Minutes 2015-02-23

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)

   Members not present – None

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 January 26, 2015 and the Planning Committee Meeting of February 9, 2015. [Public Comment; Approval as submitted/corrected]

   Mr. Miller reported above and the minutes were approved as submitted.

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, Posenau, Second, Sears; 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.

1. Mr. Miller reported a question about taking notes during Executive Session was asked by a Board member and asked for the solicitor’s suggestion. 

   Atty. Say reported because no official action takes place during Executive Session, no minutes are recorded. It is not adviseable for notetaking although nothing strictly prohibits taking notes.

2. Addendum – see below

   Information, notes and action regarding the approval of the Agreement with York Suburban Education Association (YSEA) are noted at the end of this document.

3. Executive Session.  The Board met in Executive Session on January 26, 2015 following the Regular Monthly Meeting and on February 9, 2015 following the Planning Committee Meeting for the purpose of discussing personnel and/or legal issues.

   Mr. Miller reported above.

1. Student Enrollment Report  

   Dr. Merkle reviewed above and shared that one Board member requested a review of how the bottom right part of the report is prepared and reported out. The Administration plans to review prior to next report.

2. As a result of two separate disciplinary situations, Dr. Michele Merkle, Board appointed hearing officer recommends the following:

   The Administration recommends Board approval of the immediate expulsion of Student #211469 as set forth in the Administrative Disciplinary Hearing Agreement following a hearing conducted by Board appointed hearing officer, Michele Merkle. The student has been placed at an alternative school.   [Motion, Discussion, Public Comment, Roll Call Vote]

   Motion, Leopold-Sharp, Second, Bates; Approval of above. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

   The Administration recommends Board approval of the disciplinary sanctions issued to Student #210360 as set forth in the Administrative Disciplinary Hearing Agreement following a hearing conducted by Board appointed hearing officer, Michele Merkle.  [Motion, Discussion, Public Comment, Roll Call Vote]

   Motion, Freireich, Second, Bates; Approval of above. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

3. Memorandums of Understanding
   1. The Administration recommends approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between the York Suburban School District and the Spring Garden Township Police Department to take effect July 1, 2015. This MOU replaces the MOU between the two entities that has been in place from July 2013-15. The MOU is a required component of the Safe Schools initiative. [Motion, Discussion, Public Comment, Roll Call Vote]

      Dr. Merkle highlighted above.

      Motion, Schroeder, Second, Clancy; 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. The Administration recommends approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between the York Suburban School District and the Springettsbury Township Police Department to take effect July 1, 2015. This MOU replaces the MOU between the two entities that has been in place from July 2013-15. The MOU is a required component of the Safe Schools initiative. [Motion, Discussion, Public Comment, Roll Call Vote]

      Dr. Merkle highlighted above.

      Motion, Bates, 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.

      Dr. Merkle responded to a Board member’s inquiry that there is no longer safe schools grant money available. 

4. Early Learning Initiative. Dr. Ketterman will provide a brief update on this project.

   Dr. Merkle reported that the Administration expects to have a recommendation for a provider for the Early Learning Initiative in March. She asked Board members to listen to the information that Dr. Ketterman will be sharing and to let the Administration know if additional information is needed before an action can be taken.

   Dr. Ketterman provided information on the process to date with the Early Learning Initiative request for proposals, the committee’s review of the four proposals that were received, site visits planned to the four programs, reference contacts to be done and the invitation for the four programs to come with a presentation/interview with the committee. A recommendation is anticipated for the March 16 Board meeting. With kindergarten registration taking place in mid-April, the committee anticipates being able to share the partnership information with the parents.

   A discussion took place and points were – the administration will consult with the solicitor about whether the presentation/interview with the committee is a public meeting and report back to the Board; it is planned for 2015-16 to have before and after school care, plan in place for winter break and 2016 summer; all bidders would provide wrap-around care at the current settings; the contract would be annually renewable.

   Dr. Merkle asked Board members to contact Ms. Mason or herself with any questions or if additional information is needed or wanted prior to March 16. This program is very curricularly driven and is not about money.

   Dr. Merkle credits Dr. Ketterman on an amazing job with her leadership with this initiative. There was much to learn about the process and Dr. Ketterman’s enthusiasm and the committment and energy of the committee all contributed to the success of this process at this time.

   Dr. Ketterman did commend Ms. Mason for her assistance and opportunity to learn things together during this process.

1. Authorization to Solicit Bids for High School Secure Visitor Entrance and Office Renovations. The Administration recommends approval of the advertising and soliciting of bids for the purpose of renovations to the high school for a high school secure visitor entrance and office renovations to begin June of 2015.  [Motion, Discussion, Public Comment, Roll Call Vote]

   Ms. Mason reported above.

   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.

2. Approve Agreement with Wellspan Health.  The Administration recommends the Board approve extending the term of the current agreement with Wellspan Health for Sports Medicine and Medical Services for 2015-16 and 2016-17 at a cost of $32,288 per year.  [Motion, Discussion, Public Comment, Roll Call Vote]

   Ms. Mason reported above.

   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 David Maines Assoc. for the Indian Rock Roof Project.  The Administration recommends awarding the bid to David Maines Assoc. in the amount of $768,308 for the Indian Rock Roof Project.  

   Bid Tabulation Sheet
   [Motion, Discussion, Public Comment, Roll Call Vote]

   Ms. Mason reported above.

   Motion, Clancy, Second, Sears; Approval of above.

   A discussion continued and points were – the variation of costs for ancillary depends much on the the supplier supplying the contractor; the variation of costs for masonry repair depends if subcontracting is planned.

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

4. Approval of Schlouch Incorporated for Track Renovations.  The Administration recommends awarding the bid to Schlouch Incorporated in the amount of $513,578 with both alternates for the Track Resurfacing Project. [Motion, Discussion, Public Comment, Roll Call Vote]

   Ms. Mason reported above.

   Motion, Posenau, Second, Schroeder; Approval of above.

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0. 

5. Approve Contract with Universal Community Behavioral Health, The Meadows. The Administration recommends the Board approve this contract which is an update to an existing contract from 2011.  Updates were made to reflect current daily servings, number of days served and unit price for an estimated total of $17,550.  This is an increase of $5,161.  [Motion, Discussion, Public Comment, Roll Call Vote]

   Ms. Mason reported above.

   Motion, Schroeder, Second, Freireich; Approval of above.

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0. 

6. Approval of the Country Club of York Tax Settlement. The Administration recommends approval for settlement of the tax assessment appeal litigation (Case No. 2104-SU-1619-26) for Tax Parcel 48-000-31-0004.00-00000, located in Spring Garden Township, York County, Pennsylvania owned by Country Club of York, Pennsylvania for total assessed values for school years 2013-2014 through 2015-2016 and beyond as follows:

   For the period September 2013 through June 2014, school year 2013-14, the assessment will be $4,844,000.

   For 2014-15 school year the assessment will be $4,995,200.

   For 2015-16 school year and beyond the assessment will be $4,928,000.

   [Motion, Discussion, Public Comment, Roll Call Vote]

   Ms. Mason reported above.

   Motion, Bates, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval of above.

   Ms. Mason responded to Board member’s inquiry about estimated impact of this agreement being a refund for two years totaling $75,000 and the loss per year based on current millage for 2015-16 is $37,900.

   Mr. Miller reported this type of action does strongly affect the tax base of the district.

   An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was at this time.

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0. 

7. Informational:
   1. All-Sports Booster Club – accepted donation in the amount of $1,608 for Fitness Center equipment – half rack and bench and spot arms

      Ms. Mason reported above.

   2. Food Service Department Report
      1. Dining Review Report for January
      2. Sales Report  

         Ms. Mason highlighted above.
          

      3. Ms. Mason reported that the Bond Series 2015 settled today and all documentation is not available at this time. Information will be available at the Finance Committee and then will be available at the Board meeting on March 2.

Miss Renjilian reported about Mini-THON that took place this past weekend. The Student Council worked very hard to set-up for this successful event. Appreciation goes out to all the donors, student council, staff, administration and custodians. This year’s goal was $25,000. The total for this year was $44, 274.85! Other highlights shared included the Wrestling dinner on Wednesday, Boys and Girls Swimming going to Districts, recent Quiz Bowl compeition and spring sports starting next week.

Dr. Merkle reported that Mr. Good and Mr. Whiteley will provide a report on Mini-THON at the March 2 Board Planning Committee meeting. 

1. Communications Committee Report – Mrs. Schroeder

   The Activities Report and Communication Report are provided. 

   Mrs. Schroeder highlighted above.

2. Facilities Committee Report – Mrs. Freireich

   The minutes of January 21 are provided.

   Mrs. Freireich highlighted above. The committee is continuing to look at projects for the summer.

3. Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer 

   [Consent Agenda:  You have before you the Personnel Report which includes retirement, resignation, employment, request for leave of absence, re-appointment of spring coaches and additional substitute teacher. 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 Report.

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

   Mrs. Shaffer reported there are some long-time, faithful district employees moving on to the next part of their lives with the recent retirements announced.

   Dr. Merkle commented on the recent retirements. Karen Moyer is a part of this institution in so many ways, she taught many young teachers and administrators the ways of education. Mrs. Moyer went to Yorkshire as a kindergarten student and now finishes her career at Yorkshire after 35 years in education. Bill Boll is retiring after 28 years with the district. The administration is working on a transition plan. Mr. Boll has a great relationship with Mr. Girling in the facilities department and also with the athletics department. Roger Kresge provided significant contributions to district and is retiring from the district after 11 years. Lisa Lewis, in her four years with the district has made a significant impact on high school English department along with this strong and powerful team.

   Dr. Merkle also commented on Julie Romero resigning at the conclusion of the school year as she will be leaving education at this time in her life. She has been a strong teacher of Spanish at both the Middle and High Schools.  With these recent actions, the administration will have a number of interesting personnel decisions coming forth.

   1. Retirements  

      1. Recommend Board approval of the retirement of William Boll, Assistant Director of Facilities, effective June 30, 2015.  Mr. Boll is retiring after having served 28 years with York Suburban School District.

      2. Recommend Board approval of the retirement of Roger Kresge, Network Administrator, effective September 30, 2015.  Mr. Kresge is retiring after having served 11 years with York Suburban School District. 

      3. Recommend Board approval of the retirement of Lisa Lewis, English Teacher at the high school, effective at the end of the 2014-2015 school year.  Mrs. Lewis is retiring after having served 14 years in education and 4 with York Suburban School District.

      4. Recommend Board approval of the retirement of Karen Moyer, 1st Grade Teacher at Yorkshire Elementary, effective at the end of the 2014-2015 school year.  Mrs. Moyer is retiring after having served 35 years in education and 27 with York Suburban School District.

   2. Resignation  

      1. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Jesse Pitzer as Assistant Marching Band Director effective January 23, 2015.

      2. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Julie Romero, Spanish Teacher at the middle school and high school, effective at the end of the 2014-2015 school year.

   3. Employment  

      1. Recommend the employment of Robert Alkhas as Co-Assistant Baseball Coach at the salary of $1,922 which represents Step 4 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.

      2. Recommend the employment of Joshua Beamesderfer as Junior Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse Coach at the salary of $2,306 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.

      3. Recommend the employment of Alexander Gibson as Assistant Girls’ Lacrosse Coach at the salary of $1,980 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.

      4. Recommend the employment of Jared Miller as Assistant Boys’ Lacrosse Coach at the salary of $1,980 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.

   4. Request for Leave of Absence 

      1. Recommend Board approval of the request of Jessica Bobb, Classroom Assistant at the middle school, for a FMLA leave of absence starting February 4, 2015, through approximately February 19, 2015.

      2. Recommend Board approval of the request of Alicia Erickson, Instructional Support Aide at Yorkshire Elementary, for an unpaid leave of absence from February 25, 2015 through March 6, 2015.

      3. Recommend Board approval of the request of Lillian Lopez, Custodian at the middle school, for a FMLA leave of absence starting March 11, 2015, through approximately April 14, 2015.

      4. Recommend Board approval of the request of Jessica Reimer, Kindergarten Teacher at Valley View Elementary, for a FMLA leave of absence beginning August 17, 2015 through November 10, 2015, followed by an unpaid leave of absence through January 15, 2016.  Mrs. Reimer will be returning to employment on January 19, 2016.

   5. Re-Appointment of Spring Coaches for 2014-15  

      Christopher Rotolo	Head Baseball	Step 4	$5,578
      Scott Cobb	JV Baseball	Step 4	$4,205
      Laura Meerbach	Head Girls’ Lacrosse	Step 4	$6,460
      Elizabeth Milkowski	JV Girls’ Lacrosse	Step 4	$3,843
      Mark O’Reilly	Head Boys’ Tennis	Step 4	$4,295
      David Wickenheiser	Head Track	Step 4	$7,514
      Daniel VanHouwe	Assistant Track	Step 4	$3,633
      Anthony Billet	Assistant Track	Step 4	$3,633
      Michael Jackson	Head JH Track	Step 4	$4,716
      Michael Appleby	Assistant JH Track	Step 4	$3,363
      Jamie Evans	Head Boys’ Volleyball	Step 4	$4,922
      Oliver Good	Assistant Boys’ Volleyball	Step 3	$3,003
      Sonia Guyer	Head JH Girls’ Volleyball	Step 4	$2,977

   6. Additional Substitute Teacher for 2014-15

      Kimberly Levan

4. 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. Delete 327 – Management Team / 527 – Mid-Level Supervisors
   2. 335 – Family and Medical Leaves
   3. 336 – Personal Necessity Leave
   4. 337 – Vacation 
   5. 338 – Sabbatical Leave
   6. 338.1 – Professional Development Leave
   7. 338.2 – Classroom Occupational Exchange Leave
   8. 339 – Uncompensated Leave
   9. 340 – Responsibility for Student Welfare
   10. 341 – Benefits for Part-Time Employees
   11. 342 – Jury Duty
   12. 343 – Paid Holidays
   13. Delete 346/446/546 – Wage Continuation
   14. 347 – Workers’ Compensation Transitional Return-To-Work Program
   15. 348 – Unlawful Harassment
   16. 348 – Attachment
   17. 351 – Drug and Substance Abuse
   18. 601 – Fiscal Objectives
   19. 602 – Budget Planning
   20. 603 – Budget Preparation
   21. 604 – Budget Adoption
   22. 605 – Tax Levy
   23. 606 – Tax Collection
   24. 607 – Tuition Income
   25. 608 – Bank Accounts
   26. 610 – Purchases Subject to Bid/Quotation
   27. 611 – Purchases Budgeted
   28. 612 – Purchases Not Budgeted
   29. 613 Cooperative Purchasing
   30. 614 – Payroll Authorization
   31. 615 – Payroll Deductions
   32. 616 – Payment of Claims
   33. 617 – Petty Cash
   34. 618 – Student Activity Funds
   35. 620 – Fund Balance  

       Motion, Clancy, Second, Sears; Approval of above. 

       A few comments were made to thank the committee and Dr. Merkle for the work involved to go through this review that is a grueling process in a timely manner.

       Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

5. Additional Committee Reports 

   Mr. Sears, Legislative Liason, reported House Bill 282 is a proposal that would require prior notice, such newspaper publication and website announcement, be given to take action on a collective bargaining agreement. What we have done in this district would make this unnecessary but apparently some negotiations that occur around the Commonwealth do not meet the requirements and as a result several Representatives, three from York County, have reintroduced HB 282 month.

No report

Mrs. Freireich reported YS has nine students attending York Adams Academy. The proposed 2015-16 budget will be presented at the Finance Committee meeting this week.

No report

Mrs. Schroeder reported the YCST proposed 2015-16 budget has been approved. Approval from ten school districts was necessary and the final count was 12 districts approved and two districts did not approve the budget. YS did not approve this budget. A meeting is scheduled later this week.

A discussion continued and points were – suggest YCST be encouraged to do a strategic plan and look at curriculum for future planning; Dr. Kaufman, Superintendent from South Eastern School District, was just elected for Superintendent of Record for 2015-16 and it is hopeful that such work will take place during future planning. 

A thank you was extended for public members that attended this evening’s meeting.

Mr. Miller reported above. A reminder that the next Board meeting is next Monday, March 2.

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

The meeting was adjourned at 7:44 PM.

ADDENDUM

TO:                 Members of the York Suburban School Board

FROM:           Michele A. Merkle, Ed.D, Superintendent

DATE:            February 23, 2015

SUBJECT:    Addendum to the Agenda for the Board Meeting of February 23, 2015 

III.  Board President’s Report – Mr. Miller

A.     Approval of the Agreement with YSEA – The Board negotiating team recommends approval of the proposed Agreement between the Board of School Directors of the York Suburban School District and the York Suburban Education Association 2015-16 through 2017-18.  The proposed Agreement includes salary increases in each of three years as well as concessions in healthcare benefits as outlined below: 

  Changes in Salary and Benefits:

Mr. Miller expressed thanks to the Board Negotiations Committee, Mr. Darrah and the YSEA Negotiations Committee and all the teachers. With the concession made on healthcare, the district will save over $2 million in expenses. The Association  is thanked for their efforts in helping the district through this difficult economic time.

Motion, Leopold-Sharp, Second Shaffer; Approval of the YSEA Agreement as stated above.

A discussion continued and points were – the administration will be finalizing the matrix for the extracurricular positions and a finalized copy of the agreement will be made available at a later date; thanks was extended to Board Negotiations Committee, the Association and the Administration for all their work on this agreement.

An opportunity was provided for public comment. 

Mr. Darrah shared thanks and gratitude to the teachers and the Board for this opportunity that was available to work together that produced results.

Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

Dr. Merkle shared congratulations to everyone as this agreement was negotiated face to face with no mediator or attorney. The Board set clear goals and showed a tremendous respect for what the teachers do on a day to day basis and both parties were able to reach this compromise. Congratulations to all!