Minutes 2016-02-08

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
SPECIAL MEETING FOLLOWED BY PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
February 8, 2016 – 7:00 PM
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

M I N U T E S
(approved on February 22, 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)
Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Bates
[Consent Agenda: You have before you the Personnel Report which includes appointment, resignation, employment, leave of absence, additional substitute teachers and additional 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.

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

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

Dr. Merkle reported that YS is very fortunate to have Dr. Fuhrman on the Administrative staff. We are very excited to have Dr. Fuhrman as the East York Elementary Principal effective July 1. Dr. Fuhrman’s family in attendance was introduced and Dr. Fuhrman said that she is looking forward to this opportunity.
1. Appointment
  Recommend the appointment of Denise Fuhrman to the position of Principal at East York Elementary effective July 1, 2016 at the salary of $114,000.
2. Resignation
  Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Anthony Kowalewski as Head Boys Soccer Coach, effective February 2, 2016.
3. Employment
  1. Recommend the employment of Rebecca Chester as a long term substitute Art Teacher at the middle school from approximately March 6, 2016 to approximately May 5, 2016, at the daily rate of $105.
  2. Recommend the employment of Jeanne Dyer as a substitute Instructional Support Aide and Reading Aide at the hourly rate of $9.55, effective February 9, 2016.
  3. Recommend the employment of Tijay Hildebrand as a long-term substitute Social Studies Teacher at the middle school from approximately April 30, 2016 through the end of the 2015-2016 school year, at the daily rate of $95. If the long-term assignment is more than 19 days, the daily rate will be $105, retroactive to day 1.
  4. Recommend the employment of Angela Pessognelli as a Reading Aide at Indian Rock Elementary at the hourly rate of $10.50, effective February 3, 2016.
4. Leave of Absence
  1. Recommend Board approval of the request of Robert Fox, Head Custodian at East York Elementary for a FMLA leave of absence starting February 1, 2016 through approximately March 2, 2016.
  2. Recommend Board approval of the request of Kayla Ichter, 2^nd Grade Teacher at Valley View Elementary for a FMLA leave of absence starting August 15, 2016 through September 26, 2016.
5. Additional Substitute Teachers for 2015-2016
  
  Jeanne Dyer
  
  Megan Gibbs
  
  Tijay Hildebrand
6. Additional Volunteers for 2015-2016
  
  Eleesa Collins
  
  Amy Kitner
  
  Stephanie Navratil
Comments and/or Questions from the Public
An opportunity was provided for public comment.

High School students Lucy Cook, Megan Hunt and Alan Countess shared their concerns relating to the impending removal of the Calculus II course next year.

Dr. Merkle commented there is a Board policy about classes with low number of students. When the enrollment figures are available in late April or mid-May, the Administration will review information. Another option would be a dual enrollment class at the college which can be taken during the school day if your schedule permits or in the evening and summer. The price for this type of class is under $1000. This year, a grant covered this type of expense for some students. An Independent Study option would depend if someone wants to pursue the higher academic study and the availability of a teacher.

Ms. Leopold-Sharp thanked the students for sharing this information.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:14 PM.

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
FEBRUARY 8, 2016 – 7:00 PM
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

A G E N D A

General Business
Call to Order – Ms. Leopold-Sharp

Ms. Leopold-Sharp called the meeting to order at 7:14 PM.
Board President’s Report – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
No Report
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
1. Dr. Merkle presented a certificate of appreciation to Lois Ann Schroeder due to her absence at the last meeting when School Board Appreciation month was celebrated.
2. York Academy Regional Charter School Renewal Update
  Dr. Merkle reported attorneys met with Superintendents of sponsoring schools and YARCS representatives approximately one month ago. The YARCS representatives brought back a counter offer, mostly to do with the expectations of rigor. A phone conference is scheduled on Wednesday. The Administration plans to share the comparison information with the Board when the final draft is ready.
Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
1. Items being recommended for approval on February 22
  1. The Administration submits the proposed 2016-17 Lincoln Intermediate Unit General Operating Budget for consideration and approval.
    Ms. Mason reported above.
  2. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Resolution authorizing the issuance of the York Suburban School District General Obligation Bonds, Series 2016, for the purpose of currently refunding the District’s 2011 General Obligation Bonds.
    Ms. Mason reported above and added Mr. Hovis will be at the February 22 meeting to answer any questions.
    
    A discussion continued and the point was – the refinancing will occur when the market is right during this academic year.
  3. The Administration recommends awarding the bid to Lugalia Mechanical in the amount of $424,600 for the Middle School Boiler Replacement.
    Ms. Mason reported above and this was the low bid. The documents have been reviewed by Barton Associates and Mr. Dave Jones and everything is in order.
    
    A discussion continued and the point was – the original estimate for this project was $308,000, this bid is higher due to some specific things that are necessary with the project.
  4. The Administration recommends awarding the bid to East Coast Contracting in the amount of $253,900 for the High School Auxiliary Gym Renovation.
    Ms. Mason reported above and all documentation was reviewed by Mr. Tim Debes and Mr. Dave Jones and everything is in order. This bid is slightly lower than the last time when this bid went out.
  5. The Administration recommends awarding the bid to TGW Corporation in the amount of $59,000 for the Middle School Partial Roof Replacement.
    Ms. Mason reported above and stated this was the low bid and is $1,000 under what was budgeted on the capital plan.
2. Discussion
  Trojan Turf Field Replacement
  
  Ms. Mason reported that Brian Bingaman from Turf, Track & Court is in attendance this evening to share information about the bid information and turf field products.
  
  Mr. Bingaman reviewed the above information. He shared specific information that included cost, warranty, use of two different paddings under the turf, G-Max rating and life time cycles.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – G-Max rating is the measurement of an object’s impact on the field surface and safety numbers were developed by The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), a natural grass surface under ideal conditions would be 90-100 range for G’s and a new artificial field would be 120 G’s; impacts over 120 G’s that involve a head impact can result in a concussion; the turf is very resilient and dragging a soccer net over the surface is not a concern; warranty for artificial surface ranges from 8 to 12 years; the black padding available has a warranty of 20-25 years and that would involve two cycles of carpets over the padding; the new white Block padding product has been used approximately one year and is projected to have a 100 year life cycle, there are none in the area; there have been recent installs in Philadelphia and Baltimore; a shorter length of artificial surface material is used with padding; maintenance for padding is standard cleaning and grooming; the age of our current fields is eight years old; testing on the Trojan Field revealed a G-Max rating of 157 and some areas were over 200; our fields are both multi-purpose use.
  
  Ms. Mason explained the bid sheet.
  
  The discussion continued and points were – alternates include a three foot retaining wall on the east side of the Trojan Field and a javelin runway track surface rather than the current grass surface; the retaining wall is suggested due to storm issues that include erosion during heavy rains with drainage run-off of water, dirt, soil and sticks coming down the hill, the retaining wall is close to the field and would require a protective pad, a javelin runway could be installed with a track surface to replace the current grass surface.
  
  Mr. Adams did comment about the javelin runway, as weather does enter into a decision to throw or not with the current grass surface. It would be a nice addition, but is not a necessity for the program. A pad for the retaining wall would be necessary.
  
  Ms. Mason commented the Administration did look at costs for the pad on the retaining wall and no options were found that were less than the bid.
  
  The discussion continued and points were – concerns about safety were expressed and the use of padding would lead towards concussion prevention, one in five concussions are head to surface related; for a good grass field to maintan below a 100 G-Max rating, only 30-35 events per year could be scheduled; the current drainage would remain for use with both padding options and little regrading would be required.
  
  Ms. Mason reported there is an additional cost of $166,000 for the new white Brock padding product. Mr. Bingaman attended this evening to provide the Board with information about the padding products. The bid sheet was reviewed in detail and the base budget bid ranges from $109,490 to $502,898.
  
  Dr. Merkle reported that there is complexity with the bid sheet and the Administration does not usually bring this to the Board. The Brock padding is new and the Administration wanted to let the Board hear about this. The Administration is learning about these items right along with the Board and can bring a recommendation and an alternate recommendation to the Board in the future.
  
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp asked for comments by the Board about padding and comments were in support of Brock padding and support of a padding but not sure which one. Regarding the javelin runway, it was asked what other school districts utilize. Mr. Adams will do a survey of local school districts.
  
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp thanked Mr. Bingaman for coming in to share information with the Board this evening.
3. Informational Items
  2016-17 Budget Update
  
  Ms. Mason provided a handout to Board members and explained the information.
Student Board Representative Report – Elizabeth Huh
Miss Huh recognized Meredith Singleton as a participant in District Chorus and Regional Chorus. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors completed their on-line course selection today. Selections include alternative electives and guidance counselors review all requests with students. The MiniTHON will take place on February 19.
Committee Reports – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
1. Academic Standards & Curriculum Committee – Mrs. Schroeder
  1. The Academic Standards & Curriculum Committee will be recommending approval of the purchase of the Houghton Mifflin Science Fusion Program for grades 6-8 for the 2016-17 school year at an approximate cost of $40,000.
    Mrs. Schroeder reported above.
    
    A discussion continued and points were – the number of books include 230 books per the eight modules; the committee is supportive of this recommendation following a demonstration on the textbook.
  2. Reminder – Annual Academic Standards & Curriculum Committee meeting – Wednesday, February 17 – 6:30 PM – High School room 160
    Mrs. Schroeder reported above and encouraged Board members and community members to attend.
2. Communications Committee – Ms. Shaffer
  The minutes of November 3 are provided.
  
  Ms. Shaffer reported above and added the next Breakfast with the Board is February 18 at 7:30 AM at Valley View.
3. Facilities Committee – Mrs. Freireich
  The Board had the opportunity to review the draft Facilities Committee meeting minutes of January 21. The committee is bringing forth the plans for the Middle School Cafeteria project and the secure entrance projects for the Middle School, East York and Yorkshire. To update the Board, Ms. Mason will present the timeline for the projects and Mr. Seth Wentz will present the design plans.
  
  Mrs. Freireich reported above.
  
  Ms. Mason reported the Administration is looking to advertise next week and will have bids available February 26 followed by a vote at the March meeting. Construction would start at the beginning of May and transition to an alternate plan for food service that would include satellite, brown bag or pizza. This would allow the cafeteria to be ready for the start of school in 2016-17. The secure vestibule projects will be done over the summer and determination will be made later if the office staff will move to another building during the summer project.
  
  Seth Wentz, CORE Design Group, reviewed drawings and answered questions from Board members.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – concerns were expressed with the traffic flow in the cafeteria; reasoning behind the necessity for the middle school kitchen and cafeteria renovation project; no air stop in the East York secure entrance design.
  
  Dr. Merkle will share notes from a previous meeting to new Board members for background on Middle School kitchen and cafeteria renovation project. The Administration focused on secure entrance designs not on designs that included energy savings and creating air stops at building entrances was not a requirement in the designs.
4. Policy Review Committee – Mr. Thoman
  1. The minutes of December 1 are provided.
    Mr. Thoman reported above.
  2. The Policy Review Committee will be recommending approval of the following policy revisions.
    1. 001 Name and Classification
    2. 003 Functions
    3. 004.1 Student Board Representatives
    4. 214 Class Rank
      Mr. Thoman reported above. There were no specific comments on policy revisions.
5. Additional Committee Reports/Announcements
  No report
Lincoln Intermediate Unit – Mr. Robinson
The “…by Dawn’s Early Light” Highlights of the LIU Board Meeting of February 2 is provided.

Mr. Robinson reported above.

Mr. Robinson provided a Legislative Report update that included on February 12 from 12:00-1:30 PM, a budget webinar with the Secretary of Education by will take place through PA School Boards Association.
York Adams Academy – Mrs. Freireich
No report
York County School Technology – Mrs. Schroeder
The YCST Joint Operating Committee Mini-Board Report of January 28 is provided.

Mrs. Schroeder reported above and showed a t-shirt that teachers wore with the shared pride of the YCST’s improved SPP score. The YCST Business Manager applied for a line of credit back in December and was denied because they are not a taxing authority. Hopefully, the state budget will come around in short order.
Board Meeting and Committee Schedule
Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
Comments and/or Questions from the Public
An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 PM.

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

THERE WILL BE AN EXECUTIVE SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE MEETING.

An Executive Session was held.

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