Board Meeting Agenda/Minutes 5-9-16

 

May 9, 2016 Regular Board Meeting Minutes
Panorama Village Building Meeting - Room A
240 Villa Crest Drive
State College, PA 16801

I.      CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Ms. Concepcion called the State College Area School District Board of School Directors meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. She welcomed all in attendance and those viewing from home. Ms. Concepcion announced the Board had an executive session on April 25, 2016 on personnel and a legal matter. They also held an executive session prior to this meeting on personnel and a legal matter. With the agenda before them, she asked board members if there were any changes; It was requested that Item J be pulled from the Routine Approvals for a separate vote. Item J would be the first action item and there were no other changes.

A copy of all materials distributed to board members for discussion and/or action is included with the official minutes, unless otherwise indicated.

Board members present: Amy Bader, Gretchen Brandt, Amber Concepcion, Dan Duffy, Penni Fishbaine, Scott Fozard, David Hutchinson, Jim Leous, Laurel Zydney
Board members absent :
Board Secretary: Mary Jenn Dorman
Student Representative: James Graef
Solicitor: Scott Etter
Superintendent: Robert O’Donnell
District Personnel: Deirdre Bauer, Randy Brown, Danielle Fulmer, Mike Hardy, Curtis Johnson, Megan Kelly, Jeanne Knouse, Peter Moyer, Linda Pierce, Jason Perrin, Ed Poprik, Chris Rosenblum, Eugene Ruocchio, Mollie Safran, Amy Warner, Donna Watson
Guests: John Beddia, Gus Colangelo, Linda Colangelo, Kathy DeLanuez, Sal DeLanuez, Kosta Dussias, Paul Engle, Edward Hughes, Maria Hughes, Tim Jones, Tom LaPorta, Jenna Menapace, Kevin Nestor, Carl Ohber, Jay Paterno, Rob Pillar, Frank Ready, Ronald Smith, Susan Smith, Mark Toci, Eli Urban, John Van Kirk, Sue Van Kirk

II.      COMMUNICATIONS
Dr. O’Donnell noted State High senior Vincent Liu recently was named to the 2016 U.S. Physics Team, only the second State High student to achieve the distinction. Liu was one of 20 students chosen from about 4,300 nationally based on their performance on rigorous exams given by the American Association of Physics Teachers, an international organization of physics educators, physicists and industrial scientists. He hopes to be picked for the 5person U.S. team that will compete at the 47th International Physics Olympiad July 10th to July 18th in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.This fall, Vincent will study in the Penn State Millennium Scholars Program for high-achieving science, technology, engineering and mathematics students. Congratulations Vincent and good luck at the camp.

III.      PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Concepcion noted each individual would be limited to comments of five (5) minutes as time permits for items on this agenda or related to Board business. She asked for a show of hands from audience members wishing to address the Board. The following audience members addressed the Board:
--Ron Smith spoke on the Lemont School building. The school was completed in 1939, the limestone used and it being a substantial building, and we should care for this building and safeguard this treasure. He spoke on other buildings in our area, Lemont being seven decades, sturdy enough to do that many more, adds economic value on the east side of Lemont, and a good education is provided in this building. There is no shortage of land for students to play, there are many good reasons to preserve and this building is worth saving to preserve District architectural gem.
--Susan Van Kirk spoke the parents of Lacrosse and other sports programs but particularly the confusion and misunderstanding for the push to move forward. She discussed policies being broad enough for day-to-day and commented on where the breakdown occurred. There is a lack of uniformity, spoke on the conflict in a group and reviewed the document she provided and suggestions. A copy of this document is part of the official minutes.
--Jay Paterno noted he has been coaching over many years and talked about different situations, his experience with both big and small communities, and spoke on a detailed proposal that the would like to come back in two weeks to review. They would like to create a panel of people to help give coaches security, create transparency, and help make athletics an extension of the academic existence. Mr. Paterno also provided the proposal and a copy of this document is part of the official minutes.
--Tom LaPorta spoke on the girls’ lacrosse situation and felt parents were blindsided. Was told comments were made that no one was aware of for years and could not be talked about. Looking for more transparency also and hoping for a more transparent process for next season. Not sure if current coaches are temporary or permanent and not sure the players even know.

IV.      ROUTINE APPROVALS
A motion to approve the Routine Approval Listing minus Item J as requested.
--Accept Culture, Climate and Learning Committee Meeting Notes
--Accept Board Communications Committee 5-3-16 Meeting Notes
--Accept Board Facilities and Grounds Committee 5-4-16 Meeting Notes
--District Bills for the month of April 2016:
                                                                                                                  2015-2016                         Grand Total
General Fund                                                                                        $13,580,210.54                   $13,580,210.54
(checks 1022029 to 1022579, V103368 to V103398)
Food Service Fund                                                                                      150,220.83                           150,220.83
(checks 62388 to 62442)
Athletics Fund                                                                                               31,991.62                             31,991.62
(checks 49717 to 49790)
Activities Fund                                                                                              59,420.87                             59,420.87
(checks 91289 to 91328)
Purchasing Cards                                                                                         91,671.23                             91,671.23
(for April checks 208, 442, 7377, 835)
Total All Funds                                                                                  $13,913,515.09                    $13,913,515.09

 

--Approve Clear-Care Corporation agreement
--Approve Breakfast and Lunch Prices for 2016-17
--Approve unit pricing Change Order #1 for Breon Street repaving project
--Annual bid awards for HVAC filters district-wide to low bidders as presented
--Overnight and/or Out-of-State Student Travel
--Human Resources Recommendations (refer to attachment IV-L)

Mr. Leous moved and Ms Fishbaine seconded to approve the Routine Approvals minus Item J. There was no discussion. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

V.      ROUTINE CHANGE ORDERS for HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT (Item J)
A motion to approve Routine Change Orders for the High School Project as presented. Mr. Fozard moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to approve the motion. Mr. Fozard requested background information. Mr. Poprik explained the items were not caught by Code and the numbers are larger but will help to be a better project in the end. With the motion to approve Routine Change Orders for the High School Project as presented, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

VI.    TUITION PAYING STUDENT for 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR
A motion to approve a tuition paying kindergarten student for the 2016-2017 school year as requested. Ms. Fishbaine moved and Mr. Fozard seconded to approve the motion. There was no discussion. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

VII.   PROPOSED FINAL BUDGET for 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR
A motion to approve the Proposed Final Budget for FY2016-2017 as presented. Mr. Fozard moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to approve the motion. Mr. Brown explained this is a required step in the budget process. The Proposed Final Budget is on display for 30 days. Since there was no state budget, it has been different this year and possibly next year. This is year two for Referendum Debt and he has been monitoring all factors very carefully. He reviewed the tax increase of 4.32% (2.4% Act I and 1.92% Referendum Debt), this calculating to 43.437 mills with an average taxpayer impact of approximately $130. He reviewed information on revenues and source, expenses by accounts, transportation, physical plant, tuition expense of $6.3 million to charter schools, food services, athletics, PSERS, the Foundation, and CEEL. Ms. Watson spoke on the tool to decide the path to use for PSERS Fund to help offset the increase. Board members discussed: staffing levels with the number so students, Development and CEEL, the dashboard so Board could see where money is going, CEEL being a break even or self supporting, demographic analysis will help with some of these questions, administration bringing a staffing proposal over summer, the budget process for next year, developing guidelines or a template for a continuous methodology to digest better and a formal charge would be reasonable.

Ms. Fishbaine moved and Mr. Fozard second the motion to charge the Finance Committee for seeing a process to set up ongoing process for the budget every year. All board members present voted aye with a voice vote. Discussion continued regarding the CEEL Program being the after school program we offer, and the PSERS pay forward notes are on page 12 of the budget document. With the motion moved and seconded to approve the Proposed Final Budget for FY2016-2017 as presented, and with all board members present, eight board members voted aye and one nay (Ms. Zydney) on a roll call vote. The motion passed 8 to 1.

VII.   RENEWAL REQUEST for CENTRE LEARNING COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL
A motion to approve the renewal request by Centre Learning Community Charter School for a five-year renewal, 2016-2017 through 2020-2021 school years. Mr. Leous moved and and Dr. Duffy seconded to approve the motion. There was no discussion. With the motion moved and seconded to approve the renewal request by Centre Learning Community Charter School for a five-year renewal, 2016-2017 through 2020-2021 school years, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed
unanimously. Dr. O’Donnell noted that Kosta Dussias and Mark Toci were present and thanked them for attending the meeting.

VIII.   RENEWAL REQUEST for NITTANY VALLEY CHARTER SCHOOL
A motion to approve the renewal request by Nittany Valley Charter School for a five-year renewal, 2016-2017 through 2020-2021 school years. Dr. Duffy moved and Mr. Leous seconded to approve the motion. There was no discussion. With the motion moved and seconded to approve the renewal request by Nittany Valley Charter School for a five-year renewal, 2016-2017 through 2020-2021 school years, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

IX.      APPROVAL of PROPOSED REFINED 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
A motion to approve the proposed refined 2016-2017 School Year Calendar as presented. Mr. Leous moved and Dr. Bader seconded to approve the motion. Board members discussed: the various reasons one board member would be voting no, the resolution in place, not being bound to PSU calendar, this proposal has a full week, need to revisit the resolution, the resolution has not been adjusted and want to avoid negotiating a calendar every year. The declining attendance could be because of the two day week. High stake testing does not tie with this week this year, could be a good year to evaluate, go along with one year and then send to Policy Committee, consider commencement taking place after the snow days, not much flexibility for graduation, more valuable days for kids, appreciating the work of the calendar committee, and willing to go forward this year but need to look at calendar resolution for reasoning and values.

Dr. Bader moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to charge the Policy Development Committee to review the policy and resolution for a change. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye with a voice vote. The motion passed unanimously. Board member requested to have community input. Ms. Concepcion noted the Board is looking at what is best for students and education. It creates an instruction challenge when student attendance is fragmented. With the original motion to approve the proposed refined 2016-2017 School Year Calendar as presented, with all board members present, eight board members voted aye, and one nay (Mr. Hutchison), on a roll call vote. The motion passed 8 to 1.

Board members took a break from 8:27 to 8:41 p.m.

X.      DistrictWide Facilities Master Plan (DWFMP) ELEMENTARY UPDATE
A motion to approve the District Wide Facility Master Plan Elementary Update for PDE Options as presented. Mr. Fozard moved and Mr. Leous seconded to approve the motion. Dr. O’Donnell noted the key items for the current process are PlanCon Part A and B which ends May 15 to be eligible for PlanCon reimbursement and the DCED Grants. Getting both of these would reduce the tax increase locally. Two Board actions are needed tonight: approve to submit the energy reports required for PlanCon Part A and B and approve the eight (8) options shown tonight. The projected cost is not set in stone and calculated on the high side. Once the design is complete, we will have the opportunity to shrink the design and cost if needed. Corl Street, Houserville/Lemont and Radio Park are being considered for this DWFMP Elementary Update. Houserville/Lemont stems back to the 1999 DWFMP but has not been acted on by any previous Boards. It is in our best interest to get paperwork in prior to May 15 deadline and spoke on the Master Planning process, the Communications Committee involvement, Facilities and Grounds Committee input, and the “Lessons Learned" Meetings with faculty and staff of Ferguson Township, Gray’s Woods, and Mount Nittany Elementary Schools. This process is a good way to see what changes, if any, people living in the buildings think would be needed.

Mr. Poprik introduced Mr. Beddia and Mr. Pillar of Crabtree Rohrbaugh Associates (CRA). With a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Pillar reviewed and overview of the schedule, map of the District with attendance areas, community engagement meetings, options, and how the schools would look that was very conceptual at this point. Board members discussed: the size of each school now, having a separate cafeteria and gym, the layout of each building and change to site, the Lesson Learned discussions, and glad we are taking steps to move forward. Demographic studies will impact decisions, narrow options and /or more detail, repurposing buildings does not mean dismantle, providing equitable opportunities and experiences for all students, this being Phase III of the 2009 DWFMP, and the key focus is elementary buildings. Holding meetings for the staff and community over the next two weeks at Corl Street, Houserville and Radio Park and all are welcome to attend any community meeting. Mr. Poprik added that in the 2009 planning process, HO and RP were identified so there is no moving backward. Lemont being provided an opportunity to say what they want, bring sister schools together, homework was done in 2008-2009 and where students live matters. Talking about a project before we even know what it looks like, know the good of what is being offered in the future, need to be looking at the whole District, financial issues, ADA accessibility, and the current opportunity to possibly save $6.4 million. Ms. Concepcion added we need to make the decision to submit the application for PlanCon reimbursement prior to the deadline, need to vote, and move forward.

With the motion moved and seconded to approve the District Wide Facility Master Plan Elementary Update for PDE Options as presented, with all board members present, seven board members voted aye and two board members voted nay (Ms. Brandt and Ms. Zydney) on a roll call vote. The motion passed 7 to 2.

XI.      SUBMISSION of PLANCON A and B AUTHORIZING CRA as ARCHiTECT of RECORD
A motion to submit PlanCon A & B and authorizing Crabtree Rohrbaugh and Associates as the architect of record for Elementary projects as presented. Mr. Fozard moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to approve the motion. Board member asked if these could be split into three different projects for voting and was requested to put into a motion. Ms. Zydney moved and Ms. Brandt seconded to split the elementary projects into three different project motions. Board members discussed: the three being separate applications, should not keep going backwards, and a majority vote is needed to pass this. With the motion moved and seconded to split the elementary projects into three different project motions, with all board members present, four board members voted aye and five board members voted nay (Dr. Bader, Ms. Fishbaine, Mr. Fozard, Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Leous) on a roll call vote. The motion failed 4 to 5.

With the original motion to submit PlanCon A & B and authorizing Crabtree Rohrbaugh and Associates as the architect of record for Elementary projects as presented, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

XII.      OWNER REQUESTED CHANGE ORDER for the HiGH SCHOOL PROJECT
A motion to approve the owner requested change order for the High School project as discussed at the April 25, 2016 to G.O. Hawbaker, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $5,000 as presented. Mr. Fozard moved and Dr. Bader seconded to approve the motion. Mr. Poprik explained these were prices used for the wall. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

XIII.     DISTRICT GOAL CATEGORY: FACILITIES and GROUNDS
High School Project Changes Order Update
Mr. Poprik noted this listing included the change orders approved this evening and still some they see coming in future meetings. The contingency is currently 1.22% below final bid cost due to deduct change orders and there is full detail of each contractor following the summary log. There will be an add/change under electric, the project is going well, and no other changes out of the ordinary. Mr. Jones will be back with a full update in two weeks.

Contracts for CRA and MCMS
Mr. Poprik noted that Crabtree Rohrbaugh Associates was an amendment to the High School contract and Massaro was a new contract. Massaro's work is different and structured for flexibility. These contracts will be brought back for action on the May 23 meeting agenda. Board member questioned if this amount was for updated Master Plan also and Mr. Poprik responded with the range for 2009.

Contract for CRA for Furniture, Fixture and Equipment Purchases for the High School Project
Mr. Poprik noted this was discussed at the last meeting and also with the Facilities and Grounds Committee last week. With the scope and size of this project, we would like to rely on CRA to work with the faculty. Mr. Poprik has done this in the past but with all going on, this makes the most sense. This could have been part of the original contract, it is appropriate to do this now and CRA would be on board to do so. Tracy Rohrbaugh is very engaged. Board members discussed: Have already worked with teachers, a committee of teachers working with them, also departments, talking about a fixed cost, furniture will be brought on site, a lot of work going into design of learning spaces, “Classroom of the Future” at PSBA, student involvement and input, and looking at more options than one vender. Dr. O’Donnell added that the CRA Team already went through the College Commons to see furniture for flexibility and and durability and toured places at PSU to see various furniture.

Dr. Bader moved and Ms. Brandt seconded to move this item to action. All board members present voted aye with a voice vote. Dr. Bader moved and Mr. Leous seconded to approve the contract with CRA for Furniture, Fixture and Equipment purchases for the High School project. All board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The Motion passed unanimously.

Contract for Weber, Murphy, Fox related to Memorial Field planning
Mr. Poprik noted the board was given the original RFP, Weber, Murphy, Fox response to the RFP and the draft AIF Contract document. This item will be brought back in two weeks on the May 23 meeting agenda for action. There were no questions.

XIV.      DISTRICT GOAL CATEGORY: STUDENT LEARNING
Learning Enrichment Update
Dr. O’Donnell noted that Ms. Abruzzo and Ms. Warner were in the audience and Ms. Bauer, Ms. Colangelo and Ms. Knouse would do the presentation. He spoke on the Strategic Plan and that Learning Enrichment (LE) continue as key role in the District, and the rationale for (LE) dod satisfy the requirement for Chapter 16 for years.

Ms. Knouse explained the Strategic Plan Pillars and Guiding Principles helped set the structure for the multi-tiered system. She reviewed the following information: Looked at the new 2014 data with focus groups, PDE Audit and Universal Screening, the site visits and LE being unique to State College, the needs for moving forward create a professional development plan, the timeline and conversations, the MTSS and the brochure. Gifted Policy will be Policy 114 and the Learning Enrichment Policy is Policy 114.1. Board members discussed: What 15% means in terms of students, all the work that has gone into this, LE being anchored to classroom everyday, and IQ and high achieving instead of a quantitative description. Studies on IQ tests measuring socioeconomics, should we be relying on that number so much, could be making our own problem using this number, keep working with more students more closely, a screening process being the most simple manner, still the option from a teacher or parent referral, and the CCL Committee thinking about this also. Differentiation occurring in the classroom, provide a quality program with the students and boundaries, pulled students based on the data so right students, anyone being able to ask for LE or Gifted, and would need to keep an eye on closely in regards to access. Learning Enrichment being optional for state law, need to look at tracking and how decisions are made, and finalizing MTSS that is an administrative guideline for gifted and learning enrichment policy. Dr. O’Donnell added that what happens next is that we are proposing there is a policy related to learning enrichment, monitor GIEP’s, look at staffing, and keep an ongoing look while moving forward.

Proposed Draft Learning Enrichment Policy
Dr. O’Donnell noted the Board received the full report from the Culture, Climate and Learning Committee and they will be handling the policy. The feedback should go to Mr. Hutchinson. Ms. Knouse shared the policy has five sections and asked board members to review and provide feedback. Board members discussed:Should have community input before we put forth a program, clearly define who is an advanced learner,Suggesting this is in the guidelines, guidelines avoid policy long and detailed, propose this does go back to CCL and comments go to Mr. Hutchinson, was not really pulled apart to discuss, and readability for eyes that do not keep looking at it.

XV.      REPORTS
Board Committee Reports
● Culture, Climate and Learning Committee Mr. Hutchinson reported they spoke about the modified block schedule for the middle schools and noted that a letter went out to parents.
● Communications Mr. Leous reported they discussed a plan around facilities and what was discussed tonight. Also received the District annual report.
● Facilities and Grounds Committee Ms. Fishbaine reported they discussed what was seen tonight at the committee level, the outreach that needed to occur, the timeline for Board decisions, and information taken to the community first for process to go the same as the high school project. Get feedback and then make a decision.

XVI.   FUTURE AGENDA PLANNING
Ms. Concepcion reviewed items for Future Agendas noting June 6 for the Budget Hearing and Graduation would be June 11 this year. If there are any items board members would like to see, please contact Board Leadership so they can plan the agendas.

XVII.   ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Leous moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to adjourn the meeting. All board members present voted aye with a voice vote. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Concepcion adjourned the meeting at 10:31 p.m.

Submitted by,

Mary Jenn Dorman
Board Secretary