Minutes 2017-01-23

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
JANUARY 23, 2017 – 7:00 PM
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

An Education Session will be held at 6:00 PM, prior to this meeting.

M I N U T E S
(approved on February 27, 2017)

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, Peyton Stuart (Student Representative)
3. Public Comment. All comments and questions will be addressed to the President. Board and staff members will not normally respond to comments or questions during the meeting unless recognized by the President for this purpose. Comments will be limited, at the discretion of the President, to five minutes or less.
  An opportunity was provided for public comment.
  
  Angela Brown, 815 Clearmount Road – following up with email message I sent to Board members and Dr. Merkle with my concern with the walking routes for Valley View Elementary School that have no signs identifying zones where students are walking to school, inadequate sidewalks and crosswalks exist; difficult intersections exist for parents with children in tow; request new studies from PennDOT to review routes for hazardous visibility and high volume of traffic; in the mean time, request my daughter be allowed to ride the bus that picks up neighbor student one house away from our residence until the traffic studies are reviewed.
  
  Dr. Merkle commented a request for a study of Hill Street and Midland Avenue was requested several weeks ago. The Administration does not anticipate a change at this time. Other follow-up will take place privately with Ms. Brown.
4. Discussion and Action on Board Minutes. Approval of the Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting of January 9, 2017 and the Regular Monthly Meeting of December 19, 2016. [Public Comment; Approval as submitted/corrected]
  Motion, Schroeder, Second, Freireich; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
Treasurer’s Report – Mr. Posenau [Consent Agenda: Would any Board member like any of these items considered separately or are there any questions any any of these items? If not, the chair moves approval of the below-mentioned items; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
Motion, Posenau, Second, Freireich; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

Approval of Financial Reports as of December 31, 2016 [File for audit]
Board President’s Report – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
1. The Board met following the Planning Committee Meeting on January 9, 2017 in Executive Session as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act for the purpose of discussing legal matters. No official action was taken.
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
2. The Board met prior to this evening’s meeting for an Education Session in Executive Session as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act for education purposes. No official action was taken.
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
1. School Board Recognition Month
  Dr. Merkle acknowledged that January is School Board Recognition Month. On behalf of the Administration, staff, students and community, Dr. Merkle expressed gratitude for Board members’ service to the district with their many hours doing research and homework and attending many meetings. A thermos cup and coaster that were National Blue Ribbon School branded were given to each Board member. The Project Harmony advisors and students involved with the recent Reach for Respect event, a no name calling initiative at the high school, shared a wristband that was given to event participants. An Op-Ed piece was in the newspaper this week saluting Board members that spend dozens of hours each month voluntarily leading our schools and making difficult decsions. An information session with a panel discussion, So You Want to be a School Board Member will be held at Valley View Elementary School on January 24 at 7:00 PM and all York County community members are invited to attend.
2. Student Enrollment Report
  Dr. Merkle reported above.
3. The Administration recommends Board approval of the 2017-18 calendar as presented. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Bates, Second, Shaffer; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes.
4. The Administration recommends Board approval of the graduation of Molly Sargen who successfully met all the requirements of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the York Suburban School District during her first semester of full-time concurrent enrollment at the Pennsylvania State University – York Campus. [Motion; Discusssion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Bates, Second, Freireich; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
  
  Dr. Merkle congratulated Molly Sargen.
5. The Administration recommends Board approval of the renaming of the French Society to the French Club. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Shaffer, Second, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
6. The Administration recommends Board approval of the York Suburban School District Counseling Plan as presented to the Board on November 7, 2016 and is attached here. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Schroeder, Second, Shaffer; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
7. Property Tax Legislation: The Administration is closely monitoring discussions at the state level and the potential impact on district initiatives.
  Dr. Merkle reported above. The property tax elimination proposed legislation has potential significant ramifications for public schools in Pennsylvania. The Administration expects to have information to share with the community. Keeping the community members informed is very important with the potential legislation coming during the next month. The implications are significant for public education in Pennsylvania and we need to have the community well aware of the implications. The PA Association of School Business Officials (PASBO) has provided support to the Board this evening and we will rely on them to get concrete data to keep the community informed on this new tax plan and what it could do for individual home owners and all tax paying citizens. PASBO, PA Association of School Business Officials, is an organization to support school business operations.
8. District Goals Mid-Year Review
  Dr. Merkle reported above and added the Administration is pleased with the progress to date.
Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
1. The Administration recommends Board approval of the IRS Mileage Reimbursement Rate of $.535 per mile for the 2017 calendar year. The rate for the 2016 calendar year was $.54. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Posenau, Second, Bates; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
2. The Administration recommends Board approval of the closing of the National English Honor Society, National French Honor Society, National German Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society Student Activity Accounts to be consolidated into the National Honor Society. Consolidating these accounts into one is the premise that the Honor Societies will work collectively when fundraising. This will also increase the number of students participating in given efforts while not having the students participating in multiple fundraisers across the various organizations. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Shaffer, Second, Bates; approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
3. The Administration submits the proposed 2017-18 York County School of Technology Budget for consideration and approval. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Schroeder, Second, Posenau; Approval.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – YCST worked very hard to keep increases to bare minimum, encourage support of the budget; budget increases were kept to a minimum while increasing their academic performance; the increase is 2.42% and the increase for the YS budget is 1.6%.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
4. The Administration recommends Board approval of the three year Agreement with Cummins Power Systems, LLC for District wide preventive maintenance services for back-up generators at a total cost of $14,271. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Posenau, Second, Schroeder; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
5. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Transportation Plan between York Suburban School District and York County Children and Youth Agency. This plan is designed to govern how transportation will be provided to students in foster care, in order to maintain their placement in their schools of origin, when in their best interest, as mandated by (ESSA 11q2(c)(5)(B)). [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Freireich, Second, Schroeder; Approval.
  
  Dr. Merkle reported previous legislation that was set forth by the previous federal administration was put on hold for 60 days because of new presidential action taken by President Trump. We are not sure of implications of Title IV money that will fund the transportation plan. Without that knowledge we are approving a plan without any knowledge of whether it will be funded. The District may be mandated by the state despite their mixed opinions whether it will be funded. The Administration checked PA Department of Education today to be sure the Board should go through with action this evening.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
6. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between York Suburban School District and York County Children and Youth Agency for transportation procedures. The two entities collaborated on the design of the plan. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Bates Second, Shaffer; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all presented, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
7. The Administration recommends Board approval of a contract authorizing the consultative services of Brigitte Englert to work with the administrative team on the enhancement of engagement practices for all students and families. Such services include workshop and meeting facilitation, research and small group discussions. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Shaffer, Second, Schroeder; Approval.
  
  A discussion continued and the point was – the amount of the contract is $1000 with an otptional extension of $200.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
8. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Agreement with Executive Coach, Inc. to take High School English students to Manhattan, New York on Thursday, April 6, 2017 for a total cost of $4,580 for two buses. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  Motion, Shaffer, Second, Freireich; Approval.
  
  A discussion continued and the point was – this trip includes two groups going to see museums.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
9. Informational:
  Food Service Department Report
  1. Dining Review Report for December
  2. Sales Report
    Ms. Mason reported above.
    
    Ms. Leopold-Sharp commented to the younger visitors this evening that the Board meets twice a month. Two weeks ago at the Planning Committee meeting, these items were discussed with the pros and cons to prepare for the voting session this evening.
    
    Dr. Merkle welcomed the boys scouts from troop 20 that are in attendance this evening and working on their Citizenship in the Community badge.
Student Board Representative Report – Peyton Stuart
Mr. Stuart reported the Sno-Co Dance was held on Saturday and was successful with approximately 200 students in attendance. An Athletic Report was provided. The Quiz Bowl Team was involved in a match today and won. Planning for Mini-Thon continues and will be held on February 24. The National English Honor Society is holding a book drive to collect books to provide to multiple charities around York. Many students took the SAT on Saturday. Project Harmony sponsored a Reach for Respect free throw contest to support no name calling week. The Science Olympiad had a meeting today in preparation for the March 25 competition.

Committee Reports – Ms. Leopold-Sharp

Academic Standards and Curriculum Committee Report – Mrs. Schroeder
The minutes of November 2 are provided.

Mrs. Schroeder reported above. The Annual Curriculum meeting will be held on February 15 at 6:30pm in High School room 160.
Communications Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer
The Activity and Communications Reports are provided.

Ms. Shaffer reported above.

Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Bates

The minutes of November 29 are provided.
Ms. Bates reported above.

Consent Agenda [You have before you the Personnel Report which includes retirement, resignation, appointment, employment, building re-assignment, re-appointment of spring coaches, substitute teachers, guest teachers, volunteer spring coaches and 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. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

Several comments were made by Board members regarding the retirement announcements about big shoes to fill with these positions, big losses in the math department and teachers will be missed.

Dr. Merkle congratulated Lorena Mummert and Dave Wickenheiser on their outstanding careers with a total of 53 years of experience. Mr. Wickenheiser has worked very closely with the Administration and staff being the chief negotiator in addition to being track coach, math department chair and outstanding teacher. These teachers will be missed.

Retirement
1. Recommend Board approval of the retirement of Lorena Mummert, Math Teacher at the High School, effective the last day of the 2016-2017 school year. Mrs. Mummert is retiring after having served 21 years in education and 20 with York Suburban School District.
2. Recommend Board approval of the retirement of David Wickenheiser, Math Teacher at the High School, effective the last day of the 2016-2017 school year. Mr. Wickenheiser is retiring after having served 35 years in education, all with York Suburban School District.
Resignation
Recommend Board approval of the resignation of TW Drumm as High School Percussion (Winter) advisor for the 2016-2017 school year effective December 13, 2016.
Appointment
1. The administration recommends the appointment of Dr. Christopher Adams to represent York Suburban School District on the Spring Garden Township Recreation Commission for a period of one year.
2. Recommend the appointment of Matthew Husler as MS Jazz Band Director (40%) at the salary of $498.80 which represents 40% of Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
3. Recommend the appointment of Karen Potts as Summer Enrichment Coordinator effective January 24, 2017 to August 2017 at the stipend of $3,000.
4. Recommend the appointment of Susan Wolschleger as Elementary Musical Director for the 2016-2017 school year at the salary of $1,087 which represents Step 4 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
Employment
1. Recommend the employment of Sarah Bosco, who is currently a 50% Kindergarten Teacher, as a full-time Kindergarten Teacher at the salary of $62,625 (B.S. – Step 9) beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.
2. Recommend the employment of Alexander Gibson as Assistant Girls Lacrosse #1 Coach at the salary of $2,836 which represents Step 2 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
3. Recommend the extension of employment of Amy Intrieri as a half-day full-time Substitute Music Teacher at the Middle School effective January 3, 2017, through the end of the 2016-2017 school year. This will require a retroactive pay adjustment from a daily rate of $52.50 to ½ of the salary of first step of the bachelor’s schedule prorated from September 19, 2016.
4. Recommend the employment of Barbara Seifert as a Substitute Custodian effective on or about January 9, 2017 at the hourly rate of $10.00.
5. Recommend the employment of Carrie Smeltzer as a long-term Substitute Music Teacher at the Middle School effective January 9, 2017 through March 15, 2017 at the rate of $105 per day.
6. Recommend the employment of Carrie Smeltzer as MS Jazz Band Director (60%) at the salary of $748.20 which represents 60% of Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
Building Re-assignment

Name

Position

Building Assignment 9-26-16

Building Re-assignment effective 1-3-17

Amy Moffitt

Instructional Support Aide

Yorkshire Elementary

Valley View Elementary

Re-appointment of Spring Coaches for 2016-2017

LAST	FIRST	POSITION	SALARY	STEP
APPLEBY	MICHAEL	MS Assistant Boys & Girls Track	$3,438	4
BEAM	LUKE	Head Boys Lacrosse	$6,535	4
BILLET	ANTHONY	Assistant Track #2	$4,052	4
COBB	SCOTT	Assistant Baseball #1	$4,281	4
DALTON	LARRY	Assistant Softball #1	$4,281	4
EVANS	ANASTASIA	Intramural Coach	$1,500	NA
EVANS	JAMIE	Head Boys Volleyball	$5,652	4
GOOD	OLIVER	Assistant Boys Volleyball	$4,052	4
GUYER	SONIA	MS Head Girls Volleyball	$3,252	4
JACKSON	MICHAEL	MS Head Boys & Girls Track	$4,791	4
MEERBACH	LAURA	Head Girls Lacrosse	$6,535	4
NEIDERER	GINA	MS Assistant Girls Volleyball	$2,233	3
O’REILLY	MARK	Head Boys Tennis	$4,370	4
STAMBAUGH	LORI	Assistant HS Track #3	$4,052	4
VANHOUWE	DANIEL	Assistant Track #1	$5,652	4
WEITZEL	JENNIFER	Head Softball	$4,805	3
WICKENHEISER	DAVID	Head Boys & Girls Track	$7,589	4

Recommend the employment of the following Substitute Teachers at the daily rate of $100, effective January 24, 2017:

Amanda Dashler

Glenn Dietrich

Melissa Guyer

Ashly Jones
Recommend the employment of the following Guest Teachers at the daily rate of $100, effective January 24, 2017:

Kathleen Pajtis

Carita Williams
Recommend the employment of the following Education Major as a Substitute Teacher at the daily rate of $100, effective January 24, 2017:
Kristen Koblitz

Recommend Board approval of the following Volunteer Spring Coaches for 2016-2017:

Steven Arbetman	Boys Tennis
Alex Bahn	Boys Volleyball
Josh Beamesderfer	Lacrosse
Darren Hake	Baseball
Jed Larkin	Baseball
Jared Miller	Lacrosse
J. Ander Pindzola	Track & Field
Craig Rapp	Boys Tennis
Matthew Weinstein	Boys Volleyball

Recommend Board approval of the following Volunteers for 2016-2017:
Michael Busse

Tammy Daugherty

Christen Hinderer

Anne Thompson

Policy Review Committee Report – Mr. Thoman
The Policy Review Committee recommends Board approval of the following policy revisions.
1. 007 Policy Manual Access
2. 304 Employment of District Staff
3. 305 Employment of Substitutes
4. 306 Employment of Summer School Staff
5. 317 Conduct/Disciplinary Procedures
6. 317.1 Educator Misconduct (New)
7. 827 Conflict of Interest
  
  [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]
  
  Motion, Thoman, Second, Bates; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.
Additional Committee Reports
Ms. Leopold-Sharp asked if there were additional committee reports. There were none at this time.

Lincoln Intermediate Unit Board Report – Mr. Robinson
No report
York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich
Mrs. Freireich reported 12 YS students are currently enrolled at YAA. Tomorrow evening is the winter graduation with 40 graduates.
York Adams Tax Bureau Report – Ms. Mason
Ms. Mason reported meeting Monday at 6:30 PM.
York County School of Technology – Mrs. Schroeder
Mrs. Schroeder reported that she very pleased that YS has approved the YCST budget. The YCST Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday night and a lovely catered meal prepared by the students is served prior to meeting for Board Appreciation Month.
Recognition of Visitors
Ms. Leopold-Sharp thanked everyone for attending this evening.
Board Meeting and Committee Schedule

Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
Public Comment. All comments and questions will be addressed to the President. Board and staff members will not normally respond to comments or questions during the meeting unless recognized by the President for this purpose. Comments will be limited, at the discretion of the President, to five minutes or less.
An opportunity was provided for public comment. There were none at this time.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 PM.

Posted in SB-Minutes

Name	Position	Building Assignment 9-26-16	Building Re-assignment effective 1-3-17
Amy Moffitt	Instructional Support Aide	Yorkshire Elementary	Valley View Elementary