Minutes 2016-09-26

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
SEPTEMBER 26, 2016 – 7:00 PM
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

M I N U T E S  
(approved on October 24, 2016)

 

  1. 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, Cathy Shaffer, Michael Thoman, Peyton Stuart (Student Representative)

      Members not present – Lois Ann Schroeder,

    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.

      An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.

    4. Discussion and Action on Board Minutes.  Approval of the Minutes of the Combined Planning Committee and Regular Monthly Meeting of July 18, 2016, the Regular Monthly Meeting of August 22, 2016 and the Planning Committee Meeting of September 12, 2016.  [Public Comment; Approval as submitted/corrected]

      The minutes were accepted as presented

  2. 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 August 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  

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

  3. Board President’s Report - Ms. Leopold-Sharp

    The Board met prior to the Planning Committee Meeting on September 12, 2016 in Executive Session as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act for the purpose of discussing personnel contracts. No official action was taken.

    Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.

  4. Superintendent’s Report - Dr. Merkle
    1. Student Enrollment Report  

      Dr. Merkle reported above. Highlights mentioned were Kindergarten at 185 is one of our lowest kindergarten classes and and other low numbers are Grade 4 at 182 and Grade 12 at 162. On the flipside, Grade 7 is at 281. Unpredictability and instability of classes makes the personnel task interesting.

      A discussion continued and the point was – the comparison of previous year to this year with charter schools and York Academy Regional Charter School numbers will be available next month with the demographics presentation. 

    2. The Administration recommends Board approval of the York Academy Regional Charter School Amendment.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Bates, Second, Shaffer; Approval.

      A discussion continued and points were – Dr. Merkle will prepare a draft cover letter to go with this action for Board members to review that includes comments about charter school law and its impact on public education, understanding the difference between YARCS and other charter schools and charter schools having different financial responsibilities; the District would not have any financial liability if the doors of YARCS would close. 

      Roll Call Vote, all present, yes, except Freireich, no. Motion carried 7-1. 

    3. Summer School Report – Dr. Ellis, Dr. Gulley

      Elementary
      High School

      Dr. Gulley and teachers, Mrs. Cheryl Bowman and Mrs. Mitzi Heaton presented the elementary report.

      Dr. Merkle commented having a full day for elementary students this past summer was very successful. Kudos are extended to Dr. Gulley and the other principals and the teachers as they were over the top with creativity that included STEAM and STEM initiative.

      A discussion continued and points were – there was no transportation provided; there are repeat students year to year each summer; approximately 130-140 students are invited to attend, selection of students are based on teacher recommendations and are data driven; the summer program is geared for remediation, an enrichment camp consideration is being reviewed for the future; other teachers involved with this year’s program were Mrs. Cat Smith and Ms. Danielle Glatfelter.

      Dr. Ellis presented the high school report.

      A discussion continued and points were – the program is for remedial work only, acceleration options are currently being reviewed for the future from interest expressed from students that like to remain busy over the summer; some of the English teachers are having the “One School, One Book” district-wide reading intiative as part of reading and posters were created and are posted around the building, the teachers are reviewing options to use a flex period to start discussion groups followed by welcoming community members in the evenings for discussion, there may be other school districts interested and may be inolved to trade books; a behavior that persists during school and summer for some students is lack of engagement and those students are not successful, during the summer program it is necessary every evening to do the work and practice.

      Dr. Merkle thanked Mr. Ellis for providing the snapshot of the high school summer program. 

    4. Class Size Report - Dr. Merkle will provide an overview of the current class sizes across the District.

      Dr. Merkle reported above.

      A discussion continued and the point was – foreign language for 8th grade will be included in the report.

      Dr. Merkle concluded the discussion thanking the Board for the new staff this year and sharing these new positions are assisting with balancing the class sizes.

    5. The Administration recommends Board approval of the expulsion of Student #210144, as set forth in the adjudication prepared by Attorney Brooke Say following a disciplinary hearing conducted by a committee of the Board. Following a one year expulsion, the student may apply to return to York Suburban if the terms of the adjudication are met. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    6.  The Administration recommends Board approval of the confidential Administrative Disciplinary Hearing Agreement for Student # 212327, following a hearing conducted by Board appointed hearing officer, Michele Merkle. The Agreement sets forth the details of the recommendation in response to the Act 26 violation. The student will complete a six day out of school suspension and be placed on social probation for the remainder of the 2016-17 school year.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Bates, Second, Freireich; Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

      A discussion continued and the point was – social probation was described as being permitted on school property for school-related matters only.

    7. Breakfast with the Board has been scheduled with the Indian Rock staff on September 27 at 7:30 AM.

      Dr. Merkle reported above.

    8. Full-Day Kindergarten Option Update

      Dr. Merkle reported that Dr. Maloney is leading the exploration of a FDK option with a committee. Several organizational meetings have taken place with administrators and teachers. A survey was sent to parents of students in grades K-2. A Let’s Talk YS program with the Superintendent is scheduled on October 5 and it is being advertised with a featured topic of the discussion of exploration of FDK for the District. A staffing meeting to review projections for a FDK program and budget implications is scheduled tomorrow. Work will continued in October with anticipation of information coming to the Board in November.

      A discussion took place and the point was – the Administration is reviewing a notice that went home this morning about a late bus during the two hour delay scheduled for professional development.

  5. Business Office Report - Ms. Mason
    1. The Administration recommends Board approval of next year’s Budget Calendar.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    2. The Administration recommends the Board amend the 2016-17 Budget as follows to include the Title I Reward School Grant:

      Revenue

         

      Expense

         

      10–8514

      Title I

       $ 49,669

       10-1190-122-419-10-214-000-000-020 

       Title I Sub Salaries 

       $   2,640

           

       10-1190-191-419-10-214-000-000-020 

       Title I Aide Salaries 

            2,580

           

       10-1190-220-419-10-214-000-000-020 

       Title I Social Security 

               400

           

       10-1190-230-419-10-214-000-000-020 

       Title I Retirement 

            1,568

           

       10-1190-330-419-10-214-000-000-020 

       Title I Professional Svs. 

          10,000

           

       10-1190-610-610-10-214-000-000-020 

       Supplies 

            5,717

           

       10-1190-640-419-10-214-000-000-020 

       Textbooks 

          26,764

         

       $ 49,669

         

       $ 49,669

      [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    3. The Administration recommends Board approval of the contract with Heinemann in the amount of $10,000 to provide professional development for elementary teachers.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    4. The Administration recommends Board approval of Integrity Bank as a Depository for 2016-17.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    5. Informational:

      Food Service Department Report

      Sales Report

      Ms. Mason reported above. 

    6. Ms. Mason reported it is anticipated the PlanCon money will be available during the end of October and beginning of November.
    7. Ms. Mason reported the District’s Standard and Poor’s bond rating has been upgraded to A+. An applause was heard around the table.
  6. Student Board Representative Report - Peyton Stuart

    Mr. Stuart reported homecoming was during the past weekend and all activities went very well. An athletic report was given. National Honor Society inductees need to turn in their paperwork by Friday.

    Thanks was extended to Mr. Stuart and his band colleagues for coming out on Saturday for the rescheduled football game.

  7. Committee Reports - Ms. Leopold-Sharp
    1. Academic Standards and Curriculum Committee Report - Mrs. Schroeder

      The Academic Standards and Curriculum Committee recommends Board approval of theConsolidated School of Business Articulation Agreement.  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

      Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.

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

    2. Communications Committee Report - Ms. Shaffer
      1. The minutes of July 28 are provided.

        Ms. Shaffer reported above.

      2. The Activity and Communications Reports are provided.

        Ms. Shaffer reported above. 

    3. Facilities Committee Report - Mrs. Freireich

      The minutes of August 17 are provided.

      Mrs. Freireich reported above. The bids for the secure entrance project at Yorkshire Elementary will be opened at 11:30 AM on October 4.

    4. Finance Commitee – Mr. Posenau

      The September 28 committee meeting is canceled.

      Mr. Posenau reported above. 

    5. Personnel Committee Report - Ms. Bates
      1. A Fireside Chat has been scheduled on October 26, 2016 at 6:30 PM. Ms. Leopold-Sharp, Mr. Robinson and Ms. Bates will represent the Board.

        Ms. Bates reported above. 

      2. Consent Agenda  [You have before you the Personnel Report which includes retirement, resignation, appointment, employment, re-appointment of winter coaches, substitute teachers, guest teachers, volunteer fall coach, volunteer winter coach and volunteers.  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; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

        Motion, Bates, Second, Shaffer; Approval of Items A-I. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

        Motion, Bates, Second, Shaffer; Approval of Item J. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes, except Thoman, abstain. Motion carried 7-0-1.

        Dr. Ellis welcomed Joelle Stark, in attendance this evening.

        1. Retirement  

          Recommend Board approval of the retirement of Donna Krane, Librarian at the Middle School, effective April 3, 2017.  Mrs. Krane is retiring after having served 22 ½ years in education and 16 ½ years with York Suburban School District.

        2. Resignation

          Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Joshua Beamesderfer as Assistant Boys Lacrosse #1 Coach effective September 2, 2016.

        3. Appointment  

          Recommend the appointment of Jared Conway as High School Percussion (Winter) Advisor for the 2016-2017 school year at the salary of $1,766, which represents Step 3 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.

        4. Employment  
          1.  

            Name:

            Joelle  F. Stark 

            Education:

            Athenee Emile Bockstael, Brussels, AK, High School Diploma; Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, B.S. in Business Administration and M.A. in Teaching (French)

            Certification:

            French  PK-12

            ESL  K-12

            Contract:

            Temporary Professional Contract

            Salary:

            $62,700 (Salary to be pro-rated based on start date) – M.S. – Step 1

            Assignment:

            High School / Middle School – French Teacher

            Effective:

            September 27, 2016

          2. Recommend the employment of Chrystal Gerner as an Instructional Support Aide at Indian Rock Elementary effective September 6, 2016, at the hourly rate of $10.65. 
          3. Recommend the employment of Alyssa Kennedy as a half-time long-term Substitute Music Teacher at the Middle School effective October 3, 2016, through approximately December 22, 2016, at the daily rate of $52.50, pending employment documents.
          4. Recommend the employment of Alyssa Kennedy as a Substitute Aide effective for the 2016-2017 school year, at the hourly rate of $9.55, pending employment documents.
          5. Recommend the employment of Naomy Ramirez as a Personal Care Assistant at the Middle School effective September 12, 2016, at the hourly rate of $10.65.
          6. Recommend the employment of Rebecca Hayes as a Long -term Substitute 2nd Grade Teacher at Yorkshire Elementary from November 15, 2016 through December 22, 2016, at the daily rate of $105. 
          7. Recommend the employment of Itsel Maure as a Substitute Custodian at the hourly rate of $10.00 effective September 27, 2016.
          8. Recommend a correction to the hourly rate of Amy Johns, Diana Loomis, Rachael Schwimer and Alicia Erickson, Substitute Aides, from the approved hourly rate of $10.00 per hour to $9.55 per hour.
        5. Re-Appointment of Winter Coaches for 2016-2017   

          LAST

          FIRST

          POSITION

          SALARY

          STEP

          Appleby

          Michael

          Assistant Boys & Girls Swimming #1

          $5,652

          4

          Barley

          Jessica

          Head Girls Basketball

          $7,709

          4

          Bixler-Kint

          Trista

          Middle School Head Cheerleading (Winter)

          $1,786

          2

          Brennan

          Craig

          Head Boys & Girls Swimming

          $8,854

          4

          Gentzyel

          Brian

          Head Wrestling

          $6,449

          4

          Guyer

          Richard

          Assistant Boys & Girls Swimming #3

          $4,250

          4

          King

          Michael

          Assistant Wrestling

          $4,373

          4

          Kowalewski

          Hope

          Assistant Boys & Girls Swimming #2

          $4,250

          4

          Kurilla

          Darren

          Middle School Assistant Girls Basketball

          $1,786

          2

          Mountz

          Michael

          Middle School Head Wrestling

          $2,276

          2

          Rumbaugh

          Christopher

          Middle School Assistant Wrestling

          $3,381

          4

          Scerbo

          Amy

          Middle School Head Girls Basketball

          $4,459

          4

          Staab

          Nicholas

          Assistant Girls Basketball

          $5,925

          4

          Yoder

          Leslee

          Head Cheerleading (Winter)

          $4,052

          4

        6. Recommend the employment of the following Substitute Teachers at the daily rate of $100, effective September 27, 2016:

          Judith Bowser

          Rebecca Hayes

          Jennifer Lawless

          Iris Matucha

          Rachael Schwimer

        7. Recommend the employment of the following Guest Teachers at the daily rate of $100, effective September 27, 2016:

          Jillian Byron

          Edward Fox

          Hillary Nelson

          Charles Rostron

        8. Recommend Board approval of the following Volunteer Fall Coach for 2016-2017:

          Alisha Graybill

          Cross Country

        9. Recommend Board approval of the following Volunteer Winter Coach for 2016-2017:

          Molly Ariail

          Girls Basketball

        10. Recommend Board approval of the following Volunteers for 2016-2017:

          Apryl Balon

          Kristin Bramble

          Shannon California

          Judith Carmody

          Jane Carroll

          Kelly Danks

          Melinda Eppolito

          Lauren Farah

          Shelby Ilgenfritz

          Kimberly Keffer

          Amy Miller

          Patricia Neidigh

          Lori Rudy

          Braquel Sargen

          Amber Seidel

          Gerri-Jean Thoman

    6. Policy Review Committee - Mr. Thoman

      The Policy Review Committee recommends Board approval of the following policy revisions.

      1. 127 Assessments
      2. 130 Homework
      3. 137 Home Education Programs
      4. 137.1 Extracurricular Participation by Home Education Students
      5. 138 Limited English Proficiency Program
      6. 140.1 Extracurricular Participation by Charter/Cyber Charter Students
      7. 142 Migrant Students  
        [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

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

    7. Additional Committee Reports  

      There were none at this time.

  8. Legislative Liaison - Mr. Robinson

    PSBA Leadership Election  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

    Mr. Robinson recommend approval of the slate of candidates.

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

  9. Lincoln Intermediate Unit Board Report - Mr. Robinson

    Mr. Robinson reported the LIU received an innovation grant for a labratory.

  10. York Adams Academy Report - Mrs. Freireich

    Mrs. Freireich reported 11 YS students are currently attending YAA. 77% of the seats are filled.

  11. York Adams Tax Bureau Report - Ms. Mason

    Ms. Mason reported the next meeting is scheduled on October 31.

  12. York County School of Technology - Mrs. Schroeder

    No report. 

  13. Recognition of Visitors  
  14. Board Meeting and Committee Schedule   
  15. 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.

  16. Adjournment
     
    The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 PM.

    THERE WILL BE AN EXECUTIVE SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE MEETING.
     
    An Executive Session was held.