Minutes 2021-05-25

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
MAY 25, 2021 – 7:00 PM
Due to health and safety reasons, a virtual meeting format was utilized.

An Executive Session was held at 6:40 PM, prior to the meeting.

M I N U T E S
(approved on June 14, 2021)

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, Steve Scalet, Lois Ann Schroeder, Joel Sears, Steven Sullivan, Michael Thoman, and Carly Bowen (Student Representative)

      Member not present – James Sanders

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

      Mr. Posenaur 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 Comments that were shared. Comments #1 through #5 were shared at this time.

    5. Discussion and Action on Board Minutes. Approval of the Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting of May 10, 2021.  [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]

    Motion, Sears, Second, Robinson; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
    Approval of Financial Reports as of April 30, 2021 [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, Capital Reserve
    6. Student Activities Fund Revenue Report
    7. Student Activities Fund Expenditure Report
    8. Budget Transfers
  3. Board President’s Report – Mr. Posenau
    1. The Board met in Executive Session on May 12, 2021 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. The Board met in Executive Session in a virtual meeting format prior to this meeting as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act for the purpose of discussing matters of school safety. No official action was taken.

      Mr. Posenau reported above. 

    3. Recommendation for Kathy Ciaciulli to be appointed Board Secretary for a two-year term beginning June 1, 2021 as part of her responsibilities as the Assistant to the Superintendent for Operations.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Posenau, Second, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

    4. Recommendation for Joel Sears to be appointed Treasurer for one year beginning July 1, 2021 at no compensation.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Posenau, Second, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

    5. Mr. Posenau announced the Board will return to in-person and on-site meetings starting with the June 14 Combined Planning Committee and Regular Monthly meeting. The location will be determined at a later date.
    6. Carly Bowen will be attending her last meeting as the Student Board Representative. She will be recognized for her service at this time.

      Mr. Posenau and the Board members recognized Carly Bowen, this year’s Student Representative, at her last meeting. Along with thanking her for her great work during this challenging year, a plaque was presented to her. Carly thanked the Board for this opportunity.

  4. Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Williams
    1. Administrator Report

      Dr. Ellis recognized and congratulated the following National Merit Students. Some were present at the meeting.

      Recognition of National Merit Students – Dr. Ellis, High School Principal

      1. Commended Students
        1. Alex H. Gleba, son of Mr. James and Mrs. Karen Gleba
        2. Devlin M. Ravegum, son of Mr. Michael and Mrs. Nikki Ravegum
        3. Kristian P. Sprankle, daughter of Mr. Billy and Mrs. Alison Sprankle
        4. Jenny Tao, daughter of Mr. Tao You and Mrs. Ny Ly
      2. Finalists
        1. Nicholas L. Aparicio, son of Mr. Miguel Aparicio and Mrs. Angela Pessognelli
        2. Ethan J. Lee, son of Mr. Jack and Mrs. Karhantarat Lee
        3. John Ports, son of Mr. Brian Ports and Mrs. Erin Adams-Ports
      3. National Hispanic Scholars
        1. Nicholas L. Aparicio, son of Mr. Miguel Aparicio and Mrs. Angela Pessognelli
        2. Sarah S. Rivera, daughter of Mr. Eduardo Rivera and Mrs. Carmen Triana
          Nicholas and Sarah scored in the top 2.5% among Hispanic and Latino PSAT/NMSQT test-takers in our region.
    2. Superintendent’s Report

      Dr. Williams reviewed above. Questions were answered by Dr. Williams and Dr. Ellis. The Board extended congratulations to Dr. Ellis and his team for the recent Graduation Events over the weekend and Monday evening.

    3. The Administration recommends that effective May 26, 2021,  the York Suburban School District Health and Safety Plan be modified to allow fully vaccinated people the option to remove face coverings as per the March 16, 2021 amended order of the Acting Secretary of the Pennsylvania Depart of Health (PA Department of Health Amendment) (Source Site) regarding the requirement for universal face coverings.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Schroeder, Second, Sears; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

  5. Business Office Report – Mrs. Ciaciulli
    1. Consent Agenda: [You have before you the Business Office Report which includes Items 1 through 11. Would any Board member like any of these items considered separately or are there any questions on any of these items? If not, I would ask that a motion be made to approve the below-mentioned items; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Robinson, Second, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

      1. The Administration recommends the Board approve the business office to solicit and advertise for proposals for physician services.
      2. The Administration recommends the Board approve the tuition agreement with New Story, LLC to provide special education services for the 2021 extended school year. The cost of the special education classroom program provided by New Story is $375.00 per day per student.
      3. The Administration recommends the Board approve the contract with Music Theatre International for the rights to perform Sweeney Todd School Edition in March of 2022. The total cost of the rights is $3,630 to be funded through the High School Musical student activity account.
      4. The Administration recommends the Board approve the real property tax exemption certification for parcel # 48-000-34-0082-B0-PC028 under the Pennsylvania State Veterans’ Commission for Real Estate Tax Exemption.
      5. The Administration recommends the Board approve the agreement with Ruppert Detective Agency LLP, for the 2021-22 school year, for uniformed/unarmed officers at an hourly rate of $22.00 per hour as needed for events. This is an increase of $2.50 per hour from the current year.
      6. The Administration recommends the Board approve Erika Ferguson as Bus/Van Driver for Reliance Transportation.
      7. The Administration recommends the Board approve the Letter of Agreement with Pennsylvania Comprehensive Behavioral Health Services, LLC, Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic/Intensive Behavioral Health Services. 
      8. The Administration recommends the Board approve the agreement for participation in Child Nutrition Programs with York County School of Technology for 2021-2022.
      9. The Administration recommends the Board approve the 2021-2022 breakfast and lunch prices as follows:
        Proposed Meal Prices – 2021-22  
        No proposed increase  
        Lunch Breakfast
        $2.50 Elementary $1.40 Elementary
        $2.75 Secondary $1.40 Secondary
        $3.90 Adult $1.95 Adult
      10. The Administration recommends the Board approve the depositories for the 2021-2022 school year:
        1. Adams County National Bank
        2. Pennsylvania School District Liquid Asset Fund
        3. First National Bank (tax collections)
      11. The Administration recommends the Board authorize the Business Office 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 Office will report said revisions to the Board during the meeting following the completion of fiscal year audit.
    2. Motion to approve the General Fund Budget for 2021-22 including all allocations for planned expenditures of $63,374,502.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      A discussion took place about the above item. 

      Motion, Sears, Second, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, Robinson, yes; Schroeder, yes; Thoman, no; Scalet, yes; Sears, no; Sullivan, yes; Freireich, no; Posenau, yes. Motion carried 5-3.

    3. Motion to approve the 2021-2022 tax rates as follows:
      1. Real estate tax rate at 24.0967 mills. This represents a 1.9% increase which is below the state Act 1 index of 3.6%, and
      2. 0.5% Earned Income Tax to remain in effect be placed on all residents of the district; and,
      3. 0.5% Real Estate Transfer tax to remain in effect on all real estate transactions of the district.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

        A discussion and several motions took place on the above item.

        Motion, Sears, Second, Thoman; No tax increase. Roll Call Vote, Freireich, no; Sears, yes; Schroeder, no; Sullivan, no; Posenau, no; Thoman, yes; Robinson, no; Scalet, no. Motion failed 2-6.

        Motion, Schroeder, Second Sullivan; 1.9% tax increase. After some discussion about having an option between no tax increase and 1.9% tax increase, Mrs. Schroeder and Mr. Sullivan withdrew the motion.

        Motion, Sears, Second, Thoman; 1.0 % tax increase. 

        A time was provided for public comment. During this time, a discussion took place about previous discussions, conditions changing, some costs being recovered, unknowns existing, budgeting methods, and concerns in the future. 

        A comment from the public was received – Comment #6.

        Roll Call Vote, Sullivan, no; Thoman, yes; Sears, yes; Robinson, no; Freireich, no; Posenau, no; Scalet, no; Schroeder, no. Motion failed 2-6.

        Motion, Schroeder, Second, Robinson; 1.9% tax increase. Roll Call Vote, Scalet, yes; Robinson, yes; Schroeder, yes; Posenau, yes; Thoman, no, Sears, no; Freireich, yes; Sullivan, yes. Motion carried 6-2.

    4. Motion to adopt the resolution authorizing the distribution of $663,736.43 state gaming funds to 5,323 eligible homestead properties and 0 farmstead properties under Section 342 of Act 1.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Sears, Second, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

    5. The Administration recommends the Board deny the request to refund the penalty fees imposed on taxes for parcel #48-000-26-0117.00-00000 as presented.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Schroeder, Second, Robinson; Approval. A discussion continued about the situation with the former tax collector that has now resigned.

      Roll Call Vote, Freireich, no; Posenau, yes; Sullivan, yes; Scalet, yes; Robinson, yes; Schroeder, yes; Thoman, yes; Sears, no. Motion carried 6-2.

    6. The Administration recommends the Board approve the change order add for Sage Technology Solutions for $3,372. The change order is for materials only as district personnel will be responsible for installing IP Classroom Modules for the Emergency Status Lights (previously purchased by the district) to interface with the Telecenter U system properly. The change order increases the project estimate from $41,912 to $45,284.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Schroeder, Second, Robinson; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

    7. The Administration recommends the Board approve the one-day event agreement with Refreshing Mountain in the amount of $2,246.54 for our link crew student leaders to participate in a leadership development experience this summer.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Schroeder Second, Robinson; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

    8. The Administration recommends the Board approve the summer 2021 projects as outlined:
      1. Replacement of the exterior cafeteria door at East York Elementary. The scope of the work would be limited to door, glass, frame, and hardware. The Administration recommends the Board accept the quote from East Coast Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $13,650.00 to be funded by the Capital Projects Fund. 
      2. Replacement of the exterior door and window frame at Indian Rock Elementary. The scope of work will be limited to the door, glass, frame, and hardware. The Administration recommends the Board accept the quote from Lauer Construction in the amount of $9,780.00 to be funded by the Capital Projects Fund.
      3. The Administration recommends the purchase of a 2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van replacement in the amount not to exceed $26,225 (PA Costars # 025-003) to be funded by the Capital Projects Fund.
        [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

        A discussion took place about the need to replace the cargo van that is used daily.

        Motion, Robinson, Second, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

    9. The Administration recommends the Board authorize the business office to advertise and solicit bids for the purchase of a bucket truck replacement.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      A discussion took place about the need to replace the bucket truck that is used weekly.

      Motion, Robinson, Second, Sullivan; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

    10. Informational
      1. YTD Budget Report

        Mrs. Ciaciulli reviewed above. A discussion concluded the Administration would be able to report on the tuition amount for York County School of Technology at the next meeting.

      2. COVID-19 Budget Impact Analysis Report

        Mrs. Ciaciulli reviewed above. 

      3. Food Service Department Report
        1. Monthly Dining Review Report 
        2. Sales Report

          Mrs. Ciaciulli reviewed above. 

  6. Student Board Representative Report – Carly Bowen
    Welcome to next year’s Student Board Representative – Neave Casey

    Miss Bowen shared her thanks for having the opportunity to serve as student representative this year. The students were very thankful for the graduation activities that were planned. An introduction and welcome were extended to Neave Casey, the new student representative for the new year, in attendance at tonight’s meeting. Miss Casey shared that she is honored and excited to be part of the process and be a voice for her peers. The Board thanked Miss Bowen and welcomed Miss Casey.

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

      Mr. Posenau reported above. 

    2. Communications Committee Report – Mr. Sullivan
      The minutes of October 21 are provided.

      Mr. Sullivan reported above and provided a summary of the May 17 meeting. A thank you was extended to the Administration for all their work in the past 15 months. 

    3. Personnel Committee Report – Mr. Robinson
      Consent Agenda: [You have before you the Personnel Report which includes Items 1. through 7. 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 8-0.

      1. Recommend the Board approve the Contract Addendum with Substitute Teacher Service to provide extended school year substitutes services at an hourly base rate of $25.00 with a 32% markup for a total of $33.00 and paraprofessional substitutes at a per diem base rate of $75.00 with a 32% markup for a total of $99.00.  
      2. Recommend the Board approve the contract termination with Cognitive Health Solutions to acquire the School Psychology services.  
      3. Recommend the Board approve the creation of a School Psychologist position and approval of the job description.  
      4. Employment
        1. Recommend the appointment of Sydney Tucker as School Psychologist at an annual salary of $83,020 and benefits in accordance with the Tier II Compensation Plan effective July 1, 2021 pending receipt of clearances. The work year for this assignment is 200 days.
        2. Recommend the approval of the accounting internship request from Megan Lonergan  for the 2021-22 school year, pending receipt of clearances. Ms. Lonergan will be compensated $8.15 per hour.
      5. Resignations/Retirements 
        1. Recommend the board accept the resignation of Hope Kowalewski as HS Assistant Varsity Swimming Coach effective May 10, 2021.
        2. Recommend the Board accept the resignation of Lisa Acquaviva, Middle School Emotional Support Teacher, effective May 25, 2021.
        3. Recommend the Board amend the May 10, 2021 approval of the retirement date of Peggy Russell, Valley View Elementary Administrative Assistant, to be effective June 4, 2021.
        4. Recommend the Board accept the resignation of Carita Williams, Elementary English Language Teacher, effective May 25, 2021.
        5. Recommend the Board accept the resignation of Stephanie Wilt, Accounts Payable/Purchasing Specialist, effective Friday, June 4, 2021.
      6. Substitutes 
        Recommend the approval of the following STS substitutes:

        1. Heather Hoover
        2. Keajah Ionee Howard
        3. Lawrence Jerome Spady
      7. Leave of Absence  
        1. Approve the FMLA request for Kerstin Lane, Custodian, for intermittent leave beginning May 4, 2021.
        2. Approve the FMLA request for Susan Conway, Administrative Assistant, beginning June 25, 2021.
        3. Approve the FMLA request for Lauren Arvanites, Teacher, beginning May 7, 2021 through the end of the school year.
    4. Policy Review Committee Report – Mr. Thoman
      The following policies were discussed at the March 22 committee meeting and recommended out of committee for First Read by the Board at the April 12 and 26 meetings, Second Read by the Board at the May 10 meeting, and adoption at the May 25 meeting.  

      1. 137.1 – Extracurricular Participation by Home Education Students
      2. 217 – Graduation Requirements
      3. 335 – Family and Medical Leaves
      4. 707 – Use of School Facilities/Grounds
      5. 803 – School Calendar
      6. 808 – Food Services
      7. 810.1 – School Bus Drivers and School Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers
      8. 907 – School Visitors
        [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

        Motion, Thoman, Second, Sears; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

        Mr. Thoman provided a summary of the May 24 committee meeting and the reviewed policies will be placed on the June 14 meeting for First Read.

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

    Mr. Robinson reported on Senate Bills 73, 664, 442, and 351. A thank you was extended to Mrs. Freireich for serving on the Charter Task Force. Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Sears, and Mr. Robinson attended a Cyber Charter Rally on May 25 in an effort to keep pushing hard for charter reform.

  9. Lincoln Intermediate Unit Report
    LIU Joint Operating Authority Report – Mrs. Freireich

    The budget for 2021-22 and security upgrades were approved.

  10. York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich

    Graduation is scheduled for June 2.

  11. York Adams Tax Bureau Report – Mrs. Ciaciulli

    A report on distributions was provided.

  12. York County School of Technology Report – Mrs. Schroeder

    Commencement is scheduled for June 8 at the York Expo Center.

  13. Additional Information  
    Activities Report 

    Mr. Posenau reported above. 

  14. Upcoming Events

    Mr. Posenau reported above.

  15. Recognition of Visitors 

    Mr. Posenau thanked everyone for attending this evening’s meeting.

  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.

    Public Comments that were shared. Comment #7 was received at this time. 

  18. Adjournment  

    The meeting was adjourned at 8:31 PM.

 

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

 

Link to Meeting Video