Minutes 2017-08-07

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
SPECIAL MEETING FOLLOWED BY PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
AUGUST 7, 2017 – 7:00 PM
PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

An Executive Session will be held prior to the Special Meeting at 6:45 PM.

M I N U T E S
(approved on August 21, 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 – Ellen Freireich, Lynne Leopold-Sharp, John Posenau, Richard Robinson, Lois Ann Schroeder, Cathy Shaffer, Michael Thoman, Elise Atkinson (Student Representative)
  
  Members not present – Emily Bates, Scott Eden
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. There was none at this time.
Board President’s Report – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
1. The Board met following the Combined Planning Committee and Regular Monthly Meeting on July 17, 2017 in Executive Session as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act for the purpose of discussing negotiations. No official action was taken.
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
2. The Board met prior to this evening’s meeting in Executive Session as permitted by Section 707 of the Sunshine Act for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter. No official action was taken.
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
Please note there is an item on the Addendum located at the end of the agenda.

Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer

Consent Agenda [You have before you the Personnel Report which includes resignation, leave of absence and employment. 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]

Please note there are items on the Adddendum located at the end of the agenda.

Motion, Shaffer, Second, Posenau; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 7-0.

Dr. Gulley introduced Alicia Erickson and Ashley Jayne in attendance this evening.

Resignation
Recommend Board approval of the resignation of Naomi Ramirez, Personal Care Assistant at the Middle School, effective May 25, 2017.
Leave of Absence
1. Recommend Board approval of the request of BethAnn Pratte, 2^nd Grade Teacher at Yorkshire Elementary, for a medical sabbatical leave for the 2017-2018 school year, as per Policy 338.
2. Recommend Board approval of the request of MaryBeth Reese, Custodian at East York Elementary, for an unpaid leave of absence for restoration of health effective July 28, 2017, through approximately October 3, 2017.

Employment

Name:	Alicia Erickson
Education:	Lewistown Area High School, Diploma; Mansfield University of PA, B.S. in Elementary Education
Certification:	Grades PK-4
Contract:	Temporary Professional Contract
Salary:	$54,625 – B.S. – Step 1
Assignment:	3^rd Grade Teacher – Indian Rock Elementary
Effective:	2017-2018

Recommend the employment of Kimberly Boulding as a Personal Care Assistant at the Middle School effective August 14, 2017, at the hourly rate of $10.65, pending employment documents.
Recommend the employment of Charmanique Gingles as a Full-Time Substitute School Nurse for the first semester of the 2017-201 school year, at the salary of $27,312.50 (B.S. – Step 1), pending the issuance of emergency certification by the PA Department of Education (PDE).
Recommend the employment of Ashley Jayne as a Full-Time Substitute Second Grade Teacher at Yorkshire Elementary for the 2017-2018 school year at the salary of $54,625 (B.S. – Step 1).
Recommend the employment of Caleb Schorr as a Seasonal Maintenance Employee at the hourly rate of $8.50, effective on or about August 8, 2017.

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 7:30 PM.

YORK SUBURBAN SCHOOL BOARD
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
AUGUST 7, 2017 – 7:00 PM

PROVARD EDUCATION CENTER

A G E N D A

General Business

Call to Order – Ms. Leopold-Sharp

Ms. Leopold-Sharp called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.
Board President’s Report – Ms. Leopold-Sharp, President
Discussion on Fall 2017 Committee Meeting Schedule

Ms. Leopold-Sharp shared a recommendation for the Board to consider acting as a Committee of the Whole for Academic Standards and Curriculum, Communications, Personnel and Policy Review Committees through the remainder of the calendar year to be evaluated at the December Re-organization meeting. The Facilities and Finance Committees could continue to hold committee meetings where much detail is done prior to the Planning Committee meeting. Comments from Board members were requested.

A discussion continued and the points were – in favor of meetings of the whole to stay better informed; Administration supports this recommendation to ease a load in the coming challenging months; there are times when greater depth discussion is necessary and the Administration will work with Board leadership for scheduling items.

Ms. Leopold-Sharp concluded the discussion stating committee chairs will make the decision with Administration how committee meetings are scheduled from August through December and Board members will be notified accordingly.
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle
1. Teaching Assignments
  Dr. Merkle reported above.
  
  A discussion continued and the point was – in January, a future employment plans form is completed by support staff and teachers, which includes information such as planning for retirement, anticipating resignation, satisfied or request a change with position, etc. which is helpful when openings exist and the Administration contacts the employee for an open dialogue.
2. Goals Overview
  Dr. Merkle reported the Administration is revisiting the five District goals. District leadership will review and recommend some revised action steps to reduce in some areas that will have no impact on students. This recommendation will be presented to the Board later in August.
3. Opening of School Overview
  Dr. Merkle reported today was a fun day with new teacher orientation for 16 new teachers that included excitement and teachers thrilled to be at YS. Dr. Ketterman led the day with the new teachers, including a bus tour of the District, and a lunch at Heritage. Enthusiasm was dripping throughout the day. The new teachers have three straight days of orientation this week.
  
  Next Monday, all Board members are cordially invited to come to opening staff day at the middle school. An interactive approach has been scheduled for all staff.
  
  Football practice started today (one extra week for heat acclimation) and the band has been practicing as we experience the start of another exciting school year.
  
  A discussion continued and points were – the Administration will report back to the Board with the number of brand new teachers joining the staff this year; new bus company and transportation inquiries from parents have been minimal, a number of responses to the opt-out request for transportation were received, use of bus hubs to eliminate bus stops that were scheduled close together has been implemented.
4. Stadium Updates and Access to the Stadium
  Dr. Merkle provided an update on the plan to provide stadium access to the community in a restrictive way. The stadium is a teaching station for students at the high school and Valley View Elementary. Previously, during the school day there were times when the stadium field was being used by a trainer not affiliated with the District and others during physical education classes and times when Valley View students were using the teaching station. Notice was given for the limited access to the stadium that started on August 1. Unfortunately, the turnstyle to admit registered community members and staff with their identification card did not arrive by August 1 and the gate was secured with a padlock. Padlock keys were distributed accordingly until the turnstyle is installed. The annual $5 fee covers the expense of the additional technology for the turnstyle and card reader access. It was decided not all YS residents would cover this expense, only the residents interested in using the stadium facility. The annual fee is per adult as students have access with their identification badge and pre-schoolers along with students in Kindergarten, Grade 1 and 2 will gain access with their parents. At this time, 26 District residents have registered for a stadium access card and the process has been extremely positive. There have been some comments that were not positive from non-district resident callers and Facebook activity. There was an article in the newspaper today. Additional consideration has been given to District Retirees and District Golden Pass Holders to register for a stadium access pass. Alumni of the District that reside in the District may register for a stadium access pass. A reminder that the Trojan Field and tennis courts remain open 24/7. The stadium looks incredible with the new field surface and the new sound system will be ready for the start of the fall athletic season.
  
  A discussion continued and the points were – access cards have been distributed to the Booster Club folks and a second gate by the basefield field was installed as a roller gate for use by maintenance staff and Valley View staff; Administration will check if a spouse can register for an access card for their spouse; Board members should stop by the high school office to secure their access card; there is no intention at this time to close the Trojan Field unless mis-use occurs; public access for use of track during competitions is a judgement call by the District depending on the event and/or number of spectators.
Business Office Report – Ms. Mason
1. Items being recommended for approval on August 21, 2017.
  1. The Administration recommends Board approval of the 2017-18 Bus Routes and Bus/Van Drivers.
    Ms. Mason reported above.
  2. The Administration recommends Board approval of the FnP Productions contract in the amount of $2,000 for the Homecoming Dance to be held on October 7, 2017 from 7:00-9:00 pm.
  3. The Administration recommends Board approval of the catering contract in the amount of $4,432.50 with Wisehaven Catering & Events for the Academic Awards Banquet to be held May 14, 2018.
  4. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Agreement with Executive Coach, Inc. to take the Ninth Grade class to the African American History Museum in Washington, DC on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 for a total cost of $6,600 for five buses.
  5. The Administration recommends Board approval of the Agreement with Executive Coach, Inc. to take the Eleventh Grade class to New York to see Miss Saigon on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 for a total cost of $10,375 for five buses.
    Ms. Mason reported above.
    
    A discussion continued and the point was – the trips scheduled for ninth and eleventh grade classes are new this year.
Student Board Representative Report – Elise Atkinson
Miss Atkinson thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve as Student Representative. One of her goals in life is to sit on a Board in the future. With summer coming to a close, there are mixed emotions from students. Excitement exists for the class schedules that are coming out tomorrow. The fall sports season starts on August 14. Band Camp started last week and the show theme is Space. The band invited 8th graders to join the band this year to increase the size of the band which in turn may help for future years. Link Crew has been preparing for the new year to assist incoming freshmen to high school. Comments from students are positive about the new artificial turf field. Comments were heard by parents of students about the stadium access cards. The extra security for students is appreciated. Fourteen Student Council leaders attended a miniTHON meeting recently. Student Council is sponsoring a community movie night, a fund raiser for miniTHON on August 25. Homecoming is scheduled in October. Valley View and Yorkshire students will be enjoying playground and popsicles events later this week. The high school looks forward to welcoming 9th grade students and new students on August 16.

A discussion continued and the points were – there are 60 band members; an upperclassman committee for Link Crew will be ready to welcome upperclassmen that are new students to the District on August 16.
Committee Reports – Ms. Leopold-Sharp
1. Academic Standards & Curriculum Committee – Mrs. Schroeder
  The minutes of May 16 are provided.
  
  Mrs. Schroeder reported above. At the committee meeting held last week, information was shared about the STEAM curriculum for Grades 5-8. This new curriculum is very exciting. Board members are encouraged to review the committee meeting minutes in the confidential section.
  
  Dr. Merkle added the STEAM curriculum for grades 5-8 is more targeted and focused. A donor stepped forward to YS Education Foundation with a $10,000 donation with parameters that included the money being spent by December and minimal overhead costs. A plan was submitted on Friday that included an outdoor learning station using solar energy panels, a compost area for cafeterias and every middle school student will participate. The Administration will keep the Board updated with additional information when it is available.
2. Policy Review Committee – Mr. Thoman
  1. The minutes of May 2 are provided.
    Mr. Thoman reported above.
  2. Policies reviewed by committee.
    1. 200 Enrollment of Students
    2. 202 Eligibility of Nonresident Students
  3. Policies reviewed by the administrative team with minor revisions.
  4. Policies reviewed by the administrative team with no change.
    1. 208 Withdrawal
    2. 211 Student Accident Insurance
    3. 213 Assessment of Student Progress
    4. 215 Promotion and Retention
    5. 218 Student Discipline/Code of Student Conduct
    6. 218.1 Weapons
    7. 221 Dress and Grooming
    8. 233 Suspension and Expulsion
    9. 236 Student Assistance Program
    10. 239 Foreign Exchange Students
    11. 240 Contests
    12. 252 Dating Violence
      Mr. Thoman reviewed the above information and reported the policies will be on the agenda for August 21.
3. Additional Committee Reports/Announcements
  Ms. Leopold-Sharp asked if there were any additional committee reports or announcements. There were none at this time.
Lincoln Intermediate Unit
The “…by Dawn’s Early Light”, highlights of the LIU Board meeting of August 1 is provided.

Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above.
York Adams Academy – Mrs. Freireich
Mrs. Freireich reported the YAA teachers start on August 14 and students report on August 15.
York County School of Technology – Mrs. Schroeder
The YCST Joint Operating Committee Mini-Board Report of July 20 is provided.

Mrs. Schroeder reported above. School starts on August 23 for YCST students.
Board Meeting and Committee Schedule
Ms. Leopold-Sharp reported above. The Administration will notifiy Board members about the committee meeting schedule during August through December.
Comments and/or Questions from the Public. 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 was none at this time.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:24 PM.

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

An Executive Session will be held 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: August 7, 2017
SUBJECT: Addendum to the Agenda for the Special Meeting followed by the Planning Committee
Meeting of August 7, 2017

  III. Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Merkle

The Administration is recommending Board approval of the addition of the position of Grade 6-8 Special Education Department Chairperson. This position will provide a structured leadership role at the building level for an important department at a time of transition. The annual cost for the position is $1,600. [Motion; Discussion; Roll Call Vote]

Motion, Schroeder, Second, Freireich; Approval. Roll Call Vote, all present, yes. Motion carried 7-0.

IV. Personnel Committee Report – Ms. Shaffer

  D. Appointment

  1.  Recommend the appointment of Kristi Smith as Grade 6-8 Special Education
Department Chairperson for a 3 year term of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020, to
be reviewed annually, at the stipend of $1,600.

2.  Recommend the appointment of Ryan Bologa as Middle School Co-Assistant
Football #2 Coach at the stipend of $991 which represents 1/2 of Step 1 of the
Extracurricular Salary Schedule.

/s/ Corinne D. Mason, PRSBA, M.Ed.

Board Secretary

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