Minutes 2016-09-12

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 – 7:00 PM
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

An Executive Session will be held at 6:30 PM, prior to the meeting.

M I N U T E S
(approved on September 26, 2016)

General Business

Call to Order – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
1. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2. Roll Call
  Members present – Emily Bates, Scott Eden, Ellen Freireich, Lynne Leopold-Sharp, John Posenau, Richard Robinson, Lois Ann Schroeder, Cathy Shaffer, Peyton Stuart (Student Representative)
  
  Members not present – Michael Thoman (Mr. Thoman had to leave due to a family emergency.)
3. Public Comment. All comments and questions will be addressed to the President. Board and staff members will not normally respond to comments or questions during the meeting unless recognized by the President for this purpose. Comments will be limited, at the discretion of the President, to five minutes or less.
  An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
Board President’s Report – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
1. The Board met prior to this meeting in Executive Session as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act for the purpose of discussing personnel contracts. No official action was taken.
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
2. Board Professional Development Plan – Education for Board Members – Goals and Objectives – Policy 004-Membership
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reminded Board members of the Ad Hoc Committee meeting that was held in the spring and it was decided to discuss this item as a Board at this meeting. There is approximately $5000 in the budget for education and training of Board members. She asked for any suggestions from Board members.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – opportunities could be made available for the newer Board members; setting goals and objectives would be helpful before sending individuals to conferences; PA School Boards Association (PSBA) webinars and the cost to participate is greatly reduced with the District’s all access pass; National School Boards Association (NSBA) and PSBA conferences; part of the re-organization plan; education of negotiation process and the manner in which the District works through the process as the process has been historically different here at YS, possibly schedule an hour before a meeting for an education session; discuss strategy points for negotiation; discuss priorities of different tracks available at NSBA and PSBA conferences.
  
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp concluded the discussion stating if anyone has additional ideas, please share with Dr. Merkle and herself. Mrs. Shaffer will research some different tracks that are generally available at the conferences and report back to the Board.
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
1. District Affiliated Report – Music Boosters – Ronda Abel and Jennifer Meyers, Co-Presidents will provide a brief report on the work of this organization
  Mrs. Abel and Mrs Meyers reported the Music Boosters is a district affiliated group of parent volunteers in their third year of combining band, orchestra and choir. A recap of spring 2016 activities was provided and noted that it was a great year for YS Music. This year, the marching band will be performing at all football games, the Homecoming Parade and the York Halloween Parade. The students show much pride when they perform. The Music Boosters and All-Sports Boosters continue to have a shared concession stand, the Big Orange Cafe. Other Music Booster activities will include Secret Santa at East York Elementary, supporting the High School Musical in March, supporting the Lancers’ show with concessions and the annual Evening of Jazz. Everyone is looking forward to the Music Department trip on March 15 to 20. Everyone is invited to attend the music department events.
  
  Dr. Merkle thanked Mrs. Abel and Mrs. Meyers for their leadership and all the work they do with the Music Boosters.
2. High School Band Update – Mr. Husler will provide a brief update on the impact of the restructure of the high school marching band.
  Mr. Husler reviewed above information.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – the change with the band program allows the band to perform more music that is more recognizable to the audience, it is more fun for both students and audience rather than the music that was prepared for competitions; the change has brought on new leadership opportunities for students; the change in program allows less travel to competitions as there were times of up to one hour for travel; there is good cooperation between fall coaches and band director for practices and competitions; a few York County schools remain in the Calvalcade.
  
  Dr. Merkle concluded the discussion stating the band sounded terrific at the two football games. She congratulated and thanked Mr. Husler for this significant change to the program.The band provides a great component to the culture of YS.
3. Student Achievement Reports – Dr. Maloney and Principals
  Dr. Maloney, Mr. Adams, Dr. Krauser, Dr. Gulley and Dr. Fuhrman shared information on student achievement.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – the data analysis is focused on individual students and their needs and progress is shared with parents; several comments were shared about the complexity of the work of the teachers and administrators reviewing data, the terrific results, acknowleding the importance of the preparation and work done at the students’ earlier building is very evident, teachers not giving up on students and they are leading them to find success; with the leadership of the administrators, the teachers are working very hard to continue the success with the growing socially economically disadvantaged population of students.
  
  Dr. Merkle concluded the discussion thanking Dr. Maloney for her leadership in the curricular initiative and thanking the principals for their hard work and sharing information this evening.
4. The Administration will be recommending Board approval of the York Academy Regional Charter School Amendment. The Board requested additional information on the funding of the project and it is attached.
  Dr. Merkle reported above.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – the Administration will request additional information regarding the non-taxing entity getting a bond issue; YARCS has received approval from York City School District and Central York School District and can proceed without our support.
5. Wellness Update – Mr. Adams
  Mr. Adams reviewed above.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – fitness center is open to students from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM with physical education teachers staffing and teachers are seeing some good changes with students; staff may use the fitness center unsupervised after signing a waiver; work is being done on how to improve and enhance mental health services; CTC is offering a program about the heroin epidemic for parents in October.
  
  Dr. Merkle concluded the discussion thanking Mr. Adams for his leadership with Wellness.
6. Full Day Kindergarten – Dr. Merkle will provide a brief update on the process to consider the implementation of full day kindergarten.
  Dr. Merkle shared exploring full day kindergarten was one of the District goals. Dr. Maloney is chairing a committee with elementary teachers and principals. A recommendation will come to the Board along with budget information.

Business Office Report – Ms. Mason

Items being recommended for approval on September 26

The Administration recommends Board approval of next year’s Budget Calendar.
Ms. Mason reported above. The index is 2.5%.

The Administration recommends the Board amend the 2016-17 Budget as follows to include the Title I Reward School Grant:

Revenue			Expense
10–8514	Title I	$ 49,669	10-1190-122-419-10-214-000-000-055	Title I Sub Salaries	$ 2,640
			10-1190-191-419-10-214-000-000-055	Title I Aide Salaries	2,580
			10-1190-220-419-10-214-000-000-055	Title I Social Security	400
			10-1190-230-419-10-214-000-000-055	Title I Retirement	1,568
			10-1190-330-419-10-214-000-000-055	Title I Professional Svs.	10,000
			10-1190-610-610-10-214-000-000-055	Supplies	5,717
			10-1190-640-419-10-214-000-000-055	Textbooks	26,764
		$ 49,669			$ 49,669

Ms. Mason reported above.

The Administration recommends the Board approve Integrity Bank as a Depository for 2016-17.
Ms. Mason reported above and added this will be used for investments with really good rates.
Informational Item
1. Donation from Michael Gilliland of four Buddy Benches, one for each elementary school
  Ms. Mason reported above.
  
  A discussion continued and the point was – the Administration will check trademark issues with name, Buddy Benches.
2. Donation of school supplies from Complete Dental to Yorkshire Elementary
  Ms. Mason reported above.
3. Donation of school supplies from Luther Memorial Church to the elementary buildings
  Ms. Mason reported above.
4. Donation from Indian Rock PTO for the agendas in the amount of $1,619.50
  Ms. Mason reported above.
5. Administrative Review performed on May 25, 2016 of the Food Service Fund
  Ms. Mason reported above. The review was more about policies and procedures than financials. Preparation was started in April and was very comprehensive. The District did very well. The process was very daunting for schools and PA Department of Education-Division of Food and Nutrition heard our remarks about the process and plans to make some changes in the process. This review was geared to the federal Healthy Hunger Act.
6. York Suburban Educational Foundation grants in the amount of $43,998.34 for the following – $10,000 for Moving Minds and Shaping Learners; $2,040 for Applied College Tuition; $7,164 for Escaping Language Limits; $1,500 for Trout in the Classroom; $903 for The Brain Gym; $4,011.26 for Body Systems in Clay; $18,380.08 for Fizz, Boom, Read…Full STEAM Ahead.
  Ms. Mason reported above.

Student Board Representative Report – Peyton Stuart
Mr. Stuart provided a sports team review. Homecoming is scheduled next week and much work is being accomplished by the committee. Students are getting situated into school and we are midway through the marking period. The band performed yesterday at the York Fair. When asked about the change to the band program, Mr. Stuart commented some students like it and some do not like it.
Committee Reports – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
1. Academic Standards & Curriculum Committee – Mrs. Schroeder
  1. The minutes of July 27 are provided.
    Mrs. Schroeder reported above.
  2. The Academic Standards & Curriculum Committee will be recommending approval of the Consolidated School of Business Articulation Agreement.
    Mrs. Schroeder reported above. Students with Accounting I can get 1.5 college credits with a grade of 80% or better.
2. Finance Committee – Mr. Posenau
  The minutes of June 22 are provided.
  
  Mr. Posenau reported above.
3. Policy Review Committee – Mr. Thoman
  1. The minutes of June 8 are provided.
    In Mr. Thoman’s absence, Ms. Bates reported above.
  2. The Policy Review Committee will be recommending approval of the following policy revisions.
    Ms. Bates reported above and asked for any discussion.
    1. 127 Assessments
    2. 130 Homework
    3. 137 Home Education Programs
    4. 137.1 Extracurricular Participation by Home Education Students
    5. 138 Limited English Proficiency Program
      A discussion continued and the point was – the language survey is a home language survey that takes place at point of enrollment.
    6. 140.1 Extracurricular Participation by Charter/Cyber Charter Students
      A discussion continued and the point was – this is required by law.
    7. 142 Migrant Students
4. Additional Committee Reports/Announcements
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp asked if there were any additional commitee reports or announcements.
  
  Mrs. Freireich reported a Facilities Committee meeting will be held on September 14 at 4:30 PM.
Lincoln Intermediate Unit – Mr. Robinson
The LIU …by Dawn’s Early Light Board Meeting Highlights of September 6 is provided.

Mr. Robinson reported above.
Legislative Liaison – Mr. Robinson
PSBA Leadership Election

Mr. Robinson reported above and his recommendation is to vote for these candidates as they running uncontested.

Mr. Robinson gave a mini legislative report.
York Adams Academy – Mrs. Freireich
Mrs. Freireich reported 12 YS students attend YAA. Weekly, Mr. Detzel, YAA Director, shares a brief story about a student and Mrs. Freireich handed out to Board members one of the stories that particularly caught her attention.
York County School Technology – Mrs. Schroeder
The YCST Joint Operating Committee Mini-Board Report of August 25 is provided. Additional information from YCST is provided:

YCST Achievement Summary 2015-16
YCST Goals 2016-17
YCST School Goals & Initiatives Update 2016-17

Mrs. Schroeder reported above and asked Board members to review the attachments about the improvement on test results at YCST. The YCST teachers are doing a great job.

Dr. Merkle added the level of rigor at YCST has been raised.

A discussion continued and the point was – the Administration will consider sharing the results in a form of District communication.
Board Meeting and Committee Schedule
Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
Comments and/or Questions from the Public. All comments and questions will be addressed to the President. Board and staff members will not normally respond to comments or questions during the meeting unless recognized by the President for this purpose. Comments will be limited, at the discretion of the President, to five minutes or less.
An opporunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 PM.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of each report.

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