Octorara School Board Meeting 08/17/2009

There was a policy meeting prior to the board meeting. I have notes on that meeting, however I need to scan some items before posting those notes. They should be posted (along w/ my comments) in the next few days.

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
August 17, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.
Octorara Intermediate School Library
AGENDA

l. Lord’s Prayer

2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

3. Roll Call

1 absent

4. Approval of Minutes from the Work Session of July 13, 2009 and the Regular Meeting of July 20, 2009.

approved

5. Presentations:

None

6. Information Items:

A. Ms. Melissa Jones, Title 1 Reading Aide, will transfer from the Octorara Middle School to the Octorara Intermediate School effective August 26, 2009.

B. Ms. Cheryl Johnson, Learning Support Instructional Assistant, will transfer from the Octorara High School to the Octorara Intermediate School effective August 26, 2009.

7. Treasurer’s Report:

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

Mr. Malone gave the report. Approved.

8. Business Manager’s Report:

A. Approval of bills for payment.

Mr. Carsley gave the report.

Mr. Norris wondered why the name didn't appear for summer literacy refunds. Mr. Carsely explained that they were on one P.O. Mr. Norris also asked why there were commencement expenses coming in so late. Mr. Carsely said they received the invoice late. Mr. Norris wanted to know why there were field trip buses that were not Althouse. The contract w/ Althouse allows for 4 buses per day.

Approved.

9. Visitor’s Comments – Agenda Items Only

None.

10. Recommended Action Items: (Italicized items are new; they were not on the August 10, 2009 agenda.)


Resignation Approvals:
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Sylvia Whitney’s resignation as a Title 1 Aide at the Octorara Intermediate School effective July 29, 2009. (Hired August 25, 2008)

Approved.

Hiring Approvals:
B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of the
following substitutes for the Summer Reading Program: Lori Boldt at a rate of $22 per hour Rebecca Wagner at a rate of $10 per hour

Approved.

C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the addition to the employment of Ms. Avis Benard from a ½ time kindergarten to a full-time kindergarten teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center effective August 26, 2009. Ms. Benard’s salary will be $66,624 which is Step 17 of the Master’s Scale. (Replacing Lori Boldt who transferred.)

Mr. Ganow asked if there was an answer to his question from last week. Dr. Newcome stated that under terms of the contract, half time employment gets the full step.

Approved.

D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Alison Fell as a long-term substitute art teacher at the Octorara High School pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Ms. Fell’s salary will be $43,741, pro-rated, which is Step 1 of the Bachelor’s Scale effective August 26, 2009 for 94.5 days. (Replacing Sarah Roenigk who is on sabbatical leave.)

Approved

E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Fallon Jordan on a Temporary Professional Employee Contract as a learning support teacher at the Octorara Elementary School pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Ms. Jordan’s salary will be $43,741 which is Step 1 of the Bachelor’s Scale effective August 26, 2009. (Replacing Anita Ungerbuehler who resigned.)

Approved.

F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Amy Steinmetz on a Professional Employee Contract as a literacy coach at the Octorara Elementary School pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Ms. Steinmetz’s salary will be $54,478 which is Step 9 of the Master’s Scale effective August 26, 2009. (Replacing Aleta Connell who transferred.)

Approved.

G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Mr. Brian Dikun as half-time Assistant Principal at the Octorara Intermediate School and half-time Director of Alternative Education effective August 3, 2009. Mr. Dikun is currently a fourth grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School. This is a 10 ½ month position at a salary of $72,715.

Approved.

H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in salary due to graduate credits earned:
Doreen Creighton From B ($44,295) to B+15 ($47,580) Step 3
Timothy Ergler From B+15 ($47,579) to M ($49,465) Step 3
Margaret Forchetti From M+45 ($80,343) to M+60 ($82,505) Step 21
Christine Gray From M ($56,149) to M+15 ($60,675) Step 11
Tom Hurley From M ($57,895) to M+15 ($62,206) Step12
Matt Livingood From M ($50,301) to M+15 ($55,181) Step 4
Alison Mannetta From B ($44,295) to B+15 ($47,579) Step 3
Tim Mundy From M+30 ($79,681) to M+45 ($81,847) Step 22
Megan Munn From B+15 ($50,165) to M ($51,972) Step 6
Nina Thwaites From M+30 ($65,731) to M+45 ($68,762) Step 11
William Cooper From M+15($56,750) to M+30 ($58,799) Step 6
Christian Taylor From B+15 ($50,165) to M ($51,972) Step 6

Approved.

I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve a salary adjustment for Ms. Shirley Miller from $58,936 to $61,996 effective August 26, 2009.

Approved.

J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Suzanne Schurr’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of childrearing from approximately December 17, 2009 to April 24, 2010. Ms. Schurr is a 3rd grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School.

Dr. Newcome stated that the ending date should be March 24, 2010

Approved.

K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the attached list of substitute teachers, substitute emergency permit teachers, and substitute support staff for the 2009-2010 school year.
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Approved.

L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the attached list of supplemental contracts for the 2009-2010 school year.

Approved.

M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the increase in employment of Judy Head from 1/5 to 2/5 position at a pro-rated salary of $29,442 which is Step 21 of the Master’s Scale effective August 26, 2009. Ms. Head’s assignment is Speech. (This is a budgeted item which was missed on the salary approvals in June.)

Dr. Newcome said that upon looking at the needs, it was determined that the district needs an additional day of her services.

Approved.

N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Ada (Jackie) Ellingsworth as a Manager/Cook at the Octorara Primary Learning Center cafeteria at a rate of $14.55 per hour effective August 25, 2009. (Replacing Darlene Shirk who retired.)

Approved.

O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Penny Garris as Assistant Cook at the Octorara Primary Learning Center cafeteria at a rate of $13.67 per hour effective August 25, 2009. (Replacing Ada Ellingworth who transferred.)

Mr. Norris asked about the difference in rate between this item & the next. The response was that it was due to experience.
Approved.

P. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Alberta Gehron as Assistant Cook at the Octorara High School cafeteria at a rate of $10.50 per hour effective August 25, 2009. (Replacing Yvonne McComsey who transferred.)

Approved.

Q. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Kristi Powell as a cashier at the Octorara Primary Learning Center cafeteria at a rate of $8.75 per hour effective August 25, 2009. (Replacing Sue Esh who transferred.)

Approved.

R. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms Doris J. Klein’s resignation as a one-on-one aide at the Octorara Middle School effective August 4, 2009. (Hired February 27, 2009)

Approved.

S. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the attached resolution to appoint voting delegates to the Tax Collection Committee as required by Act 32.

Approved.

T. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Abigail Hancock as a Field Hockey Coach effective August 17, 2009. Ms. Hancock will serve as the high school junior varsity coach at least until the District hires another coach for the program. At that time a decision will be made as to whether Ms. Hancock remains as high school junior varsity coach or moves to the 7th Grade Field Hockey Coach position. She will be paid on a per diem basis based on the supplemental contract for the JV Field Hockey position. (6 points X $545 per point = $3,270: per diem rate of $69.57)

Approved.

U. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Sally Welk’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of childrearing from approximately January 28, 2010 to April 28, 2010. Ms. Welk is a third grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School.

Approved.

V. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Change Order _______ to Lobar Inc. for the High School Addition and Renovation Project:
$3,286.97 Temporary seal existing concrete corridors

Per Mr. Carsley, Change Order # not yet assigned. Mr. Hume said that this is to keep the dust down for the school year. Mr. Stoltzfus said that it is mostly for the new section for the bare concrete. Mr. Carsley said it will not affect the adhesive later. They had looked a machine to buy, but this was a less expensive alternative.

Approved.

W. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Mr. Eric Sifford as a Math Teacher at the Octorara High School at a salary of $44,018 which is Step 2 of the Bachelor's Scale. (This is a year-to-year position based on receiving funds from the EAP Grant.)

Approved.

X. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Virginia McBride as a substitute secretary at the Octorara District Office pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Ms. McBride's rate will be $118.75 per day effective October 1, 2009 for approximately 52.5 days. (Replacing Connie Good who will be on childrearing leave.)

Approved.

Y. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Lina Huyen Vu as a substitute Title I math Aide at the Octorara Intermediate School pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Ms. Vu's rate will be $11.15 per hour effective August 26, 2009 through December 18, 2009. (Replacing Diane Ernest who will be student teaching.)

Approved.

Z. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Ashley Brennan as a ahlf time Special Education Teacher at the Octorara Elementary School (replacing Ashley Halota who resigned) and a half time Alternative Education Teacher at the Octorara High School (new position) pending completion of employee related documents require by law and the district. Ms. Brennan's salary will be $43,741 which is Step 1 of the Bachelor's Scale effective August 26, 2009. (This is a new position).

Mr. Malone wanted to know what 'Alternative Education' is & are these positions in the budget.

Approved.

AA. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Mr. Richard Letts as a full time Title I Math Aide at the Octorara Elementary School (replacing Angelina Guiseppe who resigned), an Alternative Education Instructional Assistant at the Octorara High School (new Position), and an Alternative Education Van Driver (new position) pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Mr. Letts' rate for all positions is $11.15 per hour effective August 26, 2009.

Dr. Newcome explained that the district is not going to use Althouse to transport these students home.
Mr. Norris wanted to know what happens if Mr. Letts gets sick, since he is 'wearing so many hats'.
Dr. Newcome said that it would be a challenge, but they are hiring a second Instructional Assistant.

Approved.

BB That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Alison Parry as a 4th grade Instructional Assistant at the Octorara Elementary School pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. ms. Parry's rate will be $11.15 per hour effective August 26, 2009. (Replacing Christina Cordisco who resigned.)

Approved.

CC. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Michele Patel as a half time Title I Math Aide at Octorara Elementary School pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Ms. Patel's rate will be $9.65 per hour effective August 26, 2009. (This is a new position.)

Approved.

DD. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Robin Elias as a 4th grade Instructional Assistant at the Octorara Elementary School pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Ms. Elias' rate will be $11.15 per hour effective August 26, 2009. (Replacing Fallon Jordan who transferred.)

Approved.

EE. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Sharon Rosander as a Title I Reading Aide at the Octorara Intermediate School pending pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Ms. Rosander's rate will be $9.65 per hour effective August 26, 2009. (Replacing Sylvia Whitney who resigned.)

Approved.

FF. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms Rebecca WAgner as a substitute Clerical Aide for the district for the 2009-2010 school year pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Ms. Wagner's rate is $9.65 per hour effective August 11, 2009.

Approved.

GG. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Angelina Guiseppe's resignation as a Title I Math Aide at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 17, 2009. (Hired 8/25/08)

Approved.

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

None - Mr. Mango absent.

12. Old Business

None

13. New Business

None

14. Other Items and Announcements

Dr. Newcome had a few things. Last Thursday, he had a conference call with the Secretary of Education (PA). The Secretary requested that he 'rally the public to get the budget passed'. Dr. Newcome asked questions concerning the proposed funding from the state. It appears we may not get as much as the state estimated. While some of the stimulus funds will go toward what the state originally planned, the remainder is being absorbed to solve budget issues. The Governor is willing to hold out until February to get what he wants.

Mr. Carsley went over a couple of scenarios (dependent on which version of the budget gets passed).

Mr. Norris wanted to know if the Administration was looking at steps to curb expenditures in the short-term. Dr. Newcome stated that the budget is pretty tight. If there are resignations, they may hold off replacing them, dependent on the position.

Mr. Ganow asked if the district had done the hiring that they need to. Dr. Newcome replied that they are pretty well staffed.

Mr. Hume said it is difficult to take sides if you are involved in other organizations that receive state funding.

Dr. Newcome said that it boils down to what happens to the stimulus funds. The Senate's version is at the 05-06 rate & is backfilled with stimulus funds.

Mr. Ganow suggested that Dr. Newcome not "rally the public" and to stay out of it. Dr. Newcome was pleased with that suggestion.

Dr. Newcome also discussed the potential flu epidemic. There will be a letter from him going out with information, recommendations, etc. He asked that the Board start thinking about whether the school should be a site for school-age children to get the vaccine.

15. Visitors’ Comments

Rob Wishneski (Highland Twp) asked if there was any thought to waiving the 10 days absent policy if we get hit with the flu epidemic - potential for students to fail classes for getting the flu. Dr. Newcome said 'no'. The Health Dept. recommends that students remain home until the fever has been gone for 24 hours without meds.

Ellen Brown (Atglen) asked about the Administration & the Board’s view of the new Keystone Exams that were just approved by the State Department of Education. The response was that they were better than what was originally proposed. Ms. Brown voiced concern about the exam counting for at least 1/3 of the grade for the course and that the proposal hadn’t been discussed at a board meeting.

Scott Grimes (Parkesburg) had some technical questions concerning the concrete sealant –more as a concern rather than expecting an answer. He wanted to know if it was a water-based sealant free of VOC’s. The dust could be an issue from a risk management perspective, particularly with students who have respiratory issues. He feels parents should be notified.

Mr. Ganow said that these were valid concerns. He believes the district may end up with both the machine & the sealant.

Mr. Wishneski wondered if the product safety sheet should be distributed.

Donna Duerr (Sadsbury Twp) was pleased with the article in the Lancaster paper concerning Octorara being listed in Newsweek as a top public high school based on AP Courses.

Sandy Reel asked if the article was on the website. Dr. Newcome said that it probably should be. She also wanted to know the status of CAT-B. Mr. Stoltzfus said it would be voted on in September.

Gina Reid (Atglen) asked if the attachments referenced in the agendas could also be on the website. It would make it easier to understand what is going to be discussed. Dr. Newcome said they would look at it and see if they have the manpower, as some items would need to be scanned.

Ms. Reel asked if the district used technology interns from colleges. Dr. Newcome said they use free help when they can.

16. Board Comments

Mrs. Bicking said the Policy Committee met prior to this meeting. There was public input into the facilities fees. They will review & finalize the policy.

Mr. Hume wanted everyone to know that in the Chester County Parks & Rec booklet that the Octorara Art Association is listed for having received a grant.

Mr. Hume also wanted everyone to know that the contractors are first-rate & are looking out for the safety of the students.

17. Adjournment



Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, September 14, 2009 – 6:30 p.m. Octorara District Office Conference Room

Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, September 21, 2009 – 6:30 p.m. Octorara District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Work Session – Monday, September 14, 2009– 7:30
p.m. Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room

Executive Session for Personnel will be held following this meeting in the Octorara Intermediate School Faculty Room.