Octorara School Board Meeting 4/20/2009

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
April 20, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.
Middle School Multi-Purpose Room

AGENDA

1. Lord’s Prayer
   



2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
   



3. Roll Call
   




2 Absent



4. Minutes:
   



• Approve the following minutes from the Work Session of March 9, 2009
  
  
  


• Approve the following minutes from the Board Meeting of March 16, 2009
  
  
  

Approved.

5. Presentations:



Student Council - presented messenger bags to the Board. They are available for sale to the public. Bricks will be available for sale over the summer to fund the Braves statue.
Budget




Mr. Carsley & Mr. Weagley updated the Board on the progress of the budget.


Mr. Carsley stated that adjustments have been made since the last presentation. They had been handed out to the Board. There has been a $1.2 million decrease since the last revision. There was a minor adjustment to revenue based on some updated numbers from the State. They are still looking to bring in-house Alternative Education & transportation for Special Education as a cost-savings.


Mr. Weagley: Athletics has $377,000 in the budget at this time. He felt the Board was not comfortable with an Activity Fee or Partial Payment by Boosters/Clubs. He presented 4 options.




Option #1: Includes Football & Lacrosse/Eliminates Indoor Track & 7th Grade Program

Includes Fees Assessed to the Booster/Clubs (less gate receipt credit)



Starting budget          $ 491,721




Less Add'l Rev/Cuts         75,587




Subtotal                   416,134




Team Fees                   38,154




Adjusted Budget            377,980




Option #2: Includes Football & Lacrosse/Eliminates 7th Grade Program
Includes Activity Fee


Starting budget          $ 491,721




Less Add'l Rev/Cuts        113,441 (includes Activity Fee & Gate Receipts)




Adjusted Budget            378,280



Option #3: Includes Football & Lacrosse/Eliminates Indoor Track, Middle School Baseball & Softball, & 7th Grade Program
No Activity Fee or Fee Assessed to the Boosters/Clubs


Starting Budget          $ 491,721




Less Add'l Rev/Cuts        113,661




Adjusted Budget            378,060




Option #4: Includes Football (50%)

a. With Activity Fee


Starting Budget           $ 491,721




Less Add'l Rev/Cuts         135,592



b. Without Activity Fee (Eliminate Indoor Track)



Starting Budget           $ 491,721




Less Addl'Rev/Cuts          130,209




Adjusted Budget             361,512 *Does not match Mr. Weagley's total



Mr. Norris stated he is philosophically opposed to activity fees. He also doesn't think that staff should have reduced rates for the Fitness Center, when the taxpayers are the ones paying their salaries. As for the User Fees, he would like to know the impact to the clubs.


Mrs. Bowman said that the district is in danger of falling to the 'law of diminising returns'. How often can we go back to the clubs & ask them to do more? She, for the most part, agrees with Mr. Norris. However, she is not opposed to activity fees. She also feels they should be assessed to other activities besides athletics. She is also in agreement with rental fees to outside organizations.


Mr. Mango is not a fan of activity fees. He feels they would be difficult to collect.


Mr. Malone asked for clarification on a couple of points.


Mr. Norris feels the elimination of 7th grade programs needs to be discussed. There could possibly be a gap in some sports if eliminated.


Mr. Mango feels they should have some sort of vote in May as to where they should go with this.


Dr. Newcome would like some direction from the Board. Is $377,000 the right number? We can figure out how to get there before the budget is voted on.


Mrs. Bicking stated that the Board needs to decide if they are funding football before they decide anything.


Mr. Malone asked if there has been any proposed decreases to educational programs in the budget. Dr. Newcome stated that there have not directly been cuts.


Mr. Malone has a problem with eliminating the 7th grade program & indoor track.


Mr. Hershey stated they are going to have to make cuts somewhere.


Mr. Norris reiterated his feeling that they have to make a decision on football before they make any other decisions.


Mrs. Bowman wants to make sure they look at the value that athletics brings to students.


Mr Carsley gave some additional budget information. The State has certified the slot machine money for property tax reduction. They will notify the district by May 1st as to the amount. The County will also notify the District by May 1st who is eligible for the reduction. He will be updating the budget as information becomes available.


6. Information Item:
   

none

1. Treasurer’s Report:
   



2. A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the General Fund Report for period ending March 31, 2009.
   



Mr. Malone read the report & it was approved.

1. 
   Business Manager’s Report:
   

2. 
   A. Approval of Bills for Payment
   

Approved

7. Visitors’ Comments – Agenda Items Only
   


Tom Peace of West Sadsbury Township questioned if the investments & annuities were audited. Mr. Hershey noted that this was the time for items on the agenda. Mr. Lee & Mr. Malone said that they were audited annually. Mr. Peace would like a copy of the audit. Mr. Hershey said he is welcome to visit the District Office at any time.


Ellen Brown of Atglen reminded the Board that activities are currently not fully funded & haven't been for years. (See full text in comments on this blog).


Jewel Shivery of Christiana doesn't have a problem with an activity fee. She wanted to emphasize that sports & other activities are the "paycheck" the students get for doing well in school. She also felt it was unreasonable to expect the Octorara Football Club to pay all the expenses for engineering studies, etc. for a football and to continue to pay 50% of the operating expenses of football.


Scott Grimes of Parkesburg felt that eliminating the 7th grade programs would be a mistake. He noted that Lacrosse is prepared to fully fund the sport for the next school year. While he understands the possible need for participation fees, he's concerned about eroding the goodwill of the booster & club organizations.


8. Recommended Action Items:
   
   (Italicized items are new, they were not on the April 13, 2009 agenda.)
   

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following policies/administrative regulations, second reading:

1. Administrative Procedures for Maintenance of Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants and for Inspection of External Components of Surgically Implanted Medical Devices (New)
   


2. Child Find and Screening (New)
   


3. Secondary Grading Procedures for Students with Disabilities Participating in General Curriculum (New)
   


4. Audio, Video, or Other Electronic Recording of Meetings (New)
   


5. Guidelines for Classroom and Program Site Visitations (New)
   


6. Policy 114 Gifted Education (Revision)
   


7. Policy 113.2 Independent Education Evaluations (Revision)
   


8. Policy 113.3 Behavior Support (Revision)
   


9. Policy 117 Medical Excusal and Homebound Instruction (Revision)
   


10. Policy 261 Behavior Support (Revision)
    

Mrs. Bicking changed the wording of one of these.

B. Resolved that the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the 2009-2010 Chester County Intermediate Unit Core Services Budget in the amount of $16,438,241. (Attachment)
(Annual Contribution for the 2009-2010 year amounts to $16,342.00)

C. Resolved that the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the 2009-2010 Chester County Intermediate Unit Occupational Education Budget in the amount of $20,545,539. (Attachment) (2008-09 tuition rate full-time is $17,964 compared to 2009-2010 tuition rate full-time of $18,700)

D. Resolved that the Octorara Board of School Directors exonerate the Lancaster County Tax Claim Bureau from collection of real estate taxes for the 2008-2009 school year on parcel 550-96053-3-0034 for the reason that the property (mobile home) has been abandoned, junked, or removed. (Attachment)

E. Resolved that the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the attached resolution authorizing the Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau to act as the collection agency for Earned Income Tax imposed by the Octorara Area School District and as required by law under Act 32 of 2009. (Attachment)

F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the addendum contract agreement with Foreman Construction Manager in the amount of $149,000 for additional work incurred on the High School Renovation and Addition Project. (The contract was reviewed and is being recommended by the Facilities Committee Members.)

G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the submission of PLANCON Part K “Project Refinancing” for the refunding of the 2004 SWAP General Obligation Bond. (Attachment)

H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the awarding of a bid to Charles A. Higgins & Sons, Inc., Media, PA for the installation of a traffic signal device on Highland Road at a cost of $7,960.00 and to be paid from funds of the Capital Project Account.

I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve an agreement with Nemours Children’s Clinic to provide homebound instructional services to Octorara Area School District resident students. (Attachment)

J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the contract with Acting Antics of Glenmoore, PA for services related to the Extended School Year (ESY) program in the amount of $2,376.50. (Funds are budgeted through the special education department)

K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the annual submission of the Section 356 Agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue to provide personal income tax return information in order to administer and enforce the local earned income tax provisions. (Attachment)

A - K were approved.

L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the use of the Middle School Gymnasium on Sunday’s for the Octorara Girl’s Basketball Team. The league will run from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. starting April 26, 2009 through May 31, 2009.
Approved
Resignations:

M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Elizabeth Taylor’s resignation as a First Grade Teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 5, 2009. (Hired September 1972)

N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Mary Kay McCann’s resignation as a Gifted Teacher at the Octorara Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective August 21, 2009. (Hired September 1975)

O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Virginia Hartsfield’s resignation as a Family & Consumer Science Teacher at the Octorara High School effective June 5, 2009. (Hired August 2006)

P. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Jeanie GaidoBarnett’s resignation as a Kindergarten Teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 5, 2009. (Hired August 1986)

Q. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Darlene Shirk’s resignation as a Cafeteria Employee at the Octorara Primary Learning Center, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 5, 2009. (Hired October 1977)

M - Q Approved. Mr. Hershey noted that these staff members would be hard to replace.

R.That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Rana Watterson’s resignation as an ESL Assistant at the Octorara Primary Learning Center effective June 5, 2009. (Hired August 2008)
Approved

S. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Mr. Nick Kluge’s resignation as an Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach effective immediately.

Dr. Newcome stated that Mr. Kluge is moving to another position within the baseball program. This was approved.

Hiring Approvals:

T. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Tammy Deminski as a Mid-Range Substitute Teacher, pending completion of employee related documents as required by law and the district. Ms. Tammy Deminski’s assignment is Physical Education in the Octorara Intermediate School for a period of approximately 62 days at a rate of $140.00 per day. (Replacing Deb Feather who is on medical leave)

U. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Candace Ott as a Mid-Range Substitute Teacher. Ms. Ott’s assignment is Seventh Grade Special Education at the Octorara Middle School for a period of approximately 42.5 days at a rate of $140.00 per day. (Replacing Danielle Smith who is on Maternity Leave.

V. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Kim Bond as a volunteer Girls Lacrosse Coach.

W. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teachers for the 2008-2009 school year:

Maria Leach (Emergency )
Leah Panico (Social Studies)
Jerri-Lynn Weir (Emergency)
Valerie Douglas (Emergency)
Raymond McConnell (Emergency)
Deborah Mattis (Elementary Ed)

X. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute Instructional Assistant/One-on-One Assistant at a rate of $9.40/hour for the 20082009 school year:

Lori Farish

Y. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Nikola Freeland as an after school Van Aide for the Primary Learning Center at a rate of $9.40/hour.

Z. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following supplemental contracts for the 2008-2009 school year:
Nancy Beaton Longevity Bonus for Mentoring (06-07) 1 point @ $470
Krista Lease Longevity Bonus for Mentoring (06-07) 1 point @ $470

Beth Taylor Longevity Bonus for Mentoring (01-02) 1 point @ $405
Donna Edwards Longevity Bonus for Mentoring 2 points @ $1,040
Tim Fitzpatrick Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach 6 points @ $3,120
Nick Kluge JV Baseball Coach 6 points @ $3,120

AA. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve a $7,500 increase in salary retro-active for the 2008-2009 fiscal year for John F. Lee, Business Administrator due to the additional duties assumed because the position of Facilities Director was not filled.

BB. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Beth Reburn as a Mid-Range Substitute Teacher. Ms. Reburn’s assignment is PM Reading Teacher at the Octorara Elementary School for a period of approximately 43.5 days at a rate of $140.00 per day. (Replacing Rita Boryszak who resigned)

CC. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Vera Graham’s request for unpaid Medical Leave from approximately March 24, 2009 to May 8, 2009. Ms. Graham is a Cafeteria Employee at the Octorara High School.

DD. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in salary for the 2008-2009 fiscal year due to graduate credits earned:
Christine Gray From M ($53,891) to M+15 ($58,349) Step 10

Approved.

EE. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept the recommendation of the administration and terminate the employment of “A” effective immediately.

Approved.

FF. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Daniel R. Carsley as Business Administrator at the Octorara District Office, effective July 1, 2009 at a salary of $98,000. (Replacing John F. Lee who is retiring)

Approved. Mr. Hershey thanked Mr. Lee for his years of service.

GG. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the request for the football club to conduct a "flag football camp" on Sundays May 3rd, 17th, 24th, and 31st from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

1. I.U./C.A.T. Board Representative’s Report
   
   
   

Mr. Mango said they are moving through the budget process. There are some new projects. He also stated that Mr. Pepe is a finalist for the Citadel Heart of Learning Award.

Dr. Newcome said that the I.U. would come out to a Board meeting.

Mr. Stoltzfus spoke to possibilities for the CAT-Brandywine campus. They could renovate the building they are in or they could renovate the building the I.U. currently occupies in Downingtown.

2. Old Business
   

   None.
   

3. New Business
   

   Mr. Norris thinks the District should do a better job of explaining the supplemental insurance available to students at the beginning of the year.
   
   Mr. Rohrer invited Board Members to a dinner honoring the top members of each class.
   
   Mr. Lee stated that the additional cost for the Middle School roof is $ 7,000. Insurance will not cover it & will be paid for out of the Capital Project Fund.
   
   Mrs. McNamara talked about an assembly that will be held at the PLC on Friday. Chief Mango & Judge Gill will be there.
   

4. Other Items and Announcements
   

5. Visitors’ Comments
   



None.

6. Board Comments
   

   Mr. Stoltzfus clarified what signals will be going on Highland Road. They are School Speed Zone signals (15 MPH).
   
   Mrs. Bowman praised the football team. The gentlemen were in attendance at the meeting.
   
   Mr. Mango stated that flag football has generated excitement.
   
   Mr. Norris asked again that the Board make a decision about football before they make any other decisions concerning the budget.
   
   Mr. Mango agreed that it needs to be on the agenda.
   

7. Adjournment
   
   
   

Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, April 20, 2009 – 6:30 p.m. District Office Conference Room

Facilities Committee Meeting – Monday, May 11, 2009 – 6:30 p.m. District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Work Session – Monday, May 11, 2009 – 7:30 p.m. Octorara Middle School MPR

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, May 18, 2009 – 7:30 p.m. Octorara Middle School MPR

Executive Session for Personnel will be held following this meeting District Office Conference Room

School Board Work Session 4/13/2009

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT WORK SESSION
April 13, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.
Middle School Multi-Purpose Room
DISCUSSION GUIDE
l. Lord’s Prayer
2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
3. Roll Call
7 present 2 absent
4. Presentations: Grading Policy Review
Dr. Bishop: Committee has been working for 2 years to come up with a grading policy to make progress clear to students and parents. The goal is to diagnose strengths & weaknesses. The committee was made up of representatives from all buildings. They sent a survey to the teachers and attended conferences & seminars. From this, they determined best grading practices. They distributed a draft & received feedback, made changes, revised draft. There are 3 documents to come from this 1) Guidelines/policies 2) FAQ’s 3) Examples. They have drafted a letter to go to parents & community after the policy is approved. The teachers have one more opportunity to review before the policy comes to the board in June. If approved, it will be in place by August.

Mrs. Bowman asked about consensus & enforcement.

Dr. Bishop replied that most teachers are on board, as it is not very different from what they are already doing. The enforcement will come about as they see differences between standardized test scores & report card grades.

5. Visitors’ Comments – Agenda Items Only

None from the audience.
Dr. Newcome introduced Christian Haller, OIS Principal. He started 4/1/2009.

6. Information Item:
· The Octorara Intermediate School received a plaque for Best Public Construction Project Award of Excellence from Wohlsen Construction Company.
· Attached are the Discipline Summary Reports for the Primary Learning Center, Elementary, Intermediate, Middle and High Schools.

Mr. Norris would like to see the Discipline Summary reports standardized.

· Letter attached from Mr. John F. Lee, Business Administrator indicating his desire to “give back” $10,000 in severance payments of his contract upon his retirement June 29, 2009.

Mr. Hume thanked Mr. Lee.

7. Recommended Action Items:

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following policies/administrative regulations, second reading:

1. Administrative Procedures for Maintenance of Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants and for Inspection of External Components of Surgically Implanted Medical Devices (New)
2. Child Find and Screening (New)
3. Secondary Grading Procedures for Students with Disabilities Participating in General Curriculum (New)
4. Audio, Video, or Other Electronic Recording of Meetings (New)
5. Guidelines for Classroom and Program Site Visitations (New)
6. Policy 114 Gifted Education (Revision)
7. Policy 113.2 Independent Education Evaluations (Revision)
8. Policy 113.3 Behavior Support (Revision)
9. Policy 117 Medical Excusal and Homebound Instruction (Revision)
10. Policy 261 Behavior Support (Revision)

Dr. Newcome stated that the Policy Committee meets next week & the board will have a chance to ask final questions.

B. Resolved that the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the 2009-2010 Chester County Intermediate Unit Core Services Budget in the amount of $16,438,241. (Attachment)

This represents no increase from last year. We contribute approx. $ 16,000. Mrs. Bicking asked for more detail before the Board approves (for both this & “C”)

C. Resolved that the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the 2009-2010 Chester County Intermediate Unit Occupational Education Budget in the amount of $20,545,539. (Attachment)


Mr. Lee stated that the total has increased, as well as our contribution. The number of students has increased. The CCIU uses an average of 3 years enrollment. Our enrollment has increased:
06-07 37.875
07-08 45.25
08-09 55.7

Our share has increased approx. $ 164,000. There was an increase in the number of pupils, plus an increase in the per pupil charge. We pay $18,700 per student. Mrs. Bicking asked for last year’s rate.


D. Resolved that the Octorara Board of School Directors exonerate the Lancaster County Tax Claim Bureau from collection of real estate taxes for the 2008-09 school year on parcel 550-96053-3-0034 for the reason that the property (mobile home) has been abandoned, junked, or removed. (Attachment)

E. Resolved that the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the attached resolution authorizing the Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau to act as the collection agency for Earned Income Tax imposed by the Octorara Area School District and as required by law under Act 32 of 2009. (Attachment)

Mr. Lee commented that this is a new regulation under Act 32. According to the Act, we are supposed to use the Chester County taxing authority, but we received a special exception, since we were already using the Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau.

F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the addendum contract agreement with Foreman Construction Manager in the amount of $149,000 for additional work incurred on the High School Renovation and Addition Project. (The contract was reviewed and is being recommended by the Facilities Committee Members.)

G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the submission of PLANCON Part K “Project Refinancing” for the refunding of the 2004 SWAP General Obligation Bond. (Attachment)

Mr. Lee indicated that this was part of the refinancing approved previously.

H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the awarding of a bid to Charles A. Higgins & Sons, Inc., Media, PA for the installation of a traffic signal device on Highland Road at a cost of $7,960.00 and to be paid from funds of the Capital Project Account.


I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve an agreement with Nemours Children’s Clinic to provide homebound instructional services to Octorara Area School District resident students. (Attachment)

J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the contract with Acting Antics of Glenmoore, PA for services related to the Extended School Year (ESY) program in the amount of $2,376.50. (Funds are budgeted through the special education department)

K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the annual submission of the Section 356 Agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue to provide personal income tax return information in order to administer and enforce the local earned income tax provisions. (Attachment)

A cross-reference check to make sure that the income reported to the state & local taxing agencies is the same & that the local funds are going to the correct school district.

Resignations:
L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Elizabeth Taylor’s resignation as a First Grade Teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 5, 2009. (Hired September 1972)

M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Mary Kay McCann’s resignation as a Gifted Teacher at the Octorara Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective August 21, 2009. (Hired September 1975)

N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Virginia Hartsfield’s resignation as a Family & Consumer Science Teacher at the Octorara High School effective June 5, 2009. (Hired August 2006)

O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Jeanie Gaido-Barnett’s resignation as a Kindergarten Teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 5, 2009. (Hired August 1986)

P. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Darlene Shirk’s resignation as a Cafeteria Employee at the Octorara Primary Learning Center, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 5, 2009. (Hired October 1977)

Mrs. Bowman commented on the graciousness of the resignation letters. Dr. Newcome commented on the years of service.

Hiring Approvals:
Q. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Tammy Deminski as a Mid-Range Substitute Teacher, pending completion of employee related documents as required by law and the district. Ms. Tammy Deminski’s assignment is Physical Education in the Octorara Intermediate School for a period of approximately 62 days at a rate of $140.00 per day. (Replacing Deb Feather who is on medical leave)

R. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Candace Ott as a Mid-Range Substitute Teacher. Ms. Ott’s assignment is Seventh Grade Special Education at the Octorara Middle School for a period of approximately 42.5 days at a rate of $140.00 per day. (Replacing Danielle Smith who is on Maternity Leave)

S. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Kim Bond as a volunteer Girls Lacrosse Coach.

T. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute
teachers for the 2008-2009 school year:
Maria Leach

U. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute Instructional Assistant/One-on-One Assistant at a rate of $9.40/hour for the 2008-2009 school year:

Lori Farish

V. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Nikola Freeland as an after school Van Aide for the Primary Learning Center at a rate of $9.40/hour.

W. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following supplemental contracts for the 2008-2009 school year:

Nancy Beaton Longevity Bonus for Mentoring (06-07) 1 point @ $470
Krista Lease Longevity Bonus for Mentoring (06-07) 1 point @ $470
Beth Taylor Longevity Bonus for Mentoring (01-02) 1 point @ $405
Donna Edwards Longevity Bonus for Mentoring 2 points @ $1,040

X. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve a $7,500 increase in salary retro-active for the 2008-2009 fiscal year for John F. Lee, Business Administrator due to the additional duties assumed because the position of Facilities Director was not filled.

Y. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Beth Reburn as a Mid-Range Substitute Teacher. Ms. Reburn’s assignment is PM Reading Teacher at the Octorara Elementary School for a period of approximately 43.5 days at a rate of $140.00 per day. (Replacing Rita Boryszak who resigned)

Z. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Vera Graham’s request for unpaid Medical Leave from approximately March 24, 2009 to May 8, 2009. Ms. Graham is a Cafeteria Employee at the Octorara High School.


AA. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in salary for the 2008-2009 fiscal year due to graduate credits earned:
Christine Gray From M ($53,891) to M ($58,349) Step 10

8. Other Items/Concerns

9. Visitors’ Comments – General

Sharon Solomon noted that she & many parents are appreciative of Mrs. McCann’s years teaching .

10. Board Comments
See comments below for Mr. Stoltzfus’s comments on the facilities meeting.

Bob Hume attended the Wall of Fame presentation. It was very nice. The presentations were great & inspiring. He also noted that the Education Foundation’s recognition of community members was really nice.Bob Hume attended the Wall of Fame presentation. It was very nice. The presentations were great & inspiring. He also noted that the Education Foundation’s recognition of community members was really nice.

Mr. Norris wondered if there were any updates on the budget. There will be information at next week’s meeting.

Mr. Norris asked if there was any feedback on Mr. Weagley’s presentation from last month. Dr. Newcome stated there were mixed reviews. They will be bringing 3 different approaches next week concerning the athletic budget.

Mr. Norris reiterated the need to officially review & finalize football.

Mr. Hume received phone calls against adding to the budget.


11. Adjournment

Facilities Committee Meeting – Monday, April 13, 2009 – 6:30 p.m. District Office Conference Room

Mr. Stoltzfus stated that the HS Renovation project is moving along on or ahead of schedule. There is one change order for the asbestos removal. They determined that they need to remove 58,000 sq. feet of ceiling @ $1.88/ft. Some of the cost will be credited back, as b removing that much ceiling will make running conduit easier. There is additional unsuitable soil that needs to be removed, but we are still within the contract amount. They have started working on the parking lot out back.

Traffic signal will be installed around May 1 on Highland Road.

Middle School roof damage – started work last week. They expect to be done by May 1st. Some of the work is not covered by insurance.


Next regularly scheduled Policy Committee – Monday, April 20, 2009 – 6:30 p.m. District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, April 20, 2009 – 7:30 p.m. Octorara Middle School MPR

Next regularly scheduled Work Session – Monday, May 11, 2009– 7:30 p.m. Octorara Middle School MPR

Executive Session for Personnel will be held following this meeting in the District Office Conference Room