Board Meeting Agenda/Minutes 11-14-16

November 14, 2016 Regular Board Meeting                                                                                APPROVED MINUTES
Panorama Village Administrative Center
Meeting Room A - 7:00 p.m.
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 regular meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. She welcomed all in attendance and those viewing from home. Ms. Concepcion noted the Board held an executive session November 7, 2016 on a personnel and property matter, November 9, 2016 on a personnel matter and prior to this meeting on personnel. 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: Ally Ellis, Adam Schram
Solicitor: Scott Etter
Superintendent: Robert O’Donnell
District Personnel: Michele Allen, Melissa Anderson, Linda Andrews, Vernon Bock, Jane B. Brown, Donna Bryan, Jen Conklin, Gretchen Fetterolf, Steve Garbrick, William Harrington, Paul Leskowicz, Rebecca Lorentas, Nabil Mark, Jacque Martin, Mary Kay Montovino, Erin Morath, Katie Narber, Jason Perrin, Sharon Perry, Linda Pierce, Rick Polka, Ed Poprik, Chad Rockey, Chris Rosenblum, Eugene Ruocchio, Jackie Saylor, Shannon Stallings, Megan Wagner, Audrey Walters, Donna Watson, Wendy Wilson, Nick Zepp
Guests: Leslie Brautgiam, Mary Billett, Sara Bresler, Valerie Brodie, Tracy Burns, Gus Colangelo, LindA Colangelo, Rachael D’Altrui, Nena Ellis, Ashley Eveleth, Christa Gallagher, Kelly Garthwaite, Matt Harlow, Andrew Jackson, Tim Jones, Laura Leites, Tracy Lumsden, Dawn Moss, Shoko Mulakain, Scott Mull, Kierstin Muroski, Frank Ready, Amanda Richards, Marion Sheridan, Amanda Simcoe, Jeff Straub, Jennifer Todd, Heidi Urbanski

II.            COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Concepcion spoke a moment regarding Donnan Stoicovy’s retirement from Park Forest Elementary, noting it has been a difficult situation for all involved, and she was sorry for the disruption for families. The Board approved her retirement at the prior meeting and shared some information that Ms. Stoicovy approved. She spoke on Dr. Etter’s remarks last week, the Board’s and District administrators’ decisions and recommendations and the Board always requires a high level of integrity of everyone involved. They are strongly committed to the quality of education and tradition of excellence at Park Forest Elementary School.

Dr. O’Donnell noted he shared his appreciation for Ms. Stoicovy’s long service to the Park Forest community at the last meeting and the timing of this transition is far from ideal. As a superintendent, he never wants to see frustrated parents but as he has seen walking through the hallways and classrooms, Park Forest Faculty and staff continue to be very upbeat and focused serving their students.

Dr. O’Donnell reported the girls’ volleyball team is in the Class 4A semifinals and will play Garnett Valley tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. at Cumberland Valley High School. The football team will play Williamsport at 7:00 p.m. on Friday at Selinsgrove High School in the Class 6A first round.

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:
-- Kierstin Muroski thanked the Board for their service and spoke on the retirement date of Ms. Stoicovy, noted she has not returned and wondered if she would be. The children would like to say good-bye and wish her well.
-- Rachael D’Altrui spoke on support for Ms. Stoicovy and trust.
-- Valerie Brodie shared a story regarding her son in first grade, a question he asked and the response from his teacher. She spoke on trust for the teacher and the Board not being transparent.
-- Amanda Richards expressed that she understands information that can not be shared but was upset that she found out the information on Facebook. She would like transparent governance.
-- Christa Gallagher spoke on emails that came out, retirement at this time of year, and there being no closure. Parents should have answers when talking to their children.
-- Kelly Garthwaite never witnessed a better principal, her absence has created a fracture, no more small school or all school assemblies and would like if Ms. Stoicovy could come in and say good-bye to students.
-- Heidi Urbanski spoke on her daughter now a sophomore at State High and attributes Park Forest Elementary and the skills that she learned that made her the awesome person she is today. She spoke on how this was handled and many are very disappointed.
-- Leslie Brautigam spoke on Ms. Stoicovy’s leadership style, how very well her son is doing because of Ms. Stoicovy’s style and the way she has retired is not consistent with her personality. She is disappointed there was no recognition and the need to show her, she was greatly appreciated.

Board member requested Dr. Etter to explain what and what not board members can discuss. Dr. Etter reviewed what was said last week and that 1200 employees are in the District and no matter what level of an employee, whether a vacation, sick or personal day or days are taken, it is not discussed outside the building. Board members are precluded by law to discuss these things. He spoke very general on how situations are handled due to personnel issues. Ms. Concepcion added that transparency is absolutely vital, however, they are not permitted by law and can not speak on this issue.

-- Heidi spoke on being OK with not telling specifics and their concern is how the Board communicated everything and the waiting.
-- Jennifer Todd read a Facebook post that had been sent by Ms. Stoicovy.

IV.            ROUTINE APPROVALS
A motion to approve the Routine Approval Listing as presented.
--Out-of-State/Overnight Student Travel
--Accept Finance and Audit Committee Meeting Notes October 20, 2016
--Accept Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting Notes November 2, 2016
--Special Meeting Minutes November 7, 2016
--Board Work Session Meeting Minutes November 9, 2016 (Postponed to November 28 Meeting)
--District Bills for October 2016                                                2016-17                                          Grand Total
General Fund                                                                        $13,737,118.25                                 $13,737,118.25
(checks 1025152 to 1025697 and V103563 to V103590)
Food Service Fund                                                                      163,302.85                                        163,302.85
(checks 62737 to 62814)
Athletics Fund                                                                               62,640.73                                          62,640.73
(checks 50156 to 50331)

Activities Fund                                                                              26,494.03                                          26,494.03
(checks 91485 to 91494)
Purchasing Cards                                                                          90,421.38                                          90,421.38
(For September checks 215, 448, 7451, 846)                                                                                                       
Total All Funds                                                                     $14,079,977.24                                 $14,079,977.24

--Treasurer’s Financial Reports for September 2016
--Human Resources Recommendations
Mr. Fozard moved and Dr. Bader seconded to approve the listing of Routine Approvals. 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.            PROFESSIONAL SUBCOMMITTEE for the COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PLANNING
A motion to approve the members of the Professional Education Subcommittee for the Comprehensive Strategic Planning Committee as required by PDE. Ms. Fishbaine moved and Dr. Duffy seconded to approve the motion. Board member requested an explanation and Dr. O’Donnell noted that the PA Department of Education requires appointing six members of the community for the Professional Development Committee that will interface with teachers and administration. As stated, it is required by the state. With the motion
moved and seconded above, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

 

VI.           RESOLUTION for FIRST NATIONAL BANK
A motion to approve the Resolution for First National Bank for online access as presented. Mr. Fozard moved and Dr. Duffy 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.          APPROVE REVISED POLICY 217 - GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
A motion to approve Revised Policy 217 - Graduation Requirements as presented as a second reading at the November 7, 2016 Special Meeting. Mr. Hutchinson moved and Mr. Fozard seconded to approve the motion. Student representative questioned if student input was considered and how many, and those from Delta as well. Dr. O’Donnell responded that choice was built in, credit hours were increased and reduced one Physical Education. There are no additional requirements since the priority is choice. Delta would not be impacted and there are still seven open slots for flexibility and time. Board member noted there are Guidelines that would be attached to the official minutes and there is no longer a graduation project. With the motion moved and seconded above, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

VIII.            CHANGE ORDERS for HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT
A motion to approve change orders for the High School Project as presented below:
      General Contractor CO #39, in the amount of $3,775.09
      General Contractor CO #40, in the amount of $5,447.55
      General Contractor CO #41, in the amount of $1,892.17
      General Contractor CO #42, in the amount of $2,050.50
      General Contractor CO #43, in the amount of $3,498.97
      General Contractor CO #44, an amount not to exceed $4,000.00
      Fire Protection Contractor CO #03, in the amount of $8,057.00

      Fire Protection Contractor CO #04, in the amount of $4,585.00
Mr. Hutchinson moved and Mr. Fozard seconded to approve the motion. Board member questioned if we are on schedule and Mr. Poprik noted that we are ahead of schedule. Units A and B were projected to be under roof January to February and may see roofs by December. We are also in good position with the amount of contingency spent. Board member requested better detail in descriptions of change orders to understand what it is for and Mr. Poprik noted to do so. With the motion moved and seconded above, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

Board members took a break form 7:47 to 8:10 p.m.

IX.            DESIGN DEVELOPMENT for CORL STREET PROJECT - 3 CLASSROOMS/GRADE
A motion to direct the administration to advance the design development process to a 3 classrooms/grade configuration for the Corl Street Elementary School Project. Mr. Leous moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to approve the motion. Mr. Straub noted the recommendation for 3 classrooms/grade leave the capacity in all K-5 schools more than the conservation projection.

Addition/Renovation is the recommendation and would be the same quality as new that has been described in presentations over the last couple months. Board members discussed concerns with doing all projects at the same time, land development at this location, size of the building, community input at 30/60/90 percent and possibly before, also having teacher input prior to the design, the demographic study, and authorizing more design going into schematic design. With the motion moved and seconded to direct the administration to advance the design development process to a 3 classrooms/grade configuration for the Corl Street Elementary School Project, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

X.            ADVANCE DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS for CORL STREET - ADDITION/RENOVATION
A motion to direct the administration to advance the design development process for the Corl Street Project as an addition/renovation project. Mr. Leous moved and Mr. Fozard seconded to approve the motion. Board members noted want to move ahead but keep ears open and be open-minded about the timeline. With the motion moved and seconded above to direct the administration to advance the design development process for the Corl Street Project as an addition/renovation project, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

XI.           DESIGN DEVELOPMENT for HOUSERVILLE PROJECT - 3 CLASSROOMS/GRADE
A motion to direct the administration to advance the design development process to a 3 classrooms/grade configuration (K-5) for the Houserville Elementary School Project. Mr. Fozard moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to approve the motion. There was no discussion. With the motion moved and seconded above, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

XII.           ADVANCE DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS for HOUSERVILLE - ADDITION/RENOVATION
A motion to direct the administration to advance the design development process for the Houserville Project to be an Addition/Renovation project. Board asked to amend the motion as - A motion to direct the administration to advance the design development process for the Houserville Project to be a NEW project. Ms. Fishbaine moved and Ms. Zydney seconded to approve the amended motion as presented. Board members discussed various issues regarding the site noting there is a lot of land there; new would have less impact to students; and need to hear input from those who would be living in it. Ms.Concepcion noted they would need to vote on the amended motion that was moved and seconded above to direct the administration to advance the design development process for the Houserville Project to be a NEW project.
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All board members present voted aye with a voice vote. Discussion continued and board members noted they would like to hear public comment before the vote. The following audience members addressed the Board:
-- Ashley Eveleth, PTO President noted that teachers are in favor of a complete rebuild. She thanked board members for the hard work, demographic survey and appreciates the time and process that has been taken. She asked if they would consider the name “Spring Creek Elementary School” and requested the bell from the Lemont School.

-- Linda Andrews, a 5th grade teacher, needs to see more and if there is anything better than this. Take a look at outside space versus the inside space.

More discussion occurred on the site and location with Mr. Straub noting they picked the perfect spot 50 years ago. The project is going to bid in less than a year and do not have more time, even two-weeks or a month to keep reviewing the project. They will continue to view topography, keep sweeping approaches, and need more investigative allowances at this stage noting that safety is the top of all things.
-- Katie Narber addressed the Board and thanked all for the equitable teaching space the same as other buildings in the District, bringing Houserville and Lemont families together and valuing teacher’s voice for input on this project. She is grateful for the Board, design team and the support shown for them.
With the motion moved and seconded above to direct the administration to advance the design development process for the Houserville Project to be a new project, and with nine board members present, eight board members vote aye and one nay (Mr. Hutchinson) on a roll call vote. The motion passed 8 to 1.

XIII.            DESIGN DEVELOPMENT for RADIO PARK PROJECT - 3 CLASSROOMS/GRADE
A motion to direct the administration to advance the design development process to a 3 classrooms/grade configuration for the Radio Park Elementary School Project. Mr. Fozard moved and Mr. Leous seconded to approve the motion. Board member noted with the information and student capacity data we received, we are growing and do have an option for later down the road. The 3/3/3 option makes sense for now. With the motion moved and seconded above to direct the administration to advance the design development process to a 3 classrooms/grade configuration for the Radio Park Elementary School Project, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

XIV.            ADVANCE DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS for RADIO PARK - ADDITION /RENOVATION 

A motion to direct the administration to advance the design development process for the Radio Park Project to be an Addition/Renovation project. Mr. Fozard moved and Dr. Duffy seconded to approve the motion.

Board had a lengthy discussion on the site and new not making sense, trying to move the bus garage even for addition/renovation design, the fuel station tight beside that area, the flood plain and no building zone, topography and elevations, parking lot and traffic, and the statement from the CAC member to name a few.

With the motion moved and seconded above to direct the administration to advance the design development process for the Radio Park Project to be an Addition/Renovation project, and with all member present, seven voted aye, one nay (Ms. Zydney) and one abstained, Ms. Brandt. (Ms. Brandt passed according to parliamentary procedure however, the solicitor did explain the process here, which passing has never been done and we would consider it an abstained vote.)

XV.            ADVANCE DESIGN DEVELOPMENT to INCLUDE BID ALTERNATE - 4th CLASSROOM/GRADE for RADIO PARK PROJECT
A motion to direct the administration to advance the design development process to include a bid alternate for a 4th classroom/grade addition for the Radio Park Project as presented. Mr. Fozard moved and Dr. Bader seconded to approve the motion. Mr. Straub confirmed the design would be done to handle the further addition if needed years out. The mechanical system would support and drawings would be complete and Mr. Straub noted it would be a minimal cost. With the motion above moved and seconded to direct the administration to advance the design development process to include a bid alternate for a 4th classroom/grade addition for the Radio Park Project as presented, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

Board members took a break from 10:12 to 10:17 p.m. 

 

XVI.            DISTRICT GOAL CATEGORY: STUDENT LEARNING
Proposed Draft of the 2017-2018 School Year Calendar
Dr. Perrin provided an overview of the 2017-2018 school year calendar. The memo outlined the changes proposed and there is no negotiation with the High School project having the two-week winter holiday break. With the two-week break there are no snow days built in the calendar but all in June at the end of the school year. This item will be brought back on the December 19 meeting agenda for action. Board members discussed that this calendar is not to set precedence, would like to see the last day of school be prior to commencement due to lost learning, need to check on the Easter date and PSSA testing window, the calendar being tied to a resolution, PSU start of summer courses, and very little flexibility in this calendar due to the two week break. Dr. Perrin noted he would bring back a second draft the first meeting in December.

New Course Proposals for 2017-2018 School Year
Ms. Martin presented the new course proposals that are divided among among five departments: Social Studies, World Languages, Mathematics, Music and in our Career and Technical Center. She provided an explanation and rationale for each course along with the credit value and answered questions from the Board. Dr. Perry provided information and the rationale for the C++ that would be an advanced programming essentials course. She also responded to questions board members had. The next step would be for all presented courses to be brought back for approval on the November 28 meeting agenda for the course approval process. This timing would have them in the course selection book for next year.

XVII.            BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
-- Culture, Climate and Learning Committee Meeting - Meeting tomorrow is postponed until December.
-- Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting - Mr. Fozard noted Mr. Straub presented the elementary update. Weber, Murphy, Fox presented their proposal for Memorial Field and discussed in detail and the meeting notes were on the agenda tonight for approval. Mr. Poprik provided the RFP for the Athletic Field Master Plan and the committee discussed delaying a little bit but administration would like to bring more thoughts first.

-- Upcoming Committee Meetings: Culture, Climate and Learning Committee - November 15, Finance and Audit Committee - November 17 and Policy Development Committee Meeting - November 22

XVIII.          FUTURE AGENDA PLANNING
Ms. Concepcion noted the Course Proposals for 2017-2018 school year would be on the next agenda for approval and board member would like a development update in the near future. If anyone has questions or would like to add an item, they could let her know.

XIX.            ADJOURNMENT
Dr. Duffy moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to adjourn the meeting. All board members voted aye with a voice vote. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Concepcion adjourned the regular meeting of the State College Area School District Board of School Directors at 11:12 p.m. to an executive session.

Submitted by,

Mary Jenn Dorman
Board Secretary