Minutes 2016-05-09

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
SPECIAL MEETING FOLLOWED BY PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
May 9, 2016 – 7:00 PM
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

M I N U T E S
(approved on May 23, 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, Elizabeth Huh (Student Representative)
3. Public Comment
  An opportunity was made for public comment. There was none at this time.
Board President’s Report – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
1. The Board met following the Regular Monthly Meeting on April 18, 2016 in Executive Session as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act for the purpose of discussing matters of tax assessment appeals and a personnel matter. No official action was taken.
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
2. The Personnel Committee met following the committee meeting on May 3, 2016 in Executive Session as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act for the purpose of discussing a personnel situation. No official action was taken.
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
3. Policy 004: Membership – Section: Board Member Education/Training – The Board shall consider what education and/or training programs should be planned for the 2016-17 school year.
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above and information was shared about budget expenditures and availability.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – there are various budget accounts under Board for membership/registration and travel per the State chart of accounts; approximately five years ago, the Board decided not to fund conferences like National School Boards Association (NSBA), membership in those organizations existed and Board members requesting to attend a conference needed to bring their request to the Board; Ms. Mason was instructed by former Superintendent to budget for site visits and other miscellaneous travel by Board members; in 2010, District paid for NSBA conference registration and Board members paid remaining expenses; PA School Boards Association (PSBA) does provide new Board member training and other various activities/trainings; the District and students do benefit from these opportunities that Board members and Administration elect to attend.
  
  Dr. Merkle reviewed above policy section and suggested plans be determined and budget prepared accordingly.
  
  The discussion continued and points were – suggestion to have a committee discuss this further; the PSBA membership of approximately $14,000 includes a number of things including being a part of their insurance pool, training opportunities and policy services; frame what is necessary for professional development for Board members, then review retroactively and address Ms. Shaffer’s request for reimbursement for NSBA conference registration; suggest Ad Hoc committee be created to meet with Administration to discuss this further.
  
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported dates to schedule an Ad Hoc Committee meeting will be reviewed with Administration, Board members will be notified and a meeting will be scheduled.
  
  Dr. Merkle asks what information is requested for the Ad Hoc Committee meeting and response was budget line items including amounts and expenses paid for the last several years.
  
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp concluded the discussion stating this committee will report back to the Board following the committee meeting.
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
The Administration recommends Board approval of the immediate expulsion of Student #214160 as set forth in the confidential Administrative Disciplinary Hearing Agreement following a hearing conducted by Board appointed hearing officer, Michele Merkle. The student has been placed at an alternative school and may apply to return to York Suburban for 2016-17 if the terms of the adjudication are met. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

Motion, Bates, Second, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
The Administration recommends Board approval of the Resolution Authorizing Proposed Final Budget display and advertising.

Budget Comparison Report
PDE-2028 – Preliminary 2016-17 General Fund Budget

[Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

Motion, Shaffer, Second, Schroeder; Approval.

Ms. Mason reviewed the Buget Comparison Report & Option Sheet that was provided to Board members.

A discussion continued and points were – a one month insurance holiday amounts to $308,000 and it is required to take the whole amount; there is a formula to calculate the monthly payment that goes to the Trust Fund; the District must maintain 3 months worth of claims which is about $1 million for the District right now in the account; a one month holiday and its impact on the budget for next year was discussed; the Administration recommendation is Option 3, balancing budget with fund balance or federal revenue monies that were just announced.

Ms. Mason reported approval of the above resolution authorizes the Administration to advertise and display the budget.

The discussion continued and points were – the budget currently includes the six new positions with an anticipated salary and is adjusted when actual salaries are available; options will continue to be reviewed as additional information is available.

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

Dr. Merkle asked if any additional information is requested from the Board to discuss the budget. The response was only updates when they are available.
Comments and/or Questions from the Public
An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
Adjournment
This meeting was adjourned at 7:53 PM.

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
MAY 9, 2016 – 7:00 PM
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

A G E N D A

General Business
Call to Order – Ms. Leopold-Sharp

This meeting was called to order at 7:53 PM.
Board President’s Report – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
1. High School Division Report: Dr. Ellis, High School Principal and Mrs. Gentzyel, High School Science Department Chair will report out on the high school Keystone Test preparation.
  Dr. Ellis and Mrs. Gentzyel provided information and answered questions. Dr. Ellis reported the Biology Boot Camp was the initiative of Mrs. Gentzyel and the Science Department’s. They gave their time to prepare and teach this boot camp which is now a model program.
2. The Administration will be recommending approval of the renewal of the York Academy Regional Charter School charter.
  Background and Key Issues
  
  Dr. Merkle reported above.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – YARCS has met the standard for PVAAS; comments were made about not asking better questions when the charter was first approved; comments were expressed about having difficulty with an affirmative vote; YS was one of the three chartering school districts in 2010; if charter is not renewed by YS, our students can attend YARCS and the payment would be the same; the Administration is not aware of any concerns for mismanagement or any financial issues at YARCS; the possible new location for YARCS is not part of the charter renewal; Administration was asked to check with solicitor and legal counsel for any additional information including recent revisions to charter school law and whether debt can fall back on chartering schools; YARCS is on pace for International Baccalaureate status; the benefit for charter renewal is guaranteed number of seats and political influence and the obligation for oversight; original charter approval seemed like the District was being helpful by joining the effort with two other school districts and now YS is not pleased with the academic achievement results at YARCS.
  
  Dr. Merkle concluded the discussion stating the the Administration will contact the legal counsel that was used with the three school districts for additional information and provide that information to the Board before their vote. Technically, the Board has until June to vote. The other two school districts are discussing the renewal this week and no action has been taken on their part to date.
3. The Administration is proposing the attached goals to be approved by the Board as the 2016-17 District Goals.
  Dr. Merkle reported above. The Administration plans to use this information at the Administrative Rally in June. Measurability will be worked on once goals are approved.
  
  A discussion took place and point was – Dr. Merkle will provide the meaning of SISMS acronym on page 2.
Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
1. Items being recommended for approval on May 23
  1. The Administration recommends Board approval of a three year contract with ___ as the primary bank for the District.
    Ms. Mason reported above and stated the final stages of review for bank selection are currently taking place.
  2. The Administration recommends Board approval of the following Depositories for 2016-17.
    1. Pennsylvania School District Liquid Asset Fund (PSDLAF)
    2. Adams County National Bank
    3. First National Bank
      Ms. Mason reported above.
  3. The Administration recommends Board approval of the LIU Joint Purchasing Bids – Custodial Supplies, General Supplies, Paper Supplies and Art Supplies.
    Ms. Mason reported above.
  4. The Administration recommends Board approval of the revised Use of Facilities Fee Schedule.
    Ms. Mason reported above and detailed the changes.
  5. The Administration recommends Board approval of The Glatfelter Agency, a Division of Glatfelter Insurance Group, as Broker of Record for the 2016-17 fiscal year.
    Ms. Mason reported above.
  6. The Administration recommends the renewal of the contract for Whitson’s Culinary Group as the Food Service Management Company for the 2016-17 fiscal year.
    Ms. Mason reported above. This is the last year of the contract and the District will process a Request For Proposal for a new contract in the fall.
  7. The Administration recommends Board approval of establishing the Student Activity Account, Middle School Musical for the purposes of using the funds to buy show rights, provide costumes and sets for the musical and further advance the YSMS musical program.
    Ms. Mason reported above.
2. Informational Item
  Giant Food Store donated a bench made of recycled plastic bags to Yorkshire Elementary as part of its “Bags to Benches” initiative.
  
  Ms. Mason reported above.
Student Board Representative Report – Elizabeth Huh
Miss Huh reported a spring concert was held last week and the jazz band will perform at Cherry Lane at 11:00 AM tomorrow. A Wellness Night is scheduled on Friday. Prom and Post-Prom tickets are on sale. The Academic Reception is scheduled for Monday, May 16. Yearbooks were distributed last week.

Mrs. Freireich reported that Elizabeth played a flute performance at the Distinguished Young Women program and she won an academic scholarship valued at $1000.
Committee Reports – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
1. Academic Standards & Curriculum Committee – Mrs. Schroeder
  1. The minutes of March 22 are provided.
    Mrs. Schroeder reported above.
  2. East York Elementary 2014-15 Title I Reward School (Highest 5% of Title I schools based on progress in closing the achievement gap)
    Mrs. Schroeder reported above and with this recognition, the District is currently applying for a $50,000 innovation grant.
2. Finance Committee – Mr. Posenau
  1. The minutes of February 24 are provided.
    Mr. Posenau reported above.
  2. The Committee will be recommending Board approval of the 2016-17 Food Service Budget of $1,420,955 and set the lunch and breakfast prices as follows:
    
    Proposed Meal Prices – 2016-17
    
    $.10 Increase (Lunch)
    
    Lunch
    
    Breakfast
    
    $2.30 Elementary
    
    $1.40 Elementary
    
    $2.55 Secondary
    
    $1.40 Secondary
    
    $3.80 Adult
    
    $1.95 Adult
    
    Mr. Posenau reported above.
    
    A discussion continued and the point was – a few years back, YS was slightly below the average of neighboring districts.
3. Personnel Committee – Ms. Bates
  The minutes of March 1 are provided.
  
  Ms. Bates reported above.
4. Policy Review Committee – Mr. Thoman
  1. The minutes of March 29 are provided.
    Mr. Thoman reported above.
  2. The Policy Review Committee will be recommending approval of the following policy revisions.
    Mr. Thoman reported above and asked if there were any questions on the following policies.
    1. 113.2 Behavior Support
      A discussion took place about the section of policy pertaining to seclusion of students.
    2. 113.3 Screening and Evaluation for Students with Disabilities
    3. 113.6 Surrogate Parents
    4. 115 Career and Technical Education
    5. 116 Tutoring
      A discussion took place about definition of tutors for home school child.
    6. 117 Homebound Instruction
    7. 118 Independent Study
    8. 122 Extracurricular Activities
    9. 123 Interscholastic Activities
5. Additional Committee Reports/Announcements
  There were no additional committee reports.
Lincoln Intermediate Unit – Mr. Robinson
The LIU …by Dawn’s Early Light Board Meeting Highlights of May 3 is provided.

Mr. Robinson reported above. Recently the York Learning Center experienced water accumulating in the basement that mixed with heating fuel and hazmat team was needed for clean up. It was necessary to be closed for two days.
York Adams Academy – Mrs. Freireich
Mrs. Freireich reported everything is on schedule for graduation on June 14. Students wil be brought in for extra sessions due to the two days that were missed. Four YS students are planning to graduate.
York County School Technology – Mrs. Schroeder
The YCST Joint Operating Committee Mini-Board Report of April 28 is provided.

Mrs. Schroeder reported above.
Board Meeting and Committee Schedule
Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
Comments and/or Questions from the Public
A time was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
Adjournment
This meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM.

An Executive Session was held following the meeting.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of each report.

Posted in SB-Minutes

Proposed Meal Prices – 2016-17
$.10 Increase (Lunch)
Lunch	Breakfast
$2.30 Elementary	$1.40 Elementary
$2.55 Secondary	$1.40 Secondary
$3.80 Adult	$1.95 Adult