Minutes 2020-05-18

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
MAY 18, 2020 – 7:00 PM
Due to health and safety reasons, a virtual meeting format was utilized.

M I N U T E S
(approved on June 15, 2020)

Picture of the Week
  1. 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, Steven Sullivan, Michael Thoman, Sophia Guyer (Student Representative)

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

      Mr. Posenau reported above. 

    4. Public Comment. Place your comments at the Public Comment Form link found on this page. 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. 

      Public Comment that was shared.

    5. Discussion and Action on Board Minutes. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting of April 20, 2020.  [Approval as submitted/corrected]

      The minutes were approved as submitted.

  2. Treasurer’s Report – Mr. Sears
    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; Roll Call Vote]
    Approval of Financial Reports as of April 30, 2020 [File for audit]

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

    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, Capital Reserve
    6. Student Activity Account Summary
    7. Budget Transfers
  3. Board President’s Report – Mr. Posenau
    1. The Board met in Executive Session in a virtual meeting format on May 13, 2020 at 4:00 PM 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.

      Mr. Posenau reported above.

    2. Sophia Guyer will be attending her last meeting as the Student Board Representative. She will be recognized for her service at this time.

      Appreciation was expressed for Sophia’s service as Student Board Representative and a plaque was shared with her.

    3. Recognition of National Merit Scholarship Program Students for 2020
      1. Commended Students
        1. Luke A. Hardman, son of Mr. Mark and Mrs. Jennifer Hardman
        2. Rachel M. Ludwick, daughter of Mr. Craig and Mrs. Katherine Ludwick
        3. Liam Waterbury, son of Mr. Matthew and Mrs. Melinda Waterbury
        4. Atom C. Weiler, son of Mr. Glen and Mrs. Melissa Weiler
      2. Finalists
        1. Bevan E. Fogdall, daughter of Mr. Todd and Mrs. Elaine Fogdall
        2. Augustine J. Huh, son of Mr. Chulhaeng Huh and Mrs. Eunae Ma
      3. National Hispanic Scholar

        Liam Waterbury, son of Mr. Matthew and Mrs. Melinda Waterbury. Liam scored in the top 2.5% among Hispanic and Latino PSAT/NMSQT test-takers in our region.

        Mr. Posenau reported above. 

    4. Recognition of Retirees
      1. Kathy Cardello, Middle School 6th Grade Teacher
      2. Colleen Dennen-Stanley, Middle School and Yorkshire Elementary Health Room Assistant
      3. Susan Lindsey, Valley View Elementary Head Custodian
      4. Sallie Spanswick, High School and Indian Rock Elementary ESL Teacher
      5. Patricia Stanford, Middle School 6th Grade Teacher

        Mr. Posenau reported above. A video was shared prepared by the Administration. 

    5. Recommendation for Joel Sears to be appointed Treasurer for one year beginning July 1, 2020 at no compensation. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    6. Item Recommended for Approval on June 15, 2020
      Appointment of up to two Voting Delegates for the PA School Boards Association Delegate Assembly on November 7, 2020. The deadline to notify PSBA is August 31.

      Mr. Posenau asked Board members that may consider being a delegate to consider covering any travel expenses that may occur. Mrs. Freireich indicated that she is interested in being a delegate. The Board can appoint up to two delegates at their next meeting on June 15 and Board members are asked to let Mr. Posenau know if they are interested.

    7. The Board was in agreement with Mr. Posenau’s suggestion to remove the $2,500 budget item for Board member training and travel in this year’s budget.
  4. Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Williams
    1. Superintendent’s Report

      Dr. Williams reviewed above.

    2. Several Board members commented on the quality of the videos for teacher appreciation and recognizing the retirees that were quite impressive as they conveyed emotion and meaning during these challenging times in the midst of the pandemic.
    3. Item Recommended for Approval on June 15, 2020
      Facility Dog Proposal – Dr. Snedden

      Dr. Snedden shared a presentation about the facility dog proposal. A discussion continued about the possibility of seeking sponsors such as clubs or organizations, along with community resources, and considering applying for a YS Education Foundation grant for the expenses related to facility dog. Two main things with having a dog are allergies of students and fear of animals by students. The students will be surveyed and appropriate measures will be put in place. Support was expressed for the program. Dr. Williams asked Board members to forward additional questions to Dr. Snedden and this item will be on the June 15 Board meeting agenda for action.

  5. Business Office Report – Mrs. Ciaciulli
    1. The Administration recommends the Board approve The Glatfelter Agency, a Division of Glatfelter Insurance Group, as Broker of Record for the 2020-21 fiscal year.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    2. The Administration recommends the Board approve the following Depositories for 2020-21:
      1. ACNB
      2. Pennsylvania School District Liquid Asset Fund (PSDLAF)
        [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    3. The Administration recommends the Board approve the establishment of the Puzzle Partners Student Activity Account.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    4. The Administration recommends the Board approve the renewal agreement with Substitute Teacher Service effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Sears, Second, Schroeder; Approval

      A discussion continued about substitutes are not employed with teachers teaching remotely during Forward Learning. 

      Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0. 

    5. The Administration recommends the Board approve the Independent Contractor Agreement with Billings Bilingual LLC effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021 for English/Spanish document translation services at the hourly rate of $65. The price is the same as current year agreement.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Schroeder, Second, Sullivan; Approval.

      A discussion continued about the frequency of the use of this service. The Administration will check and report back to the Board. 

      Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0. 

    6. The Administration recommends the Board authorize the Director of Finance and Operations to perform all year-end budget transfers, make all necessary revisions to the district fund budget upon the auditor’s final adjustments to financial records and assign fund balance amounts in accordance with the PA Public School Code and PA Department of Education regulation; and further the Business Manager will report said revisions to the Board during the meeting following the completion of fiscal year audit.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    7. The Administration recommends the Board approve a $500,000 in budgetary reserve for unanticipated expenses in the 2020-21 General Fund Budget.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    8. Informational
      1. Wellspan Physical Services Update

        Following up on a question at the last meeting about the number of students that utilize the Wellspan Physical Services, approximately 65 students have used the service for physicals. Wellspan does write the standing orders and approves our health-related protocols and procedures. 

      2. 2020-21 Budget Update

        Continuing the budget discussion at last week’s Property and Finance Committee meeting, the Administration shared several scenarios for the Board’s consideration. Additional information about the labor costs budgeted for 2020-21 will be available at the May 20 Personnel Committee meeting.

  6. Student Board Representative Report – Sophia Guyer
    Welcome to next year’s Student Board Representative – Carly Bowen

    Miss Guyer shared her gratitude for being able to provide her various reports during this school year to the Board. She speaks on behalf of herself and others about being thankful for being part of a district where Board and staff members put in endless hours of effort to benefit the students. Congratulations were extended to the many students that received recognition at the recent Senior Awards Night. The Impact Foundation continues to support people in the community that may be struggling during these challenging times and just completed a Little Free Library in front of Valley View Elementary School where students can access books at any time. The Project Greenhouse Club, which will assist with the Biology curriculum, is currently fundraising digitally to raise $1,000 to build their structure and purchase plants. An introduction was given to Carly Bowen, next year’s new School Board Representative.

    Miss Bowen shared a few comments and looks forward to working with the Board next school year.

  7. Committee Reports – Mr. Posenau
    1. Committee Meeting Schedule

      Mr. Posenau reported above. 

    2. Academic Standards and Curriculum Committee Report – Mr. Scalet
      1. The committee recommends Board approval of the proposal for adoption of a new 6th to 8th grade English Language Arts textbook and electronic equivalents for the 2020-21 school year.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

      2. Recommendation for the Board to approve the contract to purchase new 6th to 8th grade English Language Arts textbook and electronic equivalents for the 2020-21 school year from McGraw Hill in the amount of $96,705.67.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

        Motion, Scalet, Second, Freireich; Approval.

        A discussion continued about the length of the contract being six years.

        Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

    3. Personnel Committee Report – Mr. Robinson
      1. The February 19 minutes are provided.

        Mr. Robinson reported above. 

      2. Consent Agenda: [You have before you the Personnel Report which includes resignation, employment, positions, and leave of absence. 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]

        Mr. Robinson reported above.

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

        1. Resignation
          1. Recommend the resignation of Amy Kitner, Certified School Nurse, effective June 8, 2020.
          2. Recommend the resignation of Austin Wright, Groundskeeper, effective May 5, 2020.
          3. Recommend the resignation of Tom Triggs, High School Boys Basketball Head Coach, effective April 27, 2020.
          4. Recommend the resignation of Jamie McFadden, Middle School Boys Basketball Head Coach, effective April 15, 2020.
          5. Recommend the resignation of Amy Uffelman, K-5 Social Studies Resource Person, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year.
        2. Employment
          1. Recommend the employment of John Gaeta, High School Social Sciences Teacher, at Bachelor, Step 1, rate of $58,000, effective at the start of the 2020-21 school year.
          2. Recommend to rescind the approved transfer request for Dr. Kimberly Stoltz from Elementary Principal to Reading Specialist. Dr. Stoltz has agreed to remain as Yorkshire Elementary School Principal.
        3. Positions
          1. Recommend elimination of the following professional positions:
            1. Four vacant elementary teaching positions: two new unfilled positions, two positions due to transfers
            2. Middle School Professional position through attrition
            3.  High School English Teaching position, currently vacant
            4. Certified School Nurse Professional position, will be vacant
            5. Three support positions for Autistic Support classrooms
          2. Recommend the creation of a Heath Room Assistant position (due to eliminating the Certified School Nurse position).
        4. Leave of Absence
          Request approval of an additional unpaid leave of absence for Kristin Shelley, Custodian, May 1, 2020 until additional job restrictions have been lifted.
    4. Property and Finance Committee Report – Mr. Sears
      1. The April 8 minutes are provided.

        Mr. Sears reported above and provided a summary of the recent committee meeting.  

      2. The Property and Finance Committee recommends the Board appoint PFM Financial Advisors LLC to serve as the District’s Independent Municipal Advisor.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

        Motion, Schroeder, Second, Freireich; Approval.

        A discussion took place about this appointment being the best practice to have service available for use on an as-needed basis between bond issuances.

        Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

    5. Additional Committee Reports 
  8. Legislative Update – Mr. Robinson

    As Legislative Liaison, contacts have been made to all of our Representatives in Harrisburg about the proposed local tax freeze. Dr. Williams’ editorial was sent to all the Representatives, too.

  9. Lincoln Intermediate Unit Report
    1. The “…by Dawn’s Early Light”, highlights of the LIU Board meeting of May 5, is provided.

      Mrs. Freireich reported above. 

    2. LIU Joint Operating Authority Report – Mrs. Freireich

      The LIU Joint Operating Authority will meet on May 19.

  10. York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich
    The YAA Board Brief Report of April 21 is provided.

    Mrs. Freireich reported above. Twenty-five YAA students are now eligible to graduate. Eight YS students are eligible. Graduates will be invited back to participate in the December Graduation Ceremony to share in the fun and festivities with their families. The entrance exam is now online. Mrs. Frieireich asked Dr. Williams to share the letter that was sent from a recent YAA graduate to give the Board information from a student’s perspective.

  11. York Adams Tax Bureau Report – Mrs. Ciaciulli

    No report.

  12. York County School of Technology Report – Mrs. Schroeder
    The YCST Joint Operating Committee Mini-Board Report of April 23 is provided.

    Mrs. Schroeder reported above. The remote learning process continues and 500 laptops were distributed. The Administration and staff are working very diligently. Graduation planning continues. The construction of the new gym facility has slowed due to the shutdown caused by the pandemic and soggy weather and the estimated completion is scheduled for early December.

  13. Additional Information   
  14. Upcoming Events
  15. Recognition of Visitors  
  16. Board Meeting Schedule

    Mr. Posenau reported above. 

  17. Public Comment. Place your comments at the Public Comment Form link found on this page. 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. 

    Public Comment that was shared.

  18. Adjournment  

    The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.

 

/s/ Kathy Ciaciulli, PCSBA, M.Ed.
Board Secretary

 

Link to Meeting Video