Minutes 2015-10-19

 YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD

Regular Monthly Meeting

October 19, 2015 – 7:00 PM

Ronald H. Provard Education Center

There will be an Executive Session at 6:30 PM prior to the meeting.

M I N U T E S
(approved on November 16, 2015) 

  1. General Business

    Call to Order – Mr. Miller

    1. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag  
      Mr. Miller called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
    2. Roll Call  

      Members present – Jennifer Clancy, Ellen Freireich, Lynne Leopold-Sharp, Roger Miller, John Posenau, Lois Ann Schroeder, Joel Sears, Cathy Shaffer, Elizabeth Huh (Student Representative)

      Members not present – Emily Bates

    3. Public Comment  

      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 Regular Monthly Meeting of September 21, 2015 and the Planning Committee Meeting of October 5, 2015.  [Public Comment; Approval as submitted/corrected]

      Mr. Miller reported above. An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time. The minutes were approved as submitted.

  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 September 30, 2015.  [File for audit]

    1. Treasurer’s Report (All Funds)
    2. Condensed Board Summary Report – General Fund Revenue
    3. Condensed III Board Summary Report – General Fund Expenditures Report
    4. Condensed III Board Summary Report – Capital Projects, Capital Reserve, Food Service
    5. Fund Accounting Check Summary Report – General Fund, Food Service, Capital Projects
    6. Student Activity Account Summary  

      Motion, Posenau, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval of the Treasurer’s Report.

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

      Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

  3. Board President’s Report – Mr. Miller
    1. Executive Session.  The Board met in Executive Session on September 21, 2015 following the Regular Monthly Board Meeting, on October 5, 2015 following the Planning Committee Meeting and prior to this evening’s meeting for the purpose of discussing personnel and/or legal issues.

      Mr. Miller reported above.

    2. Appointment of Nominating Committee Chairperson  [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

      Mr. Miller reported that Ms. Bates volunteered to be chairperson of the Nominating Committee.

      Motion, Shaffer, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Ms. Bates appointed as Nominating Committee chairperson.

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

      Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

    3. Approval of the Agreement with Act 93 – As a result of executive session discussions, I recommend approval of the proposed Agreement between the Board of School Directors of the York Suburban School District and the York Suburban Act 93 group July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019. The proposed Agreement includes salary increases in each of three years as well as changes in healthcare benefits commensurate with those in the Agreement with YSEA.  [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Freireich, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval of above.

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

      Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

  4. Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
    1. Congratulations to the 2015 National Merit Commended Students!
      1. Jonathan Abel, son of David and Ronda Abel
      2. Gareth Keene, son of Edmund and Kimberly Keene
      3. Madeleine Nesbitt, daughter of Thomas and Jennifer Nesbitt
      4. Grace Pindzola, daughter of Dr. Ander and Kathy Pindzola
      5. Rebecca Schwartz, daughter of Jacqueline Schwartz and David Schwartz
      6. Paul Um, son of Soohong and Youngjin Um

        Dr. Merkle announced the accomplishments of the National Merit students. Mr. Miller presented each student with a certificate of accomplishment.

    2. Student Enrollment Report  

      Dr. Merkle reported above. 

      A discussion continued and points were – Administration is keeping a close eye on the 5th grade classes at East York and Indian Rock while some residency situations are currently being researched and provisions in place include additional aide support, co-teaching along with math and reading support; regarding growth of student enrollment after September 1, this has occurred more recently as new students have been showing up one, two and three weeks late, some are transferring and some are new for the school year, the Administration has been discussing ways to inform parents that registration must be completed by the start of the school year; Lincoln Edge is run through the LIU and is an alternative opportunity for students that would be placed out of the school, it is a cheaper version of cyber charter but the District uses it very sparingly because the students end up with a YS diploma despite a much less rigorous curriculum; the cost for a student at Lincoln Edge is less than a student at an alternative education program.

    3. York Academy Regional Charter School Renewal – The Administration is recommending a process and timeline for renewal of the charter for the York Academy Regional Charter School. The Administration would like to invite Board participation.

      Dr. Merkle reviewed above information.

      A discussion continued and points were – the initial charter and the current application are largely similar with additions of what was done for commitment that include global statements; many questions remain regarding whether the IB curriculum has been met as currently there are only K-5 grade levels; the renewal of the original charter can incorporate new components; the three chartering school districts (York City SD, Central York SD and YS) must decide on a single recommendation as a split vote is not legally defined, it has been decided for the solicitor for the York City SD  to provide legal advice during this process and it may be necessary to consult the District’s solicitor if a split vote is evident; it has been extremely difficult for the York City SD to not renew the charter with New Hope Charter as the law has been set up in favor of the charter school; potential impact on the future is a concern with paying more money for students to learn less at a charter school; if YS would not agree to sponsor the charter, YS students could still elect to attend YARCS; Administration agreed to provide additional information that includes the charter school for the 36 charter students on the student enrollment report; Mrs. Freireich and Mr. Sears are interested in reviewing the application; Mrs. Freireich and Ms. Shaffer are interested in participating in the site visit.

      Solicitor Brooke Say reported the standards for renewal are not very specific in charter school law. The Charter Appeal Board is liberal. If a school district refused a charter, the Charter Appeal Board can and routinely does reverse decisions. 

      Dr. Merkle added that she has learned much from her review of the application and it is not something every board member would need to review to be informed. The Administrative team does plan to provide a summary to Board members. Our goal is to try and keep the process simplistic.

      Mr. Miller concluded the discussion stating that this is just the start of the process and no vote will be taken this evening. If any other Board members are interested in participating in the process, please inform Dr. Merkle or himself.

    4. District Goal Quarterly Review  

      Dr. Merkle reviewed above.

    5. High School Band – The High School Administration is proposing that there be a change to the High School band program such that the marching band becomes an extracurricular activity. In recognition that such a change is larger than the typical course change request, the Administration is presenting to you an outline of the process to be used before taking this through the Academic Standards and Curriculum Committee.

      Dr. Merkle reviewed above. This proposal will come to the Planning Committee meeting in November, followed by going to the Academic Standards and Curriculum Committee meeting and returning to the Board.

      Discussion – a thank you was extended to the music department and Administration for the thoroughness of this process; the Administration is a big proponent of preserving the culture of the band at YS; logistics remain to be determined; timing of notification of students and parents was discussed; the Student Representative has not heard any discussion from fellow students regarding this proposal.

    6. New Board Member Orientation – As we anticipate the election of three new Board members to be seated in December, Dr. Merkle has prepared a comprehensive orientation program for them. The outline of the program is attached.

      Dr. Merkle reviewed above.

  5. Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
    1. The Administration recommends approval of the Preventive Maintenance Agreement with Tyco Simplex Grinnell for Fire Alarm Test and Inspection, Access Control Software Services, Emergency Service, Fire Alarm Monitoring and Burglar Alarm Monitoring Districtwide for a total annual cost of $39,573. This is a three year agreement.  [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote] 

      Ms. Mason reported above.

      Motion, Freireich, Second, Posenau; Approval.

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

      Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

    2. The Administration recommends approval of advertising and soliciting of bids for the Middle School Partial Roof Replacement.  [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

      Ms. Mason reported above.

      Motion, Frereich, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval.

      A discussion continued and the point was – this partial roof replacement project is separate from the Facilities Committee discussion on middle school secure entrance and cafeteria renovation.

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

      Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

    3. The Administration recommends approval of the Proposal for Professional Services required for renovations to the Trojan Field with Turf, Track & Court, LLC in the amount of $22,575.  [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

      Ms. Mason reported above.

      Motion, Freieich, Second, Posenau; Approval.

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

      Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

    4. The Administration recommends the Board approve the contract with Ruppert Detective Agency for the purposes of Student Residency Investigation Services.  [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

      Ms. Mason reported above.

      Motion, Sears, Second, Shaffer; Approval.

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

      Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

    5. Informational:
      1. Trojan Wrestling Club donation in the amount of $5,178 for Wrestling Mat Reconditioning. 
      2. York Suburban Education Foundation grants in the amount of $18,788 for the following – $1,000 for Exploring Art Through Technology; $2,100 for SASSY Advisory for Underserved Students; $1,348 for a 100 Grid Carpet; $4,040 for World Drumming; $300 for Glitter Bug; $10,000 for Ditch for Desk/Thinking on Your Feet.
      3. York Suburban High School All-Sports Booster Club donation in the amount of $3,641.56 – $970.83 for Boys Volleyball; $488 for Boys Golf; $532.46 for Girls Field Hockey; $1,650.27 for Swimming.

        Ms. Mason reported above.

        A thank you was extended to these groups and individuals for all these efforts to provide these types of support for the students.

      4. Food Service Department Report
        1. Dining Review Report for September
        2. Sales Report  

          Ms. Mason reported above.

          A member of the public recently talked with a Board member and shared thanks to the business office for the transparency of information being reported since Ms. Mason became the Director of Finance.

  6. Student Board Representative Report – Miss Huh

    Miss Huh reported the students enjoyed the big football game at West York last Friday that the team won; the tennis team continued on to districts and that was the first time since 2006 that a YS team as a whole made it to districts; Sam Clancy and Bailey Cross will be representing YS for tennis doubles at districts; the Color Clash event will be held this Saturday that will include a new festival/carnival following the Color Clash, to include face painting, arts and crafts and games, with donations going to mini-THON; the high school clubs and organizations are looking forward to having trick or treat on October 29 for the elementary students.

    A Board member added that Elizabeth has played phenomenally this year and did not lose one tennis match in competition this year.

  7. Committee Reports – Mr. Miller
    1. Communications Committee Report – Mrs. Schroeder

      The Activities and Communications Reports are provided.

      Mrs. Schroeder reported above.

    2. Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer

      Consent Agenda  [You have before you the Personnel Report which includes retirement, resignations, employment, leave of absence, re-appointment of winter coaches, additional substitutes, additional volunteer coaches for winter and volunteer coach for spring.  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]

      During a discussion, it was noted that Martin Hasenfuss was listed twice and should be removed from reappointment as he is new coach being hired this evening.

      Motion, Shaffer, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval of the consent agenda of personnel committee report.

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

      Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

      1. Retirement
        Recommend Board approval of the retirement of Joyce Landis, Office Aide at East York Elementary, effective December 31, 2015.  Mrs. Landis is retiring after having served 23 years with York Suburban School District. 
      2. Resignations  
        1. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Jeanette Day, Assistant Boys & Girls Swimming Coach #3, effective October 14, 2015.
        2. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Elizabeth Dellinger, Instructional Support Aide at Yorkshire Elementary, effective October 5, 2015.
      3. Employment  
        1. Recommend the employment of Martin Hasenfuss as Assistant Boys Basketball Coach at the salary of $4,000 which represents Step 4 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.

        2. Recommend the employment of Jessica Hawk as an Instructional Support Aide at the Middle School at the hourly rate of $10.50, effective October 19, 2015.

        3. Recommend the employment of Kerstin Lane as a Substitute Custodian at the hourly rate of $10, effective for the 2015-2016 school year.

        4. Recommend the employment of Larry Leland as a Substitute Custodian at the hourly rate of $10, effective for the 2015-2016 school year.

        5. Recommend the employment of John Salisbury as a Substitute Custodian at the hourly rate of $10, effective for the 2015-2016 school year.

        6. Recommend the employment of Deidre Smith as an Instructional Support Aide at Yorkshire Elementary at the hourly rate of $10.50, effective October 5, 2015 through January 8, 2016.

        7. Recommend the employment of Rochelle Wert as a Personal Care Assistant at Indian Rock Elementary at the hourly rate of $10.50, effective October 14, 2015.

      4. Leave of Absence  

        Recommend Board approval of the request of Kathy Pugh, Middle School Administrative Assistant, for an FMLA leave of absence from September 9, 2015 through October 16, 2015.

      5. Re-Appointment of Winter Coaches for 2015-2016  

        LAST

        FIRST

        POSITION

        STEP 15-16

        SALARY

        APPLEBY

        MICHAEL

        Assistant Boys & Girls Swimming #1

        4

        $5,600

        BARLEY

        JESSICA

        Head Girls Basketball

        4

        $7,657

        BOECKEL

        DUSTIN

        Head Boys Basketball

        4

        $7,657

        BRENNAN

        CRAIG

        Head Boys & Girls Swimming

        4

        $8,802

        FANT

        RYAN

        Middle School Assistant Wrestling

        4

        $3,329

        GENTZYEL

        BRIAN

        Head Wrestling

        4

        $6,397

        HASENFUSS

        MARTIN

        Assistant Boys Basketball

        4

        $4,000

        KING

        MICHAEL

        Assistant Wrestling

        4

        $4,321

        KOWALEWSKI

        HOPE

        Assistant Boys & Girls Swimming #2

        4

        $4,198

        MCFADDEN

        JAMES

        Middle School Assistant Boys Basketball

        4

        $4,137

        SCERBO

        AMY

        Middle School Head Girls Basketball

        4

        $4,407

        SNELL

        ALEXIS

        Assistant Cheerleading – Winter

        3

        $2,494

        STAAB

        NICHOLAS

        Assistant Girls Basketball

        4

        $5,873

        WOOD

        KEVIN

        Middle School Head Boys Basketball

        4

        $4,407

        YODER

        LESLEE

        Head Cheerleading – Winter

        4

        $4,000

      6. Additional Substitutes for 2015-2016  

        1. Steven Finkenbiner

        2. Courtney Lehman

      7. Additional Volunteer Coaches for Winter 2015-2016  

        Joseph Hasenfuss

        Boys Basketball

        Alexis Mailman

        Girls Basketball

        Scott Naylor

        Wrestling

        Jay Rexroth

        Girls Basketball

        Mark Rhine

        Swimming

        Thomas Staab

        Girls Basketball

        Cody Waltimyer

        JH Boys Basketball

      8. Volunteer Coach for Spring 2015-2016  

        J. Ander Pindzola

        Track and Field

    3. Policy Review Committee Report – Ms. Bates
      The Policy Review Committee recommends approval of the following policy revisions.  [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

      1. 806 Child/Student Abuse

      2. 819 Suicide Prevention

      3. 913.1 Distribution of Literature and Commercial Advertising

      4. 913.2 Commercial Sponsorship Agreements

      5. 210 Medication Attachment will become an Administrative Regulation (210-AR-0)

        Motion, Schroeder, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval.

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

        Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

    4. Additional Committee Reports  

      Mrs. Freirech reported the Facilities Committee meeting has been canceled on October 21 and has been re-scheduled at 5:00 PM on October 28 following the Finance Committee meeting at 4:30 PM.

      Ms. Shaffer and Mrs. Freireich shared about their experiences at the PSBA Leadership Conference. 

  8. Lincoln Intermediate Unit Board Report – Mr. Sears

    The “…by Dawn’s Early Light”, highlights of the LIU Board meeting of October 6 is provided.

    Mr. Sears reported above and that the next meeting is scheduled on November 3.

  9. York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich

    No report. 

  10. York Area Tax Bureau Report – Ms. Mason

    Ms. Mason reported a meeting is scheduled on October 26.

  11. York County School of Technology – Mrs. Schroeder

    Mrs. Schroeder reported a meeting is scheduled next week.

  12. Recognition of Visitors 
  13. Board Meeting and Committee Schedule  

    Mr. Miller reported above. 

  14. Public Comment  

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

  15. Adjournment  

    The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM.