Minutes 2015-08-03

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
SPECIAL MEETING FOLLOWED BY PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
August 3, 2015 – 7:00 PM
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

M I N U T E S
(Approved on August 17, 2015)

An Executive Session was held prior to the meeting at 6:30 PM.

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
  
  Members not present – Emily Bates, Elizabeth Huh (Student Representative)
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
1. Response to Audit Report Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2010 and 2009. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Corrective Action Plans and recommends the Board certify the adoption on the response as outlined in the provided Action Plans. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Dr. Merkle reviewed above.
  
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Shaffer; 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.
2. Addition of Half Day Kindergarten Position. The Administration requests Board approval of the addition of a half day Kindergarten position. This position is necessary because of the current enrollment numbers in kindergarten, the split between Valley View Elementary and Yorkshire Elementary, and the anticipation of continued growth. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Dr. Merkle reviewed above.
  
  Motion, Shaffer, Second, Sears; 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.
  
  Dr. Merkle thanked the Board for this vote to allow class sizes to remain within the guidelines.

Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer

[Consent Agenda: You have before you the Personnel Report which includes resignation, employment and volunteer coach. 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 including items on the Addendum.

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

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

Dr. Merkle extended congratulations on the retirements and introduced Nicole Mostert in attendance this evening.

Retirement
Recommend Board approval of the retirement of Pamela Ketterman, Custodian, effective September 10, 2015. Mrs. Ketterman is retiring after having served 15 years with York Suburban School District.

Employment

Name	Nicole Mostert
Education	Dallastown Area High School, Diploma; The Pennsylvania State University, Bachelor of Elementary Education
Certification	Grades PK-4
Contract	Temporary Professional Contract
Salary	$25,712.50 (Salary is pro-rated based on 50% employment) – B.S. – Step 1
Assignment	Kindergarten – Valley View
Effective	2015-2016

Recommend the employment of Amy Chapman as a Library Aide at the Middle School at the hourly rate of $10.50, effective August 19, 2015.
Recommend the employment of Darren Kurilla as Middle School Assistant Girls Basketball Coach at the salary of $1,500 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.

Volunteer Coach for Fall 2015-16 (additional coach)
Malena Sanders – Girls Tennis

Comments and/or Questions from the Public
An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 7:08 PM.

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
AUGUST 3, 2015 – 7:00 PM
RONALD H. PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

A G E N D A

General Business
Call to Order – Mr. Miller

Mr. Miller called the Planning Committee meeting to order at 7:08 PM.
Board President’s Report – Mr. Miller

Executive Session. The Board met in Executive Session following the combined planning committee and regular monthly meeting on July 20, 2015 and prior to this evening’s meeting for the purpose of discussing personnel and/or legal issues.

Mr. Miller reported above.
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
1. Teacher Placement Chart
  Dr. Merkle reviewed above and provided an update on ESL search.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – the increase in the costs for LIU provided services may have a circular relationship when districts change to having in-house services, Mr. Sears will check at the LIU about the details for the price increase for ESL sevices; the ESL substitute for the first several months may not be certified but will be capable; physical education vs. wellness.
2. All Hazards School Safety Plan (AHSSP) Update – Mrs. Gross
  Mrs. Gross provided an update on above.
3. Part-time Enrollment Request – Dr. Merkle will provide the administrative perspective and past practice relative to this request.
  Dr. Merkle reviewed above.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – it is understood that a parent may choose a cyber option for their child and while it may seem more expensive, the Administration would argue that additional costs are involved with all the additional work asked of teachers to accommodate a part-time request; this specific request was brought to Dr. Gulley, then appealed to Mrs. Gross, followed by an appeal to Dr. Merkle and the parents brought the request to the Board; no action is necessary.
  
  Dr. Merkle concluded the discussion stating that she will relay this decision to the parents.
4. New PSSA Standards – Dr. Maloney will provide a report on the increased rigor of the PSSA cut scores.
  Dr. Maloney reviewed information with the Board.
  
  Dr. Merkle reported the Administration does plan to post information for the community under Hot Topics on website to provide a background of this change.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – the open ended questions are done by human scoring; there is a selection of 58 members and training is provided for these indivduals.
  
  Dr. Merkle concluded the discussion reporting that much pressure was put on the teachers with these revisions and the Administration recognizes that the teachers stepped up to the plate and delivered. They deserve a large amount of credit for these preliminary results. It is not all about the scores, but the scores do validate what the teachers do.
Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
1. Items for Discussion
  1. High School Auxiliary Gym Presentation – Mr. Chris Adams will make a brief presentation to the Board.
    Mr. Adams provided information to the Board.
    
    A discussion continued and points were – in order to have batting cages, the divider would need to be removed and a multi-purpose floor would be necessary; the remaining life on the main gym floor has been evaluated recently and the results indicate that it can be sanded one more time, which would probably take place in a fews years, followed by refinishing the surface that would last another 20 to 30 years; the National Clinton Foundation has been contacted about the Healthy School Programs and evaluation is taking place with the eight different components and hopefully by the end of year, we will know the level of recognition, bronze, silver or gold, and if any supports may be available; multi-pupose floor is very durable, do not require maintenance as wooden floors, maintenance costs are minimal compared to wooden floors, the floors hold up with use of baseballs, softballs, scooters and traffic, lots of field houses at university levels are using multi-purpose floors; the multi-purpose floor surface is vinyl with some other rubber surfaces below, repairs can be made to the upper layer, samples were shared at Facilities Committee meeting and we can bring back to Board meeting for review, the Administration will check about lateral movement on the floor; the Administration will research and prepare additional information for the Board that will include responses to the various questions that were asked along with the Administration’s recommendation and various scenarios on August 17, the bids will be opened on August 13; during the fitness room renovations, a grant opportunity was available and the Administration will check about current status.
    
    Mr. Miller concluded the discussion, asking Board members to share any additional ideas or thoughts with the Administration.
    
    Dr. Merkle thanked the teachers for coming in this summer evening to show support for the instructional planning for this new space.
  2. Eidex Presentation – Dr. Merkle will provide information on a product being recommended for purchase.
    Dr. Merkle reviewed above. Ms. Mason reported the annual cost is $6,000 with a $250 license cost per person at an estimated five licenses.
    
    A discussion continued and points were – Eidex started in Michigan and is now available in Pennsylvania, two Superintendents in the area use it intensively; Mr. Sears will check at the LIU tomorrow evening if this is something that could be floated at the LIU.
    
    Mr. Miller concluded the discussion stating this information would provide the Administration an efficient resource of information.
2. Items being recommended for approval on August 17
  1. The Administration recommends approval of the 2015-16 Bus Routes and Bus/Van Drivers.
    Ms. Mason reported above.
  2. The Administration recommends the Board award ___ the contract for the High School Auxiliary Gym Project in the amount of $____.
    Ms. Mason reported above. The bid opening has changed to August 13 and details are being arranged for room assignment due to the very busy time of year and high demand for use of rooms.
  3. The Administration recommends the Board approve the subscriber Agreement with Eidex.
    Ms. Mason reported above.
3. Informational Items
  1. Facilities Projects Update
    Mr. Girling reported all projects are on schedule and provided details for each project. Many in-house projects are being completed and a list of completed projects is being prepared and will be available at a later date.
  2. Basic Education Funding Formula and State Budget Update
    Ms. Mason provided information. The Board decided to not post this preliminary data as it could be confusing. It was decided to have the PA School Boards Association information posted under Hot Topics of the District website.
    
    A discussion took place about preparing a letter to our legislators and it was decided that Mr. Sears would draft a letter about the proposed new funding forumula.
    
    Ms. Mason responded to an inquiry about Regents Glen and the amount due in taxes. The total amount owed is almost $650,000 with balance of $390,000. $396,000 specific to YSSD was very recently paid. This amount covers 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Student Board Representative Report – Elizabeth Huh
Miss Huh was not in attendance this evening.
Committee Reports – Mr. Miller
1. Facilities Committee – Mrs. Freireich
  The minutes of June 17 are provided.
  
  Mrs. Freireich reported above.
2. Additional Committee Reports/Announcements
Lincoln Intermediate Unit – Mr. Sears
No report
York Adams Academy – Mrs. Freireich
No report
York County School of Technology – Mrs. Schroeder
The YCST Joint Operating Committee Mini-Board Report of April 30, May 28, June 25, and July 23 are provided.

Mrs. Schroeder reported a meeting was held last week and YCST is very pleased with the Keystone results. Several new courses were introduced.
Board Meeting and Committee Schedule
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 8:50 PM.

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

ADDENDUM

TO: Members of the York Suburban School Board

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

DATE: August 3, 2015

SUBJECT: Addendum to the Agenda for the Special Board Meeting of August 3, 2015

II. Superintendent Report – Dr. Merkle

C. Release and Settlement Agreement. The Administration recommends Board approval of the confidential Release and Settlement Agreement between the York Suburban School District and Teacher 15-001. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

Dr. Merkle reviewed above.

Motion, Sears, Second, L-S; approval. RCV, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

III. Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer

A. Retirement

2. Recommend Board approval of the retirement of Lillian Lopez, Custodian, effective August 25, 2015. Mrs. Lopez is retiring after having served 8 1/2 years with York Suburban School District.

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