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10-10-11 Board Meeting Agenda and Minutes
The approved minutes are below the agenda. All attachments are PDFs
Board Meeting on October 10, 2011
7:30 pm – Board Room
131 W. Nittany Avenue
State College, PA 16801
7:30 pm – Board Room
131 W. Nittany Avenue
State College, PA 16801
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. COMMUNICATIONS
III. PUBLIC COMMENT (Each individual will be limited to comments of 3 minutes as time permits.)
IV. ROUTINE APPROVALS
II. COMMUNICATIONS
III. PUBLIC COMMENT (Each individual will be limited to comments of 3 minutes as time permits.)
IV. ROUTINE APPROVALS
A motion to approve the listing of Routine Approvals as presented.
A. Meeting Minutes - September 26, 2011 Regular Meeting (attachment IV-A)
B. Out-of-State and/or Overnight Student Travel (attachment IV-B)
C. Construction Change Orders for Ferguson Township Elementary School Project (attachment IV-C)
E. School District Bills for September 2011 (attachment IV-E)
F. Approval of Policy 209.2 - Head lice and Policy 207 - Confidential Communications of Students (materials previously distributed)
G. Human Resources Recommendations (attachment IV-G)
A. Meeting Minutes - September 26, 2011 Regular Meeting (attachment IV-A)
B. Out-of-State and/or Overnight Student Travel (attachment IV-B)
C. Construction Change Orders for Ferguson Township Elementary School Project (attachment IV-C)
1) A motion to approve General Contractor Change Order #35 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $9,310.45 to Poole Anderson Construction.D. Budget Amendments for the 2011-2012 (attachment IV-D)
2) A motion to approve General Contractor Change Order #36 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project as a credit of at least $1,124 to Poole Anderson Construction.
3) A motion to approve General Contractor Change Order #37 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project as a credit of at least $2,146 to Poole Anderson Construction.
4) A motion to approve General Contractor Change Order #38 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $486.67 to Poole Anderson Construction.
5) A motion to approve General Contractor Change Order #39 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $1,406.41 to Poole Anderson Construction.
6) A motion to approve General Contractor Change Order #40 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $5,728.84 to Poole Anderson Construction.
7) A motion to approve Window Contractor Change Order #7 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $221.19, to Nittany Building Specialities.
8) A motion to approve Window Contractor Change Order #8 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $2,219.46, to Nittany Building Specialities.
9) A motion to approve Fire Protection Contractor Change Order #1 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project, in an amount not to exceed $291.69 to S. A. Comunale, Inc.
10) A motion to approve Fire Protection Contractor Change Order #2 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $283.80 to S. A. Comunale, Inc.
E. School District Bills for September 2011 (attachment IV-E)
F. Approval of Policy 209.2 - Head lice and Policy 207 - Confidential Communications of Students (materials previously distributed)
G. Human Resources Recommendations (attachment IV-G)
V. ACTION
A. A motion to approve the recommendations listed below regarding the new administrative leadership position:
1. Recommend creation of the position of Supervisor of Elementary and Middle Level Education.
2. Recommend the job description for the Supervisor of Elementary and Middle Level Education position.
3. Recommend approval for the administration request to post and fill the Supervisor of Elementary and Middle Level Education position. (attachment V-A)
B. A motion to approve the recommended revised job description for the Assistant Superintendent position. (attachment V-B)
A. A motion to approve the recommendations listed below regarding the new administrative leadership position:
1. Recommend creation of the position of Supervisor of Elementary and Middle Level Education.
2. Recommend the job description for the Supervisor of Elementary and Middle Level Education position.
3. Recommend approval for the administration request to post and fill the Supervisor of Elementary and Middle Level Education position. (attachment V-A)
B. A motion to approve the recommended revised job description for the Assistant Superintendent position. (attachment V-B)
VI. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
A. FY2012-2013 Budget Update (attachment VI-A)
B. Learning Enrichment: Relationship with Confucius Institute (attachment VI-B)
C. Requests submitted for the following Research Proposals for 2011-2012 school year. These proposals are time sensitive and Mr. Hardy, Assistant Superintendent, recommends moving them to action.
B. Learning Enrichment: Relationship with Confucius Institute (attachment VI-B)
C. Requests submitted for the following Research Proposals for 2011-2012 school year. These proposals are time sensitive and Mr. Hardy, Assistant Superintendent, recommends moving them to action.
* “Girls as Science Learners in an Evidence-Based Elementary Science Classroom” (attachment VI-C 1)
* “Examining the Evolution of Professional Development Over Time as an Organizational Function in an Elementary School Context” (attachment VI-C 2)
* “Preservice Teachers Responding to and Assessing Student Writing” (attachment VI-C 3)
* “PAWS Club: Peer-Education About Weight Steadiness” (attachment VI-C 4)
* “Examining the Evolution of an Inservice K-5 Teacher Learning Community as They Work to Impact Their Science Teaching Practices” (attachment VI-C 5)
* “Characterizing Understanding of Symbol Feature-Noticing Across Different Levels of Algebra Experience” (attachment VI-C 6)
* “Elementary School Teachers’ Attitude, Beliefs, and Behaviors of Relevant Pedagogical Strategies” (attachment VI-C 7)
VII. FUTURE AGENDA PLANNING
October 24
Elementary Construction Project Change Orders
October 24
Elementary Construction Project Change Orders
VIII. ADJOURNMENT to EXECUTIVE SESSION
MINUTES
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
OCTOBER 10, 2011
7:30 PM, BOARD ROOM
131 WEST NITTANY AVENUE
STATE COLLEGE, PA 16801
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Ms. McGlaughlin, board president, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Ms. McGlaughlin welcomed all present and viewing from home. She noted the board held an Executive Session on personnel and a Board Workshop on board operations prior to the meeting. Ms. McGlaughlin noted a change on the agenda under Action item A-1 – the name of the position being created has been changed and there was a memo on that change. She also mentioned the research proposals on the agenda, which were not previously given to board for discussion. If the board desires to move those items to action, they will do so. If any audience member wishes to comment on those items, they should do so during the public comment portion of the meeting. There were no other changes to the agenda.
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: Rich Bartnik, Penni Fishbaine, David Hutchinson, Jim Leous, Ann McGlaughlin, Jim Pawelczyk, Gowen Roper, Chris Small
Board Member Absent: Dorothea Stahl
Acting Board Secretary: Marie Caster
Solicitor: Scott Etter
Superintendent: Robert O’Donnell
District Personnel: Sheila Abruzzo, Jeff Ammerman, Rudy Burruss, Mary Corl, Michael Hardy, Jeanne Knouse, Robin Lallement, Julie Miller, Ed Poprik, Diane Reed, Marcie Rockey, Colleen Sheehan, Wilda Stanfield, Holli Jo Warner
Guests: Dave Cannon, Amber Concepcion, Hayden Davidson, Karen Foard, Doris Grove, Ed Mahon, Laurel Sydney, Carla Zembal-Saul
II. COMMUNICATIONS
First, Dr. O’Donnell reported on the new school openings, indicating Ferguson Township turnout was quite impressive, with community members, employees, and former students attending; Mount Nittany Elementary turnout was slightly less, possibly due to visitors being able to tour the building before the official open house.
Second, he welcomed the Boy Scouts in the audience and asked them to contact his office if they have any follow up questions. Last, Dr. O’Donnell followed up on a written article about Iraqi families resettling into our area. He announced there is one family in our district and we are helping them transition into our schools. He mentioned Jeanne Knouse, Director of Learning Enrichment, Gifted Education and Student Services, is the point person to best understand what might transpire. There is a chance of up to 100 families with 50 to 80 school age children relocating to our district. We are continuing to monitor this situation, due to concern about space in our schools, and also because many and possibly all of these children will not speak English and therefore we would need to offer an English as a Second (ESL) program to them.
Mr. Leous reported he was invited to attend the STEM inservice workshop at the high school. He and Jack Lyke, STEM coordinator, had good discussions about future facilities and planning courses that integrate those various disciplines. He thanked Mr. Lyke and the high school.
III. ROUTINE APPROVALS
A motion to approve the listing of Routine Approvals as presented.
*Meeting Minutes for September 26, 2011 Regular Meeting
*Out-of-State and/or Overnight Student Travel
*Construction Change Orders for Ferguson Township Elementary School Project:
--Park Forest Middle School received a grant in the amount of $2,800 from Dominion Foundation for use with their Green Energy Project.
--Park Forest Middle School received a continuation of their Highmark Healthy High 5 Grant for 2011-12 school year in the amount of $24,998.
--Community Education received a grant in the amount of $2,239.71 from the American Association of University Women for the Challenging Science Investigations (CSI) Summer Program.
*School District Bills for September 2011:
*Human Resources Recommendations
Dr. Pawelczyk moved, Mr. Bartnik seconded the motion to approve the Routine Approvals as presented. All board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. (Ms. Stahl was absent.)
IV. NEW ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP POSITION
A motion to approve the recommendations listed below regarding the new administrative leadership position:
1. Recommend creation of the position of Supervisor of Elementary and Middle Level Education.
2. Recommend the job description for the Supervisor of Elementary and Middle Level Education position.
3. Recommend approval for the administration request to post and fill the Supervisor of Elementary and Middle Level Education position.
Ms. Fishbaine moved, Dr. Roper seconded the motion to approve the recommendations listed above regarding the new administrative leadership position. All board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. (Ms. Stahl was absent.)
V. REVISED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT POSITION
A motion to approve the recommended revised job description for the Assistant Superintendent position as presented.
Dr. Pawelczyk moved, Mr. Hutchinson seconded the motion to approve the revised job description for the Assistant Superintendent position as presented. All board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. (Ms. Stahl was absent.)
VI. FY2012-2013 BUDGET UPDATE
Jeff Ammerman recapped the final 2011-2012 budget, as well as reviewed planning for 2012-2013. He reviewed PSERS rate increase and the funding strategy developed to smooth that increase; formation of Cost Control Task Force to help the district develop ways to reduce costs; shrinking tax and interest revenue; and the need to reduce nearly 60 positions over the course of the past two years. He will introduce conservative assumptions about revenue and expenses at the first meeting in November. Will need to have a preliminary budget for review prior to the December break, with approval at the January 23, 2012 meeting. A budget timeline was included with his handout. The State budget will not be released by the time our budget needs to be approved. There are numerous decisions to be made, including PSERS pre-funding. There is not a lot to be done right now, but many items to begin thinking about. He reminded the board of the decision to be made by January:
1. Adopt a resolution limiting any tax increase to the Act 1 Index.
2. Pass a preliminary budget including exceptions (if needed).
3. Proceed to referendum.
Board discussion occurred about 60-day requirement for referendum and deciding a tax rate; will PSERS prefunding be within the Index or will it be an exception; 5-year budget plan; find where all board members stand ahead of time to give administration a percentage to build a budget on; look again at list of items given to administration last year; budgeting should be living within means, so what are our means; and, does the Cost Control Task Force need to be reestablished.
VII. LEARNING ENRICHMENT: RELATIONSHIP WITH CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE
Dr. O’Donnell reported on several discussions with Jeanne Knouse, Mike Hardy and Jon Downs regarding the district’s world language offerings, specifically related to Chinese. The district does not currently offer Chinese, and would need substantive resources to make it happen. Ms. Knouse and Dr. Downs have been working to facilitate experiences regarding Chinese language and culture. Ms. Knouse prepared the memo for board information regarding the opportunity to collaborate with the PSU Confucius Institute and expressed her excitement about having a more significant world language experience related to Chinese. She answered questions from the board, explaining this would not be a credit course, but a Learning Enrichment credit, therefore the reference to “teacher” in the memo really means “instructor”; working toward a 2nd semester start; finding Chinese-certified teachers in PA is extremely challenging; virtual exchange classrooms still up in the air, with time difference being a challenge; expecting 15 to 20 students in each of 3 classes. Ms. Knouse explained this Learning Enrichment offering is being brought to the board because it involves PSU sponsorship, and the expense of this offering would be absorbed into the current Learning Enrichment budget.
VIII. RESEARCH PROPOSALS FOR 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR
Mike Hardy gave a brief overview of the seven research proposals listed below. He indicated Pam Francis started the process with these proposals. All researchers have gone through Instructional Review Board (IRB) approvals and have either been approved or exempted. Mr. Hardy requested moving this item to board action due to time sensitivity.
* Girls as Science Learners in an Evidence-Based Elementary Science Classroom
* Examining the Evolution of Professional Development Over Time as an Organizational Function in an Elementary School Context
* Preservice Teachers Responding to and Assessing Student Writing
* PAWS Club: Peer-education About Weight Steadiness
* Examining the Evolution of an In-service K-5 Teacher Learning Community as They Work to Impact Their Science Teaching Practices
* Characterizing Understanding of Symbol Feature-Noticing Across Different Levels of Algebra Experience
* Elementary School Teachers’ Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors of Relevant Pedagogical Strategies
Mr. Bartnik moved, Dr. Roper seconded to move approval of Research Proposals for 2011-2012 to action. All board members present voted aye with a voice vote. (Ms. Stahl was absent.)
Dr. Pawelczyk moved, Dr. Roper seconded to approve the Research Proposals for 2011-2012 as presented. All board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. (Ms. Stahl was absent.)
Mr. Hutchinson asked if we would receive the results of the research. Dr. O’Donnell responded that all relevant staff and board members would be informed of the results.
IX. FUTURE AGENDA PLANNING
Elementary Projects Update
Superintendent’s transition report
OCTOBER 10, 2011
7:30 PM, BOARD ROOM
131 WEST NITTANY AVENUE
STATE COLLEGE, PA 16801
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Ms. McGlaughlin, board president, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Ms. McGlaughlin welcomed all present and viewing from home. She noted the board held an Executive Session on personnel and a Board Workshop on board operations prior to the meeting. Ms. McGlaughlin noted a change on the agenda under Action item A-1 – the name of the position being created has been changed and there was a memo on that change. She also mentioned the research proposals on the agenda, which were not previously given to board for discussion. If the board desires to move those items to action, they will do so. If any audience member wishes to comment on those items, they should do so during the public comment portion of the meeting. There were no other changes to the agenda.
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: Rich Bartnik, Penni Fishbaine, David Hutchinson, Jim Leous, Ann McGlaughlin, Jim Pawelczyk, Gowen Roper, Chris Small
Board Member Absent: Dorothea Stahl
Acting Board Secretary: Marie Caster
Solicitor: Scott Etter
Superintendent: Robert O’Donnell
District Personnel: Sheila Abruzzo, Jeff Ammerman, Rudy Burruss, Mary Corl, Michael Hardy, Jeanne Knouse, Robin Lallement, Julie Miller, Ed Poprik, Diane Reed, Marcie Rockey, Colleen Sheehan, Wilda Stanfield, Holli Jo Warner
Guests: Dave Cannon, Amber Concepcion, Hayden Davidson, Karen Foard, Doris Grove, Ed Mahon, Laurel Sydney, Carla Zembal-Saul
II. COMMUNICATIONS
First, Dr. O’Donnell reported on the new school openings, indicating Ferguson Township turnout was quite impressive, with community members, employees, and former students attending; Mount Nittany Elementary turnout was slightly less, possibly due to visitors being able to tour the building before the official open house.
Second, he welcomed the Boy Scouts in the audience and asked them to contact his office if they have any follow up questions. Last, Dr. O’Donnell followed up on a written article about Iraqi families resettling into our area. He announced there is one family in our district and we are helping them transition into our schools. He mentioned Jeanne Knouse, Director of Learning Enrichment, Gifted Education and Student Services, is the point person to best understand what might transpire. There is a chance of up to 100 families with 50 to 80 school age children relocating to our district. We are continuing to monitor this situation, due to concern about space in our schools, and also because many and possibly all of these children will not speak English and therefore we would need to offer an English as a Second (ESL) program to them.
Mr. Leous reported he was invited to attend the STEM inservice workshop at the high school. He and Jack Lyke, STEM coordinator, had good discussions about future facilities and planning courses that integrate those various disciplines. He thanked Mr. Lyke and the high school.
III. ROUTINE APPROVALS
A motion to approve the listing of Routine Approvals as presented.
*Meeting Minutes for September 26, 2011 Regular Meeting
*Out-of-State and/or Overnight Student Travel
*Construction Change Orders for Ferguson Township Elementary School Project:
1) General Contractor Change Order #35 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $9,310.45 to Poole Anderson Construction.
2) General Contractor Change Order #36 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project as a credit of at least $1,124 to Poole Anderson Construction.
3) General Contractor Change Order #37 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project as a credit of at least $2,146 to Poole Anderson Construction.
4) General Contractor Change Order #38 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $486.67 to Poole Anderson Construction.
5) General Contractor Change Order #39 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $1,406.41 to Poole Anderson Construction.
6) General Contractor Change Order #40 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $5,728.84 to Poole Anderson Construction.
7) Window Contractor Change Order #7 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $221.19, to Nittany Building Specialities.
8) Window Contractor Change Order #8 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $2,219.46, to Nittany Building Specialities.
9) Fire Protection Contractor Change Order #1 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project, in an amount not to exceed $291.69 to S. A. Comunale, Inc.
10) Fire Protection Contractor Change Order #2 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $283.80 to S. A. Comunale, Inc.
*Budget Amendments for the 2011-2012:2) General Contractor Change Order #36 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project as a credit of at least $1,124 to Poole Anderson Construction.
3) General Contractor Change Order #37 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project as a credit of at least $2,146 to Poole Anderson Construction.
4) General Contractor Change Order #38 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $486.67 to Poole Anderson Construction.
5) General Contractor Change Order #39 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $1,406.41 to Poole Anderson Construction.
6) General Contractor Change Order #40 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $5,728.84 to Poole Anderson Construction.
7) Window Contractor Change Order #7 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $221.19, to Nittany Building Specialities.
8) Window Contractor Change Order #8 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $2,219.46, to Nittany Building Specialities.
9) Fire Protection Contractor Change Order #1 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project, in an amount not to exceed $291.69 to S. A. Comunale, Inc.
10) Fire Protection Contractor Change Order #2 at Ferguson Township Elementary Project in an amount not to exceed $283.80 to S. A. Comunale, Inc.
--Park Forest Middle School received a grant in the amount of $2,800 from Dominion Foundation for use with their Green Energy Project.
--Park Forest Middle School received a continuation of their Highmark Healthy High 5 Grant for 2011-12 school year in the amount of $24,998.
--Community Education received a grant in the amount of $2,239.71 from the American Association of University Women for the Challenging Science Investigations (CSI) Summer Program.
*School District Bills for September 2011:
--General Fund $7,026,080.97, Checks 158264-158748, V101755-V101779
--Food Service Fund $165,283.83, Checks 55389-55457
-- Athletics Fund $71,004.28, Checks 39875-40081
--Activities Fund $25,194.86, Checks 83745-83754
--PNC Purchasing Cards (August 2011) $52,886.12, Checks 149, 388, 688, 6462
--TOTAL $7,340,450.06
*Policy 209.2 - Head Lice and Policy 207 - Confidential Communications of Students--Food Service Fund $165,283.83, Checks 55389-55457
-- Athletics Fund $71,004.28, Checks 39875-40081
--Activities Fund $25,194.86, Checks 83745-83754
--PNC Purchasing Cards (August 2011) $52,886.12, Checks 149, 388, 688, 6462
--TOTAL $7,340,450.06
*Human Resources Recommendations
Retirements/Resignations
-Rebecca Casey, Elementary Teacher at Corl Street Elementary School resigns November 28, 2011.
Leaves of Absence
-Debra Kerr, Instructional Technology Specialist at High School North requests a Sabbatical Leave for Professional Development for the 2nd semester of 2011-2012 school year. A review of her records indicates she is eligible for this leave.
Appointments
-Bethany Fedorko recommended to position as 1.0 Predictable Term Substitute Elementary Teacher effective October 5, 2011 through the end of December, 2011 only at Gray’s Woods Elementary School at a salary of $43,226 prorated to $12,968.07.
Extra Duty/Extra Pay
-Steven Kurzinger recommended as Head Coach of Junior High Wrestling Team for 2011-2012 school year at a salary of $3,917.65.
-David Moore recommended as Boys’ Cross Country Assistant Coach for 2011-2012 school year at a salary of $3,016.80.
-Elizabeth Moriarta recommended as Middle School Field Hockey Assistant Coach for 2011-2012 school year at a salary of $1,659.24.
-Timothy Morgan recommended as DECA Club Co-Advisor for 2011-2012 school year at a salary of $1,395.27.
-Sarah Griffith recommended as DECA Club Co-Advisor for 2011-2012 school year at a salary of $1,395.27.
Support Personnel
Community Education - Hired
-Kristen Burnett at $18.00/hour
-Leslie Specht at $11.64/hour
Secretarial/Clerical - Leave of Absences
-Wendy Bonson
Custodial/Maintenance - Leave of Absence
-Robert Brown
Custodial/Maintenance - Terminations
-Kyle Royer, Dale Read, Kevin Poorman, Alexander Zemlyanskiy
Food Service - Hired
-Carrie Lyons at $8.73/hour
Substitute Listing
-Listing of new names to be approved and added to the substitute (guest) listing of teachers, secretaries and paraprofessionals.
-Rebecca Casey, Elementary Teacher at Corl Street Elementary School resigns November 28, 2011.
Leaves of Absence
-Debra Kerr, Instructional Technology Specialist at High School North requests a Sabbatical Leave for Professional Development for the 2nd semester of 2011-2012 school year. A review of her records indicates she is eligible for this leave.
Appointments
-Bethany Fedorko recommended to position as 1.0 Predictable Term Substitute Elementary Teacher effective October 5, 2011 through the end of December, 2011 only at Gray’s Woods Elementary School at a salary of $43,226 prorated to $12,968.07.
Extra Duty/Extra Pay
-Steven Kurzinger recommended as Head Coach of Junior High Wrestling Team for 2011-2012 school year at a salary of $3,917.65.
-David Moore recommended as Boys’ Cross Country Assistant Coach for 2011-2012 school year at a salary of $3,016.80.
-Elizabeth Moriarta recommended as Middle School Field Hockey Assistant Coach for 2011-2012 school year at a salary of $1,659.24.
-Timothy Morgan recommended as DECA Club Co-Advisor for 2011-2012 school year at a salary of $1,395.27.
-Sarah Griffith recommended as DECA Club Co-Advisor for 2011-2012 school year at a salary of $1,395.27.
Support Personnel
Community Education - Hired
-Kristen Burnett at $18.00/hour
-Leslie Specht at $11.64/hour
Secretarial/Clerical - Leave of Absences
-Wendy Bonson
Custodial/Maintenance - Leave of Absence
-Robert Brown
Custodial/Maintenance - Terminations
-Kyle Royer, Dale Read, Kevin Poorman, Alexander Zemlyanskiy
Food Service - Hired
-Carrie Lyons at $8.73/hour
Substitute Listing
-Listing of new names to be approved and added to the substitute (guest) listing of teachers, secretaries and paraprofessionals.
Dr. Pawelczyk moved, Mr. Bartnik seconded the motion to approve the Routine Approvals as presented. All board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. (Ms. Stahl was absent.)
IV. NEW ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP POSITION
A motion to approve the recommendations listed below regarding the new administrative leadership position:
1. Recommend creation of the position of Supervisor of Elementary and Middle Level Education.
2. Recommend the job description for the Supervisor of Elementary and Middle Level Education position.
3. Recommend approval for the administration request to post and fill the Supervisor of Elementary and Middle Level Education position.
Ms. Fishbaine moved, Dr. Roper seconded the motion to approve the recommendations listed above regarding the new administrative leadership position. All board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. (Ms. Stahl was absent.)
V. REVISED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT POSITION
A motion to approve the recommended revised job description for the Assistant Superintendent position as presented.
Dr. Pawelczyk moved, Mr. Hutchinson seconded the motion to approve the revised job description for the Assistant Superintendent position as presented. All board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. (Ms. Stahl was absent.)
VI. FY2012-2013 BUDGET UPDATE
Jeff Ammerman recapped the final 2011-2012 budget, as well as reviewed planning for 2012-2013. He reviewed PSERS rate increase and the funding strategy developed to smooth that increase; formation of Cost Control Task Force to help the district develop ways to reduce costs; shrinking tax and interest revenue; and the need to reduce nearly 60 positions over the course of the past two years. He will introduce conservative assumptions about revenue and expenses at the first meeting in November. Will need to have a preliminary budget for review prior to the December break, with approval at the January 23, 2012 meeting. A budget timeline was included with his handout. The State budget will not be released by the time our budget needs to be approved. There are numerous decisions to be made, including PSERS pre-funding. There is not a lot to be done right now, but many items to begin thinking about. He reminded the board of the decision to be made by January:
1. Adopt a resolution limiting any tax increase to the Act 1 Index.
2. Pass a preliminary budget including exceptions (if needed).
3. Proceed to referendum.
Board discussion occurred about 60-day requirement for referendum and deciding a tax rate; will PSERS prefunding be within the Index or will it be an exception; 5-year budget plan; find where all board members stand ahead of time to give administration a percentage to build a budget on; look again at list of items given to administration last year; budgeting should be living within means, so what are our means; and, does the Cost Control Task Force need to be reestablished.
VII. LEARNING ENRICHMENT: RELATIONSHIP WITH CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE
Dr. O’Donnell reported on several discussions with Jeanne Knouse, Mike Hardy and Jon Downs regarding the district’s world language offerings, specifically related to Chinese. The district does not currently offer Chinese, and would need substantive resources to make it happen. Ms. Knouse and Dr. Downs have been working to facilitate experiences regarding Chinese language and culture. Ms. Knouse prepared the memo for board information regarding the opportunity to collaborate with the PSU Confucius Institute and expressed her excitement about having a more significant world language experience related to Chinese. She answered questions from the board, explaining this would not be a credit course, but a Learning Enrichment credit, therefore the reference to “teacher” in the memo really means “instructor”; working toward a 2nd semester start; finding Chinese-certified teachers in PA is extremely challenging; virtual exchange classrooms still up in the air, with time difference being a challenge; expecting 15 to 20 students in each of 3 classes. Ms. Knouse explained this Learning Enrichment offering is being brought to the board because it involves PSU sponsorship, and the expense of this offering would be absorbed into the current Learning Enrichment budget.
VIII. RESEARCH PROPOSALS FOR 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR
Mike Hardy gave a brief overview of the seven research proposals listed below. He indicated Pam Francis started the process with these proposals. All researchers have gone through Instructional Review Board (IRB) approvals and have either been approved or exempted. Mr. Hardy requested moving this item to board action due to time sensitivity.
* Girls as Science Learners in an Evidence-Based Elementary Science Classroom
* Examining the Evolution of Professional Development Over Time as an Organizational Function in an Elementary School Context
* Preservice Teachers Responding to and Assessing Student Writing
* PAWS Club: Peer-education About Weight Steadiness
* Examining the Evolution of an In-service K-5 Teacher Learning Community as They Work to Impact Their Science Teaching Practices
* Characterizing Understanding of Symbol Feature-Noticing Across Different Levels of Algebra Experience
* Elementary School Teachers’ Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors of Relevant Pedagogical Strategies
Mr. Bartnik moved, Dr. Roper seconded to move approval of Research Proposals for 2011-2012 to action. All board members present voted aye with a voice vote. (Ms. Stahl was absent.)
Dr. Pawelczyk moved, Dr. Roper seconded to approve the Research Proposals for 2011-2012 as presented. All board members present voted aye on a roll call vote. (Ms. Stahl was absent.)
Mr. Hutchinson asked if we would receive the results of the research. Dr. O’Donnell responded that all relevant staff and board members would be informed of the results.
IX. FUTURE AGENDA PLANNING
Elementary Projects Update
Superintendent’s transition report
Dr. Pawelczyk moved, Ms. Fishbaine seconded to adjourn the meeting. All board members present voted aye with a voice vote. (Ms. Stahl was absent.) Ms. McGlaughlin adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m. to an executive session on litigation, personnel and negotiations.
Submitted by,
Marie Caster
Acting Board Secretary
Submitted by,
Marie Caster
Acting Board Secretary