Minutes 2015-07-20

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, Roger Miller, John Posenau, Lois Ann Schroeder, Joel Sears, Cathy Shaffer

   Members not present – Emily Bates, Lynne Leopold-Sharp, Elizabeth Huh (Student Representative)

3. Mr. Miller asked for a moment of silence after reporting the accidental death of YS 2012 graduate, Lauren Bajorek, while studying abroad in Spain.
   
   
4. Public Comment  

   An opportunity was provided for public comment. 

   Todd Butz, 1455 Virginia Avenue; introduced his wife, Barbara Butz, his son, Spencer, and his daughter, Pearl. Pearl is student at Indian Rock Elementary and is pursuing gymnastics beyond expectations of parents. Parents are asking for consideration to schedule one-half day of cyber school and one-half day (afternoon) at elementary school to allow for gymnastics training during the morning. Information was shared about Pearl’s involvement in gymnastics and her academic background (handout) was shared with the Board.

   Mr. Miller commented that the Board will take this request into consideration next month.

5. Discussion and Action on Board Minutes. Approval of the Minutes of the Combined Planning Committee and Regular Monthly Meeting of June 15, 2015. [Public Comment; Approval as submitted/corrected]

   Mr. Miller reported above and the minutes were approved as presented.

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; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

Approval of Financial Reports as of June 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 the Financial Reports, A, B, D, F, G.

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 7-0.

   Motion, Posenau, Second, Schroeder; Approval of the Financial Reports, C and E.  

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes, except Freireich, abstain. Motion carried 6-0-1. 

Board President’s Report – Mr. Miller

1. Executive Session.  The Board met in Executive Session on June 15, 2015 following the Regular Monthly Meeting and prior to this evening’s meeting for the purpose of discussing personnel and/or legal issues.

   Mr. Miller reported above.

2. Response to Prayer Request.  It is unconstitutional to begin a public school board meeting with a prayer. Government endorsement of prayer in a public school setting violates the Establishment Clause.

   Mr. Miller reported above.

   Dr. Merkle will make contact with the community member that made this request last month and share the above information.

3. Mr. Miller announced that there is potential for new hires and the August 3 Planning Committee meeting may be announced as a voting meeting. 

Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle 

1. Student Enrollment Report  

   Dr. Merkle reported above and provided an explanation on classes that are being closely monitored including reviewing trends in enrollment for the last three years, specifically Kindergarten and East York 5th Grade.

2. Final Report for Graduating Class 

   Dr. Merkle reported above.

   A discussion continued and a request for comparison for last ten years was requested.

   Dr. Merkle responded that the Administration will research and respond to the Board members.

3. Title change:  Secretary to Administrative Assistant 

   Dr. Merkle reported above and noted that job descriptions will be revised this year.

   Motion, Shaffer, Second, Schroeder; Approval of above.

   A discussion continued and points were – revising job descriptions will take place to update new position title and also any other revisions that are necessary.

   Solicitor Brooke Say concluded the discussion stating that she is glad to see this revision is taking place because sometimes this process is forgotten.

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 7-0. 

4. PSSA Cut Scores.  The PA Department of Education informed all school districts via a letter dated July 13 that the implementation of “new, more rigorous standards have resulted in lower standardized test scores, particularly in Mathematics.”

   Dr. Merkle reported above. The administrators have received this type of information and we have expected this information. Board, staff, students and community need to be educated on these new standards. The Administration will also do the comparison to other schools in the state once scores are received.

   A discussion continued about changes and adjustments that occur every year from PDE with standardized testing.

5. Recommendation to add an ESL Teacher Position in lieu of Lincoln Intermediate Unit Contract.  The Administration recommends Board approval of the elimination of one ESL teacher position from the LIU contract and the addition of one ESL teacher position employed by the District.  [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

   Dr. Merkle reported above and noted that ESL numbers continue to increase rather dramatically. One of the ESL teachers from LIU retired recently and we will have a cost savings over time. It is a crucial position at this time. We have identified 35 ESL students at Yorkshire.

   Motion, Shaffer, Second, Sears; Approval of above.

   A discussion continued and points were – there will not be difficulty filling this position and the question remains if the new hire will be available for opening day; anticipated savings will take place with the domino effect, not necessarily with this hire.

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 7-0.

6. The Administration recommends approval of the following two foreign exchange students at the high school for 2015-16.
   1. Nagy Csenge Edua.  Nagy is a native of Hungary and currently attends Debreceni Reformatus Kellegium Doczy Gimnaziuma. She is sponsored by the Rotary Club of York and will reside with three York Suburban families during the 2015-16 school year. Nagy’s first home placement will be with Joseph and Amber Seidel, 1679 Sleepy Hollow Road.
   2. Marina Branco Lopes Corte Real.  Marino is a native of Brazil and currently attendsCentro De Ensino Darwin Guarapari. She is sponsored by ICES, International Cultural Exchange Services, and will reside with the Mellinger family during the 2015-16 school year. Tyler and Nikole Mellinger live at 1028 Hill Street.

      [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

      Dr. Merkle reported above 

      Motion, Schroeder, Second, Posenau; Approval of above.

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

      Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 7-0.

7. Early Learning Partnership Update

   Dr. Merkle reported a partnership plan has been developed with Hildebrandt and is embedded in District Goal #4 and regular updates will be provided to the Board. There are close to 90 students enrolled in the program. There is a full class at both Valley View and Yorkshire for pre-school and the Administration sees this as the beginning of the growth of a program. There will be a full class of both morning and afternoon kindergarten enrichment classes at Valley View and Yorkshire with the possibility of opening a second one at Valley View. There looks to be a small class of before and after school class at each of the elementary schools, previously called latchkey program. There clearly was a need in the community. Dr. Merkle responded to some questions by Board members – classes are up to 14 students depending on age of class; separate outside entrances will be utilized as previous for these programs.

Business Office Report – Ms. Mason 

1. The Administration recommends approval of the advertising and soliciting of bids for the Auxiliary Gym at the High School.  

   Auxiliary Gym Estimate
   Auxiliary Gym Floor Plan

   [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

   Ms. Mason reported above.

   Motion, Schroeder, Second, Shaffer; Approval of above.

   A discussion continued and points were – condensation was cause of troubles with floor and original estimated replacement cost was $70,000, suggestion to take base bid for auxiliary gym and break it up a little more to understand what is absolutely necessary to repair the floor, the estimated cost of $348,000 is a surprise; Board is not approving costs this evening, only advertising and soliciting of bids; #1 through #4 is removing items; suggestion for itemized base bid of #1 through #4 and #7 together and break out #5 and #6.

   Motion, Schroeder, Second, Shaffer; Amendment to motion for base bid being #1 through #4 and #7 and have #5 and #6 as itemized part of the base bid in addition to the alternates listed above.

   A discussion continued and points were – sometimes it costs more to bring contractors back in for a project; the logic for #5 were considered as part of base bid because the current sound system in the gym is embarrassing at athletic events as it is antiquated and needs to be replaced and #6 allows for classroom opportunities in that space; this space will not benefit District volleyball or basketball events, it would benefit the JV Volleyball Tournament; the estimated costs are from Tim Debes, Architect, with Nutec Group.

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 7-0. 

2. The Administration recommends approval of the contract with Apple Nissan for a three year lease for a Nissan Sentra for Drivers Ed. The monthly payments will be $274.58.  [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote] 

   Ms. Mason reported above. 

   Motion, Clancy, Second, Freireich; Approval of above.

   A discussion continued and points were – this contract is a savings of $19 per monthly lease payment; the lease does include full service with maintenance and no gasoline.

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 7-0. 

3. The Administration recommends approval of the Scheduled Service Agreement with Trane for the East York Elementary site, York Suburban High School site and York Suburban Middle School site for eight (8) years.  In prior years this has been a three year agreement.  With this agreement we have built in repair costs, service costs, automatic five year warranties and additional discounts.  [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

   Ms. Mason reported above 

   Motion, Schroeder, Second, Shaffer; Approval of above.

   A discussion continued and points were – the budgetary impact remains relatively the same, since the chillers have been installed we have had three year contracts previously, these contracts were not brought to the Board previously.

   Dr. Merkle reported the Administration will provide the cost of this annual service agreement to Board members.

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 7-0.  

   Later in the meeting it was reported the cost of the annual service agreement is $20,000 to $25,000 over the 8 year span.

4. Informational:
   1. Facilities Projects Update

      Mr. Girling gave a report – Indian Rock roof is 100% complete, contractors continue on miscellaneous metal work, phenomenal job on this project, one of the best crews we have had, project to be complete on August 10; High School track project is on schedule, base of track is installed, macadam work is being completed, next week the track surface will be put on the base, very good contractor, surface of track will be black; High School facade project continues, contractor is trying different products to meet our expectations; High School masonry work has started with first phase; High School secure entrance project is on schedule, very pleased with the progress, delivery of doors may be a tight push for contractors; Valley View sprinkler system project is on schedule, final completion date is August 17 and should be up and running for start of school; High School fitness room is essentially done, all work was done and coordinated in house with various contractors, very pleased with the outcome.

   2. Donation from Valley View Elementary PTO in the amount of $1,726.56 – $1,256.64 for the transportation for various field trips and $469.92 transportation for Kindergarten and 1st Grade field trips to Perrydell Farms and Flinchbaughs Orchard respectively. 
   3. Donation from Indian Rock Elementary PTO in the amount of $6,094.54 – $3,750 for soccer goals and $2,344.54 for the transportation for various field trips.
   4. Donation of a Buffet Bb Clarinet and a Buffet A Clarinet matching set, a Buffet Crampon Evette & Schaeffer Model Bb Clarinet and a Leblanc Paris Clarinet for a total estimated value of $3,000 from Bruce Bushwick and Lisa Levin.

      Ms. Mason reported above three items.

Student Board Representative Report – Miss Huh

No Report

Committee Reports – Mr. Miller

1. Academic Standards & Curriculum Committee Report – Mrs. Clancy

   The minutes of March 19 are provided.

   Mrs. Clancy reported above.

2. Communications Committee Report – Mrs. Schroeder

   The minutes of May 4 are provided.

   Mrs. Schroeder reported above and the next meeting is September 1 at 4:00 PM.

3. Facilities Committee Report – Mrs. Freireich

   The minutes of March 18 are provided.

   Mrs. Freireich reported above and the next meeting is Wednesday, July 22, at 4:30 PM.

4. Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer 

   Consent Agenda  [Reminder, there is an Addendum at the end of the agenda.  You have before you the Personnel Report which includes resignation, appointments, employment, transfers, building re-assignments, re-appointment of spring coaches, volunteer coaches and substitutes. 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, Shaffer, Second, Schroeder; Approval of consent agenda items of the Personnel Committee Report and the items on the Addendum.

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 7-0.  

   Dr. Merkle thanked the Board for their indulgence for having an addendum this evening with personnel items. With the new regulations on needing background checks, the Human Resources office needs this extra time for thoroughness.

   Dr. Merkle introduced Amber Krzanowski, Allyson Gable, and Scott Weaver, in attendance this evening.

   1. Resignation
      1. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Ashley Baisch, full time substitute music teacher at the High School for the first semester, effective July 6, 2015.
      2. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Karen Sides, Secretary to the Principal at Yorkshire Elementary, effective June 15, 2015.
   2. Appointments
      1. Recommend the appointment of Mary Collins as High School Assistant Link Crew Advisor at the salary of $660 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
      2. Recommend the appointment of Shannon Metzler as High School Trojan Theatre Director at the salary of $2,400 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
   3. Employment
      1.  
         

         Name:	Amber J. Krzanowski
         Education:	Laurel Valley Middle High School, Diploma; St. Vincent College, B.A. in English; St. Vincent College, M.S. in Education, Special Education
         Certification:	English 7-12 Special Education N-12
         Contract:	Temporary Professional Contract
         Salary:	$61,600 – M.S. – Step 1
         Assignment:	Learning Support – High School
         Effective:	2015-2016

          

      2. Recommend the employment of Marissa Caldwell as a full-time substitute half-day English teacher at the high school for Alyce Keene, effective for the 2015-2016 school year at the salary of $25,712.50 which represents Step 1 of the Bachelor’s Schedule. Salary is pro-rated based on 50% employment. Ms. Keene is on a temporary assignment as K-12 Technology Integrator.
      3. Recommend the employment of Brian Marshall as First Assistant Football Coach at the salary of $6,032 which represents Step 4 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
      4. Recommend the employment of Emily Neff, who is currently a 50% Reading Specialist, as a full-time Reading Specialist at the salary of $77,000 (M.S. + 15 – Step 13) beginning with the 2015-16 school year.
      5. Recommend the employment of Kathy Pavoncello as Administrative Assistant to the Principal at Yorkshire Elementary at the hourly rate of $15.32, effective August 3, 2015.
      6. Recommend the employment of Catriona Smith as a long term substitute librarian at East York Elementary and Yorkshire Elementary from August 17, 2015 through September 2, 2015 and September 8, 2015 through September 30, 2015 at the daily rate of $105.
   4. Transfers
      1. Recommend the transfer of Robert Haynes, custodian, from a Level 3 position to a Level 2 position at the hourly rate of $14.35, effective August 3, 2015. Mr. Haynes will also be a lead custodian at the stipend of $200 per year (to be pro-rated based on an effective date of August 3, 2015).
      2. Recommend the transfer of Glenn Weirich, custodian, from a Level 2 position to a Level 3 position effective August 3, 2015. Because this move is an involuntary transfer, Mr. Weirich will keep the Level 2 hourly rate, but will not receive the $200 lead custodian stipend.
   5. Building Re-Assignments for 2015-2016
      

      Name	2014-2015 Building Assignment	2015-2016 Building Assignment
      Adamy, Brandi	High School	Middle  School
      Anderson, Susan	Valley View/Indian Rock/ Yorkshire	Valley View/Indian Rock
      Barrett, Katie	Valley View/Indian Rock/Yorkshire	Valley View/Indian Rock
      Beach, John	High School	High School/Middle School
      Breen, Lori	High School/East York	East York/Yorkshire
      Coppersmith, Sarah	Indian Rock	Valley View
      Coy, Michael	High School/Middle School	High School
      Crawford, Dianne	Valley View/Yorkshire	Valley View/High School
      Evans, Jamie	Middle School	Middle School/Yorkshire
      Gentzyel, Brian	Middle School/East York/Yorkshire	Middle School/Valley View/Yorkshire
      Haynes, Robert	East York/Yorkshire	Middle School
      Husler, Matthew	High School East York/Valley View	High School/East York
      Jansen, Shane	High School	High School/Middle School
      Ketterman, Pamela	Indian Rock	Middle School
      Kreiser, Aaron	High School	Indian Rock
      Lopez, Lillian	Middle School	High School
      Love, Nicole	Middle School	East York/Yorkshire
      Marshall, Brian	East York/High School/Indian Rock	East York/High School/Yorkshire
      Milkowski, Elizabeth	High School/Valley View	High School
      Ohl, Jeffery	Middle School/High School	Middle School
      Payne, Scott	Middle School/Yorkshire	Middle School
      Peritz, Beth	Indian Rock	Valley View
      Price, Hazel	East York	Middle School
      Robinson, Joseph	High School	High School/Middle School
      Shearer, Carole	High School/Middle School	High School
      Toner, Janet	Middle School/Yorkshire	Middle School
      Weirich, Glenn	Middle School	East York
      Weld, Jesse	High School/Valley View	High School/Valley View/Yorkshire
      Willson, Kevin	High School/Valley View	High School

       

   6. Re-Appointment of Spring Coaches for 2015-2016

      Kent Gable, Head Golf, Step 4, $4,318

      Mr. Gable was incorrectly approved at the salary of $6,483 at the June 15, 2015 Board meeting.

   7. Volunteer Coaches for Fall 2015-2016
      

      Scott Toman	Football
      Scott Toman	Girls Tennis
      Michael Jackson	Cross Country
      Jeffery Ohl	Cross Country
      Adam Walton	Cross Country
      Christine Krebs	Cross Country
      Kate Leik	Cross Country
      Katelyn Balmer	Cross Country
      Erin Kerchner	Girls Soccer
      Jamie Evans	Girls Volleyball
      Oliver Good	Girls Volleyball
      Dee Chambers	Girls Volleyball
      Gina Neiderer	Girls Volleyball
      Anna Meerbach	Field Hockey
      Patricia Selegrath	Cheerleading

       

   8. Substitutes for 2015-2016

      Mary Loyer
      Diane Lupinetti
      Nicole Mostert

5. Additional Committee Reports  

Lincoln Intermediate Unit Board Report – Mr. Sears

The “…by Dawn’s Early Light”, highlights of the LIU Board meeting of June 30, is provided.

Mr. Sears reported above and provided additional information about the Basic Education Funding Campaign presentation given by Dr. Thew. Mr. Sears provided information from his own research on the Basic Education Funding Formula.

A discussion continued and points were – once the business office reviews information and can analyze Mr. Sears’ information, could a contact be made with our legislators?; the business office is viewing webinars from PA Association of School Business Officials.

Mr. Miller concluded the discussion asking if the Administration could make a presentation at the August 3 Planning Committee meeting on the Basic Education Funding Formula and State Budget. The Board and Administration agreed.

York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich

No Report

York Area Tax Bureau Report – Ms. Mason

No Report

York County School of Technology – Mrs. Schroeder

Mrs. Schroeder reported enrollment is at capacity at YCST and asked about the missing Mini Board Reports. Dr. Merkle replied the Administration will contact YCST.

Recognition of Visitors  

Mr. Miller recognized the visitors in attendance this evening.

Board Meeting and Committee Schedule  

Mr. Miller reported above.

Public Comment  

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

 Adjournment  

The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 PM.

THERE WILL BE AN EXECUTIVE SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE MEETING.

An Executive Session was held.

ADDENDUM  

VII.   Committee Reports

          D.   Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer

                 3.  Employment

                      g.

                          h.

                     i.  Recommend the employment of Allyson Gable as a half-time Learning Support Aide at Indian Rock Elementary School effective for the 2015-2016 school year at the hourly rate of $10.50.

       7.  Volunteer Coaches for Fall 2015-16 (additional coach)

      9.   (Revised) Re-Appointment of Extra-Curricular/Co-Curricular Advisor for 2015-16