Minutes 2014-08-18

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
AUGUST 18, 2014- 7:30 PM
RONALD H. PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

M I N U T E S
(Approved on September 22, 2014)

General Business

Call to Order – Mr. Miller
1. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
  Mr. Miller called the meeting order with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2. Roll Call
  Members present – Emily Bates, Jennifer Clancy, Ellen Freireich, Lynne Leopold-Sharp, Roger Miller, John Posenau, Lois Ann Schroeder, Cathy Shaffer, Jessica Renjilian (Student Representative)
  
  Member not present – Joel Sears
3. Public Comment
  An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
4. Discussion and Action on Board Minutes. Approval of the Minutes of the Combined Planning Committee and Regular Monthly Meeting of July 21, 2014 and the Special Meeting and Planning Committee Meeting of August 4, 2014. [Public Comment; Approval as submitted/corrected]
  Motion, Leopold-Sharp, Second, Freireich and unanimously passed; Approval of above.
Financial Reports – Mrs. Clancy [Consent Agenda: Would any board member like any of these items considered separately or are there any questions on any of these items? If not, the chair moves approval of the below-mentioned items; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
1. Approval of Financial Reports as of July 31, 2014 [File for audit]
  1. Treasurer’s Report (All Funds)
  2. Condensed Board Summary Report – General Fund Revenue
  3. Condensed III Board Summary Report – General Fund Expenditures Report
  4. Condensed III Board Summary Report – Capital Projects, Capital Reserve, Food Service
  5. Fund Accounting Check Summary Report – General Fund, Food Service, Capital Projects
  6. Student Activity Account Summary
    A discussion took place about above information. Points of the discussion were – the balance after current facilities projects of Other Funds is approximately $300,000; continued review is taking place by administration on the Student Activity Account Summary, specifically the middle school student council accounts.
    
    Motion, Clancy, Second, Schroeder; Approval of the Financial Reports.
    
    An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
    
    Roll Call Vote, all present yes. Motion carried 8-0.
Board President’s Report – Mr. Miller
1. Executive Session. The Board met in Executive Session on July 21, 2014 following the Combined Planning Committee and Regular Monthly Meeting and on August 4, 2014 prior to the Special Meeting and Planning Committee Meeting for the purpose of discussing personnel and/or legal issues.
  Mr. Miller reported above.

Committee Report – Mr. Miller

Personnel Committee – Ms. Shaffer

[Consent Agenda: You have before you the Personnel Report which includes resignation, employment, substitute teachers, guest teachers and volunteer coach. Would any board member like any of these items considered separately or are there any questions on any of these items? If not, the chair moves approval of the below-mentioned items; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
Motion, Shaffer, Second, Bates; Approval of Consent Agenda of the Personnel Committee.

An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.

Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

Dr. Merkle reported that Mrs. Forney was uanble to join us this evening. The administration had a successful process despite the rapid turn-around of two weeks with paper screening to the four finalists in a competitive final round interview process. There was a great applicant pool.
Resignation
1. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Margaret Flannelly, Elementary School Counselor at Yorkshire Elementary, effective August 4, 2014.
2. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Tracey Smith, Instructional Support Aide at Yorkshire Elementary, effective August 8, 2014.

Employment

Name	Christine L. Forney
Education	Hempfield High School, Diploma; Millersville University, B.A. in Psychology/Sociology; Millersville University, M.Ed. in Counselor Education
Certification	Elementary School Counselor K-6
Contract	Professional Contract
Salary	$65,150 – M.S. + 15 – Step 2
Assignment	Elementary School Counselor
Building	Yorkshire Elementary
Effective	2014-2015

Recommend the employment of Jessica Bobb as Assistant Field Hockey Coach at the salary of $2,239 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
Recommend the employment of Billie Jo Evans as a Custodian effective August 19, 2014 at the hourly rate of $12.87, pending clearances.
Recommend the employment of Jacob Henning as a Custodian effective August 19, 2014 at the hourly rate of $12.87.
Recommend the appointment of Kathy Pavoncello as Director of York Suburban Middle School Band Front for the 2014-2015 school year at the salary of $600.
Recommend employment of Angie Adams as a School Counselor at the Middle School at MS + 15/Step 10. Mrs. Adams was incorrectly approved at MS/Step 10 at the July 21, 2014 Board Meeting.

2014-15 Substitute Teachers

THADDEUS	ABBOTT	TOWANDA	LEMON-MCKIE
REGINA	ADAMS	KIMBERLY	LENTZ
JEANNE	ADDISON	SANDRA	LOEFFELHOLZ
AMY	AHLBRANDT	BRADLEY	MARCH
LEIGH	ARNOLD	BRENDON	MCGIRR
ELIZABETH	ARZT	DANA	MCGURK
KELLI	BARRON	MICHELLE	MCLAIN
HEATHER	BEAVERS	LYDIA	MERRICK
SILVIA	BENSON	KAYLA	MEYERS
JOHN	BESORE	CRYSTAL	MILLER
S. LOUISE	BETTERMAN	MARK	MILLER
MICHELLE	BEYER	JANE	MISNER
WESLEY	BLYMIRE	MATTHEW	MUEHLEISEN
TERESA	BOLLIS	MORGAN	OBERLANDER
CHERYL	BOWMAN	DAPHNE	OHL
PATRICIA	BRAME	S. ELAINE	PETERMAN
ANN	BROOKS	JOHN	PHILLIPS
LAUREN	BUPP	SUSAN	PUGLESE
EMILY	CLARK	STEPHANY	REIHART
SHANNON	COX	MARK	RHINE
KRISTA	DEARDORFF-WOLFE	PATRICIA	RINKEVICH
SUSANN	DECOWSKY	MARY	ROBISON
CHRISTINE	DERFLER	CHRISTA	ROEDER
JULIA	DUNN	ROXANNE	ROTZ
R. MICHAEL	DUTTERA	SUSAN	RUBY
HELEN	ETNER	KELSEY	RUCH
JESSICA	FAUTH	NAZAKAT	SABRIYEVA
BRITTANY	FISHEL	MARJORIE	SCHAFFER
KARA	FOX	DANIELLE	SHAFFER
MICHAEL	FROCK	TIMOTHY	SHAFFER
MEGAN	GARBRICK	TARA	SHULTZ
JENNY	GILBERT	KAREN	SIMON
KELLEY	GOODYEAR	BRIANNA	SITES
ALICIA	GRIM	DARRYL	SMELTZER
SANDRA	GROVE	CATRIONA	SMITH
ABBEY	GUTEKUNST	DEIDRE	SMITH
MAXWELL	HALTERMAN	MARK	SMITH
KATHI	HAMMELS	JUSTIN	SOWERS
TRACEY	HANEGRAAF	MARGARET	STALEY
CAROLYN	HARTMAN	JENNIFER	STOUGH
RHADA	HARTMANN	DAVID	STRINE
BENJAMIN	HILT	EMILY	SUNDAY
KELSEY	HOLDEN	MICHAEL	TERWILLIGER
MARCI	HOLLOWAY	GREGORY	TOMEVI
ELIZABETH	HOWIE	LEANN	TREMBLY
NANCY	HUTTEL	PANAGIOTA	TSIPANITIS
DANIELLE	IERLEY	ANGELA	TSOUKALOS
LEIF	JOHNSON	TRACEY	WAGNER
SARAH	JOHNSON	KATHI	WENTZ
BRODERIC	KEENER	AMY	WHITESEL
LINDA	KEENER	MICHELLE	WILLIAMS
KATIE	KINNAN	STACEY	WINTER
EMILY	KOHLBUS	JENNIFER	WIVELL
MEGAN	KOTZMAN	AMY	WRITER
KAYLA	KREBS	JAMES	YASHUR
TIMOTHY	LAW	CARRIE	YOUNG
COLLEEN	LAWRENCE	ELLEN RAE	ZEIGLER
VICTORIA	LEHR	LAUREN	ZORTMAN
CHRISTIN	LEIK

2014-15 Guest Teachers

KATHLEEN BARNHART

MATTHEW BEAVER

DIANE BEEGLE

DAISY BRANIN

LORI CARDONE

BETSY DUNKEL

JAMES GILES

KATHLEEN HALL

SUSAN HUTH

ELIZABETH MIALKI

HILLARY NELSON

ANGELA PESSOGNELLI

KIMBERLY SHAFFER

JOHN SORENSON

JUDY STEWART

JAN TRATTNER

MICHAEL WILLIAMS

SAMANTHA ZEIDERS

CARA BETH ZORTMAN

Volunteer Coach for Fall 2014-15
Jeremy Blount – Football

Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
1. Student Enrollment Report
  Dr. Merkle reviewed above report that was effective August 1 and as of 5:00pm today there were 61 students to register. The administration put together a response plan over the weekend to help with the process of the large number of registrations. There is an upswing of students enrolling on affidavit for residency which does require more process time. Kudos is extended to Nick Staab, new employee as of June, as he is navigating the registration process for his first time and doing a phenomenal job!
  
  A discussion continued. Points of the discussion were – the registration process has not changed, there was a little snafoo with electronically scheduling registration appointments but the administration does not believe that is a reason for the significant number of late registrations. People are just coming in later to register because they do not understand what is involved to register for school. Things have been shifting in this direction during the past several years and the increased registrations are across all grade levels. The administration is not sure of the final numbers for charter school students returning to the District and will share that information when it is available.
  
  An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
2. Debt Profile and Financing Review
  Dr. Merkle reported the above information has been provided by Ken Phillips as requested by the Board.
  
  Mr. Miller added that this report will be used for the discussion in September and beyond.
  
  Ms. Mason added that Mr. Burnhart from RBC is available this evening to answer any questions.
  
  Mr. Miller reported the administration will provide for September discussions a list of projects with dollar amounts and their recommendation for the amount of debt and structure.
3. Teacher Opening Day
  Dr. Merkle reported the team of administrators developed a great start to the Teacher Opening Day today. Following a wonderful breakfast prepared by the Whitsons’ staff in the cafeteria, the staff on their way to the auditorium was greeted and welcomed by students and community members that lined the center hallway that provided a celebration and festive environment to start the new school year along with a few cheers from the cheerleaders and music provided by band members. Teamwork and strength of the district and staff were the theme of things shared during opening comments. A historical book, that included the history and culture of the district was shared as teachers read the book. Teachers went out to their respective buildings with a positive sense and good feeling. Dr. Maloney was out and about in buildings and teachers were feeling happy, positive and energized.
Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
1. Food Service Department
  1. Food Service Marketing Plan
    Ms. Mason introduced Helen Heidler, Food Service Director for Whitsons Culinary Group, that will share some new ideas to increase sales and energize students about options available in the school cafeterias.
    
    Ms. Heidler reported that Whitsons is pleased to be the food service management company again this year. Meetings with her staff have focused on ways to increase sales and get students excited to be in the cafeteria. Information will be provided about the governmental regulations with messages on high school scrolling screen, middle school morning announcements and elementary morning announcements and/or monthly newsletters. New signs will be posted about the options available in the cafeterias. There are many regulation changes in snack requirements and salt quantity, whole wheat or whole wheat enriched. Some time was spent with local farm produce options and farmers will be available to visit cafeterias about local produce with signs to advertise and promote this opportunity. Guest chefs are being arranged. A new assistant was hired over the summer and she will be able to provide additional ideas at YS. Student focus groups at the secondary level will be scheduled to have Whitsons’ staff meet with 10 or 15 students and they in turn can share information/ideas with their friends. Samples of new snacks will be available for students. A Try It Tuesday will be scheduled to encourage students to try something new, such as Honey Roasted Garbonzo Beans that were a hit last year. We are open to suggestions from everyone.
2. 2013-14 Tuition Rate Information
  Background information – The tuition charge(s) are based on the District’s annual financial report and child accounting attendance reports submitted by the Chief School Administrator of the School District for the preceding school year which ended June 30, 2013. The charges have been calculated in accordance with the provisions of Section 2561 of the PA Public School Code of 1949, as amended.
  1. Elementary rate is $11,744.95
  2. Secondary rate is $11,804.80
    The administration recommends approval of the 2013-14 tuition rates as referenced above. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
    
    Ms. Mason reviewed above information and reported it is necessary to approve tuition for the record.
    
    Motion, Leopold-Sharp, Second, Schroeder; Approval of above.
    
    A discussion continued. Points of the discussion were – the figures are close to last year’s figures; the District does not accept tuition paying students.
    
    An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
    
    Dick Grau, 2401 Cambridge Road – The number of substitute teachers in the Personnel Committee report is very impressive.
    
    Dr. Merkle commented many substitute teachers are on multiple district lists.
    
    Mr. Grau continued that he is a retired teacher and never had the opportunity to be affirmed by students and community like was described from this morning. That was a great way to welcome the teachers.
    
    Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
3. 2014-15 Bus Routes and Bus/Van Drivers. The administration recommends approval of the 2014-15 Bus Routes and Bus/Van Drivers. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Ms. Mason reviewed above information.
  
  Motion, Leopold-Sharp, Second, Schroeder; Approval of above.
  
  A discussion continued and the administration will review information and provide additional information on parochial students, special education students and if students served may be more limited with regards to transportation.
  
  An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
4. Refund/Real Estate Tax Exemption Request. The administration recommends correcting and amending the Board action taken on May 20, 2013 regarding a refund/real estate tax exemption request for the First Church of Christ, Scientist by issuing a refund of $1,564.00 based on the following background:
  1. Beginning in approximately January 2013, the property opened for use as a church. It was the intention of the parties that from January 2013 forward, the Church would be exempt from property taxes.
  2. In May 2013, the District issued a refund of $2,809.04 to the Church for taxes paid from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. The refund amount was in error because it should have been only for January 2013 forward.
  3. A tax bill was issued for the 2013-2014 fiscal year, and the Church paid $3,202.61 for the 2013-14 school taxes.
  4. To correct the erroneous refund of $2,809.04 for 2012-2013 taxes and the erroneous payment of $3,202.61 for 2013-2014 school taxes, a refund of $1,564.00 should be made to the Church.
  5. The refund of $1,564.00 is calculated by subtracting $1,638.61 (representing a proration of the $2,809.04 refund for the time period of July 1, 2012 through January 2013 when the Church opened for services) from the erroneous payment of $3,202.61 in 2013-2014 taxes.
  6. In exchange for the refund of $1,564.00, the Church has agreed it will not seek any further refunds or exonerations for the time period prior to June 30, 2014.
    [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
    
    Ms. Mason reviewed above information.
    
    Motion, Clancy , Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval of above.
    
    An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
    
    Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
5. Plancon Part H for Valley View Elementary School
  Ms. Mason reviewed above and noted Plancon Part H for Yorkshire has not been received to date. The approximate figure for Plancon reimbursements is a little under $500,000.
Student Board Representative Report – Miss Renjilian
Miss Renjilian reported most students are not ready to get back to school. Link Crew just figured out their partners this afternoon due to some difficulties on Google docs. Once new students come to school, they are treated like VIPs. Students were glad to share in the time of appreciation for the teachers this morning.
Committee Reports Continued – Mr. Miller
1. Communications Committee Report – Mrs. Schroeder
  The Communication report is provided.
  
  Mrs. Schroeder reported above.
2. Additional Committee Reports
  Mrs. Freireich reported the Facilities Committee will meet on August 20 at 5:00 PM.
  
  Mrs. Clancy reported the Academic Standards and Curriculum Committee will meet on August 25 at 7:30 PM.
Lincoln Intermediate Unit Board Report – Mr. Sears
The highlights of the LIU Board Meeting of August 5, “…by Dawn’s Early Light”, is provided.

Mr. Miller reported above.
York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich
Mrs. Freireich reported Teacher In-Service was held today and students return tomorrow.
York Area Tax Bureau Report – Ms. Mason
Ms. Mason reported a meeting was held on July 28, work is taking place on the pavement contract. The second quarter collection is up 4.1%. 2014 and 2015 is anticipated to be slightly higher than previous year. Distributions were up due to change in tax laws and money is available faster for Districts. Audit was approved and the budget will be available in the future.
York County School of Technology – Mrs. Schroeder
Mrs. Schroeder reported school starts August 25 for teachers. The next meeting is next Thursday.
Recognition of Visitors
Mr. Miller thanked the community and staff members for attending this evening’s meeting.
Committee Meeting Schedule
July to December

Mr. Miller reported above.
Public Comment
An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM.

There will be an Executive Session immediately following the meeting.

An Executive Session was held immediately following the meeting.

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