Minutes 2014-04-22

1. 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, Lynne Leopold-Sharp, Roger Miller, John Posenau, Lois Ann Schroeder, Joel Sears, Cathy Shaffer

      Members Not Present – Alison Liu (Student Representative)

   3. Public Comment  

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

   4. Discussion and Action on Board Minutes – Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting of  March 17, 2014 and the Planning Committee Meeting of April 7, 2014.  [Public Comment; Approve as submitted/corrected]

      Mr. Miller announced the minutes were approved as presented.

Motion, Clancy, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval of the Treasurer’s Report.

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

Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

1. Approval of Treasurer’s Report as of March 31, 2014 [File for audit]
   1. Treasurer’s Report
   2. General Fund Revenue Report (Revenue accounts are budgeted with negative values)
   3. General Fund Expenditures Report (Expenditure accounts are budgeted with positive values)
   4. Other Funds Reports 
   5. Check Summary Report 
2. Fund Account Reports showing balance as of March 31, 2014
   1. General Fund – $14,644,025.26
   2. Food Service Fund – $299,265.00
   3. Capital Reserve Fund – $123,532.83
   4. Capital Projects Fund-Bond Series of 2006 & 2007 – $626,229.11
3. Payment of Bills
   1. General Fund-2012-13 – $1,556,756.09
   2. Food Service Fund – $79,430.23
   3. Capital Reserve Fund – $0
   4. Capital Projects Fund-Bond Series of 2006 & 2007 – $653.00

1. Executive Session.  The Board met in Executive Session on April 7, 2014 following the Planning Committee Meeting for the purpose of discussing personnel and/or legal issues.

   Mr. Miller reported above.

2. School Funding Formula Resolution. [Motion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote] 

   Motion, Shaffer, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval of above.

   A discussion took place. Points of the discussion included – the administration will send a copy of the Resolution to State Representatives and State Senators; the administration will follow up with legislators about the Resolution and will contact the other Superintendents in the county; possibly an article in the newspaper about the Resolution and possibly a newspaper article by county Superintendents.

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0. 

1. High School Green Club Report – Mrs. Foy 

   Dr. Merkle introduced Mrs. Foy, High School Green Club advisor.

   Mrs. Foy shared that  this recycling project is a great example of success through collaboration. Mrs. Foy introduced others in attendance this evening – Mrs. Thrush, music teacher and department chair at the high school, Maddie Strine, Green Club President, Mrs.Silva-Furjanic, art teacher and Design Studio advisor. This project included cooperative efforts with the facilities staff.

   Maddie shared that the Green Club wanted to put an end to a myth that the high school does not recycle and with cooperative efforts of the Design Studio for designing posters, Mrs. Thrush for writing a jingle and the facilities department, we are creating awareness about recycling.

   Mrs. Silva-Furjanic shared that the Design Studio is a student led business that fulfills needs for the school and community. A three student team designed posters for placement on trash cans and posting for the recycling project. 

   Mr. Foy reported our first idea was to roll this out to the entire district but decided to start with the high school and once more funding is available, it will be rolled out to other schools. 

   Mrs. Thrush played guitar and led everyone singing the new jingle,  “Think Before You Throw”.

   Mr. Girling answered a question from a Board member about how many pounds are recyled in the school district, stating the district must report this information and we can make that information public. 

2. Student Enrollment Report  

   Dr. Merkle highlighted above.

3. Job Descriptions. The administration recommends the following with respect to job descriptions: 
   1. Minor changes to the job description of the Superintendent
   2. Change in title from Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction to Assistant Superintendent
   3. Adoption of the job description of the Assistant Superintendent
   4. Adoption of the job description of the Director of Educational Services
   5. Change in title from Director of Finance and Support Services to Director of Finance
      [Motion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

      Dr. Merkle highlighted 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 9-0. 

4. The administration recommends Board approval of the completion of the ten day suspension for student #210453 as set forth in the Administrative Disciplinary Hearing Agreement following a hearing conducted by Board appointed hearing officer, Michele Merkle. It is further recommended the student be immediately placed at an alternative school placement for the duration of the school year. If the student meets all of the goals (academic, behavioral, attendance) set forth by the team, the student may apply for reinstatement to the district for the start of the 2014-15 school year. [Motion; Roll Call Vote]

   Motion, Clancy, Second, Bates; Approval of above. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

1. Food Service
   
   1. Dining Review Report for March  

      Ms. Mason highlighted above.

      A discussion took place. Ms. Mason responded that she will follow up on the recent food service survey results.

   2. Sales Report   

      Ms. Mason highlighted above.

2. Award of the Bid for the Middle School Floor Project. The administration recommends Board approval of City Floors of York, Inc. for a bid amount of $24,105. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]  

   Motion, Bates, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval of above.

   Ms. Mason reported that there were two bids received and the low bid had to be rejected.

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

3. Award of the Bid for the High School Boiler Project. The administration recommends Board approval of SSM Industries, Inc. for a bid amount of $61,400. [Motion; Discussion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote] 

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

   A discussion took place. Points of the discussion were – there were three bidders with one significantly lower bid and following coversations with contractor and engineer, addendums were taken care of and the company will stand behind their bid; this project is primarily for a domestic hot water system upgrade.

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

4. Memorandum of Understanding – York Suburban Education Association – Lump Sum Payment.  The administration recommends Board approval of the MOU for the YSEA for lump sum payment. [Motion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

   Motion, Leopold-Sharp, Second, Bates; Approval of above.

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

5. Memorandum of Understanding – York Suburban Educational Support Personnel Association – Summer Four-Day Work Week Schedule. The administration recommends Board approval of the MOU for the YSESPA for summer four-day work week schedule. [Motion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote] 

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

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

   A discussion took place and Dr. Merkle replied that office staff would also be scheduled on a four-day work schedule during the summer.

6. Use of Facilities Fee Schedule for 2014-15 School Year.  The administration recommends Board approval of the Use of Facilities Fee Schedule for 2014-15 school year. [Motion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

   Motion, Freireich, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval of above.

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

   Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0. 

7. 2014-15 Proposed Final Budget Resolution.  The administration recommends Board approval of the Resolution Authorizing Proposed Final Budget Display and Advertising. [Motion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

   Dr. Merkle thanked the Board for their trust during the budget process with a new Acting Superintendent and new Business Manager. The Finance Committee plans to debrief the new styles and provide feedback for ways to improve the process and communication.

   Ms. Mason reviewed the above resolution.

   Motion, Schroeder, Second, Bates; Approval of the above.

   Roll Call Vote, all present yes. Motion carried 9-0.

   Ms. Mason reviewed the budget spreadsheet.

   A  discussion took place and it was reported that the current tax collection rate is 95.6.

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

   The discussion continued. Points of the discussion were – the cost per bus for next year is $39,000, the final figure for fleets and vans will be available one week before school starts; the administration is still working on transportation plans for mid-day kindergarten students but it remains status quo at this time; the administration will provide a generalized transportation report; the administration should know by the May Planning Committee meeting about mid-day kindergarten transportation for next year.

   Ms. Mason explained the process for the budget between now and the end of May. The Homestead numbers will be released by the state some time after May 1. The $195,000 Learning Block Grant is not part of the budget at this time and the budget will need amended when grant money is confirmed.  

No report

1. Committee Meeting Schedule  

   Mr. Miller reported above.

2. Communications Committee Report – Mrs. Schroeder
   1. The minutes of April 7 are provided.

      Mrs. Schroeder reported above.

   2. The Activities and Communication Reports are provided.

      Mrs. Schroeder reported above. It was noted the Writers’ Conference at Indian Rock Elementary has been rescheduled to April 30.

3. Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer 
   1. [Consent Agenda:  You have before you the Personnel Report which includes retirements, resignations, appointments, employment and additional substitute teachers. 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, Bates; Approval of consent agenda including addendum items.

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

      Roll Call Roll Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

      Dr. Merkle introduced Mrs. Gross as the new Director of Education Services.

      Mrs. Gross shared that she is looking forward to getting started in this new position.

      Dr. Merkle introduced Dr. Krauser as the new Middle School Principal for next year.

      Dr. Krauser shared that it is an honor and privilege to continue the great things that Mrs. Gross has put in place at the Middle School.

      Dr. Merkle introduced Cathi Hicks. She has been a long term substitute with district and has done an outstanding job and we look forward to her joining the staff as a 1st grade teacher next year.

      Dr. Merkle announced that Joseph Robinson will now be in a full time position as a French teacher. He was unable to attend this evening’s meeting.

      Dr. Merkle introduced Claudia Camarena-Hackos, secondary world language teacher. She is fluid in multiple languages and had an instant rapport with the students during her interview process. We look forward to her joing the staff.

      A discussion continued and Dr. Merkle stated there will be no reduction with the two recent resignations in the maintenance department.

      1.  Retirement
         1. Recommend Board approval of the revision of the retirement date of Carol Loucks, secretary at the middle school, from June 6, 2014 to June 17, 2014.
         2. Recommend Board approval of the retirement of Warren Tyson, head custodian at East York Elementary, effective May 30, 2014.  Mr. Tyson is retiring after having served 31 years with York Suburban School District.
      2.  Resignation  
         1. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Jennifer Grove, Coordinator of Transportation and Child Accounting, effective April 30, 2014.
         2. Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Charles Kress, custodian at the high school, effective March 28, 2014.
      3. Appointments  
         1. Recommend the appointment of Victoria Gross to the position of Director of Educational Services effective July 1, 2014 at the salary of $128,762.
         2. Recommend the appointment of Scott Krauser to the position of Middle School Principal effective July 1, 2014 at the salary of $110,500.
      4. Employment   

         1.  

            Name:	Cathi Hicks
            Education:	Dallastown Area School District, Diploma; Slippery Rock University, B.S. in Education
            Certification:	Elementary K-6
            Contract:	Temporary Professional Contract
            Salary:	$50,600 – B.S. – Step 1
            Assignment:	First Grade Teacher
            Building:	Valley View Elementary
            Effective:	2014-2015

         2. Recommend the employment of Carl Young IV as a substitute custodian effective for the 2013-2014 school year at the hourly rate of $9.50.

      5. Additional Substitute Teachers for 2013-2014

         1. Stephanie Hagee

            Katie Kinnan

            Danielle Shaffer

            Catriona Smith

   2. A Fireside Chat meeting is scheduled on April 24 at 6:30 PM.

      Ms. Shaffer reported above.

4. Planning Committee Report – Ms. Leopold-Sharp

   No Report

5. Policy Review Committee Report – Ms. Bates
   1. Policy Revisions [Motion; Public Comment; Roll Call Vote]

      Motion, Bates, Second, Leopold-Sharp; Approval of policy revisions.

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

      Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 9-0.

      1. No. 216 – Student Records
      2. No. 005 – Organization
      3. No. 006 – Meetings
      4. No. 006.1 – Attendance at Meetings via Electronic Communications
      5. No. 007 – Policy Manual Access
      6. No. 009 – Policy Development
      7. No. 101 – Mission Statement and Beliefs
      8. No. 103 – Nondiscrimination in School and Classroom Practices
      9. No. 103 Attachment
      10. No. 103.1 – Nondiscrimination – Qualified Students with Disabilities
      11. No. 103.1 Attachment 1
      12. No. 103.1 Attachment 2
      13. No. 103.1 Attachment 3
      14. No. 103.1 Attachment 4
      15. No. 104 – Nondiscrimination in Employment and Contract Practices
      16. No. 104 Attachment
      17. No. 105 – Curriculum Development
      18. No. 105.1 – Curriculum Review by Parents/Guardians and Students
      19. No. 105.2 – Exemption From Instruction
      20. Delete – No. 105.3 – Federal Programs
      21. No. 106 – Guides for Planned Instruction
      22. No. 107 – Adoption of Planned Instruction
      23. No. 108 – Adoption of Textbooks
      24. No. 109 – Resource Materials
      25. Delete – No. 109.1 – Library Weeding
      26. No. 110 – Instructional Supplies
      27. No. 111 – Lesson Plans
      28. No. 112 – Guidance Counseling
6. Additional Committee Reports  

   Ms. Leopold-Sharp announced there is a Finance Committee meeting on April 30 at 4:30 PM.

   Mrs. Freireich announced there is a Facilities Committee meeting on April 23 at 5:00 PM. 

No report

No report

Ms. Mason reported a meeting is scheduled on April 28.

Mrs. Schroeder reported the Tech School Joint Operating Committee is offering a Board Orientation and invites any sitting Board member to learn more about Tech School on May 14 at 6:00 PM. Interested Board members should let her know if they are interested in attending.

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

A discussion took place and Dr. Ellis reported that the Mr. YS event at the high school was canceled by the Student Council due to their focus on other activities.

Ms. Shaffer commented on the mobile phone cleaners that were distributed were a National School Board Association Conference gift. She did share thoughts with the administration about things heard at the conference that was very worthwhile. She does plan to share information with the Communications Committee.

Dr. Merkle thanked Mr. Girling for cooling down the temperature in the room for this evening’s meeting. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:26 PM.

An Executive Session was held following the meeting.