Minutes 2017-09-25

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
SEPTEMBER 25, 2017 – 7:00 PM
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

An Executive Session was held at 6:15 PM.

M I N U T E S
(approved on October 23, 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 (participated via remote connection), Ellen Freireich, Lynne Leopold-Sharp, John Posenau, Richard Robinson, Lois Ann Schroeder, Cathy Shaffer, Michael Thoman, Elise Atkinson (Student Representative)
  
  Members not present – Scott Eden
3. Board President’s Statement
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported based on new information received at the District, she will not be reading the public correspondence that was mailed to the community yesterday, September 24. Instead, the Board of School Directors will proceed this evening to accept the resignation of Dr. Merkle. As previously communicated, the Board will not respond to personnel questions or comments. All of the information that we can provide has already been detailed in the letters that were shared yesterday and earlier today. Copies of that correspondence were made available in the reception area. The Board would urge our citizens not to make speculative comments about any specific employee. If you have a specific concern or complaint about a District employee, please send a letter to Ms. Corinne Mason, the Board Secretary, and she will see that the District investigates with counsel to determine if further investigation is needed.
4. 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.
  
  Jill Bryant, 216 Greystone Road – requested an investigation in the matter of bullying and oppression of previous administration with staff members during past several years
5. Discussion and Action on Board Minutes. Approval of the Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting of September 11, 2017 and the Regular Monthly Meeting of August 21, 2017. [Public Comment; Approval as submitted/corrected]
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported the minutes will be submitted 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 August 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
  Motion, Posenau, Second, Thoman; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
Board President’s Report - Ms. Leopold-Sharp
1. The Board met following the Regular Monthly Meeting on August 21, 2017 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.
2. The Board met on September 18, 2017 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 matters of personnel. No official action was taken.
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
4. It is hereby moved that the Letter of Resignation from the position of District Superintendent, from Dr. Michele A. Merkle, dated September 25, 2017 be accepted.
  Motion, Posenau, Second, Freireich; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
  
  Ms. Shaffer acknowledged and thanked Dr. Merkle for her years of service to the District and wished her well in the days ahead.
5. Resignation of Board Member. Move to accept the resignation of Scott M. Eden as a member of the Board of School Directors for York Suburban School District pursuant to his letter dated September 12, 2017, effective September 25, 2017. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Shaffer, Second, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
6. Discussion of process for filling vacant board member seat
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported the Board has 30 days to fill the vacant board member seat and a plan will be developed to vote on October 9 or October 27. She invited the Board to discuss.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – given the task ahead to hire a new Superintendent, a suggestion was made to appoint former Board member John DeHaas with his knowledgeable in a school board, personnel and human resources to complete the vacant term and his experience would be important with three veteran Board members leaving in November; no opposition to Mr. DeHaas, prefer to have an open process to the community; selection of replacement Board member is always done in public session; following additional discussion, the Board was split evenly for appointment vs. open session process.
  
  Mrs. Say, Solicitor commented short process vs. longer process. A good point of compromise could be to shorten time frame to a prompt advertisement on the website, applications due within one week, and complete interview process at next meeting.
  
  A discussion continued and the points were – the Business Operating Guideline linked above was reviewed earlier this year and Policy Committee chairperson feels this is a solid guideline; after additional discussion on a timeline, it was decided to advertise the vacancy on the website tomorrow with a one week application deadline and proceed with the interview process on October 9.
  
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp concluded the discussion encouraging members of the community to consider applying for the vacant term of two years and two months that would end on November 30, 2019.
Administrative Report - Ms. Mason
1. Student Enrollment Report
  Ms. Mason reported above and noted there was an increase of 200 students since the August 1 report.
2. Summer School Report – Dr. Gulley, Dr. Ellis
  Elementary
  High School
  
  Dr. Gulley, Mrs. Bowman and Mrs. Heaton highlighted the above Elementary report. Dr. Ellis highlighted the above High School report.
3. Class Size Report - Dr. Ketterman
  Dr. Ketterman highlighted above report.
4. The Administration recommends the immediate return from expulsion of SID #5145515391. This student was expelled as a result of an administrative recommendation resulting from a hearing conducted by Brooke E.D. Say, Esquire on November 14, 2016. The Administration recommends a return to York Suburban because of the positive progress made by the student as reported by River Rock Academy. The date of return is October 23, 2017 (first day of Marking Period 2). [Motion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Schroeder, Second, Freireich; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
5. The Administration recommends the immediate return from expulsion of SID #1756783268. This student was expelled as a result of an administrative recommendation resulting from a hearing conducted by Dr. Michele A. Merkle, Superintendent on November 29, 2016. The Administration recommends a return to York Suburban because of the positive progress made by the student as reported by River Rock Academy. The date of return is October 23, 2017 (first day of Marking Period 2). [Motion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Shaffer, Second, Freireich; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
Business Office Report - Ms. Mason
1. The Administration recommends Board approval of next year’s Budget Calendar. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Posenau; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
2. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Production Performance License contract with MTI for the show Shrek the Musical to be performed March 2 and 3, 2018 in the amount of $2,935. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Shaffer; Approval of Items B, E, and F, contracts for productions for student activities; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
3. The Administration recommends that Johnson Controls proceed with replacing the YT Chiller at Indian Rock Elementary at a cost of $183,000. For an additional $8,865 we can purchase a 5 year parts and labor warranty. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Freireich, Second Shaffer; Approval of all mentioned above. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
4. The Administration recommends Board approval of the agreement with The Lincoln Intermediate Unit for Title I Nonpublic Programs and Services for a sum of $5,145. This would be for services for the students attending St. Joseph School – York. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Shaffer; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
5. The Administration recommends Board approval of the contract for Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in the amount of $1,101.04 for the traditional Myths and Legends class trip on February 23, 2018. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  See above motion in Item B.
6. The Administration recommends Board approval of the contract with Shakespeare Theatre Company in the amount of $270 for the English Seminar class to attend a production of Hamlet on February 20, 2018. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  See above motion in Item B.
7. Informational:
  1. Donation in the amount of $2,102.49 from the York Suburban Middle School PSO for 3 UltraFit TPR Resistance Tubing Stations.
    Ms. Mason reported above.
  2. Food Service – Sales Activity Report
    Ms. Mason reported above.
Student Board Representative Report - Elise Atkinson
Miss Atkinson provided a Homecoming update and an athletic report. The Teddy Bear Parades are scheduled on Friday at Valley View and Yorkshire Elementary Schools. The Dress Drive was a success with 175 students attending.

Committee Reports - Ms. Leopold-Sharp

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

Ms. Shaffer reported above.
Facilities Committee Report - Mrs. Freireich
The minutes of August 16 are provided.

Mrs. Frereich reported above.

Personnel Committee Report - Ms. Shaffer

Consent Agenda [You have before you the Personnel Report which includes retirement, resignation, appointment, employment, leave of absence, re-appointment of extracurricular advisors, substitute teachers, guest teachers, volunteer winter coach 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]

Motion, Bates, Second, Shaffer; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

The Board acknowledged Mr. VanHouwe’s presence here this evening as the new Head Track Coach. Congratulations!

Ms. Mason reported that Gayle Rudacille started in the East York Elementary cafeteria as a part-time employee, worked in the Middle School cafeteria, worked in the York City School District and came back to YS as the Administrative Assistant at East York Elementary. We wish her well in her retirement years.

Retirement
Recommend Board approval of the retirement of Gayle Rudacille, Administrative Assistant at East York Elementary School, effective October 2, 2017. Mrs. Rudacille is retiring after having served 30 years with York Suburban School District.
Resignation
Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Karen Potts, Office Aide at East York Elementary School, effective October 2, 2017.
Appointment
Recommend the appointment of Daniel VanHouwe as Head Boys and Girls Track Coach for the 2017-2018 school year at the salary of $6,251 which represents Step 3 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
Employment
1. Recommend the employment of Karen Potts as Administrative Assistant at East York Elementary effective October 3, 2017, at the hourly rate of $15.86.
2. Recommend the employment of Judson Brill as a Full-Time Substitute Music Teacher effective August 28, 2017 through the end of the 2017-2018 school year at the salary of $54,625 (to be pro-rated based on employment and Step 1 of the Bachelor’s Degree Schedule).
3. Recommend the employment of Judson Brill as Middle School Jazz Band Director at the salary of $1,264 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
4. Recommend the employment of Judson Brill as Middle School Marching & Concert Band Director at the salary of $1,684 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
5. Recommend the employment of Rachel Fry as a Substitute Instructional Support Aide at the hourly rate of $9.55, effective September 26, 2017.
6. Recommend the employment of Rachel Fry as a Substitute Office Aide at the hourly rate of $9.55, effective September 26, 2017.
7. Recommend the employment of Evaristo Gonzalez as Assistant Swimming #3 Coach for the 2017-2018 school year at the salary of $2,462 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
8. Recommend the employment of Michael Hadginske as High School Musical Sound and Lighting Advisor for the 2017-2018 school year at the stipend of $1,156 which represents Step 4 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
9. Recommend the employment of Shannon Patterson as a Substitute Administrative Assistant at Indian Rock Elementary effective September 12, 2017, at the hourly rate of $13.94.
10. Recommend the employment of Jacqueline Redding as a Substitute Custodian at the hourly rate of $10.00, effective September 26, 2017.
11. Recommend the employment of Megan Sheely as a Substitute Office Aide at the hourly rate of $9.55, effective September 26, 2017.
12. Recommend the employment of Karli Swartz as Middle School Assistant Girls Basketball Coach for the 2017-2018 school year at the salary of $1,562 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
Leave of Absence
Recommend Board approval of the request of James Biddle, Music Teacher, for a full school term medical sabbatical leave starting October 4, 2017, as per Policy 338.

Re-appointment of Extracurricular Advisors for 2017-2018

First	Last	Position	Salary	Step
Thomas	Eyster	HS Musical Pit Orchestra Director	$1,556	4
Stephen T	Smith	HS musical Set Design & Construction	$2,106	4
Hannah	Stayer	HS Musical Choral Director	$1,556	4
Michelle	Vranich	HS Musical Choreographer	$2,278	4

Recommend the employment of the following Substitute Teachers at the daily rate of $100, effective September 26, 2017:
Tae Ju

Kelly Sipes

Danielle Devlin-Springer

Christine Stipanovic
Recommend the employment of the following Guest Teachers at the daily rate of $100, effective September 26, 2017:

Nicholas Alton

Jill Brockington
Recommend Board approval of the following Volunteer Winter Coach for 2017-2018:
Mitchell Kemp – Boys Basketball
Recommend Board approval of the following Volunteers for 2017-2018:
Kayla Billet

Carol Brillhart-Freimuth

Betsy Coldiron

Jeffrey Drew

Angela Jones

Tae Ju

Brianne Kehr

Pawan Madhogarhia

Usha Madhogarhia

Mattason Mann

Corinne Moura

Alicia Overmiller

Natalia Paz

Lauren Rudio

Amber Salmon

Christina Sheeran

Weslee Shoff

Paige Smeltzer

Lindsay Spitzlay

Additional Committee Reports

Legislative Liaison - Mr. Robinson
PA School Boards Association Leadership Election [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

Motion, Robinson, Second, Thoman; Approval of the following candidates for the election.

President – David Hutchinson
Vice-Present – Eric Wolfgang
Treasurer – Mike Gossert
Central At Large – Clythera Hornung
PSBA Insurance Trust Trustee – Marianne Neel

Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
Lincoln Intermediate Unit Board Report
No report.
York Adams Academy Report - Mrs. Freireich
Mrs. Freireich reported there are 12 YS students at YAA. A meeting is scheduled tomorrow.
York Adams Tax Bureau Report - Ms. Mason
No report.
York County School of Technology - Mrs. Schroeder
Mrs. Schroeder reported a meeting is scheduled later this week.
Recognition of Visitors
Board Meeting and Committee Schedule
Ms. Leopold-Sharp announced the October 4 Personnel Committee and the October 17 Communications Committee meetings are canceled.
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.
A time for public comment as provided. There was none at this time.
Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM.

An Executive Session will be held immediately following the meeting.

An Executive Session was held.

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

Board Secretary

Posted in SB-Minutes