Minutes 2012-09-24

1. Call to Order – Mr. DeHaas
   1. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
      Vice-President Leopold-Sharp called the meeting to order.
   2. Roll Call
      Members present – Emily Bates, Jennifer Clancy, Bill Kirk, Lynne Leopold-Sharp,  Roger Miller, Lois Ann Schroeder, Joel Sears, Cathy Shaffer, Bradley Clark (Student Representative)

      Members not present – John DeHaas

   3. Public Comment 
      An opportunity was provided for public comment.

      Jerry Stahle, 700 Mulberry Street – inquired about a letter that was sent to Stephen Russell, Esquire

      Dr. Merkle will check into the situation.

   4. Discussion and Action on Board Minutes – Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of August 20, 2012 and the Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting of September 10, 2012.  [Approve as submitted/corrected] 

      Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported the Board approved the minutes as submitted.

Motion, Miller, Second, Kirk, and unanimously passed (8-0): Approval of Treasurer’s Report.

1. Approval of Treasurer’s Report as of 08/31/2012 [File for audit]  The Treasurer’s Report, Summary Report  and Check Summary are provided.  
2. Fund Account Reports showing balance as of 08/31/12
   1. General Fund-2012-13 – $14,293,262.79
   2. Food Service Fund – $183,147.77 
   3. Capital Reserve Fund – $152,694.71 
   4. Capital Projects Fund-Bond Series of 2006 & 2007 – $976,294.71 
3. Payment of Bills
   1. General Fund-2012-13 – $1,473,447.83
   2. Food Service Fund – $42,757.58 
   3. Capital Reserve Fund – None 
   4. Capital Projects Fund-Bond Series of 2006 & 2007 – $88,956.29 

1. Guaranteed Energy Savings Financing, General Obligation Bond 2007 Refinancing, General Obligation ond 2008 Refinancing.  Mr. Ken Phillips   
   Bond Purchase Agreement
   Series 2012
   Series 2013

   Mr. Phillips highlighted above information.

   Bond Purchase Resolutions – Mr. Steve Hovis
   Series of 2012
   Series of 2013
   
   Mr. Hovis highlighted above information.

   Ms. Leopold-Sharp stated for the public’s information that the minimum savings of $500,000 is a savings net of our expenses and is absolute money back into the budget.

   Motion, Miller, Second, Schroeder; Approval of Series 2012 and 2013 bond resolutions.  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes.  Motion approved 8-0.
    
   Standard and Poors’ Rating Report for District
   Mr. Miller highlighted above information.  District has been rated A-.

   Mr. Phillips enouraged everyone to read the report.  Rating of A- has negative connotation in the market and it does have an impact.

   Mr. Miller reported we had this rating report done for bond. Will another rating report need completed?

   Mr. Phillips commented yes but not as extensive.

   Resolution for Self Reimbursement for Guaranteed Energy Savings Financing   
   Motion, Miller, Second, Sears; Approval of Resolution for Self Reimbursement for Guaranteed Energy Savings Financing.  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes.  Motion carried 8-0.

2. The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled September 26 at 5:30 PM.  
   Mr. Miller reported the above meeting has been canceled this week and the Facilities Committee has scheduled meeting in its place.

1. JCI Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract.  
   Ms. Leopold-Sharp asked if there were any questions on above information.

   A discussion continued.  Points of the discussion included – the Facility Committee meeting was canceled where the pool audit was going to be discussed, approval of this contract would mean approval of the pool pack, how does contract align with spreadsheets that were approved?

   Nick Suracik, JCI Representative, stated the contract represents the scope of work approved on spreadsheets for projects less than ten years, capital projects pertaining to JCI and capital projects not pertaining to JCI.  A slight variation is the district decided to replace two vending machines on their own.

   Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported at the Faciltities Committee meeting that was canceled, the plan was to only provide and discuss the pool audit and not to discuss whether or not to move ahead with the pool construction.  At the August meeting, I feel comfortable when the Board voted on the scope of this project it included the pool work.  What are other Board members’ recollection?

   A discussion continued.  Points of the discussion included – no decision on how to fund this project was made, multiple financing options over the 2013 Bond were presented at the Planning Committee meeting in September but no action was taken at that time; my notes indicate it was necessary to vote on which financing option the Board was going with before action on the contract; the bond resolution that was just passed did include the parameters of financing; at the Planning Committee meeting it was decided to set the amount at the maximums on the bond resolution because it would allow to go lower from the amount, otherwise the Board would have to go through the whole process again; a finance structure needs approved for the project before the contract is acted upon, very concerned about $600,000 up front for pool project plus the ongoing expenses before we view other options, we have an obligation to look at these options on behalf of the taxpayers; five votes were not available at last meeting to review other options for taking the swim program and swim curriculum off the campus; why doesn’t the Board want to hear other options, there is no obligation, only new information to review; a decision needs to be made if we can afford to do this project.

   Motion, Miller, Second, Shaffer, and unanimously passed 8-0: Table the action on the JCI Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract until financing for the project is discussed and decided.

   Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported this item would be tabled until the October Planning Committee meeting.

2. The next Facilities Committee meeting is scheduled October 24 at 5:30 PM.  
   Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported the Facilities Committee will meet on September 26 at 5:30 PM to review roofing issues.

1. Executive Session.  The Board met in executive session prior to the Sepember 10, 2012 Planning Committee Meeting for the purpose of discussing personnel and/or legal issues. 
   Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above information.
2. Board Goals Discussion. 
   Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported this discussion will take place at the October Planning Committee meeting. 

1. Student Enrollment Report  
   Dr. Merkle highlighted above information.

   Ms. Leopold-Sharp asked how many students were in the district cyber school this year?

   Dr. Merkle replied approximately seven students.

2. Non-Resident Tuition Student Request.
   1. Request for admission of Non-Resident Tuition High School Student “002” for 2012-13.  [Motion and Vote] 

      Motion, Bates, Second, Shaffer, and unanimously passed, with the exception of Kirk, abstention and Sears, no (6-1-1); Approval of the request for admission of Non-Resident Tuition High School Student “002” for 2012-13. 

3. School Supplies from Luther Memorial Church.  Thanks is extended for the generous donation of school supplies that were distributed to elementary students. 
   Dr.  Merkle reported above information and thanked Mr. Gulley for attending the service on behalf of the district.
4. Summer Camp Summaries.
   1. 2012 Ready, Set, Learn! Report 
      Dr. Merkle highlighted above information.

      Ms. Bates asked about the name change from B.E.A.R. Camp to new name.

      Dr. Stoltz replied it was necessary to include math as 2nd graders were now part of the program and Be Excited About Reading camp needed to be renamed.

   2. MARS Camp 2012 Report 
      Dr. Merkle highlighted above information. 

      She extended congratulations to the elementary principals and teachers for a great summer program.

5. Comprehensive Plan Goals.  Dr. Maloney and Principals
   District
   Dr. Maloney provided information on the Comprehensive Plan District Goals.

   Ms. Leopold-Sharp asked if it was appropriate during the public comment phase to include information on the district website?

   Dr. Maloney replied yes, that is a good suggestion.

   Building Level 
   
   Dr. Stoltz gave Valley View and Yorkshire report; Mr. Gulley gave Indian Rock report and Dr. Grove gave East York report.

   Mr. Miller asked if East York and Indian Rock work collaboratively together like Valley View and Yorkshire?

   Mr. Gulley commented that yes teachers at East York and Indian Rock do collaborate.  Dr. Maloney commented the state’s set-up does not require feeder schools to each submit a plan. 

   Mr. Krauser gave Middle School report.

   Mr. Sears asked about 21st century instruction – what are the differences?

   Mr. Krauser replied problem solving together, not in isolation; using more of left brain approach to analyze; skill set of application through task, problem and environment. 

   Mr. Kirk asked what does mastery mean?  How do we know our students have mastered?

   Dr. Maloney replied different assessments would be different; multiple measures are reviewed.

   Mr. Ellis gave High School report.

   Dr. Merkle summarized this process with administrators, teachers, school board members and community members putting incredible time and effort into the process.  It is not just about the process, it has been integrated into professional development program, teacher habits and what our students are learning.  The district has far exceeded the expectations of the state and it has become a true process of administrators, teachers and students.

6. ELL Report.  Dr. Maloney 
   Dr. Maloney highlighted above information.

   Mrs. Shaffer asked how do teachers do this with the many languages?

   Dr. Maloney reported the important thing is the teachers try to speak English with these students as much as possible.  One of the teachers services both Valley View and High School students and it is observed that the younger students pick up the English language much quicker than the older students.

   Mrs. Clancy asked about the food service report that was to take place at this meeting.

   Dr. Merkle replied that is scheduled for October 15.

Mrs. Schroeder asked if any improvement was noticed on food service?

Mr. Clark responded yes improvements have been noticed and one thing students miss is the condiment bar, with items such as ketchup, mustard, honey and bar-b-que sauce.

1. The next Curriculum Committee meeting is scheduled October 1 at 9:00 AM.  
   Mrs. Clancy reported above information. 

1. The Communications Report and Activities Report are provided. 
   Mrs. Schroeder reported above information. 
2. The next Communications Committee meeting is scheduled October 1 at 6:00 PM.  
   Mrs. Schroeder reported above information. 

1. Consent Agenda:  You have before you the Personnel Report which includes resignations, employment, request for leaves of absence, additional substitute teachers, additional guest teachers and additional volunteer coach for fall.  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; second; roll call vote. 

   Motion, Shaffer, Second, Bates, and unanimously passed (8-0); Approval of the Personnel Committee consent agenda.

   Mrs. Shaffer reported a fireside chat has been scheduled and she is checking the rotation schedule of Board members to attend. 

   Dr. Merkle commented that Dr. Orban will make comments at the next meeting on the resignation of Dr. Bertram.

2. Resignations
   1. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Bettie Bertram as Director of Student Services effective October 19, 2012.
3. Employment
   1. Recommend the employment of Amy Gehly as a Substitute Lunchroom Aide at the hourly rate of $9.55, effective for the 2012-2013 school year.
   2. Recommend the employment of Patrick McCay as a part-time custodian at the Valley View Elementary at the hourly rate of $12.45, pending clearances. 
4. Requests for Leaves of Absence
   1. Recommend Board approval of the request of Tammy Daugherty, Health Room Assistant at the High School and Valley View Elementary, for an intermittent family medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act starting on or about November 6, 2012 through approximately December 3, 2012.
   2. Recommend Board approval of the request of Sonia Guyer, 5^th Grade Teacher at Indian Rock Elementary, for a short term disability leave for maternity purposes starting on or about January 12, 2013 followed by a family medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Mrs. Guyer will be returning to her position on or about February 25, 2013.
   3. Recommend Board approval of the request of Kelly Harper, 3^rd Grade Teacher at Indian Rock Elementary, for a short term disability leave for maternity purposes starting on or about February 24, 2013 followed by a family medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Mrs. Harper will be returning to her position on or about May 20, 2013.
   4. Recommend Board approval of the request of Ashley Thrush, Music Teacher, for a short term disability leave for maternity purposes starting on or about November 25, 2012 followed by a family medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, followed by an unpaid leave of absence. Mrs. Thrush will be returning to her position on April 2, 2013.
5. Additional Substitute Teachers for 2012-2013
    

   Angela Bennett	Alicia Berkoski
   Jennifer Eckard	Leasha Folk
   Matthew Gaumer	Roberta Gifford
   M. Kathleen Hand	Marci Holloway
   Cory Ilgenfritz	George Kapterian
   Angila Kirkessner	Heather Lehman
   Clarissa Linde	Holly Long
   Katelyn Miller	Matthew Muehleisen
   Alexander Rost	Shawna Stover
   Bethanie Striebig

6. Additional Guest Teachers for 2012-2013

   Heather Grimmie	Mark Heatley
   Cathleen Holman	Natalie Hynoski
   Rebecca Perkins	Angela Pessognelli
   John Sorenson	Michael Williams

7. Additional Volunteer Coach for Fall 2012-2013
    

   Bruce Hake

   JV/Varsity Football

1. The next Planning Committee meeting is scheduled October 1 at 7:30 PM.  
   Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above information. 

1. Policy Revisions.  The Policy Review Committee recommends adoption of the following revised and new policies.  [Motion and Vote]  
   1. Policy No. 706 – Property Records 
   2. Policy No. 249 – Bullying/Cyberbullying 
   3. Policy No. 202 – Eligibility of Nonresident Students 
   4. Policy No. 815.1 – Internet Safety  

      Motion, Bates, Second, Clancy, and unanimously approved (8-0); Approval of revised Policy No. 706-Property Records, revised Policy No. 249-Bullying/Cyberbullying and new Policy No. 815.1-Internet Safety.

      Ms. Bates reported at the last meeting the administration was asked to bring their recommendation on Policy No. 202-Eligibility of Nonresident Students for a senior whose family moved out of the district for their senior year prior to graduation and that recommendation is reflected on the policy presented this evening.  Following discussion at last Board meeting and during the Policy Review Committee meetings, there was discussion regarding allowing a senior whose family moved out of the district prior to graduation an opportunity to remain at York Suburban.  The committee’s recommendation would appear on page 3, instead of striking #2, it would read “Seniors who move from the district during the second semester may apply to continue attendance in the district through the end of the school year without payment of tuition.  A letter of request is required from the parents/guardians.  After review of the student’s complete record, including attendance, academic progress and discipline record, the Superintendent may approve continued attendance.”  This information is more representative of the discussion that took place at the Board level than simply striking it.  

      Motion Bates, Second, Schroeder; Approval of Policy No. 202-Eligibility of Nonresident Students with the above-referenced revision.

      Mr. Spare asked if the administration has reviewed that recommendation yet?

      Ms. Bates replied no.

      A discussion continued.  Points of the discussion included – several Board members prefered version with administration’s recommendation; conditions should be the same when family moves out of the district for all students, it is about timing; several Board members commented about the importance to them of special consideration for seniors during second semester is necessary.

      Ms. Bates relayed apologies for bringing this recommendation forward without having it reviewed by the administration or Mr. Spare.

      A discussion continued.  Points of the discussion included – Several Board members commented on the importance for opportunity for seniors to finish their high school education here to gain a diploma is important; a time limit tightened up for #1 statement should be included; in favor of senior to complete eduction at York Suburban but they should pay tuition if they move from the district.

      Ms. Bates withdrew the motion, Schroeder, seconded that action.

      Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported Policy No. 202 – Eligibility of Nonresident Students will go back to committee.
       

2. The next Policy Review Committee meeting is scheduled October 23 at 3:45 PM.
   Ms. Bates reported above information. 

1. The Mini-Board Report dated August 30, 2012 is provided by the York County School of Technology Joint Operating Committee. 
   Ms. Schroeder reported above information. 

1. “…by Dawn’s Early Light” outlining the highlights of the September 4 LIU Board Meeting is provided.  
   Mr. Sears reported a big loss to district losing Dr. Betram and a big gain to the IU. 

Mrs. Shaffer reported Mr. Tom Gentzyel, Executive Director of PSBA, was offered and will be transitioning to the position of the NSBA Executive Director.

ADDENDUM

TO:                Members of the York Suburban School Board

FROM:            Kathryn L. Orban, Superintendent

DATE:            September 24, 2012

SUBJECT:      Addendum to the Agenda for the Board Meeting of September 24, 2012 

VI.  Superintendent’s Report

      G.  Adjudication  Re:  Student No. 212199.  Upon recommendation of the Superintendent and based on the Student Disciplinary Hearing conducted by Brooke E.D. Say, Esquire, the Superintendent recommends the Board accept the Adjudication for expulsion of Student No. 212199 for a violation of School Board Policy and the Code of Student Conduct as more fully set forth in the Adjudication and may reapply for attendance.  [Motion and Vote]

 Motion, Bates, Second, Shaffer; Approval of the Adjudication for expulsion of Student No. 212199 for a violation of School Bord Policy and the Code of Student Conduct as more fully set forth in the Adjudication and may reapply for attendance.  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes.  Motion carried 8-0.