Minutes 2014-11-17

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
NOVEMBER 17, 2014 – 7:30 PM
RONALD H. PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

M I N U T E S
(Approved on December 15, 2014)

General Business

Call to Order – Mr. Miller
1. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
  Mr. Miller called the meeting to 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, Joel Sears, Cathy Shaffer
  
  Members not present – Jessica Renjilian (Student Representative)
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 Regular Monthly Meeting of October 20, 2014 and the Planning Committee Meeting of November 3, 2014. [Public Comment; Approval as submitted/corrected]
  Mr. Miller reported the minutes are approved as submitted.
Treasurer’s Report – 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]

Approval of Financial Reports as of October 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
  Motion, Posenau, Second, Sears; Approval of the Treasurer’s Report, Items 2. A. B. D. F. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
  
  Motion, Schroeder, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval of the Treasurer’s Report, Items 2. C. E. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes, except abstain Freireich. Motion passed 8-0-1.
Board President’s Report – Mr. Miller

Executive Session. The Board met in Executive Session on October 20, 2014 following the Regular Monthly Meeting and on November 3, 2014 following the Planning Committee Meeting and on November 6, 2014 for an Education Workshop/Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel and/or legal issues.

Mr. Miller reported above.
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
1. Congratulations to the 2014 Cross Country State Champions!
  1. Adam Barley, son of Michael and Julie Barley
  2. Joshua Kerr, son of Brad and Katy Kerr
  3. Zachary Lofties, son of Michael and Jean Lofties
  4. Donovan Mears, son of Andrew and Connie Mears
  5. Bryce Ohl, son of Jeffery and Daphne Ohl
  6. Quentin Schorr, son of Andrew Schorr and Jennifer Schorr
  7. Peter Wagner, son of Scott and Deborah Wagner
  8. Brady Wilt, son of David and Wilma Wilt
    Dr. Merkle congratulated the above students and Mr. Miller presented a certificate of achievement to each student.
    
    Dr. Merkle extended congratulations to Coach Ron Herman as Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year and Coach Dan VanHouwe as Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year and thanked all the coaches, assistants and volunteers for their dedication and commitment to the program for the students.
    
    Coach Herman shared comments and thanked the District, School Board, parents and assistant and volunteer coaches for their support and dedication.
2. Student Enrollment Report
  Dr. Merkle highlighted above. Responding to a question about total increase from the beginning of school year, Dr. Merkle stated an extensive enrollment report will be presented at the December 1 Planning Committee meeting.
3. School Performance Profile Report
  2014 School Performance Profile
  
  Dr. Maloney presented the above report.
  
  An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
  
  Dr. Merkle reported the District is very proud of these results. The #1 ranking of YSMS is important. Data is available to support this ranking although the State is reluctant to rank schools. Mrs. Gross was not available to attend this evening’s meeting. Dr. Krauser, Dr. Monos and I have discussed a banner for the front of the middle school similar to the high school and also other celebratory opportunities.
4. The administration recommends the immediate return from expulsion of Student #210453. This student was expelled as a result of an administrative recommendation resulting from a hearing conducted by Dr. Merkle on March 17, 2014. The administration recommends a return to York Suburban because the student has met all of the requirements set forth in the adjudication and exceeded the behavioral and academic expectations to date. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Bates, Second, Shaffer; Approval of above. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
5. Comprehensive Plan. The administration recommends approval of the membership of the Comprehensive Planning Committee as per the attached list. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Dr. Merkle highlighted above and at the request of the Board, two students have agreed to serve on the committee.
  
  Motion, Leopold-Sharp, Second, Shaffer; Approval of above.
  
  An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
6. School District of the City of York Recovery Plan Update
  Dr. Merkle highlighted above and concluded that YS is currently seeing and anticipates seeing an impact as a result of this process.
  
  A discussion continued and Dr. Merkle answered questions from Board members.
  
  An opportunity was provided for public comment.
  
  Dick Grau – 2401 Cambridge Road – asked if any information is available on a proposed merger of YSSD and York City School District
  
  Dr. Merkle responded that the District has no intention of taking steps toward a merger. At the last meeting on Wednesday, there was considerable hostility towards YSSD expressed by a number of community members, that included comments about YSSD pulling out of the city in 1960, and several folks spoke on behalf of the Rusk Report for consolidation. A consolidation effort continues at this time but Superintendents have not been kept informed. This is a political movement and a meeting is scheduled in the near future. No immediate action is anticipated but this will probably not go away any time soon. For the District, our position must take into account the part of the Rusk Report which pointed out that there is a tipping point with regard to the ability of a school district to perform at its current level with direct correlation to poverty. That tipping point is 22 or 23% economic disadvantaged. Right now the District is at 28% and performing very well. If YSSD and York City School District merge, the poverty rate would be 64% and it would not be fair to think YSSD could rescue the York City School District.
  
  Dr. Merkle responded to an inquiry about the upcoming meeting, stating it is a public meeting that is part of a political movement that legislators are organizing. Dr. Merkle will share additional information with the Board once it is available.
7. Memorandum of Understanding between York Suburban School District and Whitsons School Nutrition Group. The administration recommends approval of the MOU to take effect November 18, 2014. The District is required to ensure that contractors have completed mandated reporter training and the MOU defines the agreement for Whitsons to complete that training with technical or facilities support from the District. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
8. Memorandum of Understanding between York Suburban School District and Durham School Services. The administration recommends approval of the MOU to take effect November 18, 2014. The District is required to ensure that contractors have completed mandated reporter training and the MOU defines the agreement for Durham to complete that training with technical or facilities support from the District. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Schoreder, Second, Bates; Approval of above two Memoranda of Understanding.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
9. Memorandum of Understanding between Harrisburg Area Community College and York Suburban High School. The administration recommends approval of the MOU regarding dual enrollment. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Leopold-Sharp, Second, Clancy; Approval of above. Roll Call Vote, all present yes. Motion carried 9-0.
10. Recommendation for Recognition of New Extra / Co-curricular Organizations at the High School. The administration recommends approval of the addition of the following organizations to the District approved list of Activities, Clubs and organizations.
  Bible Club (Extra-curricular)
  SASSY: Students Achieving Success by Saying Yes (Co-curricular)
  
  [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  
  Motion, Schroeder, Second, Bates; Approval of above. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
1. 2013-14 Audit Report. The administration recommends approval of the 2013-14 Audit Report. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Ms. Mason reviewed above.
  
  Motion, Leopold-Sharp, Second, Posenau; Approval of above.
  
  An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
2. 2015-16 Budget Calendar. The administration recommends approval of the 2015-16 Budget Calendar. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Clancy, Second, Posenau; Approval of above.
  
  A discussion continued about the discussion that took place at the November Planning Committee meeting to add a bullet to re-open the budget by law after a particular date. Dr. Merkle replied that the administration will revise the calendar.
  
  2015-16 Budget Calendar, revised
  
  Motion, Clancy, Second, Posenau; Amendment to above motion to add a bullet to re-open the budget by law after a particular date.
  
  An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
  
  Broad Budget Goals
  
  Dr. Merkle reviewed above goals.
  
  An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
3. PlanCon Part K Project Refinancing (Series 2012). The administration recommends approval of the PlanCon Part K Project Refinancing (Series 2012). [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Leopold-Sharp, Second, Schroeder; Approval of above.
  
  An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
4. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Municipalities Initiative. The administration recommends a motion to authorize and direct the Director of Finance to prepare, execute and file the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Municipalities Continuing Disclosure Cooperation Initiative Questionnaire for Self Reporting Entities for the relevant and appropriate municipal bond offerings. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Ms. Mason reviewed above.
  
  Motion, Clancy, Second, Freireich; Approval of above.
  
  Ms. Mason answered Board member’s question stating the amount of time to file this report is approximately fifteen minutes by December 1 of the calendar year.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
5. Budget Transfers. The administration recommends approval of the Budget Transfer Listing. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Ms. Mason reviewed above.
  
  Motion, Leopold-Sharp, Second, Freireich; Approval of above.
  
  Ms. Mason reported in last May we discussed this as monthly item and in the future Budget Transfers will be placed on the Treasurer’s Report.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
6. Food Service Department Report
  1. Dining Review Report for October
  2. Sales Report
    Ms. Mason reviewed above reports.
Student Board Representative Report – Miss Renjilian
Miss Renjilian was absent.
Committee Reports – Mr. Miller
1. Academic Standards & Curriculum Committee – Mrs. Clancy
  The minutes of November 4 are provided.
  
  Mrs. Clancy reported above. Dr. Ellis will be reporting out to full board on December 1 on various items per the committee minutes.
2. Communications Committee Report – Mrs. Schroeder
  1. The minutes of November 3 are provided.
  2. The Community Budget Meeting has been scheduled on January 20, 2015 at 7:00 PM at Valley View Elementary School. The inclement weather make-up date is January 28, 2015 at 7:00 PM at Valley View Elementary School.
  3. The Activities Report and Communication Report are provided.
    Mrs. Schroeder reported above.
3. Nominating Committee – Mrs. Schroeder
  The Nominating Committee meeting is scheduled November 24, 2014 at 6:45 PM in the Education Center.
  
  Mrs. Schroeder reported above.
4. Personnel Committee – Ms. Shaffer
  1. [Consent Agenda: You have before you the Personnel Report which includes employment, leave of absence, additional substitute teachers, volunteer coaches and band volunteer. 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, Leopold-Sharp; Approval of Consent Agenda Items of the Personnel Committee Report.
    
    Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
    1. Employment
      1. Recommend the employment of the following people as Substitute Aides for the 2014-2015 school year at the hourly rate of $9.55:
        
        Matthew Blotzer
        
        Karen Burkholder
        
        Valerie Eberly
        
        Erin Gibson
        
        Eleanor Gunn
        
        Jessica Jackson
        
        Kristine Marino
        
        Kathleen Richard
        
        Brenda Youngman
      2. Recommend the employment of Blaine Claiborne as Assistant Boys’ Basketball Coach at the salary of $5,850 which represents Step 4 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
      3. Recommend the employment of Richard Petersen as Co-Assistant Baseball Coach at the salary of $1,346 which represents ½ of Step 2 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
      4. Recommend the employment of Lori Stambaugh as Assistant High School Track Coach at the salary of $3,633 which represents Step 4 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
    2. Leave of Absence
      1. Recommend Board approval of the request of Maryalyce Keener, Library Aide at East York Elementary and Yorkshire Elementary, for an unpaid leave of absence from October 8, 2014 through October 17, 2014.
      2. Recommend Board approval of the request of Joyce Landis, Office Aide at East York Elementary, for unpaid leave of absence days on December 2, 2014 and December 23, 2014.
      3. Recommend Board approval of the request of Erika Silva-Furjanic, Art Teacher at the High School, for a short term disability leave starting on or about January 5, 2015 through approximately March 2, 2015 and an FMLA leave of absence starting approximately February 9, 2015 through April 10, 2015. Mrs. Silva-Furjanic will also be on leave from her duties as Art Department Chairperson during the short term disability leave.
    3. Additional Subtitute Teachers for 2014-2015
      1. Cassie Ferrara
      2. Charles Mann
      3. Kristine Marino
    4. Volunteer Coaches for Winter 2014-2015
      1. Kevin May Boys’ Basketball
      2. Alexis Snell Cheerleading
      3. Byron Thompson Boy’s Basketball
    5. Band Volunteer for 2014-2015
      Patrick Gann
5. Policy Review Committee – Ms. Bates
  
  Policy Revisions. The Policy Review Committee recommends approval of the following policies. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  1. 212 – Reporting Student Progress
  2. 213 – Assessment of Student Progress
  3. 215 – Promotion and Retention
  4. 216.1 – Supplemental Discipline Records
  5. 218 – Student Discipline/Code of Student Conduct
  6. 218.1 – Weapons
  7. 218.2 – Terroristic Threats
  8. 219 – Student Complaint Process
  9. 221 – Dress and Grooming
  10. 223 – Use of Bicycles and Motor Vehicles
  11. 224 – Care of School Property
  12. Delete 225 – Students and the Police
  13. 226 – Searches
  14. Delete 226.1 – Video Surveillance
  15. 227 – Controlled Substances/Paraphernalia
  16. 228 – Student Government
  17. 229 – Student Fundraising
  18. 230 – Public Performances by Students
  19. 231 – Social Events and Class Trips
  20. 232 – Student Involvement in Decision-Making
    Dr. Merkle shared information on policy review process at YS that started 1 1/2 years ago, and the importantance of this process. PA School Boards Association provides policy samples that are regularly researched and compared against current legislation and judicial acts. Policies are reviewed by committee via Google docs, then policies come to school board for review and action. Policy 226 -Searches is a new policy recommended by PSBA. The previous policy 226 was Locker Search. Policy 226 – Searches protects our students’ rights and sets forth guidelines for administrators. The policy changes nothing with regard to current practices. Administrators call the solicitor if an administrator needs to engage in an intrusive search, which has not happened during the past 25 years. Recently, this policy has received bad press and once it is explained properly, it is generally understood.
    
    A Board member asked the solicitor if this policy is a result of change or new law. Solicitor Brooke Say stated that she is not aware of anything immediately preceding this and this policy is a broader policy than the current locker search policy and is being reviewed as part of the policy overhaul process.
    
    A discussion took place. Points of the discussion included – concerns were expressed about not being aware this was a new policy during the Planning Committee meeting discussion and the fast pace policies are being reviewed. One board member stated that comments from community members were received about policy including a strip search and she found that disturbing. This member suggested that time be given for everyone to understand the policy and suggested that a vote on the policy be delayed. Suggestion to add a parent notification clause to page 5 of the policy.
    
    Dr. Merkle replied this is not a change in practice. The administration would not recommend parent notification for removal of clothing because the removal of clothing is likely a jacket or a hoodie over a t-shirt as a result of health or safety. We would never get to a place of showing under garments. Administrators have been trained thoroughly.
    
    The discussion continued. Points of the discussion included – Administrative Regulations would clearly state the process when Solicitor would be contacted; most districts in the state have this policy as it is the model policy from PSBA; Policy Review Committee recommends action on this policy this evening; several Board members commented being comfortable with approval of the policy this evening.
    
    Mr. Miller asked the Board how they would like to proceed.
    
    The consensus was to vote on the policy this evening.
    
    Motion, Bates, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval of all above policies.
    
    An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
    
    Roll Call Vote, all present, yes, except Clancy, no. Motion carried 8-1.
    
    Ms. Bates reported the committee will meet at 5:30 PM on November 24 for its next meeting.
6. Additional Committee Reports
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported a Finance Committee meeting is scheduled on November 24 at 4:30 PM.
  
  Mrs. Freireich reported a Facilities Committee meeting is scheduled November 19 at 5:00 PM.
Lincoln Intermediate Unit Board Report – Mr. Sears
The “…by Dawn’s Early Light”, highlights of the LIU Board Meeting of November 4 is provided.

Mr. Sears reviewed above.
York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich
No report
York Area Tax Bureau Report – Ms. Mason
Ms. Mason reported a meeting was held on October 27. The Operating Fund budget for 2015 was approved at almost $3.7 million and the District will be receiving on or about December 19 the distribution of excess collection fees from 2013 in the amount of approximately $11,000.
York County School of Technology – Mrs. Schroeder
Mrs. Schroeder reported a Joint Operating Committee meeting is scheduled on Tuesday and Mr. Posenau will be attending in my absence as the Alternate. The budget will be the main discussion.

Dr. Merkle reported the proposed budget at YCST is being planned with a 3.8% increase. The Superintendents expressed dissatisfaction in this increase. Our District index is 1.9%. The Board will be asked to vote on the budget. A suggestion is to provide a clear direction to the representatives so that direction is given to officials at YCST. A recommendation may be to suspend the enrollment growth. It will be very difficult for YS at 1.9% index to continue to support that budget.

A discussion took place. Points of the discussion included – discussion could take place at Planning Committee to give representatives a recommendation but would be too late for next week’s JOC meeting; last year’s increase was due to increased enrollment, not tuition increase; two-thirds of member districts do need to approve budget; 3.8% in total budget may not affect our District cost for tuition; additional information about the increase is not availble at this time; some of the Superintendents did have an opportunity to scrutinize some of the line items.

Mr. Miller concluded the discussion suggesting that Mr. Posenau not vote in favor of a 3.8% increase in the District cost with the budget.
Recognition of Visitors
Mr. Miller thanked the visitors for attending this evening. The Board will re-organize on December 1.
Committee Meeting Schedule
Mr. Miller reviewed above.
Public Comment
An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 AM.

An Executive Session will be held immediately following the meeting.

An Executive Session was held following the meeting.

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