Board Meeting Agenda/Minutes 9-26-16

 

III.      PUBLIC COMMENT

(Each individual will be limited to comments of five (5) minutes as time permits for items on this agenda or related to Board business.)

 

September 26, 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 7:05 p.m. She welcomed all in attendance and those viewing from home. With the agenda before them, she asked board members if there were any changes; there were no 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: Lars DeLorenzi
Solicitor: Scott Etter
Superintendent: Robert O’Donnell
District Personnel: Jeremy Beers, Kathy Billet, Vernon Bock, Randy Brown, Danielle Fulmer, Megan Kelly, Nabil Mark, Mardi McDonough, Randy Miller, Ryan Miller, Nicole Packard, Linda Pierce, Ed Poprik, Chris Rosenblum, Eugene Roucchio
Guests: Harry Hamilton, Ed LeClear, Carolyne Melhem, Tracey Olexa, Naomi Radio, Frank Ready, Terrill Salter, Bill Wrbican

II.         COMMUNICATIONS
There were no communications.

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 members addressed the Board:
--Harry Hamilton missed the last meeting but he did not see anything in the meeting minutes regarding racial profiling. He has been here asking board members to do a policy about racial profiling and was here tonight to request that something be done fast.
--Tracey Olexa thanked the administration and Board for the process and efforts for the elementary projects and as the Board considers voting, she asked them to keep in mind the community and neighborhood values. She spoke on the fact that people with and without children have come to advocate for keeping Corl Street, and the neighborhood schools foster safety and strong communities.

IV.         ROUTINE APPROVALS
A motion to approve the Routine Approval Listing as presented.
--Board Meeting Minutes September 12, 2016
--Accept Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting 9-19-16 Notes
--Out-of-State/Overnight Student Travel
--Budget Amendment for 2016-17 School Year
--Annual Clinical Agreement with Dr. Fishbaine’s Dental Office
--Human Resources Recommendations (refer to attachment IV-F)
Mr. Hutchinson moved and Mr. Fozard seconded to approve the Routine Approval listing 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. (Ms. Fishbaine abstained from Item IV-E, only, due to a conflict of interest since it is her husband’s dental practice.)

V.         APPROVAL of POLICY 211- STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
A motion to approve Policy 211 - Student Accident Insurance as presented. Mr. Fozard moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to approve the motion. Board members discussed that all students should have insurance to play sports, and not sure this actually says that. It was decided to include the following wording for clarity in the second paragraph under Authority :
“The Board shall require parents/guardians of students who participate in an interscholastic athletic or designated extracurricular program to purchase the student accident insurance available through the school district, or to provide proof of comparable insurance. Parents/guardians of students who participate in activities that are subject to the limitations and exclusions of the student accident insurance policy (such as football) shall provide proof of comparable insurance, that covers the activities in which the student is participating.”

Mr. Fozard moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to approve Policy 211 - Student Accident Insurance with the amended wording. With the amended motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Concepcion thanked committee members for their work on this policy.

VI.         APPROVE REMOVAL of DWFMP - ELEMENTARY OPTIONS
A motion to remove District-Wide Facility Master Plan (DWFMP) - Elementary Options 2, 4, 6, and 8, thereby retaining Corl Street, Houserville and Radio Park Elementary Schools for capacity moving forward. Approval of this motion would retain Options 1, 3, 5, and 7 for further consideration. Mr. Leous moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to approve the motion. Board member spoke on the long process for this item, having conversation with teenager regarding context and nuances, not always black and white, and understanding the “shades of gray.” There are times when getting to the decision and having the conversation(s) is complicated. Ms. Concepcion added that the process that was laid out is the process the Board followed and gained improved understanding. They believed strongly about a District-Wide lens for all students and this process provided a good opportunity with the goal to provide excellent learning experiences across the District. With the motion above to remove District-Wide Facility Master Plan (DWFMP) - Elementary Options 2, 4, 6, and 8, thereby retaining Corl Street, Houserville and Radio Park Elementary Schools for capacity moving forward and the approval of this motion would retain Options 1, 3, 5, and 7 for further consideration moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

VII.         SCHEDULE SECTION 780 HEARING for LEMONT SCHOOL
A motion to authorize the Administration and Solicitor to schedule a Section 780 hearing for the Lemont Elementary School. Mr. Fozard moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to approve the motion. Dr. Etter, District Solicitor, provided information on what is required for a 780 hearing per the School Code. Ms. Concepcion added we do intend to have Houserville and Lemont combine. The hearing process provides clarification for the architects and also shows justification to PDE and PlanCon for the expansion of Houserville. With the motion above to authorize the Administration and Solicitor to schedule a Section 780 hearing for the Lemont Elementary School moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

VIII.         HS CHANGE ORDERS and ASSOCIATED PLANCON PART I
A motion to approve Change Orders and associated PlanCon Part I for High School project as below:
                  Site Contractor CO #12, in the amount of $25,424.11
                  Site Contractor CO #13, in the amount of $17,070.65
                  Site Contractor CO #14, in the amount of $1,741.54
                  Site Contractor CO #15, in the amount of $5,410.27
                  Site Contractor CO #16, in the amount of $487.50
                  Mechanical Contractor CO #02, in an amount not to exceed $2,500.00
                  Mechanical Contractor CO #03, in an amount not to exceed $35,000.00
                  Further recommend that the Board approve PlanCon Part I for Change Order SC-09, SC-12, PC-05, MC-02 and EC-05.
Mr. Fozard moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to approve the motion. Mr. Poprik reviewed the status on the Change Order Log, noted there will be millions of dollars in change orders for a project this size and $100,000/month is the expectation. We are OK to date. He addressed questions on the lab exhaust control fans for added safety for students. With the motion above moved and seconded to approve Change Orders and associated PlanCon Part I for High School project, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

IX.            ELECTION of PSBA OFFICER CANDIDATES and TRUSTEES
A motion to elect PSBA Officer Candidates and Trustees selected from the attached memo. Ms. Concepcion suggested there would be two motions for this item:
The first motion is to vote to elect Michael Faccinetto as President-Elect and David Hutchinson as Vice-President. Mr. Leous moved and Dr. Duffy seconded to approve the motion. Mr. Hutchinson reported that he has worked with Mr. Faccinetto for several years and he has a positive outlook. Another board member added that he seems to be very dynamic, comprehensive and an understanding person. With the motion moved and seconded above, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously. Board member noted PSBA is also getting a good person as Vice-President - Mr. Hutchinson.

A motion to vote to elect William S. LaCoff, Kathy K. Swope, Mark B. Miller, Marianne L. Neal, and Michael Faccinetto as trustees on the PSBA Insurance Trust Board. Ms. Zydney moved and Mr. Leous seconded to approve the motion. There was no discussion. With the motion above moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Leous left the meeting at 7:46 p.m.

X.            DISTRICT GOAL CATEGORY: STUDENT LEARNING
Proposed Graduation Requirement Policy
Dr. O’Donnell explained they are requesting to increase graduation requirements. This will return to the committee to discuss the Administrative Guidelines. Choice - raising the overall bar because of the new schedule and students will have options and 79% of students are already taking 24 or more credits. With 25 credits, students will still have five open slots. With this, we could also supply a “Diploma of Distinction” that is more in depth in the student’s area of study. This change would be made for the current 9th grade class that will graduate in 2020. It was noted that the culminating project would be dropped due to the state dropping the requirement (no longer in Chapter 4) and Ms. Martin noted that it could come back but would be revised. They discussed that multiple projects could be more meaningful and if the culminating project would be put back in, we might want to note in the Policy. Dr. O’Donnell noted that #3 could be adjusted to have wording about Chapter 4 changes by the state. They will discuss at the committee level, and with the idea of choice, it still needs to be determined how to communicate this as a great opportunity.

XI.            DISTRICT GOAL CATEGORY: FACILITIES and GROUNDS
High School Project Update
Mr. Poprik and Mr. Jones were at the table for the High School Project Presentation. Mr. Jones spoke on the video tour, the Board and CAC for Facilities were given a site tour and students were welcomed back a month ago. He spoke on the overall progress with a Powerpoint and showed the pods, upper South with a lot of underground progress, the main entry, the LGI rooms, underground electric, rock excavation and Mr. Poprik provided an explanation on how rock is a financial risk. The modular classrooms are about ready to be open, the final inspection is Tuesday and the project is on schedule. Late December 2017, they will be opening up the major part of the building (four pods) and Mr. Poprik added there is traditional classroom space in the pods, no cafeteria or gym and it will get better. Currently, there is a net loss of classroom space. The student rep. noted the modulars are nicer than the actual classrooms they would have otherwise, and spoke on phasing and inhabiting the classroom towers.

District Wide Facilities Master Plan - Elementary Planning Update
Mr. Brown noted the Board took action earlier to take options off the table. There will be an October presentation for a November 14 decision. They are working with the architects for good definition of education spaces, conceptions for project estimates, new versus renovation/addition, and will have feedback on options by the next meeting. He spoke on HEARTS, currently at Fairmount Ave building, additional capacity from the demographers, and DecisionInsite did more on projections but there should be no significant changes. The DecisionInsite document will have a refinement. Construction for the elementary projects would begin next summer.

Board members took a break from 8:24 to 8:35 p.m.

XII.            DISTRICT GOAL CATEGORY: FISCAL STEWARDSHIP
Preliminary 2015-16 Financial Results
Mr. Brown noted they had closed the book from the previous year and the financial statement is finalized with the local audit. He turned the meeting over to Ms. Watson and she reviewed General Fund results compared to projected showing actual, projected and the variance; showed that the revenue was higher than projected, and the Transfer Tax revenue July 2015 through June 2016; the historical percentage change of the Earned Income Tax; the expense excluding the Capital Reserve Transfer; the Proposed Resolution to transfer to Capital Reserve to fund future Capital Project expense; and the key review dates and reporting dates. Mr. Brown noted the Resolution would be brought back to a future meeting for approval. Board members discussed and had questions regarding some information provided and Mr. Brown responded. Dr. O’Donnell added that they were trying to bring a proposal with the lowest possible increase for the coming year. Mr. Brown thanked Ms. Watson and Ms. Reinhardt for the great job they are doing!

Tentative 2017-18 Budget Development
Mr. Brown thought he would have an early conversation about the budget development process for 2017-2018 fiscal year. The Act 1 Index will be 2.5% and was 2.4% for 2016-2017. He reviewed the Act 1 timeline and steps required. The Proposed Preliminary Budget will be provided for approval at the December 5 meeting. The Board can adopt the opt out Resolution and maintain or go below Act 1 Index and noted we have done the Preliminary Budget Process the last two years. We have taken the opt out Resolution in previous years and there are less action items. There are no decision points tonight. The General Fund budget projections will be presented at the November 14 Board meeting for 2017-2018 through 2027-2028.

XIII.            BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
-- Facilities and Grounds Committee met September 19 on the DWFMP - Elementary Update and DecisionInsite participated by phone to respond to any questions the committee would have. Memorial Field will be coming up at a future meeting in October.
--Culture, Climate, and Learning Committee spoke on graduation requirements, took a first look at School Climate Policy and had an initial discussion on International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes
--Finance and Audit Committee met September 22 and reveiwed the information that was given tonight and had a discussion on financing and bond issuance.
--Upcoming Committee Meetings:
Policy Development Committee - September 27, Facilities and Grounds Committee - October 5 and Finance and Audit Committee - October 20

XIV.            REPORTS
--Central Intermediate Unit (CIU) Report - Dr. Duffy noted the main discussion was on routine business around curriculum and introduced those involved. Talked about the consortium and online learning with five or six IU’s to provide alternatives to the Charter Schools. Dr. O’Donnell noted that Dr. Perrin has been in attendance at meetings along with himself to be involved with this conversation and curricular folks have visited also.
--National School Boards Association (NSBA) Report/PA School Boards Association (PSBA)/Legislative - Mr. Hutchinson spoke on House Bill 1993 being pulled from this week’s committee meeting agenda and this would have removed the rights of school districts to conduct appeals of under-assessed property. Auditor General released charter school audits, calls for an overhaul of Pennsylvania’s 20-year old charter school law. And, House Bill 530 remains a serious concern for PSBA, particularly its provisions that would allow charters to open new locations, expand grade levels and eliminate enrollment caps without seeking approval of the authorizing district. Voting Delegates should receive their packet of information for the upcoming Delegate Assembly meeting. Dr. O’Donnell noted that the Communications Committee may need to meet to look at sharing the facts with the community and possibly charging the committee with the ongoing role of communicating school choice in the community.
--Centre Region Council of Governments (COG) Liaison Report - Ms. Brandt reported on two things: 1) The Executive Committee passed the proclamation that September would be known as Suicide Prevention month and 2) Tonight at the meeting, they would be voting 20% for local match on PA Department environmental grant for retro-fitting streetlights for increasing public safety.
--Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Liaison Reports:
         Athletics - Ms. Fishbaine reported there are 800 participants in fall sports grades 7 -12, and spoke on the Reception and NFL Golden Football from Matt Suhey with Matt Rhule attending. The same night, over 100 students of the kindergarten class attended, and the band did a 9/11 remembrance. There are 15 - 7th grade students playing football and athletics builds student leadership by playing beyond the scoreboard. It is a good program. They had a Memorial Field update and they are working on the best way to have people come out and support other sporting events.
         Facilities - On September 8 they had a tour of the High School project, had a DWFMP - Elementary Update and Weber Murphy Fox will provide concepts of Memorial Field for October 5 meeting. The Panorama Village project is complete and administration moved in and others will be in the process of moving in.
--Finance, Safety and Technology had no report.

XV.            FUTURE AGENDA PLANNING
Ms. Concepcion noted if anyone had any thoughts for future agendas, please share with Board Leadership.

XVI.         ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Fozard moved and Dr. Bader seconded to adjourn the meeting. All board members present voted aye with a voice vote. (Mr. Leous had left the meeting.) The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Concepcion adjourned the regular meeting of the State College Area School District Board of School Directors at 9:25 p.m. to an executive session.

Submitted by,

Mary Jenn Dorman
Board Secretary