OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
April 20, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.
Middle School Multi-Purpose Room
AGENDA
- Lord’s Prayer
- Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
- Roll Call
- 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
2 Absent
- Presentations:
- Information Item:
- Treasurer’s Report:
- A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the General Fund Report for period ending March 31, 2009.
Business Manager’s Report:
A. Approval of Bills for Payment- Visitors’ Comments – Agenda Items Only
- Recommended Action Items:
(Italicized items are new, they were not on the April 13, 2009 agenda.)
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
Starting budget $ 491,721Less Add'l Rev/Cuts 75,587Subtotal 416,134Team Fees 38,154Adjusted Budget 377,980Option #2: Includes Football & Lacrosse/Eliminates 7th Grade Program
Starting budget $ 491,721Less Add'l Rev/Cuts 113,441 (includes Activity Fee & Gate Receipts)Adjusted Budget 378,280Option #3: Includes Football & Lacrosse/Eliminates Indoor Track, Middle School Baseball & Softball, & 7th Grade Program
Starting Budget $ 491,721Less Add'l Rev/Cuts 113,661Adjusted Budget 378,060Option #4: Includes Football (50%)
Starting Budget $ 491,721Less Add'l Rev/Cuts 135,592Starting Budget $ 491,721Less Addl'Rev/Cuts 130,209Adjusted Budget 361,512 *Does not match Mr. Weagley's totalMr. 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.
none
Mr. Malone read the report & it was approved.
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.
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following policies/administrative regulations, second reading:
- Administrative Procedures for Maintenance of Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants and for Inspection of External Components of Surgically Implanted Medical Devices (New)
- Child Find and Screening (New)
- Secondary Grading Procedures for Students with Disabilities Participating in General Curriculum (New)
- Audio, Video, or Other Electronic Recording of Meetings (New)
- Guidelines for Classroom and Program Site Visitations (New)
- Policy 114 Gifted Education (Revision)
- Policy 113.2 Independent Education Evaluations (Revision)
- Policy 113.3 Behavior Support (Revision)
- Policy 117 Medical Excusal and Homebound Instruction (Revision)
- Policy 261 Behavior Support (Revision)
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.
- I.U./C.A.T. Board Representative’s Report
- Old Business
None.
- 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. - Other Items and Announcements
Visitors’ Comments
- 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. - Adjournment
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.
None.
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
Posts
Full text of the comments I made to the Board:
ReplyDeleteI don’t envy your task of making the budget work. You need to do whatever helps you hit your targets – whether it is an activity fee, an assessment to the booster & club organization, some combination of the two, or nothing.
A lot of frustration on this side of the table, I believe comes from the lack of acknowledgement that the district has been passively assessing fees (for lack of a better term) for years – an acknowledgement that these activities haven’t been fully funded for a very long time. Students, parents, and organizations that support the district’s mission have quietly, behind the scenes without fuss or fanfare, made up the difference– from the elementary years through high school.
The Elementary PTO has supported RIF books, field trip buses, and cash to the teachers at Christmas for classroom supplies, playground equipment and fulfilled wish list items that weren’t in the budget. The Middle School PTO filled the same role, but not to the same extent, purchasing assignment books, for example. The Middle School Student Council funded playground equipment, among other things. Athletics currently has a budget over $300,000. The real cost of athletics is more than what is budgeted. The current budgeted amount only pays for coaches, officials, and transportation. The boosters, athletic clubs, coaches and parents supply most of the funds for equipment and uniforms. In some cases, they are also providing field maintenance. Some coaches are taking their salary & turning it back into the program, effectively coaching for free. As has been mentioned before, the Band Boosters pays for the buses for the parades & the uniforms – for something that is a class, where students are graded for participation. For the musicals & plays, the participants are supplying their own costumes, props & materials for building sets and in some cases, purchasing copies of the script. Most other activities have similar stories.
Since so much is already being paid for outside the district budget, I think people will want to know what they are getting for their activity fee or in the case of a fee to the booster or club, what exactly is being paid for – accountability of the funds being provided to the district.
We need to stop pretending that the district has fully funded extra- and co-curricular activities or that assessing these fees will solve the problem. It is a one-year fix, at best. Next year, there won’t be the athletic & activity well to dip into.
I have a lot of comments about this meeting - but it is too late to articulate them tonight.
ReplyDeleteThoughts & comments about the information from the meeting......
ReplyDeleteThe revenue numbers are very soft. The amounts budgeted are dependent on too many variable. I would be surprised if the district comes anywhere near the anticipated amounts.
It doesn't really matter which way they go with raising more funds for athletics, because either way the money is going to end up coming out of parents' pockets. You're either going to write a check for an activity fee or you are going to work your butt off to earn even more money for your booster or club organization. You are still going to have to raise money for uniforms, equipment and whatever else the district can't buy.
They need to be clear about what you get for your activity fee. For example, if you pay the fee to be in the musical, do you still have to buy your own costume, props, supplies for sets & script? If so, then what, exactly, does the fee cover?
The proposal for the activity fee reads "Octorara students in grades 7 - 12". Do charter school & homeschooled students have to pay the fee? Perhaps it should read "students residing in the Octorara district in grades 7 - 12".
The other thing I have some issues with is the "partial pay contribution". The first issue I have is that the groups that are going to be charged are already putting a lot of money into the athletic program. Some, barely have enough funds to purchase jr/sr jackets & hold a banquet. How are they going to raise the money to contribute up to $2,900? (Not all sports need that much). The second issue is that for any group that my child participated in, I would want to see the break down of the team budget.
The Facility Use Group Classification is broken down into 3 groups: Group 1 (School Sponsored Groups); Group 2 (Non-Profit Groups); Group 3 (Community Groups). Group 1 includes Athletic Teams, Booster Clubs, School Clubs, PTO and School Groups (i.e. Band, Chorus). Group 2 includes American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, and United Way. Groups 3 includes Octorara Little League, Octorara Softball Association, Octorara Soccer Club, Lanchester Blast Volleyball, Octorara Youth Wrestling Association, Octorara YMCA, Church Organizations and High School Fall Basketball League. Groups 1 & 2 will not be charged the facility rental fee. Here's the issue: most of the groups listed in Group 3 are Non-Proft Groups as defined by the IRS. They have the same 501(c)3 charitable organization designation as the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society and the United Way. You either have to charge all non-profit groups or no non-profit groups. You can't pick & choose which ones to charge. (I'm wondering if it could be considered discriminatory?)
Let's say the district sticks with this... what happens when/if these groups decide to take their activities elsewhere? They won't hit their budget numbers. Will they look to increase the activity fee to make up the difference?
Some of the proposals had the elimination of Indoor Track. Why Indoor Track, as opposed to another sport? Would they be permitted to fund themselves?
Some of the proposals also had the elimination of the 7th grade sports programs. What happens in years where there aren't enough 8th graders to fill a team?
For the Fitness Center.. why is the Faculty/Staff Membership less than the General Public? I agree with Brian Norris's opinion that they should at least be the same, since the general public is paying their salaries & their tax dollars are building the fitness center (with some funds accumulated from the Monte Carlo nights over the last couple of years).
Speak of...In the revenue projections is $5,000 from Monte Carlo night. Why is it in there? This money is designated for the fitness center. The Sports Council would have to vote to re-designate the funds. If this is from the potential Monte Carlo night in spring 2010, will there even be one? It is my understanding that the chairperson does not want to run it again next year. (And once again, the attendees are the people who are heavily involved in all of the booster/club organizations).
What is really annoying is that there is all of this angst over approx. $38,000 out of a $43 million budget. It's immaterial.