Minutes 2019-12-02

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
REORGANIZATION MEETING FOLLOWED BY PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
DECEMBER 2, 2019 – 7:00 PM
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

An Executive Session was held prior to the meeting at 6:30 PM.

 

M I N U T E S
(approved on December 16, 2019)

  1. Call to Order – Mr. Posenau, Board President 
    Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag  

    Mr. Posenau called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

  2. A reminder to please silence your cell phone during the meeting.

    Mr. Posenau reported above. 

  3. The reorganization of the Board takes place for the election of a President and Vice-President and the setting of dates and times of meetings for the coming school year.

    Section 402 of the School Code states, “…that there shall be elected from the hold-over members a temporary President to chair the reorganization meeting, and the Secretary of the Board shall act as Secretary of such 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. Items of business are as follows:
    1. Election of Temporary President  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
      Temporary President takes President’s Seat.

      Motion, Sanders, Second, Freireich; Mr. Scalet as Temporary President; appointment made.

      Mr. Scalet took the President’s Seat as the temporary president.

    2. Reading of the Certificates of Election for Elected Board Members
      1. John H. Posenau
      2. Richard M. Robinson
      3. Lois Ann Schroeder
      4. Joel L. Sears
      5. Michael J. Thoman

        Mr. Scalet read the certificates.

    3. Swearing in of Elected Board Members  

      Mr. Scalet swore in the five School Directors.

    4. Roll Call  

      All members present – Ellen Freireich, John Posenau, Richard Robinson, James Sanders, Steve Scalet, Lois Ann Schroeder, Joel Sears, Steven Sullivan, Michael Thoman, Sophia Guyer (Student Representative)

    5. Report of Nominations Committee – Mr. Thoman
      1. A Nominations Committee meeting was held prior to this meeting.

        Mr. Thoman would like to bring forth Mr. Posenau as a candidate for President.

      2. Election of President  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

        Motion, Thoman, Second, Sears; Mr. Posenau as President. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

        Mr. Posenau took the President’s Seat.

    6. Newly Elected President takes President’s Seat.
      Election of Vice-President  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Thoman, Second, Sears; Mrs. Schroeder as Vice-President. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

    7. 2020 Meeting Schedule of Planning Committee and Regular Monthly Meetings.  The Administration recommends the approval of the meeting schedule for 2020. All times are at 7:00 PM and the place where the meetings will be held in the Provard Education Center unless advertised otherwise.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    8. Committee and Miscellaneous Board Representative Assignments

      Policy 005 – Local Board Procedures – Organization

      1. Academic Standards and Curriculum Committee
      2. Communications Committee
      3. Facilities Committee
      4. Finance Committee
      5. Personnel Committee
      6. Policy Review Committee
      7. York Adams Tax Bureau and York County Tax Collection Committee
        Ms. Mason is District Representative. The Alternate is Mr. Posenau.
      8. York County School of Technology Joint Operating Committee
        The current three-year term commenced on January 1, 2019 and will expire on December 31, 2021. Mrs. Schroeder is District Representative. Mr. Scalet is the Alternate.
      9. York County School of Technology Authority
        Mr. Scalet is District Representative.
      10. York Adams Academy Board Representative.
        Mrs. Freireich is District Representative.
      11. Lincoln Intermediate Unit Board Representative shared with Dallastown Area School District
        The current three-year term ends June 30, 2020. The new three-year term will commence on July 1, 2020 and will expire on June 30, 2023. Dallastown Area School District Board Member Sue Heistand is and will continue to be the Representative.
      12. Lincoln Intermediate Unit Joint Operating Authority
        The current five-year term commenced on January 1, 2016 and will expire on December 31, 2020. Mrs. Freireich is District Representative.
      13. Legislative Policy
        Mr. Robinson is District Representative.

        Board Members – Please email the President by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, December 4, to indicate your top three requests, ranked in priority order.

        A suggestion was made to combine the Facilities and Finance Committees into one committee.

        A discussion continued about the need to change the Board policy if the combination meeting format is desired, a longer meeting time would be needed for a combined meeting, and good construction of the agenda would be helpful with meeting management. The Finance Committee affects all committees and suggestion was made for full Board discussions. When combined Finance and Facilities Committees met together previously, a lengthy meeting occurred.

        Motion, Sears, Second, Schroeder; Combine Facilities and Finance Committees into one committee.

        Roll Call Vote, Sears, yes; Schroeder, yes; Scalet, no; Sanders, no; Posenau, yes; Robinson, yes; Thoman, no; Sullivan, yes; Freireich, no. Motion carried 5-4.

        Mr. Posenau requested interest for committee assignments to be submitted to him by Wednesday, December 4.

        A correction was noted to Miscellaneous Board Representative Assignments for the YCST Authority Representative being James Sanders.

        An additional Miscellaneous Board Representative Assignment is the Spring Garden Township Parks and Recreation Commission Representative.

        The Committee and Miscellaneous Board Representative Assignments will be completed by December 16.

  6. 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.

  7. Adjournment  

    The meeting was adjourned at 7:21 PM.


YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
DECEMBER 2, 2019
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

M I N U T E S
(approved on December 16, 2019)
Official action did occur during the meeting with items marked by (*).

Picture of the Week
  1. General Business
    1. Call to Order – Mr. Posenau

      The meeting was called to order by Mr. Posenau at 7:21 PM.

    2. 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.

    3. (*) Discussion and Action on Board Minutes. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting of November 18, 2019.  [Approval as submitted/corrected]

      The minutes were approved as submitted.

  2. Board President’s Report
    1. The Board met prior to this 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.

      Mr. Posenau reported above. 

    2. Item recommended for approval on December 16:

      Adoption of PA School Boards Association’s Principles for Governance and Leadership

      Mr. Posenau reported above. 

  3. Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Williams
    1. Item recommended for approval on December 16, 2019:
      The Administration recommends approval of the proposed 2020-21 School Calendar.

      A discussion took place that included Veteran’s Day being eliminated as a day off for students, High School mid-term exam dates, and early dismissals for professional development time for teachers. 

      The Administration responded an adjustment will be made for the High School mid-term exam dates from January 7 and 8 to December 21 and 22.

      Mr. Posenau reported one of the topics at the recent Fireside Chat with the Association was a real desire for additional training and opportunities being available during professional development time. 

    2. Reports from Administrators

      Dr. Stoltz, Yorkshire Elementary Principal, shared information about the social and emotional learning taking place at the elementary level. Yoga in the Classroom videos are available from a Patient First Grant, Trauma Informed Mindful Lessons of Self-Regulation (Wynne Kinder) training with staff from a Title I Grant, and Sanford Harmony-Social Emotional Learning Program (for use at morning meetings or closing circle at the end of the day).

      Dr. Ellis, High School Principal, shared about the opportunity of hearing the message of Heidi Hayes Jacobs that has spurred a lot of ideas with the High School faculty. The Faculty Advisory Council works on the operations and logistics side of the school to help steer the Administration at the High School. The Department Chairs discuss academic decisions along with their subset, the High Quality Teacher and Learning Committee. Information was shared about their discussions for ways to move forward.

  4. Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
    1. (*) The Administration recommends Board approval to advertise and solicit bids for snow removal.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Ms. Mason reported above.

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

    2. Items recommended for approval on December 16, 2019:
      1. The Administration recommends Board approval of Bowling as a club program starting in the 2020-21 Fiscal Year.

        Ms. Mason shared this item was discussed at the Finance Committee meeting.

      2. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Wisehaven Event Contract for the York Suburban Academic Awards Banquet to be held on May 11, 2020 at a cost of $12.75 per person. A deposit is required at time of acceptance of $1,000.

        Ms. Mason reported above and added this is an annual approval.

        A discussion continued about the logistics of this event.

      3. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Memorandum of Understanding with Allegheny Intermediate Unit for telephone voice interpretation services with TransPerfect Remote Interpreting for an annual fee of $120. Actual usage costs are at a rate not to exceed $.90 per minute for all languages.

        Ms. Mason reported above and added this is an annual renewal. The cost is the same as last year.

      4. The Administration recommends Board approval to transfer $1,354,853.43 from the General Fund Operating Checking to the Insurance Account Checking. This amount is the amount returned from Lincoln Benefit Trust. When we left Lincoln Benefit Trust, we were expecting a final payment to come about this time.

        Ms. Mason reported above and added the budget was built with this action on the revenue and expense sides.

      5. The Administration recommends Board approval to transfer $500,000 to the Capital Reserve Fund as presented at the time of the 2018-19 audit. 
      6. The Administration recommends Board approval to deny the request made by Attorney Margaret A. Driscoll, on behalf of her client Jessica and Friends Community, to exonerate the taxes for the 2019-2020 tax year for the property on Scarboro Drive.

        Ms. Mason reported above.

      7. The Administration recommends Board approval of the contract with IU13 for Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) Module I Training on February 14, 2020 for a total cost of $1,050 and travel mileage outside of the IU Region of $32.48.

        Ms. Mason reported above and added this is a new contract.

        A discussion continued about this training for K-2 teachers for an upcoming staff development day.

    3. Discussion  
      1. Budget Presentation for 2020-2021

        Ms. Mason reviewed above and answered questions from Board members.

      2. (*) PA School Safety and Security Committee:  regarding the PCCD grant. The PA School Safety and Security Committee (PSSSC) would like the Board to reconsider the vote on your original competitive application regarding your School Resource Officer/School Police Officer hires.

        Ms. Mason reported above.

        Dr. Williams reported the Administration has no recommendation on this item.

        A discussion continued about the background and response from PSSSC.

        Motion, Schroeder, Second, Freireich; Reconsider the decision to give the money back.

        A discussion continued about the long and arduous discussion held at the October 7 meeting when it was decided not to accept the grant money to fund School Police Chief and School Police Officer positions for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year and the entire 2020-21 school year. 

        Roll Call Vote, Schroeder, yes; Sullivan, no; Sanders, no; Freireich, no; Thoman, no; Posenau, yes; Robinson, yes; Scalet, n0; Sears, no. Motion failed 3-6.

        The Administration will inform PSSSC of this decision.

  5. Student Board Representative Report – Sophia Guyer

    Miss Guyer reported congratulations to the Golf and Field Hockey teams for their selection to YAIAA Division II Sportsmanship Award. Seven high school students visited Penn State/York for the York Young Woman’s Symposium presented by Junior Achievement. The High School Student Council will be working to register students that will be 18 to vote in the April 28 PA Primary Election and this initiative is from the PA Department of State. A summary of the miniThon fundraisers was provided. Link Crew is having Cookies, Cocoa, and Cram for freshmen to work with peer tutors and teachers. The holiday concert is scheduled for December 15 at 2:00 PM. The High School String Ensemble will perform holiday tunes at the Rotary meeting on December 18. The Students Against Destructive Decisions group will be assisting younger students affected by addiction in their families. 

  6. Committee Reports
    1. Committee Meeting Schedule 

      Mr. Posenau reported above. 

    2. Academic Standards & Curriculum Committee Report – Mrs. Schroeder
      1. The Academic Standards and Curriculum Committee discussed the Administration’s New and Modified High School Courses Proposal at its meeting on November 13. The committee recommends a discussion of the proposal with anticipated action taking place at the December 16 regular monthly meeting.

        Mrs. Schroeder reported above.

        Dr. Ellis responded to questions about the proposal.

      2. The Academic Standards and Curriculum Committee discussed the Administration’s Class Rank Proposal at its meeting on November 13. The committee recommends a discussion of the proposal with anticipated action taking place at the December 16 regular monthly meeting.

        Mrs. Schroeder reported above. 

        Dr. Ellis responded to questions about the proposal.

    3. Personnel Committee Report – Mr. Robinson
      Consent Agenda: [You have before you the Personnel Report which includes employment, resignation and extra-curricular. 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, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

      1. Employment  
        1. Recommend the transfer of Meghan Wildermuth from part-time Paraprofessional to full-time autistic Paraprofessional, effective December 3, 2019, at a rate of $11.11 per hour.
        2. Recommend the transfer of Patricia Selegrath from substitute Aide to part-time Paraprofessional, effective December 3, 2019, at a rate of $11.08 per hour.
        3. Recommend the employment of Mimi Dickerson, full-time Personal Care Assistant, effective December 3, 2019, at a rate of $11.08 per hour.
        4. Recommend approval for the temporary assignment transfer of Stacy Houck from Dean of Students to Acting Assistant Principal of York Suburban Middle School effective December 3, 2019 through June 30, 2020 which will include a $6,000 stipend for administrative duties.
        5. Recommend approval of the transfer of Scott Shirey from Middle School Principal to Administrator on Assignment located at the Education Center, effective December 2, 2019.
        6. Recommend approval of the temporary assignment transfer of Dr. Tawn Ketterman to Acting Principal of York Suburban Middle School, effective December 3, 2019.
      2. Resignation
        Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Jennifer Fasick, Middle School Assistant Principal, effective on or before January 19, 2020.
      3. Extracurricular
        1. Recommend the employment of Foster Hoyt, High School Boys Assistant Lacrosse Coach #2, at the supplemental rate of $2,921.00 which represents Step 3 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule, effective December 3, 2019.
        2. Recommend the employment of Clint Wright, Middle School Head Wrestling Coach, at the supplemental rate of $2,062.00 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule, effective December 3, 2019.
    4. Additional Committee Reports  
  7. Legislative Update – Mr. Robinson

    Mr. Robinson reported he was unable to attend the Springettsbury Township Planning Commission meeting. An update on the tuition voucher bill for the City of Harrisburg was provided. Advocacy Day in Harrisburg will be March 23. After hearing the budget presentation, Dr. Williams and Board members will be talking with local legislators about stronger support of public education.

  8. Lincoln Intermediate Unit Report
    1. The “…by Dawn’s Early Light”, highlights of the LIU Board meeting of November 26, is provided.

      Mrs. Freireich reported above.

    2. LIU Joint Operating Authority Report – Mrs. Freireich

      No report

  9. York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich

    Mrs. Freireich reported 15 seats are filled. Everyone is invited to attend the winter graduation on December 10. The following YS students, will be graduating – Abigail Baker, Alexes Miller, and Drayden Raber. Students at YAA are considered dual enrollment and will receive a diploma with YS on it. 

  10. York Adams Tax Bureau Report – Ms. Mason

    No report

    Mr. Posenau thanked Ms. Mason for all the hard work she has provided to the District. Having no audit findings for her time in the District is exemplary. She was wished all the best for her future. A round of applause was heard in the room!

  11. York County School of Technology Report – Mrs. Schroeder
    The YCST Joint Operating Committee Mini-Board Report of November 26 is provided.

    Mrs. Schroeder reported above. The proposed 2020-21 budget was approved with a 2.54% increase and it has received support from the county Superintendents. Each district will now vote on this budget by February. The increase is due to a fiduciary responsibility to have an adequate fund balance. The budget will be available in January for review and action. At this time, it is anticipated that 61.57 YS students will be attending YCST next school year.

  12. Recognition of Visitors  

    Mr. Posenau thanked everyone for attending the meeting this evening.

  13. Board Meeting Schedule 

    Mr. Posenau 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. 

    Jamie Evans, Association President – thanked the five Board members for coming back for another term on the School Board; a good discussion took place at the recent Fireside Chat with support for half-day professional development opportunities for next year’s school calendar; a survey with the teachers overwhelmingly revealed that the Monday after Thanksgiving is their #1 preference for a day off and possibly consider December 23 as a school day on next year’s school calendar to allow November 30 as the last day of Thanksgiving Break

    Mrs. Freireich asked for a summary of the Fireside Chat.

  15. Adjournment
    The meeting was adjourned at 9:07 PM.

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

 

Link to Meeting Video