Minutes 2021-03-08

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
MARCH 8, 2021 – 7:00 PM
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER
Due to health and safety reasons, a virtual meeting format was utilized.

M I N U T E S
(approved on March 22, 2021)

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

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 

      All members present – Ellen Freireich, John Posenau, Richard Robinson, James Sanders, Steve Scalet, Lois Ann Schroeder, Joel Sears, Steven Sullivan, Michael Thoman, and Carly Bowen (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.

      Public Comment that was shared. 

      Mr. Posenau thanked the community for sharing their comments and reminded everyone that the Board does not respond to anonymous comments.

    5. (*) Discussion and Action on Board Minutes. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting of February 22, 2021.  [Approval as submitted/corrected]

      The minutes were approved as submitted. 

  2. Board President’s Report – Mr. Posenau
    The Board Negotiation Committee met in a virtual meeting format on February 24, 2021 as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act. No official action was taken.

    Mr. Posenau reported above. 

  3. Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Williams
    1. Staff Vaccination Update

      The Commonwealth has been working with the National Guard and other organizations to provide vaccinations to educators via the intermediate units. The vaccination was offered to all staff including transportation and food service employees. The District’s first allotment of 151 doses will be administered at the LIU Center in New Oxford on Sunday, March 14, for the first wave and will include all special education, English Language Learner, elementary, and middle school staff that desired a vaccination. In the second wave of the vaccination, to be held in approximately two weeks, 72 additional staff members are eligible.

    2. Learning Mode for Middle School

      If the vaccination program continues as planned, the Administration will have a recommendation for the hybrid learning mode at the Middle School to be a four-day in-person instruction to start tentatively on Monday, March 29.

    3. Realignment Pause and Update

      Dr. Williams reviewed above. A discussion continued and some highlights are provided below.

      Appreciate the detail of the report

      Personnel is 70% of the budget and using staff more efficiently while trying to remain financially solvent, is important

      The needs of facilities will be explored and addressed, some needs are urgent

      The adoption of the Strategic Principles for Instruction, Physical Plant, and Fiscal provides a framework for a process to evaluate how programming will dictate the use of facilities

      The discovery process scheduled from April through September 2021 will be transparent and will include focus groups on the many facets and will include all parts of the community, students, parents/guardians, community members, staff, administration, and Board members

      Public community meetings will allow everyone to stay informed

    4. Reports from Administrators
      1. Dr. Fuhrman, East York Elementary Principal

        Information was shared about how students’ needs, budgetary concerns, and the 21st Century Curriculum are crucial as we navigate the present and future.

      2. Dr. Adams, High School Assistant Principal

        Dr. Adams congratulated Dr. Fuhrman on the publishing of an article in a magazine for principals. The value of the research project for high school students was explained. The scheduling process for next year has begun and the Keystone and Advanced Placement Exams are scheduled for May. With reflections on the changes that took place this year some are being considered as ongoing changes that are beneficial.

  4. Business Office Report – Mrs. Ciaciulli
    1. Items recommended for approval on March 22, 2021:
      1. The Administration recommends the Board approve the renewal contract with Tomlinson Bomberger for fertilizer, weed, and lawn treatments District-wide for a total of $12,454, an increase of $70.00 over the 2020 contract year.

        Mrs. Ciaciulli reviewed above.

      2. The Administration recommends the Board approve the agreement with The Meadows Psychiatric Center to provide educational services at a rate of $67 per day for the 2021-22 and the 2022-23 school year.

        Mrs. Ciaciulli reviewed above. 

      3. The Administration recommends the Board authorize the Business Office to advertise and solicit proposals for banking services.

        Mrs. Ciaciulli reviewed above, specifically looking for some investment opportunities.

    2. Informational
      1. Door Project Descope Options 

        The options were reviewed by architect Seth Wentz. The final numbers will be available at the next meeting.

      2. 2021-22 Budget Update 

        Mrs. Ciaciulli reviewed above. A discussion continued and highlights are provided below.

        The Administration is using the parameters provided by the Board.

        Further discussion will occur at the Property and Finance Committee meeting with specifics related to a tax increase and use of fund balance.

        Scenarios have been shown previously that includes 0% to 3.6% tax increase.

  5. Student Board Representative Report – Carly Bowen

    Miss Bowen thanked everyone’s efforts that allowed the recent winter sports season to occur. The spring sports season began today and student-athletes are looking forward to the season. Olivia Gibson and Faith Stewart won Juror’s Choice and First Place Award in the York Community Art Scholars Exhibition. The Musical was very successful last weekend. Results of a survey of high school students by Miss Bowen were shared.

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

      Mr. Posenau reported above. 

    2. Personnel Committee Report – Mr. Robinson
      1. The minutes of October 21 are provided. 

        Mr. Robinson reported above. 

      2. (*) Consent Agenda: [You have before you the Personnel Report which includes employment, extracurricular, 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]

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

        1. Employment
          1. Recommend the employment of Tammy Daugherty, Health Room Assistant, at a daily rate of $22.19, effective March 15, 2021, pending receipt and approval of Act 168 clearances.
          2. Recommend the employment of the following STS Guest Teachers.
            1. Ronald Crone
            2. Katherine Georgakopoulos
            3. Claudia Gonzalez
            4. Michelle Alyssa Huffer
            5. Kimberly Keene
            6. Christopher King
            7. Linda Klinedinst
            8. Sydney Nash
            9. Paul Gerard Ross Jr.
            10. Erica Lynn Shearer
            11. Katelyn Ann Weyant
        2. Extracurricular
          1. The Administration recommends the Board rescind the approval of Zane Ruth, Fall Percussion/Drumline, at the supplemental rate of $1,355 which represents Tier 4, Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule for the 2020-21 school year.
          2. Recommend the approval of Zane Ruth, Fall Color Guard, at the supplemental rate of $1,787  which represents Tier 3, Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule for the 2020-21 school year.
        3. Leave of Absence
          1. Recommend the approval for intermittent FMLA leave for Linda Hamm, Paraprofessional,  effective March 8, 2021, for 12 weeks.
          2. Recommend the approval for FMLA leave for Lauren Arvanites, Mathematics Teacher, on or before May 20, 2021, through the end of the school year.
      3. (*) Appointment of Superintendent.  The Board will vote on the reappointment of Dr. Timothy P. Williams as the Superintendent of the York Suburban School District for a second term. Contract to be negotiated at a later time.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

        The contract negotiation will occur at a later time.

      4. (*) Recommend Board approval of the elimination of the Administrative Assistant to Human Resources, effective March 8, 2021.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

      5. (*) Recommend Board approval of the creation and approval of the job description for the Human Resources Specialist, effective March 8, 2021.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

      6. (*) Recommend Board approval of the implementation of a District-operated Autistic Support Program at the High School, effective August 2021, and notification of the LIU regarding the District’s intention for transfer of entity. This classroom would include one teacher and two paraprofessionals.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

      7. (*) Recommend Board approval of the implementation of a District-operated Intensive Learning Support Program at the Middle School, effective August 2021. This classroom would include one teacher and two paraprofessionals.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

      8. Items recommended for approval on March 22, 2021.
        1. Recommend Board approval of the elimination of the following positions effective in the 2021-22 school year:
          1. Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
          2. Director of Human Resources
          3. 2 Elementary Physical Education Teachers
          4. 1 Elementary Librarian

            Mr. Robinson reviewed above. 

        2. Recommend Board approval of the creation and job descriptions (where applicable) of the following positions effective in the 2021-22 school year:
          1. Coordinator of Communications and Administrative Services
          2. Assistant Director of Pupil Personnel
          3. Elementary Reading Specialist
          4. Elementary English Language Instructor
          5. 4 Part-time five-hour Library Paraprofessionals
          6. Increase Math Support Paraprofessional at Indian Rock Elementary from 3.75 hours to 7 hours
          7. Increase Math Support Paraprofessional at East York Elementary from 3.75 hours to 7 hours

            Mr. Robinson reviewed above. 

        3. Recommend Board approval of the elimination of the Administrative Assistant position. This position is combined with the Coordinator of Child Accounting/Transportation.

          Mr. Robinson reviewed above. 

        4. Recommend Board approval of the approval and implementation of clinical advantage, low clinical value, and a Voluntary Smart 90 Maintenance Programs to the prescription plan effective July 1, 2021.

          Mr. Robinson reviewed above. 

    3. Policy Review Committee Report – Mr. Thoman
      The following policies were discussed at the January 25 committee meeting and recommended out of committee for First Read by the Board at the February 8 and 22 meetings, Second Read at the March 8 meeting, and anticipated adoption at the March 22 meeting.

      1. 113.1 – Discipline of Students with Disabilities
      2. 113.2 – Behavior Support
      3. 113.4 – Confidentiality of Special Education Student Information
      4. 122 – Extracurricular Activities
      5. 123 – Interscholastic Athletics
      6. 123.2 – Sudden Cardiac Arrest
      7. 314 – Physical Examination
      8. 317.1 – Educator Misconduct
      9. 323 – Tobacco
      10. 333 – Professional Development
      11. 334 – Sick Leave
      12. 340 – Responsibility for Student Welfare
      13. 705 – Safety
      14. 805 – Emergency Preparedness
      15. 805.1 – Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies
      16. 824 – Maintaining Professional Adult/Student Boundaries
      17. 904 – Public Attendance at District-Sponsored Events

        Mr. Thoman reported above. 

    4. Additional Committee Reports
  7. Legislative Update – Mr. Robinson

    A reminder that Advocacy Day is March 22 and over 100 participants have registered. The topics to be covered include discussion about mandate waivers, vouchers, special education funding, and charter and cyber charter reform. Senate 73, a bill being proposed on mandate waivers is making its rounds in the Senate. Anyone interested in additional information on charter or cyber charter reform, a website to consult is pacharterchange.org.

    Mr. Posenau shared that he had the opportunity last week to meet with the Board President of the West York School District and State Representative Carol Hill-Evans, a member of the Educational Committee in Harrisburg. The Representative was interested in feedback about student performance, concerns about student well-being, problems districts were having, cyber schools, charter schools, and the disappropriate resources cyber and charter schools received compared to public schools. It was a good meeting.

  8. Lincoln Intermediate Unit Report
    1. The “…by Dawn’s Early Light”, highlights of the LIU Board meeting of March 2, is provided. 

      Mrs. Freireich reported above. 

    2. LIU Joint Operating Authority Report – Mrs. Freireich

      No report.

  9. York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich
    The YAA Board Brief Report of February 23 is provided. 

    Mrs. Freireich reported above. Chris Fultz, Director, will be resigning from YAA to accept a new position. A search has been started to replace Mr. Fultz.

  10. York Adams Tax Bureau Report – Mrs. Ciaciulli

    No report.

  11. York County School of Technology Report – Mrs. Schroeder
    The YCST Joint Operating Committee Mini-Board Report of February 25 is provided.

    Mrs. Schroeder reported above. A tour of the new gymnasium was recently held and it is a very nice facility. It is anticipated to be an asset for the community as it will be used for league playoff games. The Adult Education Program at YCST does recognize veteran benefits for education.

  12. Recognition of Visitors 

    Mr. Posenau thanked everyone for attending the meeting online and added your involvement is appreciated.

  13. Board Meeting Schedule 

    Mr. Posenau reported above. 

  14. 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.

    There were no additional public comments. 

  15. Adjournment  

    The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 PM.

 

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

Board Secretary

 

Link to Meeting Video