Minutes 2017-04-17

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
APRIL 17, 2017 – 7:00 PM
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

M I N U T E S
(approved on May 22, 2017)

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)
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 Planning Committee Meeting of April 3, 2017 and the Regular Monthly Meeting of March 20, 2017. [Public Comment; Approval as submitted/corrected]
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported the minutes are approved and will be filed for audit.
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 March 31, 2017 [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
Board President’s Report – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
Appointment of Superintendent. The Board will vote on the renewal of the contract of Dr. Michele A. Merkle as the Superintendent of the York Suburban School District for a four year term as per the terms set forth in the contract with a 2017-18 salary of $186,000. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

Motion, Bates, Chorus of Seconds; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

Ms. Leopold-Sharp congratulated Dr. Merkle! She added on behalf of the Board, we are proud and pleased to serve with you as a group of ten.

Dr. Merkle thanked the Board for their continued support. Dr. Merkle commented that she has the best job on the planet, working for the best school district around. Your support will encourage more hard work.
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
1. Student Enrollment Report
  Dr. Merkle reported above.
2. The Administration recommends Board approval of the implementation of a district-operated autistic support program at the primary level, effective August 2017. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Frerieich, Second, Bates; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
3. The Administration recommends Board approval of the addition of a full-time teaching position for the district-operated Autistic Support class at the primary level. [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 addition of a full-time teaching position for the district-operated Emotional Support program at the primary level. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Dr. Merkle reported above.
  
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
  
  Dr. Merkle thanked Dr. Ketterman, Mrs. Hasenfuss and Dr. Maloney for bringing all this to fruition in the district.
5. The Administration recommends Board approval of the 2017-18 District Goals. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Bates, Second, Shaffer; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
6. The Administration recommends Board approval of a calendar change for the 2016-17 school year to exclude early dismissals for seniors for final exams on May 22 and 23. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Shaffer; Approval.
  
  A discussion continued and the point was – the time would be better served taking the exams during the Keystone Exam period due to the number of small single senior exams.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
7. The Administration recommends Board approval of the continued expulsion of SID# 1641379138 as set forth in the Administrative Disciplinary Hearing Agreement following a hearing conducted by Board appointed hearing officer, Victoria Gross. The Agreement sets forth the details of the recommendation in response to the violation of Act 26 of 1995, Pennsylvania’s Safe Schools Act. The student will continue placement at an alternative school through the first quarter of 2017-18. The student may apply to return to York Suburban for the start of the second quarter of the 2017-18 school year if the terms of the adjudication are met. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Bates, Second, Freireich; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
8. The Administration recommends Board approval of the confidential Administrative Disciplinary Hearing Agreement for SID# 9583936715 following a hearing conducted by Board appointed hearing officer, Victoria Gross. The agreement sets forth the details of the recommendation in response to the violation of the District Code of Conduct. The student will be placed in the Trojan Intervention Program (TIP) at the middle school and will be placed on social probation until the end of the current school year. In addition, a Student Assistant Program referral will be completed. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Shaffer, Second, Bates; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
1. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Resolution Authorizing Proposed Final Budget display and advertising for the 2017-18 Budget.
  Budget Comparison Report
  PDE-2018 – Preliminary 2017-18 General Fund Budget
  
  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Schroeder; Approval.
  
  Mr. Posenau reported the Administration worked very hard on the budget preparation to present this budget below the index. That will help the taxpayers. Kudos to the Administration!
  
  Ms. Mason reviewed the budget comparison report handout that was provided to Board members.
  
  A discussion continued and the points were – it was suggested to prepare a press release once the final budget is passed to announce the budget below the index; the state legislature is planning to have budget discussions after May 1 with anticipated budget approval on June 30; as the charter school students numbers are increasing, the Administrations will be working again to attempt to bring some of those students back to YS, the Administration does plan to have additional information about charter school students including grade levels for the next meeting.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
  
  Ms. Mason reported the budget will be available for review in the office and on the website for public review. Final adoption of the budget will take place on May 22.
2. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Transfinder Contract and License Agreement for a total amount of $23,495. This agreement is a three year agreement for software to be used in place of Versa Trans as our transportation software with our new transportation contractor. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Bates, Second, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
3. The Administration recommends Board approval of ePlus Technology, the successful bidder through PEPPM, at a total cost of $148,737.80 for Cisco/Meraki switches and wireless access points. These are needed to replace existing switches and access points at the High School, Middle School and Valley View Elementary whose components are end of support life. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Bates; Approval.
  
  A discussion continued and the point was – ePlus Technology will provide the equipment, local expertise and installation.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
4. The Administration recommends Board approval of a one year license agreement with FORCECAST5 in the amount of $7,500. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Ms. Mason reported above.
  
  Motion, Bates, Second, Freireich; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
5. The Administration recommends Board approval of the bid to Industrial Combustion Speciality, Inc. for the water heater replacement that services the High School, Education Center and Maintenance Building at a cost of $91,400. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Schroeder, Approval, Freireich; Approval.
  
  Ms. Mason commented this bid was budgeted at $334,500 and a handout provided to Board members was explained.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
6. The Administration recommends Board approval of a two year extension to the contract for audit services to Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC for 2017-18 in the amount of $25,100 and 2018-19 in the amount of $25,750. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Posenau, Second, Bates; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
7. The Administration recommends awarding the General Contractor bid for the East York Kitchen Modifications to East Coast Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $204,200. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Schroeder; Approval.
  
  A discussion continued and the point was – the project will be completed by the start of school.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
8. The Administration recommends Board approval of the agreement with Reliance Student Transportation, LLC for pupil transportation for a five year period beginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2022. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Ms. Mason reported above.
  
  Motion, Shaffer, Second, Freireich; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
9. The Administration recommends Board approval of a contract with Melissa Skimski in the amount of $1,500 for extended year schooling for the summer of 2017. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Ms. Mason reported above.
  
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Shaffer; Approval.
  
  A discussion continued and the point was – Mrs. Skimski was hired tonight and her contract begins in August. This action is needed separately to allow her to work with a child over the summer. The IEP does call for an extended school year for this special needs child.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
  
  Dr. Merkle thanked Mrs. Hasenfuss for all her work recently with the special education and pupil personnel department. This is an example of that work.
10. Informational:
  1. Donation of $500 from the All-Sports Booster Club for a Volleyball Referee Stand.
    Ms. Mason reported above.
  2. Food Service Report
    1. Food Service Department Report
      1. Dining Review Report for March
      2. Sales Report
        Ms. Mason reported above.
Student Board Representative Report – Peyton Stuart
Mr. Stuart provided a report on spring athletics. Model UN had their last convention last week. Advanced Placement testing takes place in three weeks. Elise Atkinson will be next year’s student board representative and she is doing a prom dress drive with a fashion show to be held for students from William Penn High School and West York High School. National Honor Society had egg hunts at Valley View Elementary and Yorkshire Elementary and a lot of fun was experienced by all. The Honor Societies had a coffee house last week. Last week, Tri M Recital was held with outstanding performances. AP Biology students visited Millersville University to observe cadavers. Disection is taking place in science classes. The Student Council continues to plan for prom. Student officer elections will be held soon.

Committee Reports – Ms. Leopold-Sharp

Communications Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer
The Activity and Communications Reports are provided.

Ms. Shaffer reported above and thanked Mr. Stuart for a very comprehensive report.

Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Bates

The March 7 minutes are provided.
Ms. Bates reported above.

Consent Agenda [You have before you the Personnel Report which includes resignation, appointment, employment, leave of absence, guest teacher 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]

A discussion took place and the point was – a Board member asked how many years of experience for the teachers being hired this evening and Dr. Merkle responded two years for Miss Fiorentino, 20 years for Mrs. Katze and eight years for Mr. Kurowski.

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

Dr. Merkle highlighted Ian Toner’s story, he was a recent YS graduate and the district recruited him as a Personal Care Assistant during a time when he was trying to figure what he wanted to do in life. He has served 1 1/2 years as a PCA and is now prepared to go to college.

Dr. Merkle announced Dr. Monos will be going from Middle School Assistant Principal to a primary principalship with the position of Valley View Elementary Principal. The district looks forward to Dr. Monos in this position working under Dr. Ketterman implementing full-day kindergarten, the new autism program and the new emotional support program.

Dr. Merkle introduced new teachers in attendance this evening, Miss Fiorentino, Mrs. Katze, Mr. Kurowski and Mrs. Skimski.

Resignation
1. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Valerie Rivera as a Custodian at East York Elementary effective March 31, 2017.
2. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Ian Toner as a Personal Care Assistant at the Middle School effective at the end of 2016-2017 school year.
Appointment
Recommend the appointment of Dr. Todd Monos to the position of Elementary Principal at Valley View Elementary effective on or about July 1, 2017 at the salary of $105,500.

Employment

Name:	Cristina C. Fiorentino
Education:	North Harford High School, Diploma; West Virginia University, B.A. in Mathematics; West Virginia University, M.A. in Secondary Education
Certification:	Mathematics 7-12
Contract:	Temporary Professional Contract
Salary:	$64,900 – M.S. – Step 2
Assignment:	Mathematics Teacher – High School
Effective:	2017-2018

Name:	Paula A. Katze
Education:	Mamaroneck High School, Diploma; Wellesley College, B.A. Economics; Harvard Graduate School of Education, M. Ed. in Teaching and Curriculum
Certification:	Mathematics 7-12
Contract:	Professional Contract
Salary:	$76,900 – M.S. – Step 14
Assignment:	Mathematics Teacher – High School
Effective:	2017-2018

Name:	Christopher D. Kurowski
Education:	North Pocono High School, Diploma; University of Pittsburgh, B.S. in Chemistry; University of Pittsburgh, PA Instructional I Certificate in Chemistry; Wilkes University, M.S. in Educational Development and Strategies
Certification:	Chemistry 7-12
Contract:	Professional Contract
Salary:	$71,900 – M.S. – Step 9
Assignment:	Chemistry Teacher – High School
Effective:	2017-2018

Name:	Melissa S. Skimski
Education:	Dover Area High School, Diploma; West Chester University, B.S. in Criminal Justice Immaculata University, M.A. Educational Leadership
Certification:	Special Education N-12
Contract:	Professional Contract
Salary:	$72,900 – M.S. – Step 10
Assignment:	Autism Support Teacher – Valley View Elementary
Effective:	2017-2018

Recommend the employment of Colin Kirkpatrick as a seasonal maintenance employee at the hourly rate of $8.50, effective April 18, 2017.

Leave of Absence
1. Recommend Board approval of the request of Connie Fickes, 6^th Grade Teacher at the Middle School for an intermittent FMLA leave of absence starting on or about March 29, 2017.
2. Recommend Board approval of the request of Katelyn Hall, 5^th Grade Teacher at Indian Rock Elementary for a disability leave starting on or about August 18, 2017 through approximately September 29, 2017 following by an FMLA leave of absence starting on or about October 2, 2017 through approximately October 10, 2017.
Recommend the employment of the following Substitute Teacher at the daily rate of $100, effective April 18, 2017:
Carolyn Neufeld
Recommend the employment of the following Guest Teacher at the daily rate of $100, effective April 18, 2017:
Lisa Murr
Recommend Board approval of the following Volunteers for 2016-2017:
Laura Brown

Amanda Delridge

Louise Doweary

Erin Dubina

Rachel Fry

Brandy Hamme

Christine Hartle

Angeline Hepner

Christina Kelley

Aleecia Moyer

Denee Myers

Sabrina Richardson

Matthew Saunders

Katie Shiflet

Julie Thomas

Krista Vanzanardi

Jennifer Vredenburg

Christina Ward

Ryan Wildermuth

Heather Yon

Brodi Zimmer

Additional Committee Reports
Ms. Leopold-Sharp asked if there were additional committee announcements or reports.

Mr. Posenau announced the Finance Committee meeting will be held on May 3 at 5:00 PM.

Lincoln Intermediate Unit Board Report – Mr. Robinson
The “…by Dawn’s Early Light”, highlights of the LIU Board meeting of April 4, is provided.

Mr. Robinson reported above.
York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich
Mrs. Freireich reported nine YS students are attending YAA, four students are ready to graduate on June 5 and four students have completed their testing and are ready to begin in August.
York Adams Tax Bureau Report – Ms. Mason
No report
York County School of Technology – Mrs. Schroeder
No report
Recognition of Visitors
Board Meeting and Committee Schedule
Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
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.

Dick Grau, 2401 Cambridge Road – shared that it was a privilege to observe classes at the high school recently, shared details about the interesting experiences he had in the classes he visited and encouraged others to do so; asked if there is an in-house program for disruptive students at the high school and middle school.

Dr. Merkle commented yes and suggested Mr. Grau schedule an appointment to hear additional information.

Ms. Leopold-Sharp asked Board members to hold June 10 for a Board work session.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 PM.

/s/ Corinne D. Mason, PRSBA, M.Ed.
Board Secretary

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