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Board Meeting Agenda/Minutes April 23, 2018
Link to video of meeting through CNET1.org
All attachments in pdf
April 23, 2018 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 (Maroon and Gray, Graduation, Last Day of School) (Press Release Preview) (Press Release Recap)
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. Out of State / Overnight Student Travel (attachment IV-A)
B. Regular Board Meeting March 26, 2018 Minutes (attachment IV-B)
C. Regular Board Meeting April 9, 2018 Minutes (attachment IV-C)
D. Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting Notes April 11, 2018 (attachment IV-D)
E. Policy Development Committee Meeting Notes April 13, 2018 (Attachment IV-E)
F. Budget Transfers for March 2018 (attachment IV-F)
G. Quarterly Donation Report (attachment IV-G)
H. Budget Amendment (attachment IV-H)
I. Human Resources Recommendations (attachment IV-I)
V. ACTION ITEMS (7:20 p.m.)
A. A motion to approve Testing and Balancing Contractor for Elementary School Projects as presented. (attachment V-A)
B. A motion to approve CRA FFE Interior Design Services for Elementary School Projects as presented. (attachment V-B)
C. A motion to approve High School FFE Purchases as presented (attachment V-C)
D. A motion to approve High School Project Change Orders presented. (attachment V-D)
High School project:
Plumbing Contractor CO #20, in the amount of $9,052.00
Fire Protection Contractor CO #10, in the amount of $1,004.00
Mechanical Contractor CO #37, in the amount of $1,356.0
Electrical Contractor CO #81, in the amount of $2,491.46
Electrical Contractor CO #82, in the amount of $4,887.54
Electrical Contractor CO #83, in the amount of $7,362.87
Electrical Contractor CO #84, in the amount of $3,847.02
Electrical Contractor CO #85, in the amount of $6,599.87
Electrical Contractor CO #86, in the amount of $7,343.53
Electrical Contractor CO #87, in the amount of $2,046.29
Electrical Contractor CO #88, in the amount of $536.72
Electrical Contractor CO #89, in the amount of $5,552.74
Electrical Contractor CO #90, in the amount of $3,174.01
Electrical Contractor CO #91, in the amount of $3,000.67
Electrical Contractor CO #92, in the amount of $267.49
Electrical Contractor CO #93, in the amount of $2,575.80
Electrical Contractor CO #94, in the amount of $3,758.04
Electrical Contractor CO #95, in the amount of $1,168.19
Electrical Contractor CO #96, in the amount of $692.42
Electrical Contractor CO #97, in the amount of $5,528.65
Electrical Contractor CO #98, in the amount of $1,086.00
Electrical Contractor CO #99, in the amount of $1,125.00
Electrical Contractor CO #100, in the amount of $1,427.00
Electrical Contractor CO #101, in the amount of $3,484.14
Electrical Contractor CO #102, in the amount of $915.59
North Asbestos Contractor CO #1, in the amount of $16,761.00
E. A motion to approve Elementary School Projects Change Orders presented. (attachment V-E)
Corl Street project:
Electrical Contractor CO #01, in the amount of $8,124.00
Spring Creek project:
General Contractor CO #02 in the amount of $668.13
Electrical Contractor CO #01, in the amount of $6,745.00
Radio Park project:
General Contractor CO #03, in the amount of $90,003.55
General Contractor CO #04, in the amount of $3,109.52
Electrical Contractor CO #02, in the amount of $15,078.00
F. A motion to approve the receipt of approved PlanCon Part I from PDE for the following change orders: HS Change Order SC-32 for $24,392; HS Change Order PC-19 for $21,497; and HS Change Order GC-111 for -$38,604 as required. (attachment V-F)
G. A motion to approve the amended easement and maintenance agreement between SCASD, Peppermill Condominium Association, and West Irvin Associates (previously approved on January 22, 2018). (attachment V-G)
H. A motion to approve the bid award for Lenovo System X M3550 Server Hard Drives to low bidder Lenovo in the amount of $19,290.00. (attachment V-H)
I. A motion to approve the bid award for a Tire Changing Machine to low bidder Fisher Auto Parts in the amount of $13,479.80. (attachment V-I)
VI. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION (7:40 p.m.)
A. Research Proposal, "Promoting School Readiness in Child Care Centers" (attachment VI-A)
B. District Goal Category: Facilities and Grounds
High School Project Update (attachment VI-B) (Presentation)
Elementary School Project Update (Presentation)
C. District Goal Category: Fiscal Stewardship
2018-19 Budget Development (attachment VI-C)
D. Wonderland Charter Renewal Update (attachment VI-D) (Presentation)
Wonderland's Charter (attachment VI-D1)
Pennsylvania Department of Education's guidelines for authorizing districts
Charter school law - renewal
Wonderland's Annual Report 2016-17 (attachment VI-D2)
Wonderland's Current Property Lease (attachment VI-D3)
Wonderland's Child Find Process (attachment VI-D4)
Wonderland's Policy and Procedures (attachment VI-D5)
VII. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS (8:35 p.m.)
--Facilities and Grounds Committee
--Policy Development Committee
--Finance and Audit Committee
--Upcoming Committee Meetings:
Culture, Climate and Learning Committee Meeting - April 25
Communications Committee Meeting - April 26
Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting - May 2
VIII. REPORTS (8:40 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
--SCASD Education Foundation Liaison Report
--Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Liaison Reports
Athletics
Facilities
Finance
Safety
Technology
IX. FUTURE AGENDA PLANNING
May 7, 2018 Regular Meeting
**Action Items
High School Project Change Orders
Elementary Projects Change Orders
**Information/Discussion
Artificial surface for North Athletic Field
Proposed K-12 Science Curriculum
STEM Curriculum and Resources
Preliminary 2018-2019 Final Budget
May 21, 2018 Regular Meeting
**Action Items
Proposed K-12 Science Curriculum
STEM Curriculum and Resources
High School Project Change Orders
Elementary School Projects Change Orders
Artificial surface for North Athletic Field
**Information/Discussio
High School Project Update
Elementary School Projects Update
2018-19 Budget Development
June 4, 2018 Budget Hearing
June 11, 2018 Regular Meeting
**Action Items
High School Project Change Orders
Elementary Projects Change Orders
**Information/Discussion
Proposed Final Budget
X. ADJOURNMENT
MINUTES
April 23, 2018 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 7:08 p.m. She welcomed all those attending and those viewing from home. Ms. Concepcion announced the Board held an executive session on April 9, 2018 on a legal matter and personnel, and held an executive session prior to this meeting on a legal matter and personnel. With the agenda before them, she asked board members if there were any changes to the agenda; 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, Lori Bedell, Gretchen Brandt, Amber Concepcion, Dan Duffy, Scott Fozard, David Hutchinson, Jim Leous, Laurel Zydney
Board members absent:
Board Secretary: Marie Caster (acting)
Student Representative: Patrick Jones-O’Brien
Solicitor: Scott Etter
Superintendent: Robert O’Donnell
District Personnel: Sheila Abruzzo,Vernon Bock, Randy Brown, Jen Conklin, Katie Conklin, Jason Little, Nabil Mark, Susan Marshall, Linda Pierce, Ed Poprik, Jessica Redmond, Chris Rosenblum, Sharon Salter, Megan Schaper, Lisa Shenk, Donna Watson, Kerry Wiessmann
Guests: Alan Abruzzo, Jennifer Babb, Courtney Beiwaelt, Bea Belmonte, Kelly Bennett, Liz Bennett, Karen Bierman, Hester Blum, Stacey Bueld, Lachlan Campbell, Jasmine Cao, Katherine Chaz, Bronte Clingham-David, Lee Conklin, Clare Connell, Maria Cramer, Daniel Cullin, Adelaide Eburne, Jo Farris, Kayla Fatemi, Ellen Freeman, Kimberly Dawn Fulk, Wyatt Gould, James Hanagan, Mark Hayes, Jenna Henry, Amber Houck, Andrew Jackson, Victoria Torres Jackson, S. Jamshidi, Charlotte Jones-O’Brien, Delaney Kenyon, Mary Lee Kerr, Ayse Keskin,Esmer LaBelle, Lacy LaBelle, Claudia Lagoa-Miguel, Madeline Lawrence, Tamar London, Katie Maguire, Sharon Manno, C. Maier, Grace McDonald, Robyn Moussa, Lily Najjar, Ben Nasal, Ethan Palmer, Leah Patzkowsky, Megan Petrine, Nicholas Pressley, Freddy Purnell, Summer Radzanowski, Roshni Raj, Emily Redmond, Adriana Rizzo, Sydnee Rockey, Dawn Rosenbaum, Nitin Samarth, Lauren Seiders, Madeleine Sherbondy, Pia Smal, Ouli Sow, Katie Spearly, Andrew Spielvogel, Kelly Swigert, Anita Thies, Johanna Wagner, Stephen Weaver, Suzanne Weinstein, Maria Scalzi Wherley, Nancy Willis, Anthony Zareycke, Christine ODonovan Zavidup
II. COMMUNICATIONS
Dr. O’Donnell spoke on the following communications:
- He reminded all the Maroon & Gray Society Banquet is on May 19th, less than a month away and he encouraged the public to participate. The SCASD Education Foundation and the Board are excited to honor all inductees. All proceeds from the event will be used to purchase new marching band uniforms.
- The previous Thursday, the High School recognized the Special Olympians as they were sent off to Penn State by packing the front hallway and having the marching band out front.
- Registration for current CEEL families for next year opened today and new families may begin registration April 30th.
- He reminded all that the last day of school this year is Wednesday, June 13 due to having two snow days and the calendar is on the District website.
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Concepcion announced each individual will be limited to comments of three (3) minutes as time permits for items on this agenda or related to Board business. The following audience members addressed the Board:
--Dr. Andrew Jackson, Sr. shared his family background and his book James A. Banks and the Evolution of Multicultural Education, spoke about race and ethnicity and the need to share differences with students, parents and adults. He stated it is not permitted to talk about race and ethnicity in school, unless it is part of the lesson plan, people graduate and don’t know about their race, be proud. Requested a meeting with the board, administration, teachers and parents to clarify, need to know curriculum.
--The following students, parents and community members offered comments and shared personal experiences supporting their pleas to open additional gender-neutral restrooms at the High School: Kelly Bennett, Hester Blum, Lachlan Campbell, Tamar London, Emily Redmond, Maddie Sherbondy, Drew Spielvogel, Anthony J. Zareycke, Jennifer.
--The following members of Central PA SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice) and other community members expressed their opinions and concerns about the District’s process of seeking candidates and interviewing for the Director of Diversity and Inclusivity, feeling it was done in an opaque manner and others were not given an opportunity to participate in the process: Suzanne Weinstein, Nancy Willis, Amber Houck, Adriana Rizzo, Mary Lee Kerr, Maria Cramer. Members of Central PA SURJ urged the board and administration to reach out to them as they are happy to help in any way they can.
Ms. Concepcion thanked all for their comments.
Dr. O’Donnell spoke about his follow up with students and the board regarding procedures in the High School on restroom use, stating it is not a board policy, and he does not manage the procedure in the High School from his role. They are working through things and feels it has improved, but could be better, and he will continue to update the board on their efforts. On the matter of the Director of Diversity position, there was a diverse panel of individuals and they looked to community leadership, religious leadership, LGBTQ representation and the international community, however he had not met with representatives of Central PA SURJ. They will talk about involving a representative from that group on the Steering Committee.
Board members recessed from 8:06 to 8:23 p.m.
IV. ROUTINE APPROVALS
A motion to approve the Routine Approval Listing as presented.
-- Out of State / Overnight Student Travel
-- Regular Board Meeting March 26, 2018 Minutes
-- Regular Board Meeting April 9, 2018 Minutes
-- Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting Notes April 11, 2018
-- Policy Development Committee Meeting Notes April 13, 2018
-- Budget Transfers for March 2018
-- Quarterly Donation Report
-- Budget Amendment
-- Human Resources Recommendations (refer to attachment IV-I)
Dr. Duffy moved, Mr. Fozard seconded to approve the routine approvals 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. APPROVE TESTING AND BALANCING CONTRACTOR - ELEMENTARY PROJECTS
A motion to approve Testing and Balancing Contractor for Elementary School Projects
as presented. Mr. Leous moved, 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.
VI. APPROVE CRA FFE INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES - ELEMENTARY PROJECTS
A motion to approve CRA FFE Interior Design Services for Elementary School Projects as presented. Mr. Leous moved, Mr. Fozard seconded to approve the motion. Ms. Concepcion mentioned this was reviewed at Facilities and Grounds Committee meeting, and a Board member asked if a decision had been made about the selection of colors. Mr. Poprik did not know the answer, however, he explained the interior colors and graphic portion is included in the architectural budget, and this approval is only related to unattached furniture. Board member questioned why this cannot be done inhouse as in past years for elementary schools, why hadn’t they heard about this before and feels backed into a corner. Board members discussed CRA’s job is to stay on top of changes in furniture, environmental process, the need to incorporate that into the learning environment, and time demands on Mr. Poprik and other Physical Plant staff being much greater now. Mr. Brown explained if this contract is not approved, school principals will need to be involved, teachers pulled out of classrooms, and Mr. Poprik’s staff will have much greater involvement. With the motion moved and seconded above, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.
VII. APPROVE HIGH SCHOOL FFE PURCHASES
A motion to approve High School FFE purchases as presented. Mr. Leous moved, Dr. Duffy seconded to approve the motion. Board member asked if the scissor lift can be used elsewhere in the district; Mr. Poprik noted it is portable, so yes. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.
VIII. APPROVE HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT CHANGE ORDERS
A motion to approve High School Project Change Orders as presented.
High School project:
Plumbing Contractor CO #20, in the amount of $9,052.00
Fire Protection Contractor CO #10, in the amount of $1,004.00
Mechanical Contractor CO #37, in the amount of $1,356.00
Electrical Contractor CO #81, in the amount of $2,491.46
Electrical Contractor CO #82, in the amount of $4,887.54
Electrical Contractor CO #83, in the amount of $7,362.87
Electrical Contractor CO #84, in the amount of $3,847.02
Electrical Contractor CO #85, in the amount of $6,599.87
Electrical Contractor CO #86, in the amount of $7,343.53
Electrical Contractor CO #87, in the amount of $2,046.29
Electrical Contractor CO #88, in the amount of $536.72
Electrical Contractor CO #89, in the amount of $5,552.74
Electrical Contractor CO #90, in the amount of $3,174.01
Electrical Contractor CO #91, in the amount of $3,000.67
Electrical Contractor CO #92, in the amount of $267.49
Electrical Contractor CO #93, in the amount of $2,575.80
Electrical Contractor CO #94, in the amount of $3,758.04
Electrical Contractor CO #95, in the amount of $1,168.19
Electrical Contractor CO #96, in the amount of $692.42
Electrical Contractor CO #97, in the amount of $5,528.65
Electrical Contractor CO #98, in the amount of $1,086.00
Electrical Contractor CO #99, in the amount of $1,125.00
Electrical Contractor CO #100, in the amount of $1,427.00
Electrical Contractor CO #101, in the amount of $3,484.14
Electrical Contractor CO #102, in the amount of $915.59
North Asbestos Contractor CO #1, in the amount of $16,761.00
Dr. Duffy moved, Mr. Leous seconded to approve the motion. Mr. Poprik explained the list is long because there were no change orders presented at the first meeting in April. Board member expressed consternation at times with fiscal responsibility to the community with change orders, and gave an example by asking for more explanation of change order EC84 and the cost associated. Mr. Poprik explained the cost is due to being commercial grade equipment rather than home grade, and the impact of this being a prevailing wage project with labor costs being much higher. Board member asked about change order FP10 and questioned because it was a Phase 3 change, but is being done now, will a credit be issued in Phase 3. Mr. Poprik explained there will not be additional charges for equipment in Phase 3; some extra work was done to change the path of piping. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.
IX. APPROVE RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Dr. O’Donnell announced he and Dr. Karen Bierman had participated together with WPSU on issues surrounding bullying. Mr. Bock introduced Dr. Bierman and announced she had reached out to Dr. O’Donnell and himself with her research proposal “Promoting School Readiness in Child Care Center.” Dr. Bierman explained they are in childcare centers in seven counties, with main target being those who do not have organized programming in social emotional learning or language literacy. Interested in impact of children when they begin school, would like to reach out to teachers of six children in kindergarten to ask to complete a rating on how the children are doing in kindergarten. Mr. Bock expressed full support of the research project. Mr. Leous moved, Dr. Duffy seconded to move the research proposal “Promoting School Readiness in Child Care Center” to action. All board members approved by a voice vote. The motion to move the research proposal to action passed unanimously. Mr. Leous moved, Dr. Duffy seconded to approve the research proposal. Board member expressed this research being very timely with the emphasis on the greater need for social and emotional learning. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.
X. APPROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROJECT CHANGE ORDERS
A motion to approve Elementary School Projects Change Orders presented.
Corl Street project:
Electrical Contractor CO #01, in the amount of $8,124.00
Spring Creek project:
General Contractor CO #02 in the amount of $668.13
Electrical Contractor CO #01, in the amount of $6,745.00
Radio Park project:
General Contractor CO #03, in the amount of $90,003.55
General Contractor CO #04, in the amount of $3,109.52
Electrical Contractor CO #02, in the amount of $15,078.00
Mr. Leous moved, Dr. Bader seconded to approve the motion. Mr. Poprik explained incorrect information had been provided. The Act 34 threshold at Radio Park is $822,551, and if change orders exceeded that amount, a second Act 34 hearing would be required. The threshold only applies to the actual cost of the building itself, and the foundation and soil work is not considered part of the building. Mr. Poprik explained there are still costs, and they are continuing to track the internal contingency costs but the Act 34 contingency is not coming into play. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.
XI. APPROVE RECEIPT of APPROVED PLANCON PART I for HS CHANGE ORDERS
A motion to approve the receipt of approved PlanCon Part I from PDE for the following
change orders: HS Change Order SC-32 for $24,392; HS Change Order PC-19 for $21,497; and HS Change Order GC-111 for -$38,604 as required. Dr. Duffy moved, Mr. Leous 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.
XII. APPROVE AMENDED EASEMENT AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A motion to approve the amended easement and maintenance agreement between SCASD, Pepper Mill Condominium Association and West Irvin Associates, previously approved on January 22, 2018. Dr. Duffy moved, Mr. Fozard 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.
XIII. APPROVE BID AWARD FOR LENOVO SYSTEM
A motion to approve the bid award for Lenovo System X M3550 Server Hard Drives to low bidder Lenovo in the amount of $19,290.00. Mr. Leous moved, Mr. Fozard seconded to approve the motion. Board member questioned what these hard drives are for and Mr. Brown explained this was part of the infrastructure. They had received a quote but needed to go through the formal process of seeking bids, and the bids came in higher than the original quote. Will need to have a new motion to reject all bids, with a second motion to accept the quote. Mr. Leous withdrew his original motion and made the new motion to reject all bids and accept the quote from Lenovo for Lenovo System X M3550 Server Hard Drives as presented, Mr. Fozard seconded. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.
XIV. APPROVE BID AWARD FOR TIRE CHANGING MACHINE
A motion to approve the bid award for a Tire Changing Machine to low bidder Fisher Auto Parts in the amount of $13,479.80. Dr. Duffy moved, Mr. Leous seconded to approve the motion. Mr. Brown explained this machine is for use in the Auto Tech Program at the CTC. Dr. Duffy spoke of the need for such a machine in the program. With the motion moved and seconded, all board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously.
XV. DISTRICT GOAL CATEGORY: FACILITIES AND GROUNDS
High School Project Update
Mr. Poprik presented the first formal update since opening the cafeteria and F1/F2 sections, which adds a much-needed addition to the student space, all seem to be well received and appreciated by all. They are continuing to work with contractors to see if there are any interim spaces that could be opened sooner than expected. The current phasing and calendar shows the next phase to open summer 2019. Mr. Poprik reviewed recent progress in the library and guidance areas, the art room spaces, and again emphasized the work with contractors to open areas sooner. He will keep board members updated on progress. Final approvals are in place for the traffic signal and looking to complete that work this summer, North side demolition is progressing with a huge chunk of the North building gone, soil is being moved from one side of the street to the other to build up for the new field, referred to discussion at Facilities and Grounds Committee about that field being converted from natural grass to turf, and Mr. Poprik is gathering additional information for the May Committee meeting to continue the discussion with hope of bringing a recommendation back to the Board the end of May. Board member expressed concern about phasing and the need for guidance counselors to maintain confidentiality and asked to discuss with Massaro to accelerate that work.
Elementary School Project Update
Mr. Poprik reported there was a productive discussion regarding graphics at the Facilities and Grounds Committee meeting. They established a poll to be emailed to parents around graphics within the next couple of days and choices were attached to the Facilities and Grounds Committee agenda on the District website. Mr. Poprik reported all projects are on schedule with a lot of work going on and the need to have some early discussions about playground areas, which will be coming to a head when these projects are done. He explained that $50,000 was included in the FFE budget for each school, how the process worked in the past with him meeting with principals and his staff purchasing and installing the playground equipment. Now suggest a more holistic approach around playground design and how students can utilize playgrounds, some accessibility issues are quite costly, and wants to maintain equity at each school. Mr. Brown added administration being directed to handle playgrounds differently than in the past, have some ideas, start in committees, both Finance and Facilities. Mr. Poprik referred to the last page of the memo, reviewing the groundbreaking had to be cancelled due to weather. To reschedule now would seem odd with buildings already going up and suggested looking at scheduling celebrations to gain excitement over projects.
XVI. DISTRICT GOAL CATEGORY: FISCAL STEWARDSHIP
2018-19 Budget Development
Mr. Brown and Ms. Watson had provided Board members with a voluminous amount of budget material and asked if there were any questions or comments in order to meet the timeline, which he reviewed. He and Ms. Watson will provide updates tonight, ask for input on what the board still needs to understand, and indicated they are using a very focused lens on the elementary day changes. Mr. Brown reviewed the slides explaining the changes that had been requested by Board and Finance Committee members related to charter school costs and enrollments, regular and special education costs and services, and Capital Reserve Fund. Mr. Brown indicated they will bring information on private school enrollments to the next meeting. Board members asked for clarification on Charter School Funding Calculation and Special Education deductions, the math curriculum listed on the 2018-19 additions slide under “recurring,” and transfers to Capital Reserve. Mr. Brown explained in detail how the deductions calculation works, stating the more services we provide to our in-district Special Education students, the more our District has to pay charter schools for Special Ed tuition, regardless of the services they provide. Ms. Watson noted the Math Curriculum is non-recurring and will be corrected on the slide. Mr. Brown referred to pages of the handout, starting on page 29, with page 33 showing multi-year projection maintained in Capital Reserve, and can look at transfer line so as not to lose track of Debt Service.
Food Service
Mr. Brown reviewed the proposed lunch prices for next school year, which include $.05 increase per lunch for elementary and middle schools, with the high school remaining the same due to the significant increase this year with the opening of the food court. Ms. Schaper provided comparisons from cohort districts as well as free and reduced percentages. Board members questioned and commented on the food court being well received and appreciated by students and teachers; concern about the cost to families not at an income level for free and reduced lunch but struggling to pay; connect parents to resources for financial help; and, number of students buying lunch. Ms. Schaper appreciated hearing that students and teachers are happy with the food court and invited board members to visit the food court for lunch; she shares the concern about cost and stated parents demand quality and choice, which comes at a price; participation is increasing again and is around 990, but she is pushing for 1200; faculty numbers have tripled; and, kids are not waiting in line. Mr. Brown reviewed revenues, indicating Food Service Fund will be operating at a loss next year with the following year balancing out the deficit. He commended Ms. Schaper and her staff for doing a phenomenal job with all the changes. Ms. Schaper added her staff is awesome and makes her job much easier, the elementary production is sharing kitchen space and staff is working through the crowding and doing a great job. Ms. Concepcion asked Board members to forward any comments or questions they have before next meeting. Board member requested information on how salary assumptions are built.
Board recessed from 9:39 to 9:49 p.m.
XVII. WONDERLAND CHARTER RENEWAL UPDATE
Dr. O’Donnell reported five members of the Administrative team would provide an overview of their department review. He commented on the increase in charter school expense over the past five years and with each charter school renewal request, he would try to explain what the board is being asked to do, both by following Dr. Etter’s review of the Charter School Law from last meeting, as well as what has been learned from Administration’s review.
-- Mr. Bock reported on student learning, stating they looked at four distinct data points, and the overall theme was Wonderland Charter School (WCS) falls well below SCASD students in state and national assessments. Of major concern was the math assessments, which was 20 points below the District, and even farther below the State’s pass level. Of students returning to the District from WCS this year, in grades 2 through 8, students performed at the 44th percentile in math and the 53rd percentile in reading, as compared to District students performing at the 91st and 92nd percentile respectively at those grade levels. Looking at the DIBELS assessment which is Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills, 41% of WCS students were identified as “requiring intensive and strategic support for literacy development.” Mr. Bock stated the curriculum WCS is using for reading and math resembles what SCASD is using for a Tier 2 or 3 intervention, and they did not observe nor were they provided a writing curriculum during their observation.
-- Ms. Pierce reviewed certification, staffing and compensation, reporting WCS does meet teacher certification requirements; but administrative certification may not fully meet PDE requirement. She wrote to PDE for clarification and will confirm our understanding is correct. Ms. Pierce spoke of staff longevity with the average length of service for WCS teachers being 2.5 years; Wonderland’s self-reported average salary for classroom teachers is $27,593, ranking them last out of 781 LEAs according to PDE’s 2016-2017 statewide data, with SCASD being in top 20% of the state; WCS provides free dental and medical plan; their pension plan is a 403B, which they are permitted to develop and their employer contribution is 5%. Ms. Pierce provided comparisons of salaries and benefits of SCASD teachers.
-- Mr. Brown reviewed Finances, indicating WCS costs are not commensurate with SCASD costs, meaning our payments to charter schools is based on SCASD’s costs for salaries, benefits, student opportunities, etc. and WCS is not using that money for their teachers or their programs -- WCS spends far less than they receive from SCASD, specifically for Special Education; WCS property lease is with Wonderland Preschool & Daycare, Inc. and is a “triple-net lease” meaning the Lessee is responsible for all costs of real estate taxes, building insurance and maintenance (the three “nets”). The property tax rolls list Harold and Marilyn Ohnmeis (WCS Business Manager and Education Director, respectively) as the owners, with Wonderland Preschool & Daycare, Inc. listed as the landlord on the property lease.
-- Ms. Knouse reported on ESL and nursing services, sharing SCASD’s process for identifying and assessing students for ESL services, and noted WCS uses a benchmark program, DISTAR, to place their students into a reading program, which is not acceptable for ESL standards, as confirmed by IU#10; WCS allows students to self-administer medication, and there needs to be a policy around that. There was no such policy in the handbook provided.
-- Ms. Salter reported on Special Education, noting WCS has 14 students with IEPs, and numbers are similar for the past three years with all of these students having speech and language impairment. A significant concern is their Child Find process, which is State and Federally mandated. The observation was that children may be receiving instruction at a level that meets their ability, but are not being reported and evaluated for disabilities.
-- Dr. O’Donnell said the board will be kept apprised, additional questions will be addressed, and they hope to bring back for action the first or second meeting in May. Board members had an opportunity to provide comments and ask for clarification related to induction program, lease, definition of PHLOTE, ESL testing requirements, the intervention that goes along with core instruction to catch up with grade level peers, WCS not billing for ACCESS funding, non-compete clause for teachers, pay for administrators, percentage of annual budget in reserves, $5 million level of liability insurance, does insurance coverage follow lease requirement, innovation for original charter application, difference between speech and language evaluation and psych evaluation, and proportions of students with reading disability.
XVIII. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
--Facilities and Grounds Committee: Ms. Bedell was elected Chair, discussed elementary sige plans, floor plans, FFE plan for Crabtree Rohrbaugh, playgrounds, details for revised timeline for Memorial Field, and turf vs. grass at North athletic field. The next meeting is May 2.
--Policy Development Committee: Ms. Brandt discussed student board representative, 005 discussion, and sustainability policy being a future agenda item.
--Finance and Audit Committee: Mr. Fozard reported on budget development, summary of bond sale results, quarterly donation report and development.
--Upcoming Committee Meetings:
Culture, Climate and Learning Committee Meeting - April 25
Communications Committee Meeting - April 26
Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting - May 2
XIX. REPORTS
--Central Intermediate Unit (CIU) Report - meeting April 26
--National School Boards Association (NSBA) Report/PA School Boards Association (PSBA)/Legislative - Mr. Hutchinson attended the NSBA Conference and reported on the following items: School Culture - National Stats with percentages for “I like going to school,” “I fit in”; Equity Through Global Education with importance of layering a culturally immersive curriculum; Diversity and Teacher Retention and explained various points under this item; Rethinking High School by creativity being a better predictor of success than IQ and creating a culture of trust and safety to name a few; Student Voice helps students to feel far more engaged, a sense of purpose, contributing to school culture, and being part of legislative advocacy; and EdLeader21 that is a consortium of 200 school districts who have adopted the P21 framework and explained the “portrait of a graduate.” He noted the obstacle, for many of these, is that change is hard and people fall back on it is the way we have always done something. Mr. Hutchinson added he attended a session on Foundations and provided information learned in the session. PSBA - still working on Commonwealth Education Blueprint and the April meeting was pushed to June.
--Centre Region Council of Governments (COG) Liaison Report- Ms. Brandt indicated a willingness to serve on the Steering Committee for Parks & Recreation Regional Comprehensive Plan --SCASD Education Foundation Liaison Report - Reviewed a draft budget, EITC Program, Maroon & Gray Society, and a draft Grants Submission program.
--Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Liaison Reports
Athletics: good response to call for members, talked about launching a 9th grade girls’ basketball team, Mr. Crispel will provide Title IX data, and fundraising with district clubs
Facilities: no meeting
Finance: no meeting
Safety: discussion around changing name and expanding mission to include health and wellness, further development of counseling program and curriculum, conduct safety audit of all schools, especially elementary schools, and updating accessibility of floor plans of buildings.
Technology: no meeting
Upcoming Committee Agendas:
CCL: Science Curriculum proposal, LE/SS, K-2 technology to include Chromebook with touchscreen
Communications: State High Open House experience; draft surveys for strategic plan
XX. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Fozard moved, Dr. Duffy seconded to adjourn the meeting. All board members present voted aye with a voice vote. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Concepcion adjourned the State College Area School District Board of School Directors regular meeting at 11:09 p.m. to an executive session.
Submitted by,
Marie Caster
Acting Board Secretary