Minutes 2019-10-07

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
OCTOBER 7, 2019 – 7:00 PM
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

M I N U T E S
(approved on October 21, 2019)

Official action did occur during the meeting for items marked by (*).

Picture of the Week

General Business
Call to Order – Mr. Posenau, Board President
1. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
  Mr. Posenau called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2. Roll Call
  Members present – Ellen Freireich, John Posenau, Richard Robinson, James Sanders, Steve Scalet, Lois Ann Schroeder, Joel Sears, Sophia Guyer (Student Representative)
  
  Members not present – Michael Thoman, Kenneth Watts
3. A reminder to please silence your cell phone during the meeting.
  Mr. Posenau reported above.
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. There was none at this time.
5. Discussion and Action on Board Minutes. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting of September 23, 2019. [Approval as submitted/corrected]
  The minutes were approved as submitted.
Board President’s Report – Mr. Posenau
1. (*) Resignation of Board Member. Move to accept the resignation of Kenneth H. Watts as a member of the Board of School Directors for York Suburban School District pursuant to his letter dated September 25, 2019, effective September 25, 2019. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Robinson, Second, Freireich: Approval.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes, with regret. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Discussion of process for filling vacant board member seat
  A discussion took place about the process of filling the vacant board member seat. A Special Board Meeting is scheduled on October 14 at 6:00 PM to interview applicants and to select a candidate to fill the unexpired term expiring in November of 2021. The chosen candidate will be seated at the Regular Monthly Meeting on October 21. Applications are being accepted through noon on October 11. Ten applications have been received to date. The interview questions were reviewed and will be sent to the applicants prior to the Special Meeting.
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Williams
1. Continued Discussion about Grade-level Consolidation
  A continued discussion about grade-level consolidation began and included the data provided by a survey of the teachers that 72% believed grade-level consolidation was in the best interest of students. The Administration is looking for direction from the Board with keeping the current grade configuration or pursuing grade-level consolidation. The Board members provided comments with being comfortable for the Administration pursuing grade-level consolidation sharing the following concerns. The concept of consolidation may be better referred to as grade realignment as no cuts are anticipated, considering options to keep the current configuration of Grades K and 1 in separate buildings to avoid lengthy bus trips for the youngest students and continuing to include input from the teachers during the continued review of options. The Administration will pursue scenarios of grade consolidation. The next topic for discussion at the November’s Planning Committee Meeting will be class size guidelines.
2. Reports from Administrators
  Mr. Shirey, Middle School Principal, reported about recent activities including the scholastic book fair, spirit days leading up to Trojan Takeover and Caught in the Middle Day where 49 community experts in their fields talk with students about future career, personal interest and healthy living explorations. Students solicit money from friends and family for the Trojan Takeover fundraiser that financially supports many things throughout the school year.
  
  Dr. Ketterman, Director of Elementary Education, provided a report and answered questions from Board members about the relationship the district has with Bright Horizons, an early learning program, currently in the fifth year of the contract. A two-year automatic renewal of the contract is being pursued.
Business Office Report
1. (*) The Administration recommends Board approval of the Resolution Authorizing the Incurrence of Nonelectoral Debt by the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2019, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $26,285,000 for the purpose of currently refunding all or a portion of the outstanding York Suburban School District General Obligation Bonds, Series 2012, Series 2013, Series 2014 and Series 2015 and to pay all costs and expenses of issuance of the Bonds. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Dr. Williams reviewed above.
  
  Motion, Sears, Second, Schroeder; Approval.
  
  Lauren Stadel, RBC Capital Markets, and Attorney Steve Hovis, Stock and Leader, provided additional information.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 7-0.
2. Items recommended for approval on October 21, 2019:
  1. The Administration recommends Board approval of the purchase of a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 4WD Work Truck for a total cost of $30,000. This is a purchase to be made from the PA State CoStars Contract 025-003. We will be trading in our 2005 Ford. This purchase is being made from the Capital Reserve Fund as discussed through the 2019-20 budget process.
  2. The Administration recommends Board approval of the extension of the contract with Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC for a three year period at a cost of $26,250 for 2019-20, $26,750 for 2020-21 and $27,250 for 2021-22 for Audit Services.
  3. The Administration recommends Board approval of the contract with Turf, Track & Court, LLC for professional services involving the structural evaluation of the bleachers within the Stadium. The cost is $2,150 plus reimbursable expenses. This is to be paid from the Capital Projects Fund.
    Dr. Williams reviewed above.
3. Informational
  1. Donation in the amount of $895.34 from the Valley View PTO for Orange and Black Valley View Elementary shirts for staff and students.
  2. Donation of cheer items from Spring Garden Township consisting of pom-poms, bloomers, ribbon, ponytail holders, cheer socks and trophies. The approximated value is $888.92.
    Dr. Williams reviewed above.
Student Board Representative Report – Sophia Guyer
Miss Guyer provided a report on recent successful elementary school events, including the Indian Rock Fall Festival and Annual Teddy Bear Parades at Valley View and Yorkshire Elementary Schools. An Athletic Report was provided. The mini-Thon “Gold-Out” shirt sale went very well. The marching band participated in the Showcase at Red Lion and performed their best of the season. The National Honor Society will be hosting a Trunk or Treat on October 28 for the community.
Committee Reports – Mr. Posenau
1. Committee Meeting Schedule
  Mr. Posenau reported above.
2. Facilities Committee Report – Mrs. Freireich
  The minutes of September 11 are provided.
  
  Mrs. Freireich reported above and gave a summary of the recent committee meeting.
3. Personnel Committee Report – Mr. Robinson
  1. (*) The Administration recommends Board approval of the job descriptions and the establishment of School Police Chief and School Police Officer to be funded by Pennsylvania’s School Safety and Security Grant for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year and the entire 2020-21 school year. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
    Mr. Robinson reported above.
    
    Motion, Schroeder, Second, Freireich; Approval.
    
    A discussion continued and included that there was very good deliberation on the topic at prior meetings with good civic discourse and respectful deliberation. The faculty and parents were in favor of this action as stated in surveys, the majority of the districts in the county have SPOs or School Resource Officers (SRO). Supporters of the motion said the positions provide a layer of protection for safety. The grant money would fund two positions for 18 months, after which the District could evaluate the effectiveness. Those opposed to the motion said that the research on the reduction of school crime in the presence of SRO is conflicting; they argued that we should continue to grow the relationships with the highly trained police forces serving the district. They also said that introducing firearms in public schools raises risks, these risks could do more harm than good, preferring to see YS resources go to teaching positions.
    
    Roll Call Vote, Sears, no; Robinson, yes; Scalet, no; Schroeder, yes; Posenau, yes; Sanders, no; Freireich, no. Motion failed 3-4.
  2. (*) Consent Agenda: [You have before you the Personnel Report which includes resignations and employment. 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; Roll Call Vote]
    Motion, Robinson, Second, Sanders; Approval.
    
    Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 7-0.
    
    Mr. Robinson acknowledged Mrs. Coffman, in attendance this evening.
    1. Resignation
      1. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Scott Cobb, Baseball Assistant Coach #1, effective September 26, 2019.
      2. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Tyler Page, Baseball Co-Assistant Coach #2, effective September 26, 2019.
      3. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Scott Erickson, Baseball Co-Assistant Coach #2, effective September 26, 2019.
    2. Employment
      1. Recommend the employment of Alex Weinrich, substitute custodian, effective October 8, 2019. Mr. Weinrich’s assignment will be for stage technician as needed at a rate of $14.00 per hour.
      2. Recommend the employment of Elizabeth Duncan, 2^nd shift custodian, effective October 8, 2019, at a base rate of $14.53. Ms. Duncan’s assignment will be at East York Elementary.
      3. Recommend the employment of Ethan Nosoff, 2^nd shift custodian, effective October 8, 2019, at a base rate of $14.53. Mr. Nosoff’s assignment will be at the High School.
      4. Recommend the employment of April Miller, Health Room Assistant, effective October 28, 2019, at a base rate of $19.36.
      5. Recommend the transfer of Karla Coffman from Health Room Assistant to Certified School Nurse, effective October 8, 2019, at a Bachelor’s, Step 1 salary of $56,775.
4. Additional Committee Reports
Legislative Update – Mr. Robinson
Mr. Robinson reported that Mr. Sears, Dr. Williams and himself have been considering sharing concerns that were voiced this evening on school security personnel with the folks in Harrisburg and possibly scheduling a meeting with the Secretary of Education to reinforce the idea that getting weaponry to a school is not a position of strength but of weakness. There needs to be better ways to achieve school security and safety and that is the responsibility of the legislature and school districts.
Lincoln Intermediate Unit Report
1. The “…by Dawn’s Early Light”, highlights of the LIU Board meeting of October 1, is provided.
  Mrs. Friereich reported above.
2. LIU Joint Operating Authority Report – Mrs. Freireich
  Mrs. Freireich reported a meeting was held last week and the facility study will be updated for the York Learning Center along with making several roof repairs.
York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich
Mrs. Freireich reported YS purchased three additional seats at YAA for this year and now 15 out of 15 seats are filled and one student is on the waiting list. Seminars and information sessions are provided for students to learn about places to continue their education for their future and have been well attended by the students.
York Adams Tax Bureau Report – Ms. Mason
No report.
York County School of Technology Report – Mrs. Schroeder
The YCST Joint Operating Committee Mini-Board Report of September 26 is provided.

Mrs. Schroeder reported above. The preparation of the budget is underway and will be presented to the County Superintendents. Construction for new gymnasium has begun and completion is anticipated September 2020.
Recognition of Visitors
A thank you was extended to the visitors attending the meeting this evening.
Board Meeting Schedule
Mr. Posenau 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. There was none at this time.

Mr. Robinson reported the Governor is developing a task force on suicide prevention and it will be held on October 10 at 5:30 PM at the JCC. Please see him for additional information.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:31 PM.

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

Link to Meeting Video

Posted in SB-Agenda