Minutes 2017-11-20

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
NOVEMBER 20, 2017 – 7:00 PM
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

M I N U T E S
(approved on December 18, 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, Ellen Freireich, Lynne Leopold-Sharp, John Posenau, Richard Robinson, Lois Ann Schroeder, Joel Sears, Cathy Shaffer, Michael Thoman, Elise Atkinson (Student Representative)
3. A reminder to please silence your cell phone during the meeting.
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.
  
  Elizabeth Bryant, High School student – shared information about intimidation she encountered as a student.
  
  Dr. Redding, Acting Superintendent, requested Elizabeth to make an appointment with him to discuss this situation face to face.
5. Discussion and Action on Board Minutes. Approval of the Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting of November 6, 2017 and the Regular Monthly Meeting of October 23, 2017. [Public Comment; Approval as submitted/corrected]
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported the Minutes were approved as submitted.
Treasurer’s Report – Mr. Posenau
1. [Consent Agenda: 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]
  Approval of Financial Reports as of October 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, Thoman; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
2. 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 2018-19 through 2020-21. The proposed Agreement includes salary increases in each of three years as well as concessions in healthcare benefits as outlined below:
  1. Three-year contract changing the health benefit plan to a High Deductible Health Plan with Health Saving Accounts, effective July 1, 2018.
  2. Salary increases of 2% per year.
  3. School District supported deductibles for three years of $1,500 for a single member or $3,000 for family coverage.
  4. Employee contribution of 10% of the total cost of the medical and dental insurance.
  5. Spousal optional coverage remains at $150/month premium cost.
    [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
    
    Mr. Posenau reported above. Going into negotiations, there were several goals on both sides and a primary goal was to change the direction of the cost of healthcare as it was moving towards an unsustainable rate. We now have a high deductible health plan that addresses some of these shortcomings. The salary increases of 2% per year are in line with the county and region, actually a little lower than many of the districts. A focus was to bring costs under control as best we could and at the same time recognize the performance of the teachers and the district students. We wanted to make sure the teachers were compensated fairly without breaking the district and give them the opportunity to be covered for the cost of living and also an opportunity for professional growth. We think this is overall a fair plan.
    
    Motion, Shaffer, Second, Bates; Approval.
    
    A discussion continued and points were – multiple thanks were extended to the Negotiations Committee, YSEA and the Administration for all the work involved with negotiation of this contract; a handout prepared by Mr. Sears was distributed and explained, a summary of comments about the handout include consideration encouraged for more recognition and respect for the senior teachers and not as much acceleration on the early end for teachers with less experience, admit the district does not have the money to sustain these contracts as we continue to raise property tax, suggestion to think more strategically as we structure future contracts and to find a better way to somehow evaluate for the true performance of our teachers.
    
    Mr. Posenau commented the District, our students, teachers and parents have delivered the highest performing students in the county and state as well as being nationally recognized. Right now, it is appropriate to recognize the teachers in their professional growth as well as a cost of living increase, which are two different things. The matrix is compressed, as it is in the districts across the county. A comparison of Average Daily Membership (ADM), performance and size of school districts, YS has a lower cost per student per instruction cost. The way the state funds public education does place a burden on taxpayers. At the same time, the district has an obligation to the community, students and teachers to recognize this excellence and maintain this position.
    
    The discussion continued and points were – as a matter of previous practice if a handout like this is generated by an individual Board member, it is helpful for future reference that documentation be placed on the handout as to who created the handout; suggestion when the next contract is reviewed to check if a paradigm shift for the pay structure is necessary as this does not look like anything from the business world.
    
    Roll Call Vote, all present, yes, except Sears, no. Motion carried 8-1.
Board President’s Report – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
1. The Board met following the Planning Committee Meeting on November 6, 2017 in Executive Session as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act for the purpose of discussing matters of Personnel and Contract Negotiation. No official action was taken.
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above and also reported the Board met prior to this meeting in Executive Session as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act for the purpose of discussing legal issues and no official was taken.
2. Recognition of National Merit Scholarship Program Students
  Congratulations to the Commended Students!
  1. Anne A. Baskwill, daughter of Mr. David Baskwill and Dr. Barbara Black
  2. Tanner B. Haynes, son of Mr. Robert and Mrs. Sandra Haynes
  3. Joshua H. Kerr, son of Mr. Brad and Mrs. Katy Kerr
  4. Ban Khuc, son of Mr. Can Khuc and Ms. Nguyet Truong
  5. Maya R. Lehman, daughter of Mr. Mark Lehman and Dr. Casey Flanscha
  6. Kaidin Mir-Young, son of Mr. Gerald Young and Ms. Shama Mir
  7. Katherine L. Mooney, daughter of Mr. Kevin and Mrs. Heather Mooney
  8. Peyton M. Stuart, son of Mr. Robert and Mrs. Melissa Stuart
    Ms. Leopold-Sharp recognized the students and their parents. Students were presented with a certificate of recognition. Congratulations were extended to all students for these outstanding accomplishments!
Acting Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Redding
1. District Affiliated Report – All-Sports Boosters. Kristin Marquis, President will present a brief report on the work of this organization.
  Kristin Marquis reported the All-Sports Boosters services 24 high school sports and makes purchases to also help with approximately eight teams at the middle school. There are over 75 members that are families and there are between 325 and 350 high school students that participate in sports. This is a volunteer organization that works closely with the YS Music Boosters to run the Big Orange Cafe. It has been a great experience for our student-athletes and the families at YS. Last year with the membership monies raised, seven $500 scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors. Six to twelve scholarships are awarded each year depending on the amount of money raised through membership. Financial assistance is provided to teams to purchase things the school and district are not able to procure for the teams. Various fundraising activities are held, like Big Orange Cafe, selling signs and car magnets that help the student-athletes each year. The All-Sports Boosters are growing and expanding and are thankful for the support of the school board, the high school and middle school administration and the athletic director. The winter athletic season started on Friday.
2. Student Enrollment Report
  Dr. Redding reported above.
3. The Administration recommends Board approval of the 2018-19 School Calendar as presented. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Dr. Redding reported above.
  
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Shaffer; Approval.
  
  A discussion continued and the point was – correction for Thanksgiving Break, November 22-26.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
4. Building Administrator Reports
  Dr. Gregory Gulley, Indian Rock Elementary Principal, and Dr. Scott Krauser, Middle School Principal, shared reports on happenings in each of their respective buildings.
Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
1. The Administration recommends Board approval of the transfer of $115,000 from the Food Service Fund to the Capital Projects Fund. This is to reimburse the Capital Projects Fund for the food service equipment that was installed at East York Elementary that was planned to come from the Food Service Fund. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Posenau; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion 9-0.
2. The Administration recommends Board approval of advertising and soliciting of bids for the Middle School, Ed Center and Maintenance Building Roof Replacements. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
3. The Administration recommends Board approval of advertising and soliciting of bids for the High School Lighting for the Stage and Auditorium. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
4. The Administration recommends Board approval of advertising and soliciting of bids for the Phase 1 of East York Elementary which includes the HVAC Renovation, the Entry Sequence Renovation, Pathway, Ceiling and Lighting Upgrade and Gang Bathroom Renovations. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Shaffer; Approval of Items B, C and D. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
5. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Resolution to Recognize the East York Elementary School PTO as a Civic and Service Organization as required by the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act. This is needed by the PTO so they can submit their paperwork for their handbag bingo fundraiser to be held on December 2, 2017. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Sears, Second, Bates; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
6. Informational:
  1. Donation in the amount of $724.90 from the Trojan Wrestling Club for wrestling warm-ups.
  2. An anonymous donation of three motion sensor towel dispensers totaling $180.
    Ms. Mason reported above. The Trojan Wrestling Club is a separate community group for younger students.
  3. Food Service Department Report
    1. Dining Review Report for October
    2. Sales Report
      Ms. Mason reported above.
Student Board Representative Report – Elise Atkinson
Miss Atkinson reported last week was American Education Week and at the high school, the Student Council sophomore class provided various ways to show appreciation to the teachers. A fall athletic summary report was provided. The winter sports season started on Friday. Last Thursday, the National Honor Society and National English Honor Society held their induction ceremonies. There were 30 students inducted into the National Honor Society and 32 students were inducted into the National English Honor Society. Tri-M Music Honor Society inducted ten members on November 9. Student Council had their first big fundraiser for miniTHON with the Color Clash and raised over $1500. The end goal for miniTHON is $80,000 this year. The entire junior class and senior English Seminar class went on a field trip to New York to see the Miss Saigon broadway show. The World Myths and Legends class visited the Penn Museum. The freshmen class went to Washington DC to see the African American Museum. The Photography class took a trip to Central Market. All students enjoyed seeing things outside of the classroom. At the middle school, thanks to a YS Education Foundation grant, 350 trout eggs were received and science classes will start to learn about their growth and life cycle. The Quiz Bowl Team won their match on Brain Busters and it will be broadcast on Sunday, December 3. CTC Variety Show was held last Saturday and was very successful. The district canned food drive continues through Wednesday. On Saturday, December 2 the SATs will be given at YS and District Band, Orchestra and Chorus tryouts will be held.
Committee Reports – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
1. Communications Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer
  The Activity and Communications Reports are provided.
  
  Ms. Shaffer reported above.
2. Facilities Committee Report – Mrs. Freireich
  The September 12 minutes are provided.
  
  Mrs. Freireich reported above. With the earlier action that took place in the Business Office Report, plans are moving ahead with projects for next spring and summer.
3. Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Bates
  1. Recommend Board approval of a $5,000 stipend for Corinne D. Mason that is to be 100% salary deferred to her traditional 403(b) for additional administrative duties and responsibilities on behalf of the district during the 2017-18 school year. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
    Motion, Schroeder, Second, Shaffer; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
  2. Consent Agenda [You have before you the Personnel Report which includes employment, leave of absence, substitute teacher, guest teachers, volunteer spring 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, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
    1. Employment
      1. Recommend the employment of Heather Copp as an Instructional Support Aide at East York Elementary effective on or about November 21, 2017 at the hourly rate of $10.65, pending employment documents.
      2. Recommend the employment of Heather Hertzog as an Administrative Assistant for Guidance at the Middle School effective December 11, 2017 at the hourly rate of $14.79, pending employment documents.
      3. Recommend the employment of Denise Latrechiano as an Instructional Support Aide at the High School effective on or about November 28, 2017 at the hourly rate of $10.65, pending employment documents.
      4. Recommend the employment of Sara Luster as a Substitute Instructional Support Aide effective November 21, 2017 at the hourly rate of $9.55.
    2. Leave of Absence
      1. Recommend Board approval of the request of Catherine Braun, Science Teacher at the High School, for a professional development leave for the 2018-2019 school year, as per Policy 338.1.
      2. Recommend Board approval of the request of Allyson Raffensberger, Learning Support Teacher at Indian Rock Elementary, for a disability leave starting on or about January 12, 2018, through approximately February 26, 2018, followed by an FMLA leave of absence starting on or about February 27, 2018 through approximately March 5, 2018.
    3. Recommend the employment of the following Substitute Teacher at the daily rate of $100, effective November 21, 2017:
      Brianna Palmer
    4. Recommend the employment of the following Guest Teachers at the daily rate of $100, effective November 21, 2017:
      Joel Branin
      Derrick Ferree
      Konnor Grimek
      Jacob Jayne
      Tyler Newcomb
    5. Recommend Board approval of the following Volunteer Spring Coach for 2017-2018:
      Chad Brenner, Volleyball
    6. Recommend Board approval of the following Volunteers for 2017-2018:
      Shannon Grimm
      Kathleen Romano
      Rochelle Wert
4. Additional Committee Reports
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp asked if there were any additional committee reports.
  
  Mrs. Schroeder announced an Academic Standards and Curriculum Committee meeting is scheduled on November 29 at 4:30 PM.
Lincoln Intermediate Unit Board Report
The “…by Dawn’s Early Light”, highlights of the LIU Board meeting of November 7, is provided.

Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich
Mrs. Freireich reported 12 YS students are enrolled at YAA. Work continues on the budget and will be presented to the districts in January.
Lincoln Intermediate Joint Authority – Mrs. Freireich
Mrs. Freireich reported the Authority oversees the York Learning Center facility and meets every other month. A new person is replacing a long-term person as the coordinator for the scheduling of the center. The budget is being reviewed and no additional expense for districts is anticipated.
York Adams Tax Bureau Report – Ms. Mason
Ms. Mason reported a meeting was held on October 30. The Bureau’s collections through the third quarter in 2017 is up $12 million, a 9% increase from last year and is mainly due to aggressive collections. Security renovations for the York office are being reviewed to include bulletproof glass and changing the entrance area.
York County School of Technology – Mrs. Schroeder
Mrs. Schroeder reported 39 YS students attend YCST and that number is slightly down than previous years.
Recognition of Visitors
Roger Miller, 499 Indian Rock Rd – commented on the three school board members going off the Board, Emily Bates, Lynne Leopold-Sharp and Cathy Shaffer and congratulated each one and thanked them for their service to the district.
Board Meeting and Committee Schedule
Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
Recognition of Outgoing Board Members – Emily Bates, Cathy Shaffer, Lynne Leopold-Sharp
Dr. Redding reported that Mrs. Freireich will be making some remarks about the three outgoing Board members.

Mrs. Freireich commented on the outstanding accomplishments of Emily Bates (16 years of service), Lynne Leopold-Sharp (22 years of service) and Cathy Shaffer (20 years of service) in their volunteer positions as a York Suburban School Board Directors.

Dr. Redding presented a plaque of appreciation and golden pass to Ms. Bates, Ms. Leopold-Sharp and Ms. Shaffer and shared some comments on the service of Board members and the changes that have taken place in public education through the past 20 some years. On behalf of the school district, Dr. Redding thanked each for their many years of service as a Board member.

Ms. Bates commented in early 2001 she was selected to replace Larry Fitzgerald after he moved out of the District. At first, Ms. Bates believed she came on the School Board with a pretty cocky self-assurance as she knew the district rather well. She had three elementary-aged kids in the District, was active in PTOs and youth sports. So, what didn’t she know? As it happened, her first meeting was a regular monthly voting meeting and she didn’t know much about one of the agenda items and when it came to voting, she abstained. With the remaining votes tied, her abstention, in essence, was the deciding vote. It was her introduction to what has become a guiding principle for her, you don’t know what you don’t know. Serving on a Board takes time, effort and a lot of irritating questions. She mentions this because she believes this is the inevitable evolution that occurs in school board members. She joined the Board with a thought of bringing her passion for public education to the district as a force for good and improvement. While she believes that she did contribute throughout the years, she also learned much and grew as an individual throughout those years. She is thankful to YS for this opportunity. She has worked with 18 Board members, four Superintendents and three Business Managers. She has seen up close the remarkable things that teachers are doing every day in each building. She has interviewed 6th graders for Biz Town, read to Valley View students, served lunch at Indian Rock, handed out ribbons at Orange and Black Day and presented each of her children with their high school diploma. It has been fun! She is very proud of all that YS provides for our community and the leadership that this Board has shown.

A round of applause was heard throughout the room!

Ms. Shaffer commented that it is hard to believe that it has been 20 years as a Board member. It has been truly a privilege for balancing the needs of our students and community. She has learned so much from so many. She extended thanks to her fellow Board members past and present for the critical thinking and thought-provoking discussions that occurred whenever challenges arose. She thanked the dedicated and caring past and present staff members and administrators for what they did and do for the students and families of this community. It matters and is appreciated. To quote a fellow Board member, “It’s not like this everywhere”. We live in a community that supports the value of an exceptional education for all and expects nothing less. It also has been an honor to represent YSSD at National School Boards Conference on eleven different occasions. It is quite an experience to attend the national conference with typically 10,000 to 15,000 people in attendance. Being a part of an amazing group of people in something so much bigger, working for the country’s public education and dedicating their time to support the lives of the children in their communities. It has been invigorating to return from a conference with new ideas. She has always returned with a deep sense of gratitude with what we have in our school community because it is a remarkable school community. It’s not like this everywhere. When the 2019 conference comes to Philadelphia, my hope is many of you will attend. It is worth your time to go and you will come back energized. Don’t hesitate, please go. Tote bags from conferences attended were shared with fellow Board members. As was mentioned by Ms. Bates earlier, you don’t know what you don’t know. Some say serving on School Board is a thankless job, she views it as anything but. Watching the faces of students and families at Commencement has been an amazing reward year after year. All the late night meetings for the challenging times, knowing I have been able to have a positive impact with all sitting around the table with so many lives and futures has certainly been humbling. Thank you and best wishes to all.

Another round of applause was heard throughout the room!

Ms. Leopold-Sharp commented that it has been her profound privilege to serve the YS community for the last 22 years as a member of this Board. This has been the most rewarding volunteer experience. This is also bittersweet as she thinks about not sitting around the Board table in the future. She is very happy that the new incoming Board members are energized and engaged already. A lot of changes have been seen during the past 22 years. Faces change each year as students graduate and kindergartners arrive. Faces of Board members, faculty and staff throughout the buildings change. Other changes have included the location of Board meetings, massive changes in curriculum over the years, changes to buildings, including a brand new elementary building, changes in our attendance area and changes in District logos. Now and moving forward, many things will stay the same in this community. She believes the community will continue to support this District and the opportunities and education programs for our students. The commitment to excellence and offering opportunities for all children to achieve will continue unabated. Students will be engaged, will interact with one another and even grow in their service to the community of fellow students. The staff will continue to be engaged and dedicated and really, really care about the students. This Board and the new Board members will be dedicated to public education and responsive to the needs of our community. She extends best wishes to the incoming Board members. She extended her profound thanks to fellow board members, District staff and this community. She wished everyone the best.

Another round of applause was heard throughout the room!
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.

Jonathan Stayer, 644 Wheatlyn Drive – echoed Mr. Miller’s comments and shared expressions of thanks for each outgoing Board member for their service to the District.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 PM.

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

Board Secretary

Posted in SB-Minutes