to attend trainings and in-services for ACT 48 hours at no cost to the district.

·         Approved Dave Learish to mentor Karl Hoover for the 2009-2010 school year. Mr. Learish will be compensated $250 after completion of the program.

·         Reappointed Connie Shimmel, a furloughed personal care aide, to the District at the current contractual rate.

·         Approved the following student teachers from Lock Haven University:

o    Megan Albert

o    Mary Iberrson

o    Dean Swatsworth

o    Amberly Stoudt

·         Approved Amy Godin as part time elementary cafeteria worker, hours are from 10:30 a.m. until 1:50 p.m. starting salary will be at the current contractual rate.

 

·         Approved Leona Maney as elementary hall monitor, hours are from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. starting salary will be at the current contractual rate.

·         Approved Ken DeGennaro as the District technology administrator, he will follow the ACT 93 contract and begin at a salary of $39,544.

Motion carried.

 

TRANSPORTATION & ATHLETICS

 

Don Yontosh motioned, Gerald Coble seconded, to approve the following motions:

·         Approved the transfer of Jane Catanzaro from Jr. High boy’s assistant basketball coach to the position of assistant varsity girl’s basketball coach.

·         Approved the transfer of Scott Slippey from assistant varsity wrestling coach to the position of assistant Jr. High wrestling coach.

·         Approved the transfer of Steve Sudik from assistant Jr. High wrestling coach to the position of varsity assistant wrestling coach.

·         Approved Terry Trude as the Jr. High assistant boy’s basketball coach.

·         Approved Danny Clark as the assistant varsity boy’s basketball coach.

·         approved the following volunteers for the winter athletic season:

o    Boys Basketball—Chad Koleno, Kevin Hubler, Russell Krise, Jolene Wesesky (Scorekeeper)

o    Girls Basketball—Dennis McCamley, Adam Carr, Judy Larson, Misty Modzel

o    Wrestling—Nathan Owens, Jared Ricotta, David Williamson, Gary Parks

·         Approved all winter athletic bids for the 2009-2010 season.

Motion carried.

 

FINANCE AND PURCHASE

 

Mary Ann Couteret motioned, Don Murray seconded, to approve the following motions:

·         Approved the Treasurer’s Report.

·         Approved the following Disbursements from September/October.

o    $ 2,917.21     Athletic Account                        (checks   9661    through   9696  )

o    $ 67,357.40   Cafeteria Account          (checks   3167    through   3180  )

o    $                  Construction Account     (checks              through            )

o    $ 470,270.33 General Account                        (checks   37395  through  37448 )

o    $540,544.94  GRAND TOTAL

·         Approved the activity account for September.

Motion carried.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

o    Larry Allen motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the bus runs AM/PM 24 and AM/PM 04 as presented with van. Motion carried.

o    Don Murray motioned, Don Yontosh seconded, to approve a bus to keep going down Grey Hampton Road 1 ½ mile. Motion carried.

o    Ron Mollura motioned, Gerald Coble seconded to defer the motion to move a bus stop on Birch Street 3/10 of a mile. Motion carried.

o    Larry Allen motioned, Mary Ann Couteret seconded, to approve the Pine Street bus stop be moved 200 yards. Motion carried.

 

ADJOURN

Larry Allen motioned, Gerald Coble seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:31 p.m. Motion carried.

 

Kasi Jackson

 

Board Secretary