Minutes 2016-08-22

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
AUGUST 22, 2016 – 7:00 PM
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

An Executive Session will be held at 6:30 PM, prior to the meeting.

M I N U T E S
(approved on September 26, 2016)

General Business
Call to Order – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
1. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2. Roll Call
  Members present – Emily Bates, Scott Eden, Ellen Freireich, Lynne Leopold-Sharp, John Posenau, Richard Robinson, Lois Ann Schroeder, Cathy Shaffer, Michael Thoman, Peyton Stuart (Student Board Representative)
  
  Members not present – None
3. 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.
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above. An opportunity was provided for public comment.
  
  Dick Grau, 2401 Cambridge Road – accolades were extended to everyone for their contributions of the national rankings, this is a quality School District; asked about the negotiations for transportation company.
  
  Dr. Merkle responded the District is in the last year of a contract with Durham Transportation and the negotiations will be open to other companies.
4. Discussion and Action on Board Minutes. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting and Planning Committee Meeting of August 8, 2016. [Public Comment; Approval as submitted/corrected]
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported the Minutes were approved as submitted.
Treasurer’s Report – Mr. Posenau [Consent Agenda: Would any Board member like any of these items considered separately or are there any questions any any of these items? If not, the chair moves approval of the below-mentioned items; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
Approval of Financial Reports as of July 31, 2016. [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
6. Student Activity Account Summary
  A discussion took place and the point was – payment to River Rock occurs by buying days in chunks of time.
  
  Motion, Posenau, Second, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
Board President’s Report – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
1. The Board met following the Special Meeting and Planning Committee Meeting on August 8, 2016 in Executive Session as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act for the purpose to discuss a personnel situation and a legal matter. No official action was taken.
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
2. The Board met prior to this meeting in Executive Session as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act for the purpose to discuss two personnel matters. No official action was taken.
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
1. Student Enrollment Report
  Dr. Merkle reported above and noted these are early numbers. Kindergarten is low at 145 right now. Districts around the county were seeing low numbers in Kindergarten earlier in the summer. The Administration is watching Grade 7 with 265 students and it is growing. The unpredictability of enrollment does makes staffing difficult. Upon vists to all buildings last week during the first three student days, many favorable comments were shared by teachers about the additional staff positions this year.
  
  A discussion took place and the point was the October 1, 2014 figure at bottom of report will be changed to October 1, 2015.
2. Report on Opening Day
  Dr. Merkle reported six Board members attended the Opening Staff Day last week with a convention theme. During the opening program, Lynne Leopold-Sharp, Board President, a parent of six children in the District, students and alum Dr. Jake Schroeder spoke to the staff. Staff members were fully engaged in the program which was intended to model this year’s focus of student engagement. Terrific faculty meetings were held in buildings. Wednesday was opening day for students in grades K-6, 9 and new students at HS & MS and things went very smoothly, even with lunch at the middle school. On Thursday, all students reported and all things went well. Transportation for the most part went very well.
3. As per Board policy 915, the Administration recommends that the York Suburban School Board sanction the following organizations for the 2016-17 school year:
  All-Sports Booster Club
  Music Boosters Association
  East York Elementary PTO
  Indian Rock Elementary PTO
  Middle School PSO
  Valley View Elementary PTO
  Yorkshire Elementary PTO
  
  The Administration will work with each organization to ensure that all obligations set forth in Policy 915 are met in timely fashion. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  
  Dr. Merkle reported above.
  
  Motion, Bates, Second, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
4. York Academy Regional Charter School Update – YARCS has requested York Suburban approval of an amendment to the charter. The Board will take action at the meeting on September 26.
  Dr. Merkle reported above. York City School District has approved the amendment and Central York School District will be approving the amendment in September. Board members were asked if they had any questions or concerns to prepare for a discussion at the September Planning Committee meeting.
  
  A discussion continued and the point was additional information on where the money is coming from will be available in September for discussion.
5. Title I Innovation Grant Award – Dr. Maloney will provide a brief report on the Title I Innovation Grant awarded to East York Elementary in the amount of $49,669. The competitive grant money will be used to provide training for teachers.
  Dr. Maloney reported above and along with Julie Stover, Reading Specialist, in attendance this evening shared information about the grant award.
  
  Dr. Merkle reported a Title I reward school is an accolade and congratulated Dr. Maloney, Dr. Grove and Julie Stover for their leadership.
  
  Ms. Mason added because this is a significant amount of money, the budget will be amended at next month’s meeting.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – a press relese will be prepared; review and implementation will occur once a cycle and training is scheduled in January; the Administration plans to work with the Indian Rock Elementary staff with this resource.
6. High School Recognition – The Administration is proud to announce that York Suburban High School has been recognized by Newsweek magazine in its top 500 high schools in the United States. YSHS is ranked 457 in Best High Schools and 376 in Beating the Odds: Educating Students in Poverty.
  Dr. Merkle reported above. We are celebrating with teachers, administrators, administrative assistants, aides, custodians, retirees and the community. This ranking in top 500 is top 3% in the country. Thanks was exteded to the Board for their assistance with this recognition.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – the suggestion of including an announcement for the community at the Homecoming parade will be considered; Newsweek does not notify schools of the rankings, the Administration learned of the ranking on the Sunday night prior to Opening Staff Day; media coverage will be reviewed to see if a press release for the 376 ranking is necessary.
7. YSEA and YSESPA Partnership – The York Suburban Education Association and the York Suburban
  Educational Support Personnel Association have created a partnership such that they will share officers. They will continue to have separate contracts but will work together through shared leadership on many endeavors.
  
  Dr. Merkle reported above and added this is not a merger as such. YSESPA struggled to name leaders and the YSEA President will serve both organizations with this partnership.
Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
1. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Resolution authorizing the issuance of the York Suburban School District General Obligation Bonds, Series A of 2016 in an amount not to exceed $11,285,000 for the purpose of financing various capital projects and costs of issuance. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Posenau, Second, Schroeder; Approval.
  
  Steve Hovis, Esq. is in attendance this evening to field any questions.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – the parameters resolution will allow financial decision timing most likely before the end of the calendar year; there will be no increase in millage for tax payers.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
2. The Administration recommends Board approval of the purchase of two (2) Combi Ovens for Indian Rock Elementary from Singer Equipment Company under State Contract for a total amount of $33,599.90 which includes delivery and installation. This is a combination oven/steamer that will allow the staff to cook higher yields, cook more than one food at a time while increasing food quality with less handling. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Bates, Second, Shaffer; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
3. The Administration recommends Board approval of the purchase of a Ford 2017 F Series Pick Up for a total of $27,995. This is being purchased through COSTARS, Contract 025-181. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Schroeder, Second, Shaffer; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
4. The Administration recommends Board approval of the 2016-17 Bus Routes and Bus/Van Drivers. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Bates, Second, Schroder; Approval.
  
  Ms. Mason reported that Durham was unable to note new drivers with the preparation of the list.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
5. The Administration recommends Board approval for Linda Gray to be exempt from paying real estate taxes for the property located at 1300 Ruxton Road, York, PA (Parcel 48-000-33-0010-00-00000) as approved by the Pennsylvania State Veteran’s Commission. This would take effect for the 2016-17 fiscal year. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Bates, Second, Freireich; Approval.
  
  A discussion continued and the point was clarification for exemption is a process with PA State Veteran’s Commission and indicators may include financial hardship and disabled veteran.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
6. The Administration recommends Board approval of the renewal of the PA-Educator.net Clearninghouse 2016-17 Contract of Service for a twelve-month period, July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017, in the amount of $2,137.50 for access to the online clearinghouse of Pennsylvania professional and non-certificated individuals to recruit candidates for employment. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Posenau, Second, Freireich; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
7. Informational:
  Facilities Projects Update
  
  Ms. Mason reported the Indian Rock Elementary secure entrance and carpet projects are complete, the high school auxiliary gym is available for use with some punch list items remaining, the East York secure entrance is complete, the middle school boiler replacement is 99% complete, the Trojan Field is complete, the high school sidewalk project is complete, the middle school secure vestibule is complete, the middle school cafeteria project has a few small items remaining to be completed, the middle school kitchen project has some items remaining to complete and the middle school partial roof replacement is complete. A report will be available at the Finance Committee meeting on August 24.
  
  A discussion continued and point was – the high school auxiliary gym does have a different floor per the original plan; the Administration will check to see if the mats on the walls are removable.
  
  Dr. Merkle shared thanks to the Board members for all these items.
Student Board Representative Report – Mr. Stuart
Mr. Stuart reported the new school year is underway and freshmen orientation went very well. All students reported on Thursday. A very strong senior vibe is there are a lot of freshmen in the building and crowded conditions are noticed. A change in use of student cell phones includes use is permitted during the first five minutes at flex period and not available in study hall. This change is being received by students with mixed feelings. The Homecoming activities are being planned. A movie night to support mini-THON is scheduled on Friday. An athletics update was provided. There are several new eagle scouts in the District. Homecoming is scheduled on September 23.

Committee Reports – Ms. Leopold-Sharp

Communications Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer
The Activity and Communications Reports are provided.

Ms. Shaffer reported above.
Facilities Committee Report – Mrs. Freireich
The July 13 minutes are provided.

Mrs. Freireich reported above. We did have the opportunity to hear the presentation on the Feasibility Study from Gilbert Architechts at the Facilities Committee meeting. Information will be brought to a Planning Committee meeting in the future.

Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Bates

Please note an Addendum for the Personnel Committee consent agenda is included at the end of the agenda.

Consent Agenda [You have before you the Personnel Report which includes resignation, employment, granting of professional tenure, re-appointment of extracurricular advisor, substitute teachers, guest teachers, volunteer coaches and additional volunteer. 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, Bates, Second, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

Dr. Merkle responded to an inquiry that despite the resignation of a teacher, tenure was earned and will be awarded.

Resignation
1. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Alicia Erickson, Instructional Support Aide at Yorkshire Elementary, effective August 2, 2016.
2. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Joseph Robinson, French Teacher at the Middle School and High School, effective August 17, 2016.
Employment
1. Recommend the employment of Alicia Erickson as a Substitute Instructional Support Aide at the hourly rate of $10.00 effective August 23, 2016.
2. Recommend the employment of Amy Johns as a Substitute Instructional Support Aide at the hourly rate of $10.00 effective August 23, 2016.
3. Recommend the employment of Dianna Loomis as a Substitute Office Aide at the hourly rate of $10.00 effective August 23, 2016.
4. Recommend the employment of Casey Markey as Head Baseball Coach at the salary of $3,392 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
5. Recommend the employment of Caitlyn Mitchell as a Long-Term Substitute Spanish Teacher at the High School starting approximately August 26, 2016 through November 18, 2016, at the daily rate of $105, pending certification.
6. Recommend the employment of Cory Neiderer as Middle School Assistant Boys Basketball Coach at the salary of $2,169 which represents Step 3 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
7. Recommend the employment of Melissa Reilly as a Health Room Assistant at East York Elementary and Indian Rock Elementary effective August 23, 2016 at the hourly rate of $15.60.
8. Recommend the employment of Rachael Schwimer a Substitute Instructional Support Aide at the hourly rate of $10.00 effective August 23, 2016.

Granting of Professional Tenure

Recommend awarding of professional status/tenure to the following temporary professional employees who have completed six consecutive semesters of employment in the York Suburban School District and “during the last four months of the third year have performed satisfactorily [Section 1108© of the Public School Code of 1949 as amended by Act 16 of 1996].” This professional status should be effective August 22, 2016.

Cheryl Bowman	Elementary First Grade Teacher
Heidi Cebula	High School English Teacher
Alicia Kowitz	Middle School Math Teacher
Joseph Robinson	Middle School / High School French Teacher

Re-Appointment of Extracurricular Advisor for 2016-2017

LAST

FIRST

POSITION

SALARY

STEP

Good

Oliver

HS Assistant Student Council Advisor

$1,529

4

2016-2017 Substitute Teachers

JEANNE	ADDISON	TOWANDA	LEMON-MCKIE
AMY	AHLBRANDT	KIMBERLY	LEVAN
ELIZABETH	ANDERSON	LISA	LEWIS
ELIZABETH	ARZT	CHARLES	MANN
SILVIA	BENSON	BRADLEY	MARCH
DARLA	BERKOWITZ	KAY	MATTHEWS
S. LOUISE	BETTERMAN	CRYSTAL	MILLER
SARAH	BOSCO	DAPHNE	OHL
CAROL	BROWN	ROBBY	PANTELLAS
MEGAN	CARR	JOHN	RADKIEWICZ
AMY	CHAPMAN	STEPHANY	REIHART
REBECCA	CHESTER	MARK	RHINE
JOELLE	CURRIER	ALEXANDER	ROSENKRANS
SUSANN	DECOWSKY	SUSAN	RUBY
JULIA	DUNN	MARIA	SABATINO
R. MICHAEL	DUTTERA	JULIE	SCHULTZ
JEANNE	DYER	GRAYLYN	SERAFY
ALICIA	ERICKSON	JENNIFER	SEUFERT
THOMAS	FOLEY	KRISTA	SHARP
DANIELLE	GLATFELTER	TARA	SHULTZ
KELLEY	GOODYEAR	CODY	SIEPIETOWSKI
SANDRA	GROVE	AMY	SMITH
RICHARD	GUYER	LINDSAY	SPITZLAY
KATHI	HAMMELS	CHARLES	STEVENS
TRACEY	HANEGRAAF	CHRISTINA	STOUGH
CAROLYN	HARTMAN	EVAN	THEAKSTON
RHADA	HARTMANN	WILLIAM	TOTH
TIJAY	HILDEBRAND	OLIVIA	VANDERMARK
ELIZABETH	HOWIE	KRISTA	VANZANARDI
NANCY	HUTTEL	TRACEY	WAGNER
LEIF	JOHNSON	SHAWNA	WEAVER
KIMBERLY	KEENE	GRETCHEN	WILLIAMS
MICHAEL	KILLION	MICHELLE	WILLIAMS
MICHAEL	KLEIN	REBECCA	WINAND
KAYLA	KREBS	AMY	WRITER
CHRISTINE	LEIK	LAUREN	ZORTMAN

2016-2017 Guest Teachers

KATHLEEN	BARNHART	SUSAN	HUTH
DIANE	BEEGLE	JANE	JOHNSON
TAYLOR	BLOSE	SUSAN	KREVETSKI
DAISY	BRANIN	MARGUERITA	MANN
BETSY	COLDIRON	CLAIRE	MCMILLION
NICOLE	CRAMER	CAITLYN	MITCHELL
KIMERLY	DAVIS	ANGELA	PESSOGNELLI
JOHN	DREIBELBIS	LINDA	SLENKER
ABEY	DREW	TRACEY	SMITH
BETSY	DUNKEL	JUDY	STEWART
JAMES	GILES	CARA BETH	ZORTMAN
KATHLEEN	HALL

Volunteer Coaches for Fall 2016-2017

David Zeiders – Cross Country

Michael McKee – Girls Basketball
Additional Volunteer for 2016-2017
Kathy Pindzola

Additional Committee Reports
There were no additional committee reports.

Legislative Liaison – Mr. Robinson
The York Suburban School District is invited to cast its votes for the PA School Boards Association leadership. No position is being contested. Board members are asked to review the slate of candidates prior to the September Planning Committee meeting at which time we will engage in a discussion on those candidates for whom we would like to cast a vote.

Mr. Robinson reported above. He encouraged everyone to read the PSBA Charter School Revenues, Expenses and Transparency Report.
Lincoln Intermediate Unit Board Report – Mr. Robinson
A discussion took place and points were – scheduling Dr. Thew to give presentation on Campaign for Fair Education Funding could be in form of educational session outside a Board meeting, during a Board meeting or a community meeting.

Ms. Leopold-Sharp concluded the discussion asing the Communications Committee to continue this discussion at their next meeting and report to the Board with a recommendation.
York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich
Mrs. Freireich reported students began last Tuesday with a good enrollment. Students continue to be tested for admission. Currently, there are 11 YS students enrolled.
York Adams Tax Bureau Report – Ms. Mason
No report
York County School of Technology – Mrs. Schroeder
Mrs. Schroeder reported a Board meeting is scheduled on Thursday. The first day for students is tomorrow.
Recognition of Visitors
Board Meeting and Committee Schedule
Ms. Leopold-Sharp 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.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 PM.

ADDENDUM

TO: Members of the York Suburban School Board
FROM: Michele A. Merkle, Ed.D., Superintendent
DATE: August 22, 2016
SUBJECT: Addendum to the Agenda for the Regular Monthly Meeting of August 22, 2016

VII. Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Bates

2.  Employment

  i.  Recommend the employment of Joelle Stark as a Long-term Substitute French Teacher at the Middle School and High School at the daily rate of $105, effective August 19, 2016 through approximately September 16, 2016, pending employment documents.

9. Re-Assignment

Recommend the re-assignment of Shannon Metzler from Temporary Professional Employee to Substitute Teacher at the rate of $105 per day retroactive to August 15, 2016 through November 21, 2016 pursuant to the agreement between YSEA, the District, and the employee.

Posted in SB-Minutes

LAST	FIRST	POSITION	SALARY	STEP
Good	Oliver	HS Assistant Student Council Advisor	$1,529	4