OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
WORK SESSION August 10, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.
Octorara Intermediate School Library
DISCUSSION GUIDE
l. Lord’s Prayer
2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
3. Roll Call
all present
4.Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only
none
5. Presentations:
A. Activity Fees – Jim Weagley, Scott Rohrer
Dr. Newcome asked that Brian Wenzka (Octorara Y.M.C.A.) be permitted to present a letter concerning facility usage fees as he had asked to be placed on the agenda.
Mr. Wenzka turned it over to Rob Wishneski (Octorara Y.M.C.A. Board Member). Mr. Wishneski distributed a letter prepared by the Octorara Y Board and read the letter aloud. (Note: the contents of the letter will be published on this blog when I receive an electronic copy).
Mr. Weagley presented the recommended policy for the approved Activity Fee. From the handout: "Beginning in the fall of 2009 all Octorara students in grades 7 - 12 participating in the school athletic program will be required to pay an activity fee" "Students will pay $35 to participate in the first sport and $10 for the second. Participation in the third sport will be free."
"Once the pre-season practice period has finished and rosters have been finalized, each team will be scheduled in the computer lab for athletic eligibility registration. Parents will be informed about when the activity fee payment is due via the following communication: 1) The coaching staff will announce to their teams the date of te team athletic eligibility registration and 2) the schedule will be presented under the "athletics" heading on the school district website octorara.k12.pa.us as well as the "Chalkboard" section of highschoolsports.net."
"If paying by check, checks should be made payable to "Octorara Area High School".
"In order to be eligible to play in games, students must pay their activity fee prior to the first regular season contest."
Mr. Hume stated that this is not a large part of the budget. He opposes the fees. His opinion is that if the school has an activity, the school should pay for it. This could possibly create more problems than it solves.
Mr. Weagley replied that he was directed to find ways to increase revenues for sports. Mr. Weagley offered his opinion that he also does not like it.
Mr. Hershey reminded the Board members that they already voted on this.
Mr. Norris questioned the confidentiality of students who receive free lunches (as they will not have to pay the fee).
Mr. Weagley replied that the coaches would not be involved in the collection of the fee. They would only receive a list of who is eligible to play.
Mr. Malone asked who would enforce this at gametime. Mr. Weagley stated that he would be enforcing it.
Gina Reid from Atglen asked if the money would go to the team.
Mr. Weagley said that it would go into the general athletic fund.
Mr. Norris said that he appreciated the finer points outlined this evening and wished they would have been available a few months ago. He reiterated that he still does not agree with the fee.
6. Information Items:
A. Ms. Lori Boldt will transfer from an assignment of ½ day kindergarten teacher and ½ day teacher at the Octorara Intermediate School to a second grade teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center for the 2009-2010 and 20102011 school years. (Replacing Laura Fischer who transferred.)
7. Presentation of Agenda Items for the August 17, 2009 Regular Monthly Public Meeting:
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)
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
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.)
Ms. Benard was the 1/2 time volunteer coordinator. That position was eliminated. Ms. Benard took a 1/2 Kindergarten position and when the other 1/2 time position came up, she asked to be full-time.
Mr. Ganow wanted to know if half-time went toward the steps. Dr. Newcome will check.
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.)
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.)
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.)
Mr. Ganow wanted to know if this was a new-hire to the district. Dr. Newcome said that it was.
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.
The question was asked about the number of students included at this time. There are currently 7 non-IEP students and 1 who would have gone to Chester County High School.
H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Bridget Fogarty on a Temporary Professional Employee Contract as ½ time special ed teacher at the Octorara Elementary School and ½ time alternative education teacher at the Octorara High School pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Ms. Fogarty’s salary will be $49,465 which is Step 3 of the Master’s Scale effective August 26, 2009.
Dr. Newcome stated that this would be looked at later in the meeting.
I. 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
J. 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.
K. 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 November 6, 2009 to April 24, 2010. Ms. Schurr is a 3rd grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School.
Mr. Ganow wanted to know if this was all unpaid. Dr. Newcome will check on it.
L. 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.
Mr. Ganow wanted to know if it would be in next week's packet.
M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the attached list of supplemental contracts for the 2009-2010 school year.
Same as above
8.Facilities Committee Report
Mr. Stoltzfus reported on the construction. The back is scheduled to be completed in December, however, it may be finished sooner. The project is 42% complete. The rest will take longer, since they will have to move students around. The athletic fields are being worked on.
9. Other Items/Concerns
Mr. Malone wanted to know how the state budget impass would impact the district budget. Mr. Carsely said that if they collect 90-95% of property tax, along with Federal funds, it would take the district through February 2010.
10. Visitors’ Comments – General
Sandy Reel (Highland Twp) wanted to know about the Alternative Ed program. The district will send her information.
Rob Wishneski (Highland Twp) had some questions concerning the activity fee. He asked how much was expected to be collected. Mr. Weagley responded they were expecting approx. $19,700. Mr. Wishneski then asked about the facility fee and the response was approx. $20,000. Mr. Wishneski asked about the total budget & was told it was approx. $ 44 million.
He also asked the cost of football. Mr. Weagley said that football costs $44,000. Mr. Wishneski wanted to know if it was cost effective to charge the activity fee and was the Board just picking the low-hanging fruit. He asked the Board to think about the socio-economic impact to students.
Mr. Hershey stated that the Board had 'wrangled' with it for months.
Mr. Malone agreed with Mr. Wishneski, but stated that he had voted for the activity fee to not hold up the budget process.
The question was asked if the facility fee is in the budget. The answer was the an amount is in the budget, but the details haven't been worked out.
Mary Jaye Tyson-Hampton (Londonderry) wanted to know if there was a limit per family. Mr. Weagley stated that he chose a low end fee. He realizes that there are some situations where it may still be a hardship.
Gina Reid (Atglen) wanted to know if it was typical that something was voted on without the policy bieng in place or was it done out of necessity to pass the budget. Mr. Hershey stated that it was not typical. Mr. Weagley stated that what was presented tonight was the administrative piece. Mr. Ganow said that the budget was the driving force.
Ms. Reid also wanted to know when the fee assessment details were presented. Dr. Newcome said that the budget was built and then they backfilled it. The Board needed to decide to assess the fee, then figure it out.
Dr. Newcome wanted to know who he was supposed to speak to at the Y. He felt as though he was passed around.
Ms. Reid felt her question about policies was not fully answered. She wanted to know if the public should attend the policy meetings. Dr. Newcome gave the date & time.
Mr. Wishneski had additional questions about the facility fees - who would be charged? Will non-profits be charged - according to the schedule, some will and some won't. How was that determined? He also asked how the board could vote on something without the details.
Mr. Hershey stated that a lot had been cut out of the budget & he had praise for the Administration.
Ellen Brown (Atglen) had a couple of questions. She asked for statistics on Octorara students. For students who are involved in activities, how many go on to further their education and how many don't? For students who aren't involved, how many go on to further their education and how many don't? How many students not involved drop out?
The second question concerned salaries. She noticed that there was a salary attached to Brian Dikun's new position, but there wasn't a salary attached to Mr. Rohrer's new position last month. Dr. Newcome stated that Mr. Rohrer's salary did not change and was according to his contract - approx. $120,000.
The third question concerned the sports budgets. There was a budget for Boys' soccer attached to the activity fee procedure - is it possible to get that for all sports? Dr. Newcome had actual data there & distributed it.
Scott Grimes (Parkesburg) wanted to know if the activity fee would be waived for lacrosse as they are self-funded. The answer was 'yes'.
He also wanted to know if there was any thought to rededicating a field as the "Betsy Handy Field", since the middle school field is now a parking lot. He suggested that the Varsity Field be dedicated & asked the Board to consider it.
Kent Buohl(Parkesburg) asked if the activity fee could expand to other activities in the future. Mr. Hershey said, "Yes."
Brian Wenzka wanted to clarify the discussions betweent the District and the Y. He understands Dr. Newcome's frustration. The Y's management structure is complex, but provides good checks & balances. He cannot make the final decisions concerning finances. That is deferred to his supervisor. However, she will not make a decision that the local Y Board is not comfortable with.
Lennie Brown (Atglen) handed out invitations to Board Members to the High School Girl's Soccer "Girls' Night Out".
11. Board Comments
Ms. Bowman feels that the activity fee is a bargain and parents should not mind paying it. She believes that the booster organizations should help out.
Mr. Mango stated that the Budget process starts early & encourages people to come out.
Mr. Hume supports the Y and hopes that the Board doesn't sent the message that they don't support the Y.
Mr. Malone wanted to mention that Newsweek recognized Octorara as a top public high school based on Advanced Placement Data. Congratulations to the High School.
Mr. Ganow stated that they are the Board of Directors of a $40+ Million entity and Dr. Newcome is the CEO. He felt the Y letter was patronizing.
Ms. Bowman said she is a supporter of the Y, but she is concerned about the wear & tear of the facilities.
12. Adjournment
Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, August 17, 2009 – 6:30 p.m. Octorara Intermediate School Faculty Room
Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, August 17, 2009 – 7:30 p.m. Octorara Intermediate School Library
Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, September 14, 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.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
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Mr. Ganow may be a member of a 40 million dollar entity but it is not a private one.They, like board members have to answer to their shareholders, i.e. citizens of the Octorara School District, which I have witnessed being patronized by the board.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many community members would be willing to do without the convenience of the Y using the school facilities.
Dr. Newcome, being the CEO, and the Board, would find more support if they would follow the procedures detailed for them in the school's policies and procedures manual. This includes not only how to hire Asst. Superintendents but also the obligation the Board has to keep its "shareholders" informed.
This community member believes that the board needs to find new ways to alert the public about its pending decisions now that the local paper is defunct. I would suggest live streaming of all board meetings (except where privacy issues are at stake)and archiving them on the school's website. If we can't find students and advisors to set this up and keep it going we really need to rethink the board's sports-centric mentality.
Lots of comments about last night's meeting!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I will publish the contents of the letter from the Y when I receive an electronic copy from them.
Some of these are just random thoughts I jotted down as the meeting was taking place; others are thoughts I had later.
Okay - so they are only going to charge athletics an activity fee this year as a pilot program. I'm thinking that could be considered discriminatory - singling out one segment of the student population.....
Item 6h - Dr. Newcome said it would be discussed later, however it never came up - maybe it was during the personnel meeting after the work session.
The amount they expect to bring in from the activity fee and facilities fee is 0.09%. Any accountant will tell you that is immaterial and shouldn't even be discussed.
Mr. Hershey claimed that it is not typical to pass items without details, however, my observation is that it does happen. Case in point, when asked about the application to the Lancaster-Lebanon League and the associated costs - the response I got was that they hadn't looked at the costs - they were waiting to see if they got accepted first. I was flabbergasted - in any business setting, you determine the cost before you ever pursue an option.
The same thing happened here - they decided to assess these fees and put the amounts in the budget without determining who they were going to charge. So now there are line items in the budget where they will never meet the target. What happens when your 501(c)3 organizations who are on the list to be charged take their activities elsewhere? I know of one organization who already has.
From my experience, it appears that the budget is done somewhat backwards. Typically, you would start with some assumptions bases on real numbers. From there, develop scenarios and make some allowances in case things don't work out the way you would like. They did develop scenarios, but I'm not sure they were based in reality. And they decided what numbers they wanted to see, without determining if they could REALLY meet them.
I will have some comments on the breakdown of athletic expenses, but I have some questions for the district first.
Is 44,000 dollars an accurate assessment of the cost for football? I thought it was more in the $100,000 range. If it is the smaller number I guess the activity fee and facility use fees are really to pay for that.
ReplyDeleteAlso I wonder if the school board has given any thought to the possiblity of the state raising income taxes and how that will impact those of us facing the increased property taxes they are voting for.
Most members of Octorara community have to cut back these days and concentrate our personal funds on the necessities. I think many of us would like to see the district do the same, using available funds to improve and expand our academics. The future of our kids has alot more to do with ABCs than 15, 42, hut...hut......
First, I would like to state that I am not an "anti-football" taxpayer. I grew up in a school district very similar demogaphically to Octorara. Football was THE fall sport, and I have many high school memories of Friday and Saturday nights spent at football games.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, if I am reading the football budget correctly, they estimate football costing $44,000 this year. When directly asked at the Board Work session, Dr. Newcome said that he does not anticipate a substantial increase in football expenses next year. Since this year's football budget includes a large ($45,000+) amount of private donations, is it to be assumed that these donations will continue every year and in this large amount? Without the private donations of generous supporters and the hard work of the football booster club, the football budget expenses would be closer to the $100,000 range mentioned in the above post. And why isn't there a line expense for the equipment replacement cost? What amount of expense will that add in upcoming years?
Although football looks to fit within the athletic budget this year and has been approved as an Octorara school sport, what happens next year if the expenses increase significantly and football becomes 25% of our athletic budget? Do we discontinue football or should we expect higher activity fees for all school athletes and their families?
As Lisa Bowman stated at the Board Work session on August 10th, most families are accustomed to paying for their children to play sports in other venues (such as a travel soccer league or Little League baseball) and at much higher costs. Although this is true, to pay these fees is an individual family decision, not one that the School Board should make for them.
If the School Board truly needed the $20,000 of income that the activity fees will generate to continue current school sports and balance the sports budget, it would an easier policy to accept and justify. But to try to justify an activity fee for all athletes and, at the same time, add a new expense of $44,000 for a newly-approved sport doesn't seem fiscally-responsible to me.