Minutes 2014-12-15

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
DECEMBER 15, 2014 – 7:30 PM
RONALD H. PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

An Executive Session will be held prior to the meeting at 6:45 PM.

M I N U T E S
(Approved on January 26, 2015)

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, Jessica Renjilian (Student Representative)
  
  Mr. Miller thanked the Board and the administration for their support in his position as president of the Board. We will not always agree on everything and his hope is that we all respect one another.
3. Public Comment
  An opportunity was provided for public comment.
  
  Dick Grau, 2401 Cambridge Road – asked if there are any Arabic studies in the high school?
  
  Dr. Merkle replied no because the finances restrict adding and growing the program.
4. Discussion and Action on Board Minutes. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting of November 17, 2014 and the Re-Organization and Planning Committee Meetings of December 1, 2014. [Public Comment; Approval as submitted/corrected]
  Motion, Schroeder, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Minutes approved as submitted. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
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 November 30, 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
7. Budget Transfers
  Motion, Clancy, Second, Schroeder; Approval of the Treasurer’s Report.
  
  An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
Board President’s Report – Mr. Miller
1. Executive Session. The Board met in Executive Session on November 17, 2014 following the Regular Monthly Meeting, on November 24 and on December 1, 2014 following the Re-Organization and Planning Committee Meetings for the purpose of discussing personnel and/or legal issues.
  Mr. Miller reported above.
2. Resignation of Treasurer. Move to accept the resignation of Jennifer J.P. Clancy as the Board Treasurer effective immediately. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Bates; Approval of above. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
  
  Mr. Miller thanked Mrs. Clancy for serving in the role as Treasurer.
3. Appointment of Treasurer. Recommendation for John Posenau to be appointed Treasurer effective December 15, 2014 through June 30, 2015 at no compensation. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval of above. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
  
  Mr. Miller thanked Mr. Posenau for his willingness to serve in this positon.
4. Committee and Miscellaneous Board Representative Assignments
  Mr. Miller highlighted above.
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
1. Student Enrollment Report
  Dr. Merkle highlighted above.
2. Request for Overnight Field Trip for High School Model UN Club. The administration recommends approval of the request for an overnight field trip for the high school Model UN Club. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Schroeder, Second, Bates; 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.
3. 2015-16 Calendar. The administration recommends approval of the 2015-16 calendar. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Leopold-Sharp, Second, Shaffer; Approval of above.
  
  A discussion continued about the Board meeting schedule with a Tuesday as a meeting day. Discussion on this item continued later in the meeting.
  
  An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
4. Thanks to Luther Memorial Church for donating winter outerwear for elementary students in need.
  Dr. Merkle reported above and added the church provided lots of outerwear this year.
Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
1. Approval of the Agreement with Samsung Electronics America, Inc. The administration recommends approval of the contract with Samsung Electronics America, Inc. to set up as a self service center so that we can do approved warranty service and have access to parts directly from Samsung. By having this agreement in place, Samsung will pay us to do repairs if it is a warranty repair and it will save us time on sending units out for repair. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Posenau, Second, Bates; 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. Approval of the Agreement with M. J. Delp Construction. The administration recommends the approval of the agreement with M. J. Delp Construction for the purposes of snow removal for Indian Rock Elementary, East York Elementary, the York Suburban Middle School and Yorkshire Elementary School entrances and parking lots. This cost is the same as last year: $95 per hour per 3/4 ton pickup, per dump truck, per backhoe and skid steer; $110 per hour per 7 ton FWD truck; $650 per ton for salt spreading. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Schroeder, 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 9-0.
3. Approval of the Proposal from Houck Services, Inc. The administration recommends awarding the proposal to Houck Services, Inc. in the amount of $8,570 for Baseball Dugout Roof Replacement. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Freireich, 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 9-0.
4. Approval of the Agreement with Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association, Inc. The administration recommends the approval of the agreement with Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association, Inc. for the York Suburban Middle School. By providing monthly data that we already collect, we will receive a Breakfast Cart with supplies in the amount of $3,290 to be used as an additional serving line. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Bates, 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.
5. Approval of the Glen Gary Schale Brick Corporation Tax Settlement. The administration recommends approval for settlement of the tax assessment appeal litigation (Case No. 2010-SU-005683-26) for Tax Parcel 48-000-17-0003.00-00000, 1090 East Boundary Avenue, Spring Garden Township, York County, Pennsylvania owned by Glen Gary Schale Brick Corporation, for a total fair market value for tax years 2011 through 2015 as follows:
  2011 – $2,962,600
  2012 – $2,700,000
  2013 – $2,500,000
  2014 – $2,200,000
  2015 – $2,000,000
  
  The appropriate common level ratio will be applied to the fair market value to arrive at the assessed values for tax years 2011 through 2015. In lieu of refunds, the District may apply credits against future taxes owed by the taxpayer. Further, all parties agree that absent major renovations, improvements, or demolition of the subject property, there shall be no further change to the assessment of the subject property until the tax year beginning January 1, 2018. The District administration and solicitor are authorized to take all steps necessary to effectuate this settlement and to resolve this pending tax assessment appeal case. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Bates; Approval of above.
  
  A discussion continued and points of the discussion were – the impact of this settlement is a loss of $90,000 to the District; inquiry about spelling of company name Glen Gary or Glen Gery.
  
  An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
6. Informational:
  1. Food Service Department Rerport
    1. Dining Review Report for November
    2. Sales Report
      Ms. Mason reported above.
  2. PlanCon Part K: Project Refinancing. A letter from the PA Department of Education dated December 3, 2014 was received approving our submission of PlanCon Part K to refinance a part of the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2007, through the issuance of General Obligations Bonds, Series of 2012. As instructed in the letter, this document and attachments are to be entered into the minutes. This filing could not be done sooner because of the Moratorium that was in place regarding PlanCon.
    Ms. Mason reviewed above.
  3. 2015-16 Budget Presentation
    Ms. Mason reviewed above and it was announced that additional information will be available at the Finance Committee meeting on January 7 and the January 12 Planning Committee Meeting.
    
    A discussion continued and points of the discussion were – inquiry about alternative funding sources and if anything was received as a suggestion from National School Boards Association; can a school district levy other taxes such as hotel taxes?
    
    The Solicitor responded the county does levy the hotel taxes and there are three hotels located in the District.
    
    An opportunity was provided for public comment.
    
    Dick Grau – suggestion to negotiate for transportation costs since there is a significant decrease in fuel costs.
    
    Mr. Miller thanked the administration for all the work that went into preparing this information.
Student Board Representative Report – Miss Renjilian
Miss Renjilian reported the winter sports season is under way. Keystone Exams were taken this past week. A poetry outloud competition was held and the holiday concert was performed this past Sunday. Also, last week the ASVAB testing took place. The PSAT scores came back from the fall. Clubs are having activities and the Student Council is planning more for mini-THON and also a new version of Mr. YS.

Mr. Miller thanked Miss Renjilian for her report.
Committee Reports – Mr. Miller
1. Academic Standards & Curriculum Committee Report – Mrs. Clancy
  1. Approval of High School New Course/Program Proposals for 2015-16. The Academic Standards & Curriculum Committee recommends approval of the following high school new course/program proposals for 2015-16. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
    1. AP United States Government and Politics
    2. Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women’s Voices in Literature
    3. Diversity in Contemporary Literature
    4. Teen Reads – Young Adult Literature
      Motion, Leopold-Sharp, Second, Shaffer; Approval of above.
      
      Mr. Miller asked Miss Renjilian about students’ interest in the above courses. Miss Renjilian responded that one of her teachers did ask students in the classroom about these new proposals and the majority of students would be interested if it would fit in their schedule.
      
      An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
      
      Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
  2. Approval of the Open Campus Initiative. The Academic Standards & Curriculum Committee recommends approval of the Open Campus Initiative. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
    Motion, Leopold-Sharp, Second, Posenau; Approval of above.
    
    A discussion continued and a point of the discussion was – encouraging administration to make sure students are informed of this new initiative.
    
    Dr. Merkle responded that the administration was cautious to announce information prior to Board vote and the administration will be thorough in announcing and providing information to students, including a community meeting to inform parents.
    
    The discussion continued. Moving through this unchartered territory on the open campus initiative and the next item, flexible instructional days, suggest administration and teachers move forward with caution.
    
    After being prompted by Mr. Miller, Miss Renjilian reported there may be a problem with transportation for some students. Students do have an opportunity to broaden their school experience with this option.
    
    Roll Call Vote, all present yes. Motion carried 9-0.
  3. Approval of Flexible Instructional Days. The Academic Standards & Curriculum Committee recommends approval of Flexible Instructional Days. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
    Motion, Shaffer; Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval of above.
    
    Dr. Merkle responded to an inquiry from a Board member, the administration will be working on submission of a plan and the plan will be shared with the Board. This will be used as a last resort. The administration is not eager to implement this and it will be available as an alternative only if we get into a position that it would be needed.
    
    Roll Call Vote, all present yes. Motion carried 9-0.
2. Communications Committee Report – Mrs. Schroeder
  1. The minutes of December 1 are provided.
    Mrs. Schroeder reviewed above.
  2. Reminder – 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.
    Mrs. Schroeder reviewed above.
  3. The Activities Report and Communication Report are provided.
    Mrs. Schroeder reviewed above.
3. Nominating Committee Report – Mrs. Schroeder
  The minutes of November 24 are provided.
  
  Mrs. Schroeder reviewed above.
4. Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer
  1. The minutes of November 20 are provided.
    Ms. Shaffer reviewed above.
  2. [Consent Agenda: You have before you the Personnel Report which includes resignation, employment, additional substitute teachers, volunteer coaches, band volunteer and building 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, Bates; Approval of consent agenda items of the Personnel Committee Report.
    
    An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
    
    Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
    
    Mr. Adams introduced the new Lacrosse Coach in attendance this evening, Luke Beam.
    
    Dr. Merkle asked Coach Beam to share his collegiate coaching experience and he responded Messiah College, Millsaps College in central Mississippi and DeSales University in the Lehigh Valley.
    1. Resignation
      1. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Ray Olewiler, HS Drama Set Construction Manager, effective October 27, 2014.
    2. Employment
      1. Recommend the employment of Amy Ahlbrandt as a Classroom Assistant at the Middle School at the hourly rate of $16.25, effective December 16, 2014 through the end of the 2014-2015 school year.
      2. Recommend the employment of Luke Beam as Head Boys’ Lacrosse Coach at the salary of $6,460 which represents Step 4 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
      3. Recommend the employment of Doris Eater as a full-time Custodian effective January 2, 2015 at the hourly rate of $12.87.
      4. Recommend the employment of John Radkiewicz as a Classroom Assistant at the Middle School at the hourly rate of $16.25, for the second semester of the 2014-2015 school year.
      5. Recommend the employment of Jacqueline Redding as a Substitute Custodian at the hourly rate of $9.50, effective December 16, 2014.
      6. Recommend the employment of Elizabeth Yearsley as a full-time substitute English teacher for the second semester of the 2014-2015 school year for Alyce Kenee at the high school at the salary of $25,300 (Prorated based on one semester of employment and Step 1 of the Bachelor’s Schedule). Mrs. Keene is being temporarily re-assigned to a technology coaching position funded by the Ready-to-Learn grant.
    3. Additional Substitute Teachers for 2014-2015
      1. Margaret Brown
      2. Peter Shuey
      3. Elizabeth Yearsley (effective 12-22-14)
    4. Volunteer Coaches for Winter 2014-2015
      1. Jordan Knaub Wrestling
      2. Kimberly McKenna Girls’ Basketball
    5. Volunteer Coach for Spring 2014-2015
      
      Jarod Penson Baseball
    6. Band Volunteer for 2014-2015
      
      Jennifer Lam Indoor Color Guard
    7. Building Volunteer for 2014-2015
      
      Joseph Kochenour
5. Policy Review Committee Report – Ms. Bates
  
  Policy Revisions. The Policy Review Committee recommends approval of the following policies. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  1. 216 – Student Records
  2. 220 – Student Expression / Distribution and Posting of Materials
  3. 222 – Tobacco
  4. 233 – Suspension and Expulsion
  5. 234 – Pregnant / Parenting / Married Students
  6. 235 – Student Rights / Surveys
  7. 236 – Student Assistance Program
  8. 237 – Electronic Devices
  9. 239 – Foreign Exchange Students
  10. 240 – Contests
  11. 246 – Wellness
  12. 247 – Hazing
  13. 248 – Unlawful Harassment
  14. 248 Attach – Report Forms for Complaints of Unlawful Harassment
  15. 249 – Bullying / Cyberbullying
  16. 250 – Student Recruitment
  17. 251 – Homeless Students
  18. 252 – Dating Violence
  19. 252 Attach – Report Form for Complaints of Dating Violence
  20. 301 – Creating a Position
  21. DELETE 303 – Employment of Administrators
  22. 304.1 – Nepotism
  23. 305 – Employment of Substitutes
  24. 306 – Employment of Summer School Staff
  25. 308 – Employment Contract-Board Resolution
  26. 311 – Suspensions-Furloughs
  27. 313 – Evaluation of Employees
  28. DELETE 315 / 415 / 515 – Disqualification by Reason of Health
  29. DELETE 316 – Nontenured Employees; 416 – Nontenured Staff Members
  30. 317 – Conduct-Disciplinary Procedures
  31. 318 – Penalties for Tardiness
  32. 320 – Freedom of Speech in Nonschool Settings
  33. 321 – Political Activities
  34. 627 – Tax-Exempt Bonds Compliance Procedures
    Motion, Sears, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval of above. Roll Call Vote, all present yes. Motion carried 9-0.
6. Additional Committee Reports
  There were none at this time.
Lincoln Intermediate Unit Board Report – Mr. Sears
No report
York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich
Mrs. Freireich reported that eight students are currently enrolled and one student is waiting to be scheduled. The next meeting is in January.
York Area Tax Bureau Report – Ms. Mason
No report
York County School of Technology – Mrs. Schroeder
No report
Recognition of Visitors

Mr. Miller thanked the visitors for attending this evening.
Board Meeting and Committee Schedule
Mr. Miller asked if Board members wanted to discuss the Tuesday meeting on the 2015 schedule.

Dr. Merkle apologized for missing to announce this at the Re-Organization Meeting.

A discussion continued and points of the discussion were – September is difficult to schedule with Labor Day, it may be necessary to schedule back to back meetings; suggestions were made.

Mr. Miller announced meetings in August and September will be scheduled as follows – August 3 (Planning Committee Meeting), August 24 (Regular Monthly Meeting), September 14 (Planning Committee Meeting) and September 21 (Regular Monthly Meeting).
Public Comment
Mrs. Freireich shared a reminder about the legislative meeting scheduled tomorrow evening at York County School of Technology at 6:00 pm.

An opportunity was provided for public comment.

Dick Grau – inquired about York County School of Technology and the increase in its budget.

Mr. Miller responded that work is being done and will continue.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 PM.

An Executive Session will be held immediately following the meeting.

An Executive Session was held following the meeting.

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