Board Meeting Agenda/Minutes 6-26-17

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Link to video of the meeting through CNET1.org

Agenda
June 26, 2017 Regular Board Meeting
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

II. COMMUNICATIONS (Press Release Preview)

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.)

IV. ROUTINE APPROVALS (7:20 p.m.)
A motion to approve the Routine Approval Listing as presented.

Regular Board Meeting Minutes June 12, 2017 (attachment IV-A)
Culture, Climate and Learning Committee Meeting Notes (attachment IV-B)
Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting Notes June 16, 2017 (attachment IV-C)
Budget Transfers for May 2017 (attachment IV-D)
Foreign Exchange Student from Germany and fifth exchange student for 2017-2018 school year as presented (attachment IV-E)
Human Resources Recommendations (attachment IV-F)

V. ACTION ITEMS

A motion to approve High School Project Change Orders as presented below. (attachment V-A)
     General Contractor CO #63, in the amount of $2,664.38
     Site Contractor CO #24, in the amount of $18,538.02
     Site Contractor CO #25, in the amount of $3,706.65
A motion to accept the 60% Plan Submission for the Elementary Projects as presented, with direction to the design team for 90% and approve the Parking Reduction Agreement with College Township for the school building at 217 Scholl Street. (attachment V-B)
A motion to accept the approval receipt of PlanCon Part I for Change Order GC-60, approved May 22, 2017, and have recorded in the minutes as required by PDE (attachment V-C)
A motion to approve the Stormwater Pipeline Easement Agreement for the Houserville Elementary School as presented. (attachment V-D)
A motion to approve the submission of three Platform Proposals to PSBA regarding modification or additions to Core Legislative Principal 2.1.1. and 1.1.2., as presented. (attachment V-E)
A motion to approve the submission of a fourth Platform Proposal to PSBA regarding an addition to Core Legislative Principal 1.1.2 as presented (attachment V-F)

VI. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION (7:45 p.m.)

      A. District Goal Category: Fiscal Stewardship
             Bond Sale Update (attachment VI-A)
      B. District Goal Category: Facilities and Grounds
             High School Project Update (attachment VI-B)
      C. District Goal Category: Student Learning
             Proposed Health and Phys. Ed. Curriculum Update (attachment VI-C1)
             Proposed Math Curriculum Update (attachment VI-C2)
                  Secondary Update for 2017-2018
                  Elementary Update for 2017-2018
             Proposed K-12 ELA Curriculum Revised (attachment VI-C3)
             Proposed Assessment Plan Update (attachment VI-C4)

VII.      BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS (8:45 p.m.)
-- Culture, Climate and Learning Committee Meeting June 15, 2017
-- Finance and Audit Committee Meeting June 15, 2017
-- Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting June 16, 2017
-- Upcoming Committee Meetings:
            Policy Development Committee Meeting June 28, 2017
            Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting June 29, 2017
            Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting July 5, 2017

VIII.    REPORTS (9:00 p.m.)
Central Intermediate Unit (CIU) Report
National School Boards Association (NSBA) Report/PA School Boards Association (PSBA)/Legislative
Centre Region Council of Governments (COG) Liaison Report
Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Liaison Reports
     Athletics
     Facilities
     Finance
     Safety
     Technology

IX. FUTURE AGENDA PLANNING

July 10, 2017 Work Session
Strategic Planning & Goals

July 24, 2017 - Hearing to close Lemont Building (6:00 p.m.)

July 24, 2017 Regular Meeting
**Action Items
High School Project Change Orders
Accept PlanCon Part I approval for PC-13
Summer Project Change Orders
**Information Discussion
Proposed Elementary Supplemental Learning Resource
High School Project Update
Elementary Projects Design Development

August 7, 2017 Special Meeting
**Information Discussion
Elementary Projects Design Development - 90% Document Review
Approve PlanCon Parts D & E - Elementary Projects

August 14, 2017 Regular Meeting
**Action Items
High School Project Change Orders
**Information Discussion
Elementary Projects Design Development
Capital Financing

August 15, 2017 Public Forum
Elementary Projects Design Development - 90% Document Review

August 28, 2017 Regular Meeting
**Action Items
High School Project Change Orders
Elementary Projects - Approve 90% Documents
**Information Discussion
High School Project Update

X. ADJOURNMENT

MINUTES

June 26, 2017 Regular Board Meeting 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 7:15 p.m. She welcomed all in attendance and those viewing from home. Ms. Concepcion announced the Board held an executive session June 12, 2017 on personnel and property, and also prior to this meeting on personnel. Ms. Concepcion welcomed Jackson Doyle, student representative, to the table this evening.

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, Laurel Zydney
Board members absent: Jim Leous
Board Secretary: Mary Jenn Dorman
Student Representative: Jackson Doyle
Solicitor: Scott Etter
Superintendent: Robert O’Donnell
District Personnel: Vernon Bock, Randy Brown, Jason Little, Nabil Mark, Jacque Martin, Linda Pierce, Ed Poprik, Katherine Ricker, Chris Rosenblum, Eugene Ruocchio, Nicole Steele, Fanessa Thompson, Donna Watson
Guests: Tom Beckett, Lori Bedell, Edward Galus, Matt Harlow, Tim Jones, Ed LeClear, Aimee Lewis, Eugene Spinelli, Jeff Straub

II. COMMUNICATIONS
Dr. O’Donnell provided an update on the Proposed Elementary School Day and spoke on transportation, the analysis of information, and work needing done in the system to make this happen. They are looking at program changes and/or experiences for K-5 students due to currently having such a short day. Dr. O’Donnell spoke on sleep studies for adolescents and moving forward to do better for our students.

Ms. Fishbaine shared the Education Foundation is currently seeking nominations for the first Maroon and Gray Society Award. Nominations can be made online for citizens of our community that have done a lot of work for our District. It is a way to honor these people.

III. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.

IV. ROUTINE APPROVALS
A motion to approve the Routine Approval Listing as presented.
--Regular Board Meeting Minutes June 12, 2017
--Culture, Climate and Learning Committee Meeting Notes June 15, 2017
--Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting Notes June 16, 2017
--Budget Transfers for May 2017
--Foreign Exchange Student from Germany and fifth exchange student for 2017-2018 school year as presented
--Human Resources Recommendations (refer to attachment IV-F)
Mr. Fozard moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to approve the motion as presented. There was no discussion. With the motion moved and seconded above, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. (Mr. Leous was absent.) The motion passed unanimously.

Dr. O’Donnell noted that Katy Ricker was approved on the HR Report as the new Assistant Principal at the High School. He congratulated her on the appointment and welcomed her to this position.

V.    HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT CHANGE ORDERS
A motion to approve High School Project Change Orders as presented below.
               General Contractor CO #63, in the amount of $2,664.38
               Site Contractor CO #24, in the amount of $18,538.02
               Site Contractor CO #25, in the amount of $3,706.65
Ms. Fishbaine moved and Mr. Fozard 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. (Mr. Leous was absent.) The motion passed unanimously.

VI. ELEMENTARY PROJECTS 60% PLAN SUBMISSION and PARKING REDUCTION AGREEMENT with COLLEGE TOWNSHIP for HOUSERVILLE
A motion to accept the 60% Plan Submission for the Elementary Projects as presented, with direction to the design team for 90% and approve the Parking Reduction Agreement with College Township for the school building at 217 Scholl Street. Ms. Fishbaine moved and Mr. Hutchinson seconded to approve the motion. Mr. Poprik spoke on the process and action for the 60% submission to PDE.

VII. ACCEPT APPROVAL RECEIPT of PLANCON PART I for CHANGE ORDER GC-60
A motion to accept the approval receipt of PlanCon Part I for Change Order GC-60, approved May 22, 2017, and have recorded in the minutes as required by PDE. Dr. Bader moved and Mr. Hutchinson 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. (Mr. Leous was absent.) The motion passed unanimously.

VIII. STORMWATER PIPELINE EASEMENT AGREEMENT for HOUSERVILLE SCHOOL
A motion to approve the Stormwater Pipeline Easement Agreement for the Houserville. Elementary School as presented. Ms. Fishbaine moved and Dr. Duffy seconded to approve the motion. Dr. Duffy spoke on the process, wanted to thank Mr. Brewer during the meeting for his generosity and tolerance during this time of inconvenience while the work is being done. With the motion moved and seconded to approve the Stormwater Pipeline Easement Agreement for the Houserville Elementary School as presented, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. (Mr. Leous was absent.) The motion passed unanimously.

IX. SUBMISSION of THREE PLATFORM PROPOSALS to PSBA
A motion to approve the submission of three (3) Platform Proposals to PSBA regarding modification or additions to Core Legislative Principal 2.1.1. and 1.1.2., as presented. Mr. Hutchinson moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to approve the motion. Mr. Hutchinson explained that this should look familiar from last year. For the #1 Proposal submission - the last clause of the sentence was left off last year so this is being resubmitted to make this clear; #3 is new this year and the words are from the resolution the Board approved a few months ago; and #4 (is separate) makes clear that we support removing Keystone Exams as a graduation requirement. Board members thanked Mr. Hutchinson for his work on this.

With the motion moved and seconded above to approve the submission of three (3) Platform Proposals to PSBA regarding modification or additions to Core Legislative Principal 2.1.1. and 1.1.2., as presented, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. (Mr. Leous was absent.) The motion passed unanimously.

X. SUBMISSION of the FOURTH PLATFORM PROPOSAL to PSBA
A motion to approve the submission of a fourth Platform Proposal to PSBA regarding an addition to Core Legislative Principal 1.1.2 as presented. Board member spoke on the Keystone Exams and not to have a local assessment. Mr. Hutchinson explained there seemed to be confusion between two ideas - 1) What does a student need and 2) District or performance accountability. With the motion moved and seconded to approve the submission of a fourth Platform Proposal to PSBA regarding an addition to Core Legislative Principal 1.1.2 , all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. (Mr. Leous was absent.) The motion passed unanimously.

Board members took a break form 8:44 to 8:53 p.m.

XI. DISTRICT GOAL CATEGORY: FISCAL STEWARDSHIP
Bond Sale Update
Mr. Brown introduced Tom Beckett and Eugene Spinelli from NW Group. Mr. Spinelli spoke on being here two-years ago, and he was very pleased to report the bond market has been favorable. He spoke on the amount of debt service/year to 2043, 3.17% compared to 3.7% in 2015, went out June 7 on the street for investors to review, came to market June 13 and this turned out to be a good strategy. There was a very strong result with more orders put in for bonds than they had. The District will realize a $60,000/year savings that equals $1.5 million over the time of the borrow. Ms. Concepcion thanked all for all the work they did. Mr. Beckett explained different aspects of the process, and noted that we are better than different districts since we received better than Market Pricing. The difference will mean a lot going forward with the Capital Program. He also spoke on the rating agencies and how shocked they seemed with how thorough our District is, especially with multi-year projections. Mr. Brown noted that with receiving this money, we will be in contact with NW to assist with investments. RFPs will be sent to different investment firms for the $40 million. They would be coming back to the Board in about six-months for the elementary projects. Board members thanked the team effort and also our community that understands, listens and responds to requests as we need.

XII.    DISTRICT GOAL CATEGORY: FACILITIES and GROUNDS
High School Project Update Mr. Jones noted he gave tours the last day of school to students and faculty groups and there is a lot of excitement to move in January. With a slide presentation, he reviewed Pod A, the main building entrance, Pod B with LGI, inside the LGI over the entrance, courtyards, completed brick with the window walls being next, Area E1 that is back on track, interior finished in the building, Main Office - Pod B, the mechanical room, and explained the summer traffic pattern for 2017 would be like last summer. They are at 70-days without an accident, now only nine-days behind schedule, and on track to move in for January.

With questions and comments from board members, the following information was provided:
          •Between now and school starting, the exterior will be 90-95% complete
           with site work and clean up. The sidewalks will also be more complete
           in the front.
         •With the trees gone between Welch Pool and the High School,
           Mr. Poprik noted there is quite an amount of landscaping projected.
           One issue, there is an area that cannot be planted or have landscaping.
        • Signage for the High School is going to be discussed at the Facilities
           and Grounds Committee meeting this Thursday.

XIII.    DISTRICT GOAL CATEGORY: STUDENT LEARNING
Proposed Health and Phys.Ed. Curriculum Update
Dr. O’Donnell noted that this has been discussed twice and revisited with the Culture, Climate and Learning (CCL) Committee, who were satisfied to bring this to the full Board. Board members had further questions, comments and input on role of parents, surveys, student nutrition, family involvement on lifestyle, and swimming.   The following came out of the conversations:
        •We are currently using the PAYS data, not planning to survey at this time.
        •There will be PTO outreach in the fall for Health and Math at each
          elementary school where we will talk to parents about the resources for
          Math. Teachers and building Principals will talk with parents also.
        •With Health and Phys. Ed., there will be a lot of communication with parents
          at the beginning of each school year and each course.
        •Swimming instruction had been dropped in elementary and middle school
          years ago, and discussed looking at possibilities of bringing this back.
          Various pros/cons/issues were discussed with the outcome that further
          exploration could occur. This will not hold up the Health and Physical
          Education curriculum approval.
Suggestions were made to talk with Parks and Rec, the YMCA, and possibly aligning a summer or after school CEEL Program. This item will go the the Culture, Climate and Learning Committee.

Proposed Math Curriculum Update (not resource)
Secondary Update for 2017-2018 and Elementary Update for 2018-2019
Ms. Martin recapped the process that began in 2014-15 through current. Mr. Bock added the difference in the memo is the community outreach in October. He addressed components the Math Curriculum will address, the resources that will be selected, and the District is working with PSU, not to identify just one resource, but multiple resources to address what we want to do through the program. We have looked at several schools, and visited schools, looking for the best resources. The elementary has been delayed for a year and will have full implementation in 2018-2019. Board members discussed the rubric to look at things and other online resources. Ms. Martin noted there would be no change to resources in the middle school.

Proposed K-12 ELA Curriculum Revised
This will become the new process. The refinement involved a great amount of feedback from teachers and specific grade levels. This refinement will be brought back for Board approval. Board members commented, and offered suggestions. Mr. Bock spoke on looking at a learning tool,back to school nights, showing how the day in the life of your child goes, and the purposeful connections through reading and writing process. Board member noted with the choice environment, the more we share what we are teaching with people, they will have a better understanding of what we are doing.

Proposed Assessment Plan Update
Mr. Bock explained collaboration was done with all teachers across the District. They were looking for assessments to provide duplicate information, work smarter and not harder, and have valuable information. Board members questioned and commented on the CDT, MAP, Aimsweb at end of year and the following information was provided:

       •CDT is given in 7th and 8th grade and MAPS are going to be given. CDT for
        certain sets of students, there is no other assessments for Science, and the
        CDT is diagnostic for moving forward.    CDT can be given anytime.
       •MAP is given three times/year and middle school teachers are being trained
        to use MAP. They plan to add math to second grade and first grade will have
        MAP for Math but not the reading piece.
      •Mr. Bock explained they are trying not to do Aimsweb, but if done, it is a
       very brief assessment and students do not need to be pulled out of class.
      •Dr. O’Donnell spoke on PSSAs - They are to have less sections, the individual
       test would be a shorter time, and he stated why this testing is critical.
   This item will go to the CCL Committee for further conversation.

XIV.    BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
-- Culture, Climate and Learning Committee Meeting June 15, 2017 - Mr. Hutchinson noted Minutes were approved tonight and will be discussing the Homework Policy more.
-- Finance and Audit Committee Meeting June 15, 2017 meeting was cancelled.
-- Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting June 16, 2017
-- Ms. Fishbaine noted that all was covered tonight that was discussed at the committee meeting.
-- Upcoming Committee Meetings:
                 Policy Development Committee Meeting June 28, 2017
                 Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting June 29, 2017
                 Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting July 5, 2017

XV. REPORTS
--Central Intermediate Unit (CIU) Report - Dr Duffy reported they have an agreement with Act 93 staff and arranged for an update to the Agreement. He also spoke on the announcement for the new training facility by the Nittany Mall. The IU has also joined with Central Susquehana for a curriculum specialist they will share. This person will go back and forth which will help the strength of each organization to know what is being done in each. On July 10, 2017, there will be a “Meet and Greet” at the CIU new facility.
--National School Boards Association (NSBA) Report/PA School Boards Association (PSBA)/Legislative - Mr. Hutchinson noted that Senate Bill 756 was approved to eliminate the use of Keystone Exams and other things were dumped into this Bill. The modifications to teacher evaluations is currently pretty awful but this does not make it worse than it is.
--Centre Region Council of Governments (COG) Liaison Report - Ms. Brandt reported that the Transitional Residence Place in College Township, that she spoke of a few meetings ago, is not happening. COG is putting together a steering committee for Regional Plans for Centre Region Parks and Recreation open areas and it would be received well for the District to participate.

--Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Liaison Reports
       Athletics - There was no meeting to report.
   Facilities - The Board discussed tonight.
       Finance - The meeting was cancelled.
       Safety - There has been no meeting since they meet quarterly.
       Technology - Mr. Leous was not present to report.

XVI. FUTURE AGENDA PLANNING
Ms. Concepcion reviewed that July 10, 2017 would be a Work Session on Strategic Planning and Goals, not a regular meeting. July 24, 2017, at 6:00 p.m., prior to the regular meeting, there will be a Hearing to close Lemont Building. She asked that board members review upcoming agenda items for future meetings.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Dr. Bader moved and Ms. Fishbaine seconded to adjourn the meeting. All board members present voted aye with a voice vote. (Mr. Leous was absent.) The motion passed unanimously. With the motion moved and seconded, Ms. Concepcion adjourned the State College Area School District Board of School Directors meeting at 10:20 p.m.

Submitted by,

Mary Jenn Dorman
Board Secretary

Board of Directors

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Board Meeting Agenda/Minutes 6-26-17