Board Meeting Agenda /Minutes 12/18/17

Link to video of the meeting through CNET1.org

All attachments in pdf

 
Agenda
December 18, 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 (7:00 p.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  (7:15 p.m.)
A motion to approve the Routine Approval Listing as presented.
          A. Reorganization and Regular Board Meeting Minutes December 4, 2017 (attachment IV-A)
          B. Treasurer Report for October 2017 (attachment IV-B)
          C. District Bills for November 2017 (attachment IV-C)
          D. Budget Transfers for November 2017 (attachment IV-D)
          E. Appointment of Tax Collector for Halfmoon Township (attachment IV-E)
          F. Agreement with Lock Haven University and SCASD for Student Nursing (Postponed)
          G. Culture, Climate and Learning Committee Meeting notes December 13, 2017 (attachment IV-G)
          H. Human Resource Recommendations (attachment IV-H)

V.        ACTION ITEMS  (7:25 p.m.)
          A. A motion to approve the bid award for Easterly Parkway School Chiller to low bidder, Goodco Mechanical, in the amount of $155,000  (attachment V-A)
          B. A motion to approve Phasing Projects’ Change Orders presented (attachment V-B)
          C. A motion to approve High School Project Change Orders presented (attachment V-C)
          D. A motion to approve the land use agreement with the Pennsylvania State University for Elementary project construction laydown area as presented. (attachment V-D)
          E. A motion to approve the parking reduction agreement with State College Borough for the High School Project (attachment V-E)
          F. A motion to approve the receipt of PDE approved High School Project PlanCon Part I for change orders MC-20 and PC-18, and PlanCon Part I for change orders EC-60 and EC-68 to be in the minutes as required by PDE. (attachment V-F)
          G. A motion to approve the purchase of Video Systems (FFE Purchase ) for the High School and for Panorama Village Building in an amount not to exceed $40,627.18 (attachment V-G)

VI.       INFORMATION/DISCUSSION (7:45 p.m.)
          A. District Goal Category: Fiscal Stewardship
                  2018-2019 Budget Development (attachment VI-A)

VII.      ACTION ITEM Following the above Information/Discussion (8:15 p.m.)
          A. A motion to approve the Proposed Student Day for the 2018-2019 School Year as outlined in the attachment. (attachment VII-A)
          B. A motion to direct the administration to develop a curriculum proposal for a K-5 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning experience for the fifth special beginning in 2018-2019. (attachment VII-B)   

VIII.     INFORMATION/DISCUSSION (9:00 p.m.)     
          A. District Goal Category: Facilities and Grounds
                  High School Project Update (attachment VIII-A)
          B. District Goal Category: Student Learning
                  New Penn State College of Nursing Agreement with SCASD (attachment VIII-B1)
                  Proposed 2018-2019 School Calendar (attachment VIII-B2)

IX.       BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS (9:30 p.m.)
--Finance and Audit Committee
--Upcoming Committee Meetings:
          Facilities and Grounds Committee - January 10
          Finance and Audit Committee - January 18          

X.        REPORTS (9:45 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

XI.       FUTURE AGENDA PLANNING
January 8, 2018 Regular Meeting
**Action Items
High School Project Change Orders
**Information/Discussion
Policy 130 - Homework
Policy 142 - Physical Activity/Recess

January 22, 2018 Regular Meeting
**Action Items
High School Project Change Orders
**Information/Discussion
High School Project Update

February 12, 2018 Regular Meeting
**Action Items
High School Project Change Orders
**Information/Discussion

February 26, 2018 Regular Meeting
**Action Items
High School Project Change Orders
**Information/Discussion
High School Project Update

XII.      ADJOURNMENT

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Minutes

December 18, 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 7:06 p.m. She welcomed all those attending and those viewing from home. With the agenda before them, Ms. Concepcion noted Item IV-F under Routine Approvals has been postponed and asked board members for any changes; there were no other 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, Lori Bedell Gretchen Brandt, Amber Concepcion, Dan Duffy, Scott Fozard, David Hutchinson, Jim Leous, Laurel Zydney
Board members absent:
Board Secretary: Mary Jenn Dorman
Student Representative: Adam Schram
Solicitor: Scott Etter
Superintendent: Robert O’Donnell
District Personnel: Laura Alterio, Vernon Bock, Randy Brown, Becky Collins, Samantha Corz, Andrea deCarle, Megan Germ, Katlyn Housel, Sydney Jackson, Laurie Korman, Nabil Mark, Linda Pierce, Ed Poprik, Mckenzie Raup, Chris Rosenblum, Eugene Ruocchio, Colleen Sheehan, Will Stout, Fanessa Thompson, Donna Watson
Guests: Gary Abdullah, John Argue, Abban Badani, Gus Colangelo, Linda Colangelo, Mary Lee Kerr, Hyeseen Kim, Clarabelle Lin, Andre Marshall, Branyan Sensiba, Elliot Sheehan, Dave Vactor, Leon Valsechi, Suzanne Weinstein

II.        COMMUNICATIONS (Press Release Preview)
Ms. Concepcion noted there were employee retirements in the Human Resources Report with 25 or more years of service. She recognized each of the following employees, provided a history of his/her employment, thanked each for his/her years of service and wished him/her the best in retirement:
            Douglas Arnold, Industrial Arts/Technology Education Teacher - 40 years of service
            Christine Kondash, Health and Physical Education Teacher - 27 years of service
            Rebecca Lorantas, Elementary Teacher - 32 years of service
            Connie Schulz, Homemaking Consultant/Family Consumer Science Teacher/K-12 Family    
            Outreach Specialist - 36 years of service

Dr. O’Donnell noted there were several members of a new State High Student Group, The Cultural Experience, in the audience tonight. He congratulated the group’s start, commended them for their goals of becoming a safe place for discussing bias, improving the student body and school experience at State High, and striving to be a sustainable social justice organization with multi-racial and diverse members. Their mission states, “to build awareness, solutions and leadership for racial justice.” Dr. O’Donnell introduced the club officers and the Advisor of the club.  Mr. Brown announced, The Center Foundation provided a $2,000 grant for musical instruments through the Patricia Farrell Fund.

III.       PUBLIC COMMENT 
Ms. Concepcion noted each individual would be limited to comments of three (3) minutes as time permits for items on this agenda or related to Board business and asked if anyone in the audience wanted to address the Board. The following audience member addressed the Board:
--Andre Marshall, 9th grade State High student, noted there were racial issues in the District, many intolerances and racial slurs with speech. He asked, “what steps the Board are taking to help fix the intolerances and issues?” Dr. O’Donnell invited Andre to attend the Board Culture, Climate and Learning Committee Meeting where this would be discussed for both adults and students. Dr. O’Donnell noted that Andre’s schedule can be checked to see if he or other students of his group could attend the next meeting. Ms. Concepcion added that respectful language is a priority.

IV.        ROUTINE APPROVALS 
A motion to approve the Routine Approval Listing as presented.
--Reorganization and Regular Board Meeting Minutes December 4, 2017
--Treasurer Report for October 2017
--District Bills for November 2017                           2017-18                    Total
General Fund                                                       $13,105,478.57           $13,105,478.57
(checks 1032744 to 1033364 and V103989 to V104015)
Food Service Fund                                                   134,985.88                 134,985.88
(checks 63617 to 63658 )
Athletics Fund                                                                    0.00                           0.00
(checks - None)
Activities Fund                                                            55,212.85                   55,212.85
(checks 91833 to 91865)
Purchasing Cards                                                       60,519.94                   60,519.94
(November 2017 - checks 229, 7631, 870)
Total All Funds                                                $13,356,197.24          $13,356,197.24
--Budget Transfers for November 2017
--Appointment of Tax Collector, Mr. Laird, for Halfmoon Township January 1 - June 30, 2018
for the School District real estate taxes
--Culture, Climate and Learning Committee Meeting Notes December 13, 2017
--Human Resource Recommendations (refer to attachment IV-H)
Mr. Leous moved and Mr. Fozard seconded to approve the Routine Approvals with IV-F postponed 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.         BID AWARD for EASTERLY PARKWAY SCHOOL CHILLER
A motion to approve the bid award for Easterly Parkway School Chiller to low bidder, Goodco Mechanical, in the amount of $155,000. Ms. Brandt moved and Mr. Leous seconded to approve the motion. It was noted that spare parts could be used and we have staff members licensed to do the work. With the motion moved and seconded above, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

VI.        HIGH SCHOOL PHASING PROJECT CHANGE ORDERS
A motion to approve Phasing Project’s Change Order presented below:
         General Contractor CO-01 in the amount of $2,200.00
Mr. Fozard moved and Ms. Brandt 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.       HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT CHANGE ORDERS
A motion to approve High School Project Change Orders presented below:
            General Contractor CO #99, in the amount of $5,127.15
            General Contractor CO #100, in the amount of $6,360.70
            General Contractor CO #101, in the amount of $4,878.95
            General Contractor CO #102, in the amount of $2,847.66
            General Contractor CO #103, in the amount of $3,061.63
            General Contractor CO #104, in the amount of $1,383.58
            General Contractor CO #105, in the amount of $3,325.57
            Kitchen Contractor CO #01, in the amount of $7,230.38
            Mechanical Contractor CO #25, in an amount not to exceed $19,300.00
            Electrical Contractor CO #73, in the amount of $18,677.00
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.

VIII.      COMMERCIAL LEASE with PSU for ELEMENTARY PROJECT LAYDOWN AREA
A motion to approve the Commercial Lease with the Pennsylvania State University for
elementary project construction laydown area as presented. Dr. Duffy moved and Ms. Brandt seconded to approve the motion. Board member noted the District is fortunate to have this site location where it is and appreciates the University’s help and cooperation. Mr. Poprik added the same appreciation, especially for Corl Street materials and parking. With the motion moved and seconded above, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

IX.        PARKING REDUCTION AGREEMENT with BOROUGH for HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT
A motion to approve the parking reduction agreement with State College Borough for the High School Project. Mr. Leous moved and Mr. Fozard seconded to approve the motion. Mr. Poprik noted that he thought this had already been done a while back, but this is nowhere in the records. With the motion moved and seconded above, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote.
The motion passed unanimously.

X.         APPROVE RECEIPT of HS PLANCON PART I APPROVED by PDE
A motion to approve the receipt of PDE approved High School Project PlanCon Part I for change orders MC-20 and PC-18, and PlanCon Part I for change orders EC-60 and EC-68 to be in the minutes as required by PDE. 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.

XI.        FFE PURCHASE for HIGH SCHOOL and PANORAMA VILLAGE BUILDING
A motion to approve the purchase of Video Systems (FFE Purchase ) for the High School and for Panorama Village Building in an amount not to exceed $40,627.18. Mr. Leous moved and Dr. Duffy seconded to approve the motion. Dr. Duffy had a request to break-out the cost for each.  Mr. Brown explained he had the cost of equipment for each, but only one installment cost, which could probably be divided in half. Dr. Duffy explained his reasoning for this request and with the significant cost of other items being voted on tonight. He is all in for things to be put in motion for the students, but uncertain for recording these meetings. This latter part could wait.  Mr. Brown did offer that the revised proposal would be approximately $15,000 for Panorama Village and $17,000 for the High School. Further specifics for use were discussed for the Board Room at Panorama holding professional development and other potential uses. This information did confirm for Dr. Duffy to approve the motion as presented. With the motion moved and seconded above to approve the purchase of Video Systems (FFE Purchase ) for the High School and for Panorama Village Building in an amount not to exceed $40,627.18, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.

XII.        GOAL CATEGORY: FISCAL STEWARDSHIP
2018-2019 Budget Development
Mr. Brown noted the budget development is done for two reasons: 1) prepare for future decisions - the opt out resolution under Act 1 and the tax increase would be no larger than the Index at 2.4%; and 2) the 2018-19 budget projections and comparisons with 2016-17 showing increase expenses for the proposed elementary school day, custodial positions, and adjustments for charter school enrollments. Ms. Watson reviewed the General Fund on page 4 and page 5 in the handout for revenues, expenses, and fund balance transfers for this year, real estate tax, earned income tax, and transfers. The numbers help to set a base for projections for the new budget year. Ms. Watson reviewed the graphs on real estate tax increase, assessed value growth, Act I index, earned income tax history, transfer tax, revenue, revenue by source, projected debt service, and outstanding principal of existing debt. There has been no borrowing for the elementary projects yet. The Act 1 Index is 2.4% in the current, same as previous year and coming year. The revenue assumptions are based on trends and detailed reconciliations are in Section B, and Section C shows the multi-year projections. Mr. Brown noted that page 35 excludes the impact of the proposed student day but assumes all others; and page 36 shows a zero tax increase including proposed student day expenses. Both Mr. Brown and Ms. Watson responded to questions that board members had and it was noted that Mr. Brown will be bringing back the recommendation for the Opt Out Resolution in January.

XIII.       APPROVE PROPOSED STUDENT DAY for 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR
A motion to approve the Proposed Student Day for the 2018-2019 School Year as outlined in the attachment. Mr. Fozard moved and Dr. Bader seconded to approve the motion. Dr. O’Donnell explained they have been working on this student day proposal the past two-years, have included input form teachers, students, parents and Board members. Our District has one of the shortest school days in our state; we have based the core proposal on the fact that more time with highly trained and caring teachers will help us better serve our students on a daily and annual basis; and he reviewed the following:
          •  The student day schedules for elementary, middle schools and high school showing the  
              current and proposed day schedule of each for 2018-19 school year.
          •  The cost implications for transportation showing the one-time cost for buses and yearly
              recurring operating expenses.
          •  The cost implications for staffing and curriculum (first year only expense for resources
              for the fifth special), and fifth special staffing and curriculum recurring expenses.
          •  Support staff for special education and recess supervision.
Dr. O’Donnell reviewed the next steps for the Board upon approval of the student day and the actions that the administration would then take. Ms. Concepcion went around the table for board member and student representative comments, questions for clarity, concerns, etc. Ms. Concepcion offered appreciation to the community, the process and the outcome for students to have more time during the day to receive instruction. She asked if there was any public comment and the following audience member addressed the Board:
--Clarabelle Lin thanked board members that mentioned community concerns. With the added time, it is recognized that many are trying to find a way to make it work. This will affect many people, and the need for changes to be made.

With the motion moved and seconded to approve the Proposed Student Day for the 2018-19 School Year as outlined in the attachment, and with nine board members present, eight board members voted aye and one board member voted nay (Ms. Zydney) on a roll call vote. The motion passed
8 to 1. Ms. Zydney had written comments and graphics that she requested to be included as part of the official minutes.

XIV.       DIRECT ADMINISTRATION to DEVELOP CURRICULUM PROPOSAL for STEM (the Fifth Special beginning 2018-2019)
A motion to direct the administration to develop a curriculum proposal for a K-5 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning experience for the fifth special beginning in 2018-2019. Mr. Fozard moved and Mr. Leous seconded to approve the motion. Dr. O’Donnell spoke regarding the memo on process and he does support this. Mr. Bock added there are three external local partners and named them, the next steps are to engage the experts and develop curriculum and supplement with robotics and coding. Dr. O’Donnell explained collaborating with one of the partners, Christine Cunningham, regarding cultural challenges and involve perspectives different than our own. We do not want to forget the needs of the other two choices on the survey, why teachers desired support for behavior, relationship building over time, and a task force for foreign language.

Ms. Zydney left the meeting at 8:44 p.m.

Board members offered comments of what they thought two weeks ago and how they were feeling about the results compared to their support for the STEM choice now and what it can provide for students, the partnerships with community and/or the university, the fundamentals learned with STEM, individuals and/or teams working together, and the approach we are taking with this. It was decided that the idea of the task force for foreign language would be taken to the Culture, Climate and Learning Committee as a charge. With the motion moved and seconded above to direct the administration to develop a curriculum proposal for a K-5 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning experience for the fifth special beginning in 2018-2019, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. (Ms. Zydney had left the meeting.) The motion passed unanimously.

Board members took a break from 9:03 to 9:11 p.m.

XV.        DISTRICT GOAL CATEGORY: FACILITIES and GROUNDS      
High School Project Update
Mr. Poprik spoke on the target date of January 8, 2018 for opening Phase 1 and will be safe and functional. The project is still a work in progress. With a Powerpoint presentation, Mr. Jones showed the overall progress with the front entry way, the main office area, furniture in various areas, interior finishes in corridors, flooring, main entry stair and candle lights, the 9th grade office, bathrooms, and auto shop. He reviewed the traffic pattern change for January 8 with parent drop-off in the front, the final inspections - fire alarm and ADA, and the kitchen and cafeteria. Mr. Poprik noted how they were moving forward the next couple of weeks, the work schedule of his staff, when teachers can access the building to unpack, and get building in final condition. January 8 will be on a two-hour delay schedule for students, the building is labeled well, but it is very large. It was noted that Delta Students, who have courses in the building, could come to the building January 5, (over the break) to tour the building with Mr. Johnson.  Board members thanked Mr. Poprik and staff for the work they would be doing over the next two weeks and holiday, tours for community members could possibly happen in March, good to get the word out regarding this, and the possibility of a virtual walk through in January.

XVI.       DISTRICT GOAL CATEGORY: STUDENT LEARNING
New Penn State College of Nursing Agreement with SCASD - This item was postponed to
the January 8, 2018 meeting to be reviewed.

Proposed 2018-2019 School Calendar
Dr. O’Donnell noted there were two changes made based on the discussion at the last Board meeting. School will begin on Monday, August 27 instead of Tuesday, August 28; and school will be in session Friday, December 21, prior to the break. The District has used this day for snow make-up only one time in seven years. Dr. O’Donnell explained they will add times for early dismissal at the end of the year once they are known. Board members agreed this was a big improvement, especially with the last day of school prior to commencement. However, the snow make-up days are still scheduled after commencement, would like to get snow days built back in the calendar, and hopefully this can be changed in the future. It was decided this did not need to wait to be brought back for action at the next meeting but could move to action tonight.

Dr. Bader moved and Ms. Bedell seconded to move this item to action. All board members present voted aye with a voice vote. (Ms. Zydney had left the meeting.) The motion passed unanimously. Dr. Bader moved and Mr. Fozard seconded to approve the proposed calendar presented with the times added once known for dismissal at the end of the year. There was no further discussion. With the motion  moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. (Ms. Zydney had left the meeting.) The motion passed unanimously.

XVII.      BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
--Finance and Audit Committee - Mr. Fozard noted it was the same as Mr. Brown’s overview this evening with the breakout costs of the student day. They also reviewed the MOU with SCASD Education Foundation and should come to the full Board at a future meeting.
--Upcoming Committee Meetings:
         - Facilities and Grounds Committee - January 10

XVIII.      REPORTS      
--Central Intermediate Unit (CIU) Report - Dr. Duffy noted an early meeting in January will be held for the Act 93 Agreement and meeting requirements to the local market. The next regular scheduled meeting is the end of January.
--National School Boards Association (NSBA) Report/PA School Boards Association (PSBA)/Legislative - Mr. Hutchinson reported they met three weeks back and 120 people met to put information into one document. Legislation - He reported the voucher thing keeps coming up, but nothing significant now. They are waiting for new members to be placed on the committee.
--Centre Region Council of Governments (COG) Liaison Report - Ms. Brandt reported the Steering Committee for CRPR is meeting once/month. She contacted a member of the committee for updates and she will notify Ms. Brandt with the updates.
--Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Liaison Reports
         Athletics - No report
         Facilities - The meeting was postponed
         Finance - Looking to have a meeting in January
         Safety - Will be meeting in January
         Technology - No meeting at this time
Board member noted that the Foundation be considered also for having a report. They met on December 6, 2017, reviewed the MOU and questions that needed clarification. The MOU will be coming to the Board. The Maroon and Gray Society Dinner is May 19 and in the planning stages.

XIX.       FUTURE AGENDA PLANNING
Ms. Concepcion reviewed items on future agendas. It was also noted that the Ground Breaking Ceremonies for the Elementary Construction Projects would be Wednesday, January 17, 2018.

XX.        ADJOURNMENT
Dr. Bader moved and Mr. Fozard seconded to adjourn the meeting. All board members present voted aye with a voice vote. (Ms. Zydney had left the meeting.) The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Concepcion adjourned the State College Area School District Board of School Directors regular meeting at 9:40 p.m.

Submitted by,

 

Mary Jenn Dorman
Board Secretary