Board Reorganization and Regular Meeting Agendas/Minutes 12-4-17

Link to video of the meeting through CNET1.org

All attachments in pdf

Agenda
Reorganization Board Meeting
Monday, December 4, 2017
7:00 pm, Board Room - Panorama Village Building
240 Villa Crest Drive
State College, PA 16801

I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

II.       BOARD REORGANIZATION
              A. Elect Temporary President (must be a continuing Board Member)
              B. Elect President
              C. Elect Vice-President

III.      ACTION ITEMS
              A. Annual Appointments (attachment III-A)
              B. 2018 School Board Meeting Dates (attachment III-B)

IV. ADJOURNMENT

Agenda
December 4, 2017 Regular Board Meeting
Panorama Village Administrative Center
Meeting Room A - Immediately Following the Reorganization Meeting
240 Villa Crest Drive
State College, PA 16801

I. CALL TO ORDER (7:20p.m.)

II. COMMUNICATIONS (Press Release Preview)

III. PUBLIC COMMENT Each individual will be limited to comments of three (3) minutes as time permits for items on this agenda or related to Board business.

IV. ROUTINE APPROVALS (7:30p.m.)
A motion to approve the Routine Approval Listing as presented.
A. Regular Board Meeting Minutes November 27, 2017 (attachment IV-A)

V.        ACTION ITEMS (7:40 p.m.)
           A. A motion to approve physical plant staffing job description presented November 27, 2017 Board meeting (attachment V-A)
           B. A motion to approve Memorial Field land development and locker room changes presented at the November 27, 2017 Board meeting (attachment V-B)
           C. A motion to approve the purchase of emergency radio equipment, part of FFE, for Phase 1 of the High School as presented. (attachment V-C)
           D. A motion to approve Security Hardware Change Order to App-Techs for an increase of $789.66 on the amount originally approved October 23, 2017.
      (attachment V-D)
           E. A motion to approve the LEED Grant Resolution to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for Corl Street School Project.
              (attachment V-E)
           F. A motion to approve the Solar Grant Resolution to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for Corl Street School Project.
              (attachment V-F)
          G. A motion to approve the Solar Grant Resolution to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for Radio Park School Project
              (attachment V-G)
          H. A motion to approve the Solar Grant Resolution to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for Spring Creek School Project.
              (attachment V-H)
          I. A motion to approve the Solar Grant Resolution to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for the High School Project.
              (attachment V-I)

VI.       INFORMATION/DISCUSSION (8:00 p.m.)
          A. Research Proposal - “Neuropsychological Functioning in Concussed Adolescent Athletes” (attachment VI-A)
          B. District Goal Category: Student Learning
               Student Day Proposal Update (attachment VI-B1) (attachment VI-B)
               Transportation Study Results (attachment VI-B2)
                    School Bus Consultants (presentation)
               Fifth Student Special (attachment VI-B3) (Survey Analysis)

VII.      BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS (8:45 p.m.)
--Upcoming Committee Meetings:
          - Facilities and Grounds - December 6, 2017, 11:30 a.m.
          - Finance and Audit - December 14, 2017, 11:30 a.m.

VIII. FUTURE AGENDA PLANNING
December 18, 2017 Regular Meeting
**Action Items
High School Project Change Orders
Bid Award for Easterly Parkway Chiller
Approval of Student Day Proposal
**Information/Discussion
High School Project Update
2018-2019 Budget Development
Penn State College of Nursing Agreement

January 8, 2018 Regular Meeting
**Action Items
High School Project Change Orders
**Information/Discussion
Homework Policy 130
Physical Activity/Recess Policy 142
2018-2019 Budget Development

January22, 2018 Regular Meeting
**Action Items
High School Project Change Orders
**Information/Discussion
2018-2019 Budget Development

IX. ADJOURNMENT

MINUTES

December 4, 2017 Reorganization and Regular Board Meeting Minutes
Panorama Village Administrative Center
Meeting Room A - Immediately Following the Reorganization Meeting
240 Villa Crest Drive
State College, PA 16801

I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Dr. Etter, School Solicitor, called the Reorganization Meeting of the State College Area School District Board of School Directors to order at 7:03 p.m. He requested a roll call for board members in attendance; all were present.

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

Board members present: Amy Bader, Lori Bedell, Gretchen Brandt, Amber Concepcion,
Dan Duffy, Scott Fozard, David Hutchinson, Jim Leous, Laurel Zydney
Board members absent:
Board Secretary: Mary Jenn Dorman
Solicitor: Scott Etter
Superintendent: Robert J. O’Donnell
District Personnel: Vern Bock, Randy Brown, Becky Collins, Nabil Mark, Linda Pierce, Ed Poprik, Chris Rosenblum, Eugene Ruocchio, Will Stout, Van Swauger, Donna Watson, Chris Weakland
Guests: Mike Archer, Peter Arnett, Katie Bish, Gus Colangelo, Linda Colangelo, Ed Fuller,
Shannon Jones, Allison Krajewski, Pamela Ruest, Leon Valsechi

II. CERTIFICATES of ELECTION and OATH of OFFICE
President Judge Pamela Ruest requested new Board Member, Lori Bedell, to stand and administered the oath of office. Then President Judge Ruest requested that each re-elected board member (Scott Fozard, David Hutchinson, Jim Leous) stand and administered the oath of office to each. President Judge Ruest handed each elected board member her/his certificate of election from the Voter Registration office after completing the oath. Each member signed an Oath of Office and is part of the official minutes. All were elected for a four-year term. All thanked Judge Ruest for her participation.

III. ELECTION OF TEMPORARY PRESIDENT
Dr. Etter announced it was time to elect a temporary president. Mr. Fozard moved and Mr. Leous seconded to nominate Laurel Zydney as the temporary president. There was no discussion and no other nominations. Mr. Fozard moved and Mr. Leous seconded to close the nominations for temporary president. All board members present voted aye with a voice vote to close the nominations. There was no discussion and the motion passed. With all board members present, Laurel Zydney was elected unanimously with a voice vote as temporary president. The motion passed.

IV. ELECTION OF PRESIDENT
Ms. Zydney asked for a nomination for President. Mr. Leous moved and Ms. Brandt seconded to nominate Amber Concepcion as president. There was no discussion and no other nominations. Dr. Duffy moved and Mr. Fozard seconded to close the nominations for president. All board members present voted aye with a voice vote to close nominations. There was no further discussion and the motion passed. With the motion moved and seconded to nominate Amber Concepcion as president above, all board members present voted aye with a voice vote. Ms. Concepcion was unanimously elected as president and congratulations were given.

V. ELECTION OF VICE-PRESIDENT
Dr. Duffy moved and Ms. Brandt seconded to nominate Jim Leous as vice-president. There was no discussion and no other nominations. Ms. Concepcion moved and Dr. Duffy seconded to close the nominations. All board members voted aye with a voice vote to close nominations. There was no further discussion and the motion passed. With the motion moved and seconded to nominate Jim Leous as vice-president, all board members present voted aye with a voice vote. Mr. Leous was unanimously elected as vice-president and congratulations were given.

VI. REORGANIZATION ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS for 2018
Ms. Concepcion reviewed the annual appointment list and the following appointments were agreed upon for the 2018 year:
Positions
Federal Relations Network Representative David Hutchinson
CIU Board Representative Dan Duffy (position to 6/2020)
Alternate Representative Laurel Zydney
CIU Member at Large David Hutchinson (position until 6/2020)
NSBA Liaison David Hutchinson
PSBA Liaison David Hutchinson
Legislative Chairperson David Hutchinson
CARE Partnership David Hutchinson
COG Liaison Gretchen Brandt
Career and Technology Center Committee Jim Leous
SCASD Education Foundation Representative Scott Fozard

Committees of the Board:
Communications Amber, Jim, Laurel, Lori (4 members)
Culture, Climate, and Learning                Amy, David, Jim, Laurel (4 members)
Facilities and Grounds     Amber, Gretchen, Scott, Lori (4 members)
Finance and Audit Amber, Dan, Scott, Laurel
Policy Development   Dan, David, Gretchen, Amy

Citizens Advisory Committees:
CAC for Interscholastic Athletics Committee        Scott Fozard, Amy Bader
CAC for Facilities Committee                          Amber Concepcion, Lori Bedell
CAC for Finance Committee                            Scott Fozard, Laurel Zydney
CAC for Safety Committee                             Dan Duffy, Gretchen Brandt
CAC for Technology Committee Jim Leous
Ms. Zydney moved and Mr. Hutchinson seconded to approve the annual appointments as listed above. With the board members agreeing to the above listing of annual appointments for 2018, and the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

VII. SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES for 2018
In accordance with the PA School Code, the following dates were recommended as School Board of Directors’ meetings in 2018. The approved dates, time and location – 7:00 p.m., Board Room, 240 Villa Crest Drive, State College, PA – will be advertised in the Centre Daily Times. Mr. Fozard moved and Dr. Bader seconded to approve the meeting dates as listed below. Ms. Concepcion noted September 10 is Rosh Hashanah and the meeting would be moved to Wednesday that week. Mr. Fozard and Dr. Bader agreed to amend the motion with this information. All board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The following meeting dates were approved unanimously.

January 8 and 22, 2018                    July 9 and 23, 2018
February 12 and 26, 2018                             August 13 and 27, 2018
March 12 and 26, 2018                                 September 12 (Wednesday) and 24, 2018
April 9 and 23, 2018                                     October 8 and 22, 2018
May 7 and 21, 2018                                  November 12 and 26, 2018
June 11 and 25, 2018                                   December 3 and 17, 2018

VIII. ADJOURNMENT of the REORGANIZATION MEETING
Mr. Fozard moved and Dr. Bader seconded to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Concepcion adjourned the Reorganization Meeting of the State College Area School District Board of School Directors at 7:12 p.m. to begin the regular meeting.

IX. CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Concepcion called the regular meeting of the State College Area School District Board of School Directors to order at 7:12 p.m. She announced the Board held an executive session on November 27 on personnel and a legal matter. With the agenda before them, she asked board members for any changes; there were no changes to the agenda.

X. COMMUNICATIONS
Dr. O’Donnell, on behalf of the District, welcomed our newest board member, Lori Bedell, to the School Board of Directors, and also welcomed Mr. Fozard, Mr. Hutchinson and Mr. Leous returning for another term and thanked all for their service to the District and community.

XI. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.

XII. ROUTINE APPROVALS
A motion to approve the Routine Approval Listing as presented.
--Regular Board Meeting Minutes November 27, 2017
Mr. Leous moved and Mr. Fozard seconded to approve the Routine Approvals as listed. 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.

XIII. PHYSICAL PLANT STAFFING JOB DESCRIPTION
A motion to approve the physical plant staffing job description presented at the November 27, 2017 Board meeting. 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.

XIV. MEMORIAL FIELD LAND DEVELOPMENT AND LOCKER ROOM CHANGES
--A motion to approve the Memorial Field land development and locker room changes presented at the November 27, 2017 Board meeting. Mr. Hutchinson moved and Dr. Duffy seconded to approve the motion. It was noted this will be advanced to design development and the calendar was reviewed at the last meeting. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

XV. PURCHASE FFE for PHASE 1 of HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT
A motion to approve the purchase of emergency radio equipment, part of FFE, for Phase 1 of the High School as presented. Mr. Leous 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.

XVI. APPROVE SECURITY HARDWARE INCREASE CHANGE ORDER
A motion to approve Security Hardware Change Order to App-Techs for an increase of
$789.66 on the amount originally approved October 23, 2017. Mr. Fozard moved and
Dr. Bader seconded to approve the motion. Board member confirmed with Mr. Poprik that the warranty stays the same and it is the same model number. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

XVII. APPROVE LEED GRANT RESOLUTION for CORL STREET PROJECT
A motion to approve the LEED Grant Resolution to Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for Corl Street School Project. Mr. Poprik explained we attained LEED Grants for Radio Park and Spring Creek School Projects. Corl Street was not happening at that time, so they are now putting together that application to submit for $1.6 to $1.8 million. Mr. Poprik confirmed for a board member that the resolution is cut and pasted from the application for LEED GOAL status. With the motion moved and seconded above, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

XVIII. APPROVE SOLAR GRANT RESOLUTION for CORL STREET PROJECT
A motion to approve the Solar Grant Resolution to Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for Corl Street School Project. Mr. Leous moved and Ms. Brandt seconded
to approve the motion. Mr. Poprik explained the solar grants are not related to the LEED Grant,
but the Solar Array projects. We have contracted to have at Corl Street, Radio Park, and
Spring Creek Schools as well as the High School. This is a new source of funding and CRA is putting together the packets to help with cost. Discussed SRECS, what they are now, the possibility of going up at some point, and having information on SRECS at a future meeting. With the motion moved and seconded above, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

XIX. APPROVE SOLAR GRANT RESOLUTION for RADIO PARK PROJECT
A motion to approve the Solar Grant Resolution to Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for Radio Park School Project. Ms. Brandt moved and Mr. Leous 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.

XX. APPROVE SOLAR GRANT RESOLUTION for SPRING CREEK PROJECT
A motion to approve the Solar Grant Resolution to Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for Spring Creek School Project. Ms. Brandt moved and Dr. Duffy 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.

XXI. APPROVE SOLAR GRANT RESOLUTION for HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT PROJECT
A motion to approve the Solar Grant Resolution to Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for the High School Project. Ms. Brandt moved and Mr. Leous seconded to approve the motion. Mr. Poprik noted the solar arrays are not up yet and the installation has not begun, so the High School qualifies as well. Discussed an application for the South but Mr. Straub will need to check into. With the motion moved and seconded above, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

XXII. RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Research Proposal - “Neuropsychological Functioning in Concussed Adolescent Athletes”
Dr. Stout noted after discussion with Dr. O’Donnell regarding this research, they decided this would be good for our District. He introduced Dr. Peter Arnett - Professor and Director of Clinical Training at Penn State University, and Alison Krajewski - Head Athletic Trainer for SCASD. Both Dr. Stout and Dr. O’Donnell are in support of the research study. Discussion occurred regarding trainers evaluating on the scene, this research study being a swab, the clinical data is tied to DNA, spoke about High School and Middle School club sports, ice hockey and rugby, non-contact and non-collision sports, and fully supporting this research. The research proposal has IRB approval. Mr. Fozard moved and Mr. Leous seconded to move this item to action. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye with a voice vote. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Fozard moved and Dr. Bader seconded to accept and approve the Research Proposal, “Neuropsychological Functioning in Concussed Adolescent Athletes” as presented. There was no further discussion. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

XXIII. DISTRICT GOAL CATEGORY: STUDENT LEARNING
Student Day Proposal Update
Dr. O’Donnell noted the District’s short elementary day and they have been working since April to refine based on Goals 1, 2 and 4 in the Strategic Plan. All measures and benchmarks should be utilized to see how we are doing qualitative and quantitative aspects. He turned the presentation over to Mr. Bock and Mr. Bock spoke on the increase in learning time, good instructional strategies, and rigorous learning experiences. Recess will be increased daily for every student K-5 to have 30-minutes with K-2 having 10-15 minutes more. He spoke on the fifth special survey, the number sent and the number that responded, the fifth special recommendation based on the survey results being STEM, the 16 one-hour focus group sessions with parents and teachers, and the proposed Homework and Recess Policies.

Dr. Stout spoke on the High School scheduling process and the 23 identified courses that would be considered for the start of next year for flexible learning options. He spoke on looking at a shift to start home athletic games, non-conference scheduling, Penn Conference competitions, and minimizing class-time missed.

Mr. Brown spoke on the the transportation aspect and three-new bus routes that can be accomplished with existing buses, the ride time will not increase for SCASD students, but will increase for non-SCASD, private and charter schools. Mr. Brown reviewed the recurring expenses (transportation, fifth special, and support staff) with the total annual cost, and non-recurring (first year only) for transportation and curriculum. He noted that the recurring expenses have been included within the annual budget projections and the one-time cost being built into the 2018-2019 budget. It is proposed that the Board will take action at its meeting December 18, 2017, on the proposed student day changes. Dr. O’Donnell noted that the links are on the website for these presentations.

Ms. Concepcion went to each board member around the table for comments, concerns, suggestions, questions and any clarification needed. The following were discussed: STEM for every school, transportation, the achievement gap, communication to community, the open period, funding at local vs. state level, supervising recess and training provided, adding more time but pulling students away from core, addition to the core, not replacing the core, the Strategic Plan, elementary teachers delivering STEM, the 23 courses identified for secondary, the Mid Penn Conference and possible shift of scheduling, PE benefits for athletes, getting instructional time for the investment, some things are unclear, and do believe the community is very engaged.

Board members took a break 9:11 to 9:25 p.m.

Fifth Student Special
Dr. O’Donnell noted there was no additional presentation. Dr. Fuller shared a packet of information, the survey analysis, and was present to field any questions. Responses were evidenced in different ways, there was a strong response (50%), teachers voted for the personnel development and Mr. Bock noted a recent incident that might have swayed teachers to go this direction. STEM was the first choice in ranking and board members discussed: Having pause to see how this fits as what the fifth special is, having a difficult time giving up foreign language, foreign language opportunities do not exist in our community, with STEM, what would or would not be science, many teachers do hands on things and this could occur in the classroom, the survey results have provided new data, and make the decision for what is best for the students. Dr. O’Donnell added the survey was done for parent input, we should honor what parents think, and not sure he would want to override this strong desire of families. Dr. Fuller spoke on the survey and the focus groups that provided risk information and explained that one does not override the other. That is why the ranking was added. It was noted that teachers did not want foreign language, and in the focus groups, foreign language came up the most. There were no sign in sheets at the focus groups, person identified by grade and kept things very unbiased. Dr. O’Donnell thanked Dr. and Ms. Colangelo for their help with the focus groups and Dr. Fuller for his help with the survey. Board members were to let him know if there is anything further needed to make a decision.

Student representative left the meeting at 10:00 p.m.

Transportation Study Results - School Bus Consultants
Mr. Brown introduced Mr. Archer, from School Bus Consultants, to present the analysis on the bell schedule transportation options and analysis. Mr. Archer noted they established a baseline (what it looks like now), provided District summary data for transportation with the National Average, and service data with with different peer districts. He reviewed the route assessment for design and efficiency, and showed different analysis with a two-tier system for SCASD elementary and secondary schools and Non-SCASD schools, also showed the length of the bus trips and other key findings. The development options were shared with modeling the existing plan and then were provided with alternatives and modifications to the seating and trips both for morning and afternoon. The transportation cost neutral option was 1C with 87 buses and elementary start time 8:00 a.m. with High School start time at 8:45 p.m. Mr. Brown noted that final routes have not been assigned yet, but given the level of detail, what we are asking can be accomplished. 1C is not feasible due to requiring staff at the elementary schools earlier than planned. It was noted the cohort districts were significantly smaller, looking at larger buses for utilization, do not compare two-tier system for SCASD to a three-tiered somewhere else, and the initial analysis with Tyler was to add a lot of buses.

XXIV. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
--Upcoming Committee Meetings:
- Facilities and Grounds - This Committee Meeting is cancelled for December 6

XXV. FUTURE AGENDA PLANNING
Ms. Concepcion noted the next regular meeting will be December 18 and reviewed items for future agenda planning.

XXVI. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Fozard moved and Mr. Leous seconded to adjourn the meeting. All board members present 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 10:55 p.m.

Submitted by,

Mary Jenn Dorman
Board Secretary