Board Meeting Agenda/Minutes 8-8-16

 

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 7:05 p.m. She welcomed all in attendance and those viewing from home. Ms. Concepcion announced the Board held an executive session July 25, 2016 on personnel and a legal matter. With the agenda before them, she asked board members if there were any changes; they had no changes. Ms Concepcion announced that Item E under Information/Discussion would become the first item, Item A.

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 (arrived at 7:18pm.), 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: Lars DeLorenzi
Solicitor: Scott Etter
Assistant Superintendent: Jason Perrin
District Personnel: Deirdre Bauer, Vernon Bock, Randy Brown, Paije Davis, Dotty Delafield, Jodi Kamin, Jacque Martin, Linda Pierce, Jason Perrin, Peg Pennepacker, Ed Poprik, April Rizzo, Sharon Salter, Ryan Walsh, Donna Watson, Nick Zepp
Guests : Harrison Bink, Mara Culp, Robert Lingenfelter, MJ Kitt, Becky Misangyi, Frank Ready, Nathan Shunk, Zach Shunk, Rachel Wolkenhauer

II.         COMMUNICATIONS
Dr. Perrin formally welcomed Nabil Mark to the District as the Website/Social Media Coordinator and Ms. Concepcion welcomed him also.

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. The following audience member addressed the Board:
--Harry Hamilton spoke on racial profiling, having a policy in place, and asked the Board move swiftly.
--Becky Misangyi spoke on the District being mindful of screen time use and providing a consistent message to students regarding social media and how to manage. She also referred to the ELA Curriculum being approved and felt 9th and 10th grade advanced English students are not being challenged and the language is not in this proposal to support this.

IV.         ROUTINE APPROVALS
A motion to approve the Routine Approval Listing as presented.
--Board Bills for July 2016             2015-16                                    2016-17                         Grand Total
General Fund                             $4,166,739.31                        $4,672,221.18                      $8,838,960.49
(checks 1024153 to 1024536 and V103492 to V103525)
Food Service Fund                             2,734.01                                  6,912.89                             9,646.90
(checks 62686 to 62711)
Athletics Fund                                         80.00                                11,298.18                           11,378.18
(checks 50054 to 50070)
Activities Fund                                          0.00                                  3,118.90                             3,118.90
(checks 91477 to 91482)
Purchasing Cards                                                                              86,283.23                           86,283.23
(For July checks 212, 446, 7435, 844)
Total All Funds                          $4,255,836.55                         $4,693,551.15                    $8,949,387.70
--Treasurer’s Financial Report for May 2016 and Report for June 2016
--Bid Award for 2016-17 Football Equipment to low bidders for a total amount not to exceed $9,143.31 as presented
--Annual bid award for Food Service Beverage Vendor to low bidder, Coca-Cola in the amount of $35,895.70 as presented.
--Accept July 20, 2016 Culture, Climate and Learning Committee Meeting Notes
--July 25, 2016 Board Meeting Minutes
--Accept Facilities & Grounds and Communications Joint Committee Meeting Notes August 3, 2016
--Panorama Village project Electrical Contractor Change Order #8 in the amount of $760.97 as presented.
--Human Resource Recommendations (refer to attachment IV-J)

Dr. Duffy moved and Mr. Fozard seconded to approve the Routine Approvals minus Item H as presented. 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.         APPROVE K-12 ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS CURRICULUM
A motion to approve the K-12 English/Language Arts (ELA) Curriculum as presented at the July 25 Board Meeting. Ms. Fishbaine moved and Mr. Leous seconded to approve the motion. The comments made during public comment were addressed and noted the curriculum would not change since the regular and advanced are on the table. There is differentiation within the course for multiple options to make the best decision. Student representative spoke on the advanced classes at the high school, Ms. Bauer noted the Scope and Sequence were Unit Scope and Sequence, and Dr. Perrin referred to Pillar 2 of the Strategic Plan that would require a high expectation for all students. With the motion moved and seconded to approve the K-12 English/Language Arts (ELA) Curriculum as presented, all board members present voted aye on a roll call Vote. The motion passed unanimously.

VI.         APPROVE K-5 LIBRARY CURRICULUM
A motion to approve the K-5 Library Curriculum as presented at the July 25 Board meeting. Mr. Leous moved and Dr. Duffy seconded to approve the motion. Board members commented on how this speaks to literacy and also digital, and librarians being integral to learning. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

VII.         EXCEPTION for a SIXTH NON-TUITION PAYING FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT
A motion to approve an exception to Policy 239 and accept a sixth non-tuition paying Foreign Exchange Student for the High School Delta Program for the 2016-2017 school year as presented. Mr. Leous moved and Mr. Hutchinson seconded to approve the motion. Board members discussed needing to look at this Policy and having parameters and guidance for the exceptions. Board members supported this policy going to the Policy Committee for review. With the motion to approve an exception to Policy 239 and accept a sixth non-tuition paying Foreign Exchange Student for the High School Delta Program for the 2016-2017 school year, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

VIII.         APPROVE HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT CHANGE ORDERS
A motion to approve Change Orders for the High School Project as follows:
            General Contractor CO #27, in the amount of $8,790.08
            Plumbing Contractor CO #05, in the amount not to exceed $65,500.

Mr. Leous moved and Mr. Fozard seconded to approve the motion. Mr. Poprik provided a brief description of each change order. There was no discussion. With the motion moved and seconded to approve the change orders for the High School Project, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

IX.         INCREASE for SUBSTITUTE TEACHER DAILY RATE and SUBSTITUTE NURSE HOURLY RATE
A motion to approve an increase for our substitute teacher daily rate to $95/day and our substitute nurses on an hourly basis at $25/hour beginning 2016-2017 school year. Mr. Fozard moved and Ms. Fishbaine 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.

X.          APPROVE ESTABLISHING FOUR FULL-TIME SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
A motion to approve the establishing of four (4) full-time substitute teacher positions, two high school and one for each middle school for the 2016-2017 school year as presented. Mr. Leous moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to approve the motion. Board member noted that this analysis was well thought out. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

XI.         BOARD MEMBERS as VOTING DELEGATES for PSBA LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
A motion to approve three Board Members to serve as SCASD Voting Delegates for the 2016 PSBA Legislative Platform: Mr. Hutchinson, Ms. Brandt and Dr. Duffy. Ms. Fishbaine moved and Mr. Leous 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. Mr. Hutchinson thanked those that volunteered.

XII.         APPOINTMENT of MS. FISHBAINE to FOUNDATION BOARD
A motion to approve the appointment of Penni Fishbaine to the SCASD Foundation Board as presented. Mr. Fozard moved and Mr. Leous seconded to approve the motion. Board member noted Ms. Fishbaine was a great choice for this and the bylaws have been changed so this will be a more workable situation. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

XIII.         POLICY UPDATE
Ms. Concepcion noted Item E was moved up to discuss first. This Policy was taken through the Policy Development Committee again. Board members discussed wording, revisions, and the accuracy for what the Policy intends. Mr. Brown spoke on this being a requirement from School Code, every parent was not required to have health care, this could be a supplement, and noted this does not cover football. It is required to communicate this to parents and this is explicit in the notification. This will go through Board Leadership and then come back to the full Board at its next meeting to review and for action. There was a request to have both a “marked up” and clean version of the Policy.

XIV.         RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Dr. Salter. Director of Special Education, and Dr. Mara Culp were at the table to present research proposal “The Relationship Between Music Aptitude and Phonological Awareness in Elementary Students With Speech Sound Disorders”. Three elementary schools are willing to work with Dr. Culp, Park Forest Elementary, Radio Park Elementary and Gray's Woods Elementary. With comments and questions from board members, Dr. Culp explained the maximum time it would take was one and a half hours that could be over two class periods, or before or after school. She noted that she is hoping not to interrupt class time.

Mr. Leous moved and Ms. Zydney seconded to move this research proposal to action. All board members present voted aye with a voice vote. Ms. Zydney moved and Mr. Fozard seconded to approve the research proposal as presented. There was no further discussion. All board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

XV.            PDS PARTNERSHIP with PSU UPDATE
MJ Kitt, Jodi Kamin, April Rizzo and Rachel Wolkenhauer were present for the update. Dr. Kitt thanked the District for this partnership,the wonderful collaboration and noted this program is growing and evolving. It is not just a regular student teacher program. She spoke on the four “E’s,” there being 51 K-4 Interns, and 47 District teachers are PDS Alumni. The Interns filled 161 teaching positions as substitutes at the end of the year, which is a real benefit to the students.

Ms. Kamin has been with the District for 25 years, teaching at Ferguson Township School and is a PDA, Professional Teacher Advisor, the supervisor of the teacher end of the program. She spoke on wonderful experiences with this program. They noted PDS Alumni in leadership positions, the teacher PDAs throughout the years, Instructional Coach Collaboration, the Annual Inquiry Conference and Student Inquiry Inspiration Day. They thanked board members for the opportunity to provide this update. Board members responded That this is a win - win situation, a great model, feeling privileged to have this relationship and it was noted that both sides make the partnership. Children have and will benefit from interns in their classes.

Board members took a break from 8:48 to 8:58 p.m.

XVI.         DISTRICT GOAL CATEGORY: FACILITIES and GROUNDS
District Wide Facilities Master Plan - Elementary Options Update
Mr. Brown and Mr. Poprik were present to discuss the following items:
            Calendar and Timeline - Mr. Poprik noted the old calendar has gone away and the new one provided shows the potential time line of Radio Park (RP), Houserville (HO) and Corl Street (CS). All three are allotted for PlanCon money that does not have a completion guideline but RP and HO are driven by the completion deadline for June 2019 due to grants. RP and HO will be considered first and planning to have a slightly offline start time of February 2017. RP and HO would be complete June 2019 and CS slightly behind for August 2019. The number of students and size for the schools will need to be made at the same time.
            Demographic Process -  Mr. Brown provided four years of student enrollment, prior studies have been reviewed, looked at population trends and population growth and have spent time with developers and municipal offices. They are looking at the relationship of growth and enrollment and the factors that are being considered, which is school size, capacity, small group and large group areas, separate cafeteria and gymnasium areas.
            Project Scope Matrix Development - Mr. Poprik worked with administrators, CAC and he and Mr. Brown looked to the High School Project for a sample matrix. Changes were made with only high school related items being removed and added what would be relevant to elementary. Based on Board discussion, suggestions and questions related to this matrix for the purpose of size and number of students, it was determined there was not time to review the second matrix needed for deciding the actual projects. It was noted that the top priority that came out of the high school was safety and security, and for elementary projects, it has been repeated that equitable facilities is a main priority across the district. With the discussion, thoughts and questions, it was decided a work session would be needed with data needed of cost/student, walking or bussing, Ed. Model and/or program(s) to be included. The design fits into the model. Mr. Leous and Ms. Concepcion will get back to administration on this and scheduling the work session.

 

Memorial Field Capacity Discussion
Mr. Poprik noted that Robert Lingenfelter and Harrison Bink were present from Weber Murphy Fox, along with Ms. Pennepacker and Mr. Walsh (Athletic Director and Assistant Director). The team has been working to provide concepts in October with more schematic design following. They spoke on the capacity of Memorial Field, 4,000 seats were approved and that is what the administration is recommending. If the Board wants the seating capacity to change, then there will need to be Board action. Data was presented on attendance of 3,000 or 3,500 seats and the cost impact compared to 4,000 seats. Costs/seat and number of seats also impacts restrooms and fixtures. Board members discussed various scenarios, spoke on the number of students that stay outside, capacity and District playoffs, size of seat, and safety being the number one concern. Outcome: Design team should look at lower number; the flows and impact to those numbers; being full not now but for the future; design team will be back in October with visuals; look at ways to handle adding on in the future if needed, and the parklet with ways to secure, which would need to be discussed with the Borough.

Dr. Bader left the meeting at 10:28 p.m.

XVII.         DISTRICT GOAL CATEGORY: FISCAL STEWARDSHIP
Foundation Update
Mr. Olivett asked Board to read through memo. He spoke on the Foundation Budget being a strict budget with Guidance from Mr. Brown, Communication and telling the District story to people, and the E-letter that goes out with various District activities. There are many people that believe this is a great District but do not know a lot about us. For EITC Foundation approval, there is not much money for new businesses. There is the option to go to current enrolled businesses to donate some money to us.

He has recruited six community members to serve on the Board and is very excited about the group of people. He will get input from this Board for decisions and they are here to raise money. Mr. Olivett shared photos and discussed the small project at the HS South for student seating during lunch. After Board discussion and comments, Mr. Olivett noted he has not met with the alumni association, needs to have a plan in place and would like to have a committee for social media. There needs to be positive communication and positive energy. Ms. Concepcion expressed gratitude for the people that have stepped up for the Foundation Board.

XVIII.         BOARD REPORTS
Facilities and Grounds & Communications Committee
It was noted that the Board saw the results of the joint meeting tonight.

Upcoming Committee Meetings:
            Policy Development Committee Mtg - August 17, 9:00 a.m.
            Culture, Climate and Learning Committee Mtg - August 17, 10:30 a.m.

XIX.         FUTURE AGENDA PLANNING
Ms. Concepcion reviewed the upcoming meetings with items scheduled on each and noted the August 15 Elementary Forum is cancelled.

IX.           ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Fozard moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to adjourn the meeting. All board members present voted aye with a voice vote. (Dr. Bader had left the meeting) Ms. Concepcion adjourned the regular meeting of the State College Area School District Board of Directors at 11:02 p.m.

Submitted by,

Mary Jenn Dorman
Board Secretary