Minutes 2016-12-19

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
DECEMBER 19, 2016 – 7:00 PM
RONALD H. PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

An Executive Session will be held at 6:45 PM.

M I N U T E S
(approved on January 23, 2017)

 

  1. 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, Michael Thoman, Peyton Stuart (Student Representative)

      Members not present – None

    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.

    4. Discussion and Action on Board Minutes.  Approval of the Minutes of the Re-Organization and Planning Committee Meetings of December 5, 2016 and the Regular Monthly Meeting of November 21, 2016.  [Public Comment; Approval as submitted/corrected]

      Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported the minutes will be filed as submitted.

  2. Treasurer’s Report – Mr. Posenau  [Consent Agenda:  Would any Board member like any of these items considered separately or are there any questions any 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, 2016  [File for audit]

    1. Treasurer’s Report (All Funds)
    2. General Fund Revenue Report
    3. General Fund Expenditure Report
    4. Summary Report – Capital Project, Capital Reserve, Food Service
    5. Check Summary Report – General Fund, Food Service, Capital Project
    6. Student Activity Account Summary
    7. Budget Transfers  

      Motion, Posenau, Second, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

  3. Board President’s Report – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
    1. The Board met following the Regular Monthly Meeting on November 21, 2016 in Executive Session as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act for the purpose of discussing matters of personnel. No official action as taken.

      Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.

    2. The Board met prior to the Re-Organization and Planning Committee Meetings on December 5, 2016 in Executive Session as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act for the purpose of discussing matters of personnel. No official action was taken.

      Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.

    3. The Board met prior to this evening’s meeting in Executive Session as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act for the purpose of discussing a student concern. No official action was taken.

      Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.

    4. Committee Assignments – Committee Meeting Schedule 

      Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.

  4. Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
    1. The Administration recommends Board approval of the expansion of the full day kindergarten program for the start of the 2017-18 school year, providing a full day program for all students.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Dr. Merkle invited Dr. Patricia Maloney, Assistant Superintendent to make the above recommendation.  
      Motion, Bates, Second, Shaffer; Approval.

      A discussion continued and points were – Mrs. Freireich stated that she will be voting yes on this recommendation with severe reservations that include financial concerns, changing demographics, this program will not work for all families’ needs and the possible need for social workers; Mr. Thoman stated that he will be voting in opposition to this motion, as he does not believe this program is in the District’s best interest to pursue a non-mandatory program, not most efficient use for our financial resources.

      Roll Call Vote, all present, yes, except Thoman, no. Motion carried 8-1.

      Dr. Merkle thanked the Board and the committee led by Dr. Maloney, Dr. Stoltz and Dr. Ketterman for all their work leading to this recommendation. 

    2. The Administration recommends Board approval that the Superintendent be authorized to grant permission to a requesting parent if s/he wishes to enroll the child in half of the full day kindergarten program.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote] 

      Dr. Merkle reported above. 

      Motion, Bates, Second, Shaffer; Approval.

      A discussion continued and points were – students coming in and out of classrooms all day long is not in the best interest for the District as this would set up familes for issues, questions and concerns from children that feel they will miss some things; parents would be permitted to change their mind from a 1/2 day program to a full day program, Administration will be working out those fine details if this recommendation passes and information will be provided to parents; this recommendation will be burdensome to implement; this recommendation is a response to community members that were not in favor of a full day kindergarten program.

      Roll Call Vote, all present, yes, except Freireich, no, Thoman, no. Motion carried 7-2.

      Dr. Merkle shared the commitee will be tasked with planning and implementation. The website for scheduling appointments for kindergarten registration opens on January 3. The Administration will be communicating with our immediate community tomorrow and a committee meeting is scheduled later this week for continued work. Thank you to the Board for asking difficult questions that in turn required the Administration to provide greater detail. 

    3. The Administration recommends Board approval of several overnight field trips for students who make District, Regional and State programs.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Dr. Merkle reported above. 

      Motion, Bates, Second, Thoman; Approval.

      A discussion continued and the point was – the approximate cost  per student includes all expenses.

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

    4. Campaign for Fair Funding Presentation – Dr. Michael Thew

      Dr. Merkle introduced Dr. Thew, representing Circuit Riders for PA Schools. He provided information on the Campaign for Fair Funding and answered questions from Board members. 

      Dr. Merkle thanked Dr. Thew for attending the meeting this evening to share information. 

    5. Student Enrollment Report  

      Dr. Merkle reported above, no notable changes.

  5. Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
    1. Consent Agenda  [Would any Board member like any of the following eight items considered separately or are there any questions on any of these items?  If not, Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

      1. Recommend Board approval of advertising and soliciting for bids for High School Roof Replacement.
      2. Recommend Board approval of advertising and soliciting for bids for High School Stadium Security Enhancements.  
      3. Recommend Board approval of advertising and soliciting for bids for Middle School curb and sidewalk replacement. 
      4. Recommend Board approval of advertising and soliciting for bids for High School stage floor, curtains and rigging.  
      5. Recommend Board approval of advertising and soliciting for bids for High School grease trap replacement. 
      6. Recommend Board approval of advertising and soliciting for bids for High School classroom doors. 
      7. Recommend Board approval of advertising and soliciting for bids for High School secure access on the classroom doors.  
      8. Recommend Board approval of advertising and soliciting for bids for modifications and equipment for East York kitchen.  
    2. The Administration recommends Board approval of a three (3) year service agreement with Johnson Controls for District wide controls.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    3. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Agreement with Executive Coach, Inc. to take the High School English students to see a Broadway show in New York City on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 for a total cost of $4,200 for two buses.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Schroeder, Second, Shaffer; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

    4. The Administration recommends Board approval of the pest control agreement with Tomlinson Bomberger for all buildings for a total cost of $4,140.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    5. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Education Partner Agreement with Real World Scholars, Inc. for the purposes of facilitating a student-run, classroom-based business, as an educational program at the Middle School.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Shaffer, Second, Schroeder; Approval.

      A discussion continued and points were – this program will involve integration with computer and tech ed courses, currently running an integrated model with two teachers, designing and marketing a product and this will supplement what they are doing; project based learning and thei RWS platform will be used once it is prepared, students will experience a real world feel; additional information was requested about the program in the future. 

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

    6. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Agreement with Nutec Design Associates, Inc. for the Middle School Curb, Sidewalk and ADA Ramp Replacement Project for $12,000.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Freireich, Second, Schroeder; Approval.

      A discussion took place and the point was – the Administration will review the sidewalk area that was reported under water outside the auditorium entrance door.

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

    7. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Agreement with Barton Associates, Inc. for a High School Water Heater Replacement Study. The purpose of this study is to determine options for replacement of the existing water heater while considering the future need for replacing the existing steam heating plant in kind, or converting to a hot water system.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Bates, Second, Freireich; Approval.

      A discussion continued and the point was – the Administration will check if an option for an industrial level water heater may be tankless as is now used in residences.

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

    8. The Administration recommends Board approval of the agreement with FnP Productions to DJ the High School Student Council York Suburban Diamond Dance to be held on January 21, 2017 at a total cost of $1,000.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    9. Informational:
      1. All Sports Booster Club donation in the amount of $1,499.97 for the purchase of 3 Apple iPad Mini tablets.

        Ms. Mason reported above.

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

          Ms. Mason reported above.

    10. There is one additional item on the Addendum located at the end of the agenda.
  6. Student Board Representative Report – Peyton Stuart

    Mr. Stuart reported on Wednesday and Thursday, high school students will be taking mid-term exams. Link Crew is sponsoring a Cookies and Cram this evening to help freshmen study for the exams. The holiday concert went extremely well. An athletic report was provided. A Model UN Convention was held at Eastern York High School last week.

  7. Committee Reports – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
    1. Academic Standards & Curriculum Committee – Mrs. Schroeder

      The Academic Standards and Curriculum Committee recommends approval of three new and four modifications to existing high school courses as per the attached document.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    2. Communications Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer

      The Activity and Communications Reports are provided.

      Ms. Shaffer reported above. 

    3. Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Bates

      There is one additional item on the Addendum located at the end of the agenda.

      Consent Agenda  [You have before you the Personnel Report which includes retirement, resignation, appointment, employment, leave of absence, substitute teachers, guest teacher, education major as a substitute teacher, volunteer winter coaches and volunteers.  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]

      Ms. Bates reported above and mentioned the Addendum at the end of the agenda and that #3 Appointment is being withdrawn until a later date.

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

      Dr. Merkle commented on the three retirements that were accepted this evening and that we will miss each one.

      Dr. Stoltz introduced Alexis Brown.

      Dr. Ketterman introduced Kirstyn Gigeous.

      A discussion continued and the point was – there will be one game manager for the winter sports season and the position will be evaluated in a few months.

      1. Retirement   
        1. Recommend Board approval of the retirement of Lori Breen, Learning Support Teacher at East York and Yorkshire Elementary Schools, effective January 2, 2017.  Mrs. Breen is retiring after having served 31 ½ years in education and 16 years with York Suburban School District.

        2. Recommend Board approval of the retirement of Victoria Gross, Director of Educational Services, effective October 6, 2017.   Mrs. Gross is retiring after having served 39 years in education and 18 years with York Suburban School District.

        3. Recommend Board approval of the retirement of Susan Wolschleger, Music Teacher at East York and Yorkshire Elementary Schools, effective the last day of the 2016-2017 school year.  Mrs. Wolschleger is retiring after having served 24 ½ years in education and 16 ½ years with York Suburban School District.

      2. Resignation  

        1. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Janae Kauffman, Learning Support Teacher at the Middle School, effective December 1, 2016.

        2. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Elizabeth Milkowski as Assistant Girls Lacrosse Coach #1 effective December 6, 2016.

      3. Appointment  
        1. Recommend the appointment of Karen Potts as Elementary Musical Co-Director for the 2016-2017 school year at the salary of $188.50 which represents 50% of Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
        2. Recommend the appointment of Susan Wolschleger as Elementary Musical Co-Director for the 2016-2017 school year at the salary of $543.50 which represents 50% of Step 4 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.

      4. Employment  

        1. Recommend the employment of Amy Ahlbrandt as a Long-term Substitute Special Education Teacher at the Middle School, East York Elementary and Yorkshire Elementary effective December 12, 2016 through approximately February 15, 2017 at the daily rate of $105.

        2. Recommend the employment of Alexis Brown as a Long-term Substitute Special Education Teacher at East York Elementary and Yorkshire Elementary effective December 19, 2016 through approximately March 25, 2017 at the daily rate of $105.

        3. Recommend the employment of Kirstyn Gigeous as a Long-term Substitute Second Grade Teacher at Valley View Elementary from approximately January 22, 2017 through May 2, 2017 at the daily rate of $105.

        4. Recommend the employment of Denise Stayman as Assistant Cheerleading Coach at the salary of $1,531 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.

      5. Leave of Absence  

        1. Recommend Board approval of the request of Amy Bartlett, Reading Specialist at Indian Rock Elementary for an intermittent FMLA leave of absence starting on or about December 14, 2016.

        2. Recommend Board approval of the request of Lorena Mummert, Math Teacher at the High School, for an intermittent FMLA leave of absence starting on or about January 24, 2017.

      6. Recommend the employment of the following Substitute Teachers at the daily rate of $100, effective December 20, 2016:

        Austin Allison

        Alexis Brown

        Zachary Gambler

        Kirstyn Gigeous

      7. Recommend the employment of the following Guest Teacher at the daily rate of $100, effective December 20, 2016:

        Faith Boyer

      8. Recommend the employment of the following Education Major as a Substitute Teacher at the daily rate of $100, effective December 20, 2016.

        Courtney Crowley

      9. Recommend Board approval of the following Volunteer Winter Coaches for 2016-2017:

        Glenn Dietrich

        Baseball

        Michael Jury

        Wrestling

        Mark Rhine

        Swimming

      10. Recommend Board approval of the following Volunteers for 2016-2017:

        Kenneth Bair

        Melanie Bair

        Mandy Korn

        Paul Poff

        Carol Salmon

        Mark Salmon

         

    4. Policy Committee Report – Mr. Thoman
      1. The minutes of November 15 are provided.

        Mr. Thoman reported above. 

      2. The Policy Review Committee recommends approval of the following policy revisions.
        1. 204 Attendance
        2. 247 Hazing
        3. 609 Investment of District Funds
        4. 824 Maintaining Professional Adult/Student Boundaries
          [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    5. Additional Committee Reports  

      There were no additional reports.

  8. Lincoln Intermediate Unit Board Report – Mr. Robinson

    No report

  9. York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich

    No report

  10. York Adams Tax Bureau Report – Ms. Mason

    No report

  11. York County School of Technology – Mrs. Schroeder

    No report

  12. Recognition of Visitors  
  13. Board Meeting and Committee Schedule  

    Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above. 

  14. 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.

    Laurel Rolle, 502 Wynwood Road – shared her thanks to the Board for the approval of full day kindergarten, to the Administration for their persistence with this recommendation and to the committee for their research during this process; her kindergarten student will start in 2017; was pleased the economic budget did not drive this decision; believes the District has accomplished District Goal #1 with this action and the District continues to do this in other areas.

    Ms. Shaffer commented on the recent tour of the new Middle School cafeteria with its new design and plan, the food was impressive and kudos to all involved for this new facility.

    Dr. Merkle added kudos to the Board for challenging the Administration during the planning process to do some things different that led to this success. 

  15. Adjournment  

    The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.
     
     
    ADDENDUM



    TO:                 Members of the York Suburban School Board
    FROM:            Michele A. Merkle, Ed.D., Superintendent
    DATE:             December 19, 2016
    SUBJECT:      Addendum to the Agenda for the Regular Monthly Meeting of December 19, 2016


     

    V.  Business Office Report – Ms. Mason



         J.  Consent Agenda [Would any Board member like any of the following three items considered separately or are there any questions on any of these items?  If not, Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]



               1.  The Administration recommends Board approval of the architectural agreement with Core Design Group for the Kitchen Modifications at East York Elementary School in the amount of $23,060.



                2.  The Administration recommends Board approval of the architectural agreement with Core Design Group for the Secure Access at the Stadium in the amount of $19,200.



               3.  The Administration recommends Board approval of the architectural agreement with Core Design Group for the Door Replacement and Access Control Renovations at York Suburban High School in the amount of $59,000.


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

    VII.  Committee Reports – Ms. Leopold-Sharp



            C.  Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Bates


                   
    4.  Employment



                         e.  Recommend the employment of Joseph Chiodi as Athletic Game Manager effective December 20, 2016, at the rate of $55 per event.