Minutes 2015-12-21

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD

Regular Monthly Meeting

December 21, 2015 – 7:00 PM

Ronald H. Provard Education Center

M I N U T E S
(approved on January 25, 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 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 November 16, 2015 and the Re-Organization and Planning Committee Meetings of December 7, 2015. [Approval as submitted/corrected]
  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 on any of these items? If not, the chair moves approval of the below-mentioned items; Roll Call Vote]
Approval of Financial Reports as of November 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
7. Budget Transfers
  Motion, Posenau, Second, Schroeder; Approval of A, B, D, F, G. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
  
  Motion, Posenau, Second, Schroeder; Approval of C,E. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes, except Freireich, abstain. Motion carried 8-0-1.
Board President’s Report – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
1. The Board met in Executive Session on December 7, 2015 following the Re-Organization and Planning Committee meetings for the purpose of discussing personnel and/or legal matters. An Executive Session is scheduled following this meeting.
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
2. Committee Assignments
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
1. Student Enrollment Report
  Dr. Merkle reviewed above. There is continued growth with new ELL students. The Administration continues to monitor the enrollment closely and plans to present additional details with staffing concerns in January.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – last year the use of York College interns to offer assistance in the Middle School for core content classes worked well, this year the higher numbers in the related arts classes is a concern and a little more diffcult to handle with interns.
2. Every Student Succeeds Act – Dr. Merkle will provide a brief overview of the impact of this Act.
  Dr. Merkle provided information on the recent federal legislation that reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and has been nicknamed Every Student Succeeds Act and will replace No Child Left Behind. States must still test students in the same grades but will now have flexibility in how and when they administer those tests. States are permitted to adopt Common Core but not required to do so. Accountability must still be in place and states will have greater definition for measurements. Test scores and graduation rates must be considered to demonstrate success at the local and state level.
  
  States will develop their own plans for school districts that need intervention. Dr. Merkle answered several questions from Board members about teacher evaluations that include student achievement. The district now has state assessment and School Performance Profile data for the 2014-15 teacher evaluations.
3. York Academy Regional Charter School – Dr. Merkle will provide an update on the action in response to the renewal application.
  Dr. Merkle reported a meeting was held with Superintendents, legal representatives and YARCS. Higher achievement measures and changes in assessment practices were addressed. The Administration will be bringing the renewal application to the Board in January with a recommendation to approve. Dr. Merkle answered serveral questions from Board members.
4. District Food Drive – Mrs. Gross will report on a partnership with the York County Food Bank for a food collection and distribution program. A special thanks is extended to Matt Shorb, York County Food Bank Chairman, and Diane Merino, York County Food Bank Development Consultant, for their leadership and assistance with the program.
  Mrs. Gross reported the York County Food Bank approached the District to be a partner for giving holiday meals to our most needy families in the District during the county-wide program. 325 families expressed interest in receiving a holiday meal box. Student and staff volunteers assisted to put together the food boxes. Administrators helped with the distribution of meal boxes on the evening of December 14. Administrators and counselors hand delivered the boxes that were not picked up. Mrs. Gross introduced Matt Shorb and Diane Merino of the York County Food Bank.
  
  Matt Shorb, YS 1995 alum, shared about his involvement with the York County Food Bank and the county-wide program to distribute meal boxes to families in need in the local school districts. YS was very involved with the process. The York County Food Bank is looking for ways to expand this program and are possibly considering using weekly backpacks with students.
  
  Diana Merino expressed her thanks to the District for their partnership and assistance with the program. She thanked Dr. Merkle for putting her in contact with the county Superintendents.
  
  Dr. Merkle presented certificates of appreciation to Diana Merino and Matt Shorb.
  
  Dr. Merkle shared this is a living example of how we reach out to help families in the District and expressed appreciation for the partnership of York County Food Bank and the District.
5. 2016-17 Calendar DRAFT
  Dr. Merkle reviewed above and the Administration will be looking for an approval in January.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – December 23 Professional Development Day and make-up day, this would be a trade day for some and professional development for some, trade day is professional development opportunities that are scheduled in the summer that include technology and other focuses; the scheduling of the mid-term exams at the High School will be scheduled at a later date following review of this year’s scheduling prior to the winter break; January 6 early dismissal is secondary driven at the end of semester for teachers to prepare for start of second semester; consultation with Mr. Darrah, YS Education Association President, has taken place, along with discussion at the Superintendent lunch meetings with staff.
Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
1. The Administration recommends Board approval of a three year Service Agreement for the District with Johnson Controls in the amount of $30,276 for the first year and $31,184 for year two and year three. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Posenau, Second, Shaffer; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
2. The Administration recommends Board approval of Gilbert Architects, Inc. to do a District-Wide Facility Study at a cost not to exceed $25,000. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Bates, Second, Shaffer; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
3. Informational:
  1. Anonymous donation in the amount of $1,000 for an indoor pitching mound.
  2. William Vaughan donation in the amount of $4,500 – $4,262.50 to pay Cultural Alliance of York County for the new mosaic in East York Elementary School and the remainder to be used for improvements to the courtyard at East York Elementary School.
  3. William Vaughan donation in the amount of $1,000 to the Food Service Fund to feed needy children at East York Elementary School.
  4. Iron Wolfe Barbell, Inc. – Donation of 8 piece Olympic training weight lifting barbell valued at $2,456 and a 3 piece original Prototype Squat Bar valued at $2,244.
  5. Wellspan York Hospital donation in the amount of $40,500 to assist in the funding for the science department expenditures for the 2015-16 school year.
    Ms. Mason reported above.
    
    Dr. Merkle commented on the Wellspan donation that this used to be a payment in lieu of taxes and Wellspan has reshaped to a grant process. It was necessary to be tagged to something and the science department was selected. Wellspan donation did increase by $7,000 for the purchase of textbooks for the science department. Wellspan has been cooperative to date.
    
    A discussion continued and points were – the grant is specifically worked around the amount; another donation in lieu of taxes is received from York College.
    
    A discussion took place about the donation from the Vaughan family in memory of Marti Plitt Vaughan, former teacher at East York. A Holiday Fun Celebration was held on Friday evening at East York Elementary that included the unveiling of the mosaic. It was a lovely evening that honored a teacher that served the district well. The donation to Food Service Fund is less about free and reduced lunch students and more with times when parents fail to put money in their child’s lunch account.
    
    A discussion continued about the properties that are partially in YS – York Hospital and York College. YS is grateful for the partnership with both.
  6. Ms. Mason reported the solicitation of bids for the Middle School boiler project will start this week and bids will be opened on February 3.
  7. Food Service Department Report
    1. Dining Review Report for November
    2. Sales Report
      Ms. Mason reviewed above.
  8. 2016-17 Budget Presentation
    Ms. Mason reported the above presentation gives current information on the two options of going with a preliminary budget to have options to file for exceptions or adopting an Opt Out Resolution to not go above the index.
    
    A discussion continued and points were – additional positions will be determined over the holiday break and in March we will see the actual information; biggest uncertainty is not having a state budget; at this time, it looks like the retirement exemption is only one to apply for as the special education exemption templates are not available at this time and the Administration is using last year’s templates as their projection; it would be smart to allow some wiggle room if needed; Administration took this to Finance Committee and this option would protect us from the unknown; it would be irresponsible to tie ourselves down now, this is no way means the plan is to go above the index.
Student Board Representative Report – Miss Huh
The Holiday Concert went well yesterday afternoon and this morning. The following students were selected for District Orchestra and Band – Kiera Clifford, Liam Druck, Emily Hamme, Daniel Lee, Meredith Singleton, Jon Abel, Elizabeth Huh and Jack Korver. YS will be hosting the County Band program at the middle school this year. Mini Thon donations have started. Mid-terms are tomorrow and Wednesday. Students are excited for winter break.

Dr. Merkle congratulated Elizabeth for being selected to District Band and asked to share with her collegues that the sound and lighting conditions that occurred yesterday will be corrected.

Committee Reports – Ms. Leopold-Sharp

Academic Standards and Curriculum Committee – Mrs. Schroeder
The Academic Standards and Curriculum Committee recommends Board approval of four new and five modifications to existing high school courses as per the attached documents.

[Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

Motion, Schroeder, Second, Bates; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
Communications Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer
1. The Activities and Communications Reports are provided.
  Ms. Shaffer reported above.
2. PSBA Publication
  Ms. Shaffer reported the four essay contest winnders from East York and their artwork was announced and recognition of Board members’ years of service was included in the above publication.

Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Bates

The administration recommends an increase in the hours of the part-time custodian position at Valley View Elementary from 4 hours per day to 5 hours per day effective December 22, 2015.
Motion, Bates, Second, Schroeder; Approval.

There will be no change in benefits.

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

Consent Agenda [You have before you the Personnel Report which includes retirement, resignation, appointment, employment, leave of absence, re-appointment of spring coaches, additional substitute teachers, additional guest teacher, additional building volunteers and building re-assignment. An Addendum follows the meeting 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, Bates, Second, Shaffer; Approval of Consent Agenda. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

Retirement
Recommend Board approval of the retirement of Glenn Weirich, Custodian at East York Elementary, effective January 8, 2016. Mr. Weirich is retiring after having served 15 years with York Suburban School District.
Resignation
1. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Hillary Demopoulos, Instructional Support Aide at Yorkshire Elementary, effective December 11, 2015.
2. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Jacob Henning, Custodian at the High School, effective January 1, 2016.
3. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Brittany O’Reilly, Instructional Support Aide at Valley View Elementary, effective January 26, 2016.
4. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Gretchen Williams, Reading Aide at East York Elementary, effective December 11, 2015.
Appointment
1. Recommend the appointment of Amber Krzanowski as HS Trojan Theatre Set Design & Construction Advisor for the remaining 2 of the 3 productions at the salary of $820 which represents 2/3 of Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
2. Recommend the re-appointment of Shelby Marks to the supplemental position to support the community athletic programs that use district facilities at a stipend of $6,250, for the period July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016.
Employment
1. Recommend the employment of Tristalyn Bixler-Kint as Middle School Head Cheerleading Coach (Winter) at the salary of $1,500 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
2. Recommend the employment of Lauren Farah as an Instructional Support Aide at Yorkshire Elementary at the hourly rate of $10.50, effective December 22, 2015.
3. Recommend the employment of Dennis Leas as a Custodian at the High School at the hourly rate of $13.10, effective December 22, 2015.
4. Recommend the employment of Karen Potts as an Office Aide at East York Elementary at the hourly rate of $10.50, effective January 4, 2016.
Leave of Absence
1. Recommend Board approval of the request of Amy Bartlett, Reading Specialist at Indian Rock Elementary, for a disability leave starting on or about February 1, 2016, followed by a FMLA leave of absence, followed by an unpaid leave of absence through the end of the 2015-2016 school year. Mrs. Bartlett will be returning to employment at the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year.
2. Recommend Board approval of the request of Molly McAuliffe, Art Teacher at the Middle School, for a disability leave starting on or about March 6, 2016, followed by a FMLA leave of absence through approximately May 5, 2016.

Re-Appointment of Spring Coaches for 2015-2016

First	Last	Position	Step 15-16	Salary
Christopher	Rotolo	Head Baseball	Step 4	$5,601
Scott	Cobb	Assistant Baseball #1	Step 4	$4,229
Robert	Alkhas	Assistant Baseball #2 (50%)	Step 4	$2,000
Richard	Petersen	Assistant Baseball #2 (50%)	Step 3	$1,700
David	Wickenheiser	Head Boys & Girls Track	Step 4	$7,537
Daniel	VanHouwe	Assistant Track #1	Step 4	$5,600
Anthony	Billet	Assistant Track #2	Step 4	$4,000
Lori	Stambaugh	Assistant Track #3	Step 4	$4,000
Michael	Jackson	MS Head Boys and Girls Track	Step 4	$4,739
Michael	Appleby	MS Assistant Boys and Girls Track	Step 4	$3,386
Jamie	Evans	Head Boys Volleyball	Step 4	$5,600
Oliver	Good	Assistant Boys Volleyball	Step 4	$4,000
Sonia	Guyer	MS Head Girls Volleyball	Step 4	$3,200
Gina	Neiderer	MS Assistant Girls Volleyball	Step 2	$1,803
Luke	Beam	Head Boys Lacrosse	Step 4	$6,483
Joshua	Beamesderfer	Assistant Boys Lacrosse #1	Step 2	$2,800
Jared	Miller	Assistant Boys Lacrosse #2	Step 2	$2,327
Laura	Meerbach	Head Girls Lacrosse	Step 4	$6,483
Elizabeth	Milkowski	Assistant Girls Lacrosse #1	Step 4	$4,000
Alexander	Gibson	Assistant Girls Lacrosse #2	Step 2	$2,327
Mark	O’Reilly	Head Boys Tennis	Step 4	$4,318
Jennifer	Weitzel	Head Softball	Step 2	$3,921
Larry	Dalton	Assistant Softball #1	Step 3	$3,595

Additional Substitute Teachers for 2015-2016

Rachel

Grove

Christina

Stough

Shawna

Weaver
Additional Guest Teacher for 2015-2016

Nicole

Cramer

Additional Building Volunteers for 2015-2016

Kristi	Atkinson
Shannon	Baker
Kimberly	Fegely
Trista	Geeting
Kendra	Hilty
Donald	Hoover
Shama	Mir
Leslie	Platts
Jane	Riese
Mary	Robison
Dina	Smoker
Nicole	Stump
Stephanie	Sullivan
Margaret	Wagman
Heidi	West

Building Re-assignment for 2015-2016

Name

15-16 (7-1-15 through 12-14-15)

15-16 (effective 12-15-15)

Nicole Love

East York Elem./Yorkshire Elem.

East York Elem.

Policy Review Committee Report – Mr. Thoman
The Policy Review Committee recommends approval of the following policy revision. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

916 – Volunteers, Visitors, Unpaid Assistants and Co-Op Supervisors

Motion, Thoman, Second, Freireich; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
Additional Committee Reports

Lincoln Intermediate Unit Board Report – Mr. Robinson

The next meeting is scheduled January 5, 2016 at 7:00 PM.

Mr. Robinson plans to attend the meeting.
York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich
Mrs. Freireich reported 11 students are currently enrolled at YAA and two students are ready for graduation.
York Area Tax Bureau Report – Ms. Mason
No report.
York County School of Technology – Mrs. Schroeder
Mrs. Schroeder reported the next meeting is in January.
Recognition of Visitors
An opportunity was provided for public comment. The community member in attendance shared that the holiday concert was great and the inclusion of classical music is appreciated.
Board Meeting and Committee Schedule
Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.

Dr. Merkle provided an update on the East York Boiler. There was a leak in the boiler room this morning with significant flooding in building. The early morning report indicated that we could clean up the water in time for students but the heat was in question as water got in the motor. The decision was made to bring students to school since many parents would not be prepared for child care. Notification was given to parents to dress children with sweatshirts or sweaters. The Administration consulted with Middle School and Food Service Department and the East York students would be graciously received at the Middle School if necessary and lunch would be ready. Thanks to Barry Girling and his crew, the heat was back up by 10:30 AM. The Administrative Team pulled together and the day went on without a hitch.

Mrs. Freireich commented on the outstanding holiday concerts that were held during the last several weeks and shared that Mrs. Wolschleger’s leadership with the high school orchestra students during the first semester is quite an accomplishment as she is used to teaching elementary students.

Dr. Merkle reported the Superintendents met today and discussed the impact of the lack of a State Budget on districts. The School District of the City of York will not be able to meet payroll beyond January if there is no budget and they are beginnng to discuss closing the district if there is no budget. York County School of Technology has tried to secure loans with no success and will be in the same situation at the end of January if there is no budget passed. Three surveys were received today asking if districts will be closing their doors. My response has been that our Board has been clear to date that we will not close our doors unless it is necessary. At this point, the Administration is not considering a protest close. The Administration certainly shares concerns for our colleagues around the county.

Mrs. Schroeder commented on the pride felt this evening hearing the reports of the School District with providing a holiday meal in conjunction with the York County Food Bank, accolade statements regarding our community, the use of the East York donations and hearing the Administrators that would go out of their way to deliver meals makes me feel proud to be part of this district and community.

Dr. Merkle asked the principals in the audience to share these comments with their colleagues and staff.

Ms. Leopold-Sharp commented on the large number of District Orchestra and Band students selected this year and that is a real credit to the students, their families and the staff.
Public Comment
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.

An Executive Session will be held immediately following the meeting.

An Executive Session was held.

ADDENDUM

TO: Members of the York Suburban School Board

FROM:    Michele A. Merkle, Ed.D, Superintendent

DATE:    December 21, 2015

SUBJECT:    Addendum to the Agenda for the Regular Monthly Board Meeting of December 21, 2015



VII. Committee Reports – Mrs. Leopold-Sharp

C. Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Bates

2. Consent Agenda

b.

Resignation

Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Joshua Buchta, Head Custodian at Indian Rock Elementary, effective January 8, 2016.

d. Employment
Recommend the employment of Gretchen Williams as a Instructional Support Aide at East York Elementary at the hourly rate of $10.66, effective January 4, 2016.
k. Reassignment

Notification to the Board of the reassignment of Aaron Kreiser, custodian at Indian Rock Elementary, to the position of head custodian at Indian Rock Elementary at the hourly rate of $15.35, effective January 11, 2016.

Posted in SB-Minutes

Rachel	Grove
Christina	Stough
Shawna	Weaver

Name	15-16 (7-1-15 through 12-14-15)	15-16 (effective 12-15-15)
Nicole Love	East York Elem./Yorkshire Elem.	East York Elem.