Minutes 2014-09-22

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
SEPTEMBER 22, 2014- 7:30 PM
RONALD H. PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

M I N U T E S
(Approved on October 20, 2014)

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 – Emily Bates, Jennifer Clancy, Ellen Freireich, Roger Miller, John Posenau, Lois Ann Schroeder, Joel Sears, Cathy Shaffer, Jessica Renjilian (Student Representative)
  
  Members not present – Lynne Leopold-Sharp
3. Public Comment
  An opportunity was available for public comment.
  
  Dick Grau, 2101 Cambridge Road – Affirmed the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Faculty, Students and School Board for the achievement recognized by Newsweek; question to Dr. Merkle about the perspective of recent newspaper articles regarding the York Suburban School District merging with York City School District
  
  Dr. Merkle replied to Mr. Grau’s first comment, in addition to District administrators, faculty, students and school board, the District is fortunate to have an education minded community and thanked community members. To the second point, this is an important topic to the District and the Board will bring this to a discussion in the near future and information will be brought to public soon.
4. Discussion and Action on Board Minutes. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting of August 18, 2014 and the Special Meeting and Planning Committee Meeting of September 8, 2014. [Public Comment; Approval as submitted/corrected]
  Motion, Schroeder, Second, Clancy; 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.
Treasurer’s Report – Mrs. Clancy [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]
Motion, Clancy, Second, Sears; Approval of Treasurer’s Report, A1, 2, 4 and 6.
Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.

Motion, Clancy, Second, Schroeder; Approval of Treasurer’s Report, A3 and 5.
Roll Call Vote, all present, yes, except Freireich, abstain. Motion carried 7-0-1.
1. Approval of Financial Reports as of August 31, 2014 [File for audit]
Board President’s Report – Mr. Miller
1. Executive Session. The Board met in Executive Session on August 18, 2014 following the Regular Monthly Meeting and on September 8, 2014 following the Special Meeting and Planning Committee Meeting for the purpose of discussing personnel and/or legal issues. The Board met on September 4 and 9, 2014 for Education Workshops.
  Mr. Miller reported above.
  
  Mr. Miller, on behalf of the Board, thanked and congratulated the staff, administration, students, parents and community for the recognition of the recent achievement from Newsweek. Comments were also shared with Mr. DeHaas and Mr. Royer, former Board members. The Board members are proud of this recognition.
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
1. Newsweek Ranking – York Suburban High School was recognized by Newsweek with two national distinctions: America’s Top High Schools 2014 – YSHS ranked 67th in U.S. (5th in PA) and Beating the Odds – America’s Top High Schools for Low-Income Students – YSHS ranked 83rd in U.S.
  Dr. Merkle congratulated the Board, students, K-12 teachers and students, administration, parents and community on this achievement. This information has been announced, recorded and published in many different media communications. A banner was unveiled at Thursday’s YS PRIDE Rally in front of the high school. A shout out to Marketing Works for their time and effort in designing the banner. The Communications Committee will discuss various additional ways to communicate this achievement on letterhead, transcripts, emails, etc. Letters were sent to Dr. Kathryn Orban, former Superintendent, and Dr. Russell Greenholt, former High School Principal, as they were both in leadership roles in the District during the time of this achievement. Additional letters were given to Dr. Patricia Maloney, Assistant Superintendent, for assuring the curriculum was aligned and Dr. Denise Furhman, High School Assistant Principal, as she led the high school staff along with Dr. Greenholt with her leadership in curriculum and professional development.
2. Summer School Report (High School and Elementary) – Dr. Maloney
  Dr. Maloney and Dr. Gulley provided information about above and answered questions from Board members.
3. Student Enrollment Report
  Dr. Merkle reviewed above and comparison to last year was shared. At this time, 10 students from charter and cyber schools returned to the District. Many of the new students are coming from York City School District and York County as a whole.
4. ELL Report – Dr. Maloney
  Dr. Maloney highlighted above.
5. PA School Boards Association (PSBA) Publication Awards – York Suburban School District received two PSBA awards for “Special-Purpose Publications”. The Award of Honorable Mention was presented to the District for the Annual Report 2014. The Award of Honorable Mention was presented to the District for the Stall Street Journal, April 2014 edition.
  Dr. Merkle reported above and congratulated Dr. Maloney and Communications Committee for the Annual Report 2014. Dr. Merkle congratulated Doreene Baughman for her work with the Stall Street Journals that are posted in the bathroom stalls throughout the District.
6. Memorandum of Understanding for Health Services. The administration recommends the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between the York Suburban School District and Keystone Christian Academy to take effect September 23, 2014. The District is required by law to provide Health Services to Keystone Christian Academy and the MOU defines the terms of the service provision agreed upon by the two entities. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Dr. Merkle reviewed above.
  
  Motion, Clancy, Second, Schroeder; Approval of above.
  
  A discussion continued. Points of the discussion were approximately 30 students attend this new school; this service will be covered by more than one nurse; the school does have emergency procedures in place to follow until a District nurse arrives at the school.
  
  An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
1. Issuance of the General Obligation Bonds. The administration recommends adoption of the resolution authorizing the issuance of the general obligation bonds, series of 2014 and 2015 in the aggregate maximum principal amount of $28,260,000 and acceptance of the bond purchase agreements as more fully set forth in the resolution. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  While the District is actually borrowing $9.9 million, the parameter resolution is set at $13 million to provide maximum flexibility in bond pricing in order to secure the lowest cost to the District. This resolution also includes the refinancing of approximately $10,825,000 of existing debt; to provide flexibility in pricing, that parameter is set at $15,260,000.
  
  Resolution
  Bond Series 2014
  Bond Series 2015
  
  Ms. Mason reviewed above information.
  
  Motion, Sears, Second, Freireich; Approval of above.
  
  Mr. Ken Phillips reviewed and explained the contracts and agreements. The Board has reviewed and discussed this information and action is now necessary.
  
  Mr. Phil Spare reviewed the Resolution.
  
  An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
  
  Mr. Phillips reported that documents will be filed at the state by Mr. Spare.
  
  Dr. Merkle thanked the Board for taking this step for the needs of District. Due to financial situation, facility needs were significantly deferred in the District and it is now time to tackle these maintenance needs that includes the significant leaks that occur with the roof at Indian Rock Elementary and other roof maintenance across the District along with safety and security issues in the District facilities. Information will be shared about projects with the Finance Committee and reports will be given to the Board as we move forward with the projects.
2. Authorization to Solicit Bids for Roof Replacement. The administration recommends approval of the advertising and soliciting of bids for the purpose of replacing the roof at Indian Rock Elementary in June of 2015. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Ms. Mason reviewed above.
  
  Motion, Schroeder, Second, Shaffer; Approval of above.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
3. PA-Educator.net Clearinghouse 2014-15 Contract of Service. The administration recommends approval of the renewal of the PA-Educator.net Clearinghouse 2014-15 Contract of Service for a twelve-month period, July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015, in the amount of $2,137 for access to the online clearinghouse of Pennsylvania professional and non-certificated individuals to recruit candidates for employment. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Ms. Mason reviewed above.
  
  Motion, Clancy, Second, Bates; Approval of above.
  
  A discussion continued and points of the discussion were – a significant amount of activity is used with this service as the District is going away from paper applications and the service has been a very good service for the District; administrators screen the applications rather than utilizing the program screens that are available.
  
  An opportunity was provided for public comment. There was none at this time.
  
  Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 8-0.
Student Board Representative Report – Miss Renjilian
Miss Renjilian reported homecoming took place this past weekend and the Student Council did a great job with planning all the events. Students are proud of the recent national rankings and want to improve that. A student activity report was given on athletics and band.

Committee Reports – Mr. Miller

Communications Committee Report – Mrs. Schroeder
1. The minutes of September 8 are provided.
2. The Activities Report and Communication Report are provided.
  Mrs. Schroeder reported above.

Personnel Committee – Ms. Shaffer

[Consent Agenda: You have before you the Personnel Report which includes retirement, resignations, employment, additional substitute teachers, additional guest teachers, intramural football coach for fall, volunteer marching band staff for fall and granting of professional status/tenure. 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]

Ms. Shaffer reported there is an Addendum at the end of the agenda that includes additional Personnel Committee items.

Motion, Shaffer, Second, Bates; Approval of the Personnel Committee consent agenda.

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 responded to some questions from Board members. The new aides will start tomorrow with in-service and their addition should address the needs of larger class sizes at the Middle School. Our teachers are teaching very effectively and our hope is to give the teachers some relief and support with these additional aides. Dr. Krauser did communicate with parents that the District would be hiring additional aides and now that it is official, he will provide specifics to the parents.

Retirement

Recommend Board approval of the retirement of Deborah Shumaker, Custodian at Yorkshire Elementary, effective February 2, 2015. Ms. Shumaker is retiring after having served 10 years with York Suburban School District.
Resignations
1. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Shannon Cox, long term substitute Music Teacher, effective September 3, 2014.
2. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Beth Marshall, Office Aide at the Middle School, effective September 30, 2014.
3. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Brett Spahr as High School Band Front Director, effective August 30, 2014.
4. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Ashley Thrush as High School Musical Pit Orchestra Director (1/2), effective August 20, 2014.
Employment
1. Recommend the employment of Steven Gross as a 12 month part-time Custodian effective September 23, 2014 at the hourly rate of $12.87.
2. Recommend the appointment of Blythe Hart as High School Drama Production Director at the salary of $2,675 which represents Step 4 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
3. Recommend the employment of Elizabeth Howie as an Instructional Support Aide at Yorkshire Elementary at the hourly rate of $10.50, effective September 23, 2014.
4. Recommend the employment of Lindsey King as Assistant Junior High Girls’ Basketball Coach at the salary of $2,469 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
5. Recommend the employment of Kris Krodel as a Substitute Custodian at the hourly rate of $9.50, effective September 23, 2014.
6. Recommend the re- appointment of Ashley Markey as Assistant High School Band Director (to be shared with Jesse Pitzer) at the salary of $1,220 which represents 30% of Step 4 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule. After being re-appointed at 100%, Mrs. Markey was granted a leave of absence.
7. Recommend the employment of Kyleigh Meyers as an Instructional Support Aide at the Middle School at the hourly rate of $10.50, effective for the 1^stsemester of the 2014-2015 school year.
8. Recommend the appointment of Jesse Pitzer as Assistant High School Band Director (to be shared with Ashley Markey who will be on a leave of absence) at the salary of $1,708 which represents 70% of Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
9. Recommend the employment of Miriam Presley as a long-term substitute Music Teacher starting September 8, 2014 through approximately November 19, 2014 at Indian Rock Elementary and Valley View Elementary at the daily rate of $105.
10. Recommend the employment of John Radkiewicz as a Classroom Assistant at the Middle School at the hourly rate of $16.25, effective for the 1^st semester of the 2014-2015 school year.
11. Recommend the appointment of Felicia Rodriguez as High School Band Front Director, effective September 1, 2014, at the salary of $1,340.80 which represents 80% of Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
12. Recommend the appointment of Kevin Willson as High School Yearbook Advisor, effective August 18, 2014, at the salary of $2,541 which represents Step 1 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.
13. Recommend the employment of Taylor Zeldes as an Instructional Support Aide at the Middle School at the hourly rate of $10.50, effective for the 1^st semester of the 2014-2015 school year.

Additional Substitute Teachers for 2014-2015

Katelin Allison

Maleah Berger

Hillary Burnside

Amy Chapman

Joelle Currier

Gina Davis

Jami Everhart

Jacqueline Hill

Amanda Laird

Miriam Presley

Julie Schultz

Debra Young

Additional Guest Teachers for 2014-2015

Kimberly Davis

Jane Johnson

Susan Krevetski

Marguerite Mann

Linda Slenker
Intramural Football Coach for Fall 2014-2015
Dishon Hopkins
Volunteer Marching Band Staff for Fall 2014-2015
Brandon Perrone
Granting of Professional Status/Tenure. Recommend awarding of professional status/tenure to the following temporary professional employees who have completed six consecutive semesters of employment in the York Suburban School District and “during the last four months of the third year have performed satisfactorily [Section 1108© of the Public School Code of 1949 as amended by Act 16 of 1996].” This professional status should be effective September 22, 2014.

Lisa Lewis – High School English Teacher
Hannah Stayer – High School and Middle School Music Teacher
Erika Styer – High School Science Teacher
Krista Wolfenberger – Indian Rock and East York School Nurse

Policy Review Committee – Ms. Bates
1. Policy Revisions. The Policy Review Committee recommends approval of the following policies. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]
  Ms. Bates reviewed above.
  
  Motion, Bates, Second, Schroeder; 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.
Additional Committee Reports
Mrs. Freireich reported the Facilities Committee did meet and highlighted the projects that were discussed and added as each project comes through the process a request for bids will be requested at Board meetings. In response to a Board member’s question about the timing of the track and field projects, information was shared that reconditioning the field is a different process that does not require the heavy equipment like the initial installation. The track will require some maintenance work to get ready for spring competition. Getting two more years out of the field may be an option.

Lincoln Intermediate Unit Board Report – Mr. Sears
Mr. Sears provided a reminder about September 30 is the state-wide video conference at LIU, on PA Basic Education Funding Campaign.
PSBA Legislative Policy Liaison – Mr. Sears
Selection of PSBA Officers [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

Mr. Sears highlighted above information.

Motion, Sears, Second, Bates; Recommendation for Charles Ballard as President Elect, Mark Miller as Vice President, Otto Voit as Treasurer and David Hutchinson as At-Large Representative (Central).

Mrs. Clancy stated that Kathy Swope is the endorsed candidate for President from the Nominating Committee.

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

Mr. Sears announced that a motion should be made for each officer.

Motion, Sears, Second, Bates; Withdrawal of motion.

A discussion took place about candidate endorsements and recommendations.

Motion, Sears, Second, Bates; Recommendation for Charles Ballard as President Elect.

Roll Call Vote – Posenau, yes; Clancy, no; Bates, yes; Freireich, no; Schroeder.no; Shaffer, no; Miller, yes; Sears, yes. Motion tied 4-4.

Mr. Sears read the guidelines on voting and if the District is unable to decide on candidate, no vote is submitted from the District for that position.

Motion, Shaffer, Second, Clancy; Recommendation for Kathy Swope President Elect.

A discussion took place about clarification of Nominating Committee’s endorsement and both candidates are qualified.

Roll Call Vote – Clancy, yes; Schroeder, yes; Shaffer, yes; Bates, no; Posenau, no; Miller, no; Sears, no; Freireich, yes. Motion tied 4-4.

No vote for President Elect will be submitted.

Motion, Sears, Second, Schroeder; Recommendation for Mark Miller as Vice President in this uncontested race.

Roll Call vote, Sears, no; Schroeder-yes; Posenau-yes; Clancy-yes; Shaffer, yes; Freireich, yes; Bates, yes; Miller, yes. Motion carried 7-1

Motion Sears, Second, Schroeder; Recommendation for Otto Voit as Treasurer in this uncontested race.

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

Motion Sears, Second, Schroeder; Recommendation for David Hutchenson as At-Large Representative (Central).

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

Ms. Mason will submit on-line the results of this voting and a receipt will be posted with the Minutes of this evening’s meeting.

Mr. Sears provided a legislative update.
York Adams Academy Report – Mrs. Freireich
Mrs. Freireich reported five YS students currently attend York Adams Academy and the Board had the opportunity to hear one of the YS students speak about their experience at YAA.
York Area Tax Bureau Report – Ms. Mason
No report
York County School of Technology – Mrs. Schroeder
No report
Recognition of Visitors
Committee Meeting Schedule
July to December

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 8:47 PM.

There will be an Executive Session immediately following the meeting.

An Executive Session was held.

ADDENDUM

TO: Members of the York Suburban School Board

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

DATE: September 22, 2014

SUBJECT: Addendum to the Agenda for the Board Meeting of September 22, 2014

VII. Committee Report

B. Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer

  1.  Consent Agenda

   c.  Employment

xiv. Recommend the appointment of Thomas Eyster as HS Musical Pit Orchestra Director (1/2) at the salary of $1,535.50 which represents Step 4 of the Extracurricular Salary Schedule.

  xv.  Recommend the employment of Alexis Heidlebaugh as an Instructional Support Aide at the Middle School at the hourly rate of $10.50, effective for the 1^st semester of the 2014-2015 school year, pending clearances.

  xvi.  Recommend the employment of Maria Sabatino as an Instructional Support Aide at East York Elementary at the hourly rate of $10.50, effective October 1, 2014, pending clearances.

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