Octorara School Board Work Session 9/14/2009

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
WORK SESSION
September 14, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.
Middle School Multi-Purpose Room

DISCUSSION GUIDE

1. Lord’s Prayer

2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

3. Roll Call

All present

4. Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only

Brian Wenzka (Octorara YMCA) reported that representatives of the Y and Dr. Newcome met last week and are making progress on coming to an agreement for in-kind services in lieu of payment for facilities fees (over an above what they are currently paying).

5. Presentations:

A. PSSA Results – Dr. Nancy Bishop, Mr. Scott Rohrer

The District, each school, and each sub-group achieved AYP.
Dr. Bishop went over the testing that occurs at each grade level.
Terra Nova's for reading and math are given in Grade 2. They scored above the national averages.

PSSA's Proficient & Advanced
Gr 3 83% Reading 83% Math
Gr 4 87% Reading 81% Math
Gr 5 64% Reading 77% Math
Gr 6 63% Reading 82% Math
Gr 7 75% Reading 77% Math
Gr 8 85% Reading 85% Math
Gr 11 59% Reading 53% math

Mr. Rohrer also went over ACT & SAT information. We have more students taking the tests every year.

Mr. Norris, by looking at the handout information, looked at the 3rd grade class from 2006 and followed them through. There was a significant drop in scores. He wanted to know what the district was going to do about it.

Dr. Bishop said that the test results are unpredictable and they can't explain it. It could partially be the test, as it changes every year. They also may need to adjust their progress monitoring.

Mr. Rohrer said that there is a math initiative & are working on reading.

Mrs. Bowman asked why 8th grade seems to do so well.

Mr. Rohrer stated that they also need to look at how the Keystone exams will effect 11th grade.


6. Information Items:

A. Ms. Ashley Stoltzfus will transfer from a second grade teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center to a fourth grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 26, 2009. (Replacing Brian Dikun who transferred.)

B. Ms. Wanda Fisher will transfer from a lunch/playground assistant at the Octorara Primary Learning Center to a one-on-one instructional assistant at the Octorara Primary Learning Center effective 8/31/09 at the rate of $9.65 per hour. (Replacing Amy Mulroy who resigned.)

7.Presentation of Agenda Items for the September 21, 2009 Regular Monthly Public Meeting:


A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the attached list of school bus drivers employed by Althouse Transportation, Inc. for the 2009-2010 school year.

B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the attached list of school bus runs by Althouse Transportation, Inc. for the 2009-2010 school year.

C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the use of the Octorara High School Gym on Sundays from September 13, 2009 through October 25, 2009 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. for a student fall basketball league.

Resignation Approvals:

D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Christina Cordisco’s resignation as an instructional assistant at the Octorara Elementary School effective immediately. (Hired August 25, 2008)

E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Mimi Jurasinski’s resignation as a Title I reading assistant at the Octorara Primary Learning Center effective September 18, 2009. (Hired September 29, 2003)

F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Mr. Janice Papa’s resignation as an instructional assistant at the Octorara High School effective September 25, 2009. (Hired September 8, 2008)

G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Ellen Russell’s resignation as girl’s lacrosse coach effective immediately.

H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Stefanie Nuse’s resignation as 7th grade field hockey coach effective immediately.

I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Sonia Taylor’s resignation as a Middle School cheerleading coach effective immediately.

Hiring Approvals:

J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Lindsey Fischer as a long-term substitute second grade teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Ms. Fischer’s salary will be $44,018, which is Step 2 of the Bachelor’s Scale effective August 26, 2009. (Replacing Ashley Stoltzfus who transferred.)

K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Amanda Lenton as a long-term substitute third grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Ms. Lenton’s salary will be $43,741 which is Step 1 of the Bachelor’s Scale effective August 26, 2009. (Replacing Jody Bradley who is on child rearing leave.)

L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Mr. Richard Pankonien as a mid-range substitute social studies teacher at the Octorara High School pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Mr. Pankonien’s salary will be $140 per day effective August 28, 2009 for approximately 24 days. (Replacing Janelle Sherman who is on medical leave.)

M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Karen Williamson as a mid-range substitute reading teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Ms. Williamson’s salary will be $140 per day effective October 8, 2009 for approximately 69 days. (Replacing Joanna Bowder who will be on child rearing leave.)

N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Laurel Vnucak as a Title I reading assistant at the Octorara Middle School pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Ms. Vnucak’s rate will be $11.15 per hour effective August 31, 2009. (Replacing Melissa Jones who transferred.)

O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Mr. Nicholas Raftas as an Alternative Education assistant and bus monitor at the Octorara High School pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Mr. Raftas’ rate will be $11.15 per hour effective August 31, 2009. (This is a new position.)

Mr. Hershey wanted to know if the Alternative Education program had started. Dr. Bishop said that it had. He wanted to know how many students were participating. The answer is 5.

P. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Jacky Strouth as a one-on-one instructional assistant at the Octorara Middle School pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the district. Ms. Strouth’s rate will be $9.65 per hour effective August 31, 2009. (Replacing Doris Klein who resigned.)

Q. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Victoria Phelan as a lunch/playground assistant at the Octorara Primary Learning Center pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the
district. Ms. Phelan’s rate will be $8.25 per hour effective September 8, 2009. (Replacing Wanda Fisher who transferred.)

R. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Lindsey Mitman as a 7th grade field hockey coach. This position is designated at 4 points at $545 per point. (Replacing Stephanie Nuse who resigned.) Note: Abigail Hancock will remain the junior varsity coach.

S. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Shannon Julius and Ms. Michelle King as assistant cheerleading coaches. Ms. Julius will receive 4 points at $545 per point and Ms. King will receive 2 points at $545 per point. (Replacing Terry Kelleher who is now the varsity cheerleading coach.)

T. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Vicky Huber and Natalie Lantz as volunteer volleyball coaches.

U. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve John Coombe as a volunteer girl’s tennis coach.

V. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in Salary due to graduate credits earned: Katherine Balla From B ($44,018) to B+15 ($46717) Step 2
Marjory Boyes From B ($44,295) to B+15 ($47,579) Step 3
Anthony Commale From B ($49,513) to B+15 ($53,613) Step 10
Carol Dittoe From M ($57,895) to M+15 ($62,206) Step 12
Dave Heffner From M+15 ($60,675) to M+30 ($62,423) Step 11
Michelle Lofgren From M+30 ($70,268) to M+45 ($72,822) Step 16
Michelle Miller From M+15 ($58,320) to M+30 ($60,249) Step 8
Nicole Pulaski From B+15 ($50,165) to B+15 ($51,027) Step 6 to7
Janelle Sherman From B ($44,572) to B+15 ($48,441) Step 4
Valerie Guiseppe From M+45 ($62,199) to M+60 ($65,131) Step 7
Lauren Brotman From M ($53,643) to M+15 ($58,320) Step 8

W. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve a salary adjustment for Ms. Sharon Rosander from a rate of $9.65 per hour to $11.15 per hour effective August August 31, 2009 due to degree status.

X. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following supplemental contracts for the 2009-2010 school year:
Donna Edwards Mentor for Ashley Brennan 2 points @ $545 $1,090
Beth Peticca Mentor for Avis Benard 1 point @ $545 $ 545
Don Barrett Mentor for Kristen Lauer 2 points @ $545 $1,090
Susan Hetrick Mentor for Ashley Stoltzfus 1 point @ $545 $ 545
Heidi Ferry Mentor for Laura Fisher 1 point @ $545 $ 545
Don Barrett Mentor for Sarah Calloway 1 point @ $545 $ 545

Kristen Lauer's mentor is Nicole Glass, not Don Barrett.

Mr. Norris noted that there are several people being mentored who have been employees of the district for some time. He was questioning why they need mentoring. Dr. Bishop said that they have changed buildings, curriculum or grade. With a mentor, it saves time getting them informed.

Y. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Lisa Steiner’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from approximately April 27, 2010 through June 11, 2010. Ms. Steiner is a guidance counselor at the Octorara Primary Learning Center.

Z. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Jody Bradley’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from approximately December 16, 2009 through June 11, 2010. Ms. Bradley is a third grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School.

AA. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teachers for the 2009-2010 school year:
Beth Reburn (Elementary Ed)
Thomas Bidekapp (Agriculture)
Eric Derr (Emergency)
Curtis Sebastian (Emergency)
Gerald Iler (Emergency)
Nicholas Raftas (Social Studies)
Elaine Gesner (Social Studies)
Lisa Rudisill (English)
Ann Koch (Elementary)
Anne Nusbaum (Elementary)
Nicole Musho (Elementary)
Katherine Ward (Elementary and Early Childhood)
Mitchell Chilcote (Emergency)
Alison Parry (Elementary)

BB. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Ashley Thieroff as substitute support staff for the 2009-2010 school year at the rate of $9.65 per hour.

Mr. Ganow wanted to know what this is. It is a substitute for Title 1 aides, classroom aides, etc.

CC. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute cafeteria workers for the 2009-2010 school year at the rate of $8.25 per hour:
Margaret Walton
Bonnie Fuller
Margaret Hanning
Carol Lantz
Mary Sweigart
Traci Zary

DD. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following change orders to Lobar Inc. for the High School renovation and addition project:
Change Order 401-11 Re-route existing roof drain pipe to I-A6 $1,222.03
Change Order 401-12 Provide temporary seal of concrete floors $3,286.97
Change Order 401-13 Credit for reduction in asphalt index ($38,228.64)

8. Facilities Committee Report

Mr. Stoltzfus gave an update on the renovation project. The classrooms & shop in the back are 1-2 months ahead of schedule. The brick in the front should be complete in about 5 weeks. The blacktop is almost complete. The credit for the asphalt is due to the price of oil decreasing. We should receive another credit when they do the blacktop in the back.

There will be a tour for board members on 10/14 at 6 p.m. before the facilities meeting.

There was a temporary sealant placed on the concrete floors. It makes it easier to clean & keeps the dust down. We also purchased a machine to vacuum up the dust. Mr. Ganow asked how we are going to pay for the machine. Mr. Stoltzfus replied that it was paid for from the capital funds. The district is questioning some of the asbestos removal bills.

There was a problem with the looping of the traffic lights at Highland Rd. & Rt. 41. This has been fixed. They are also researching if they can extend the hours of the 15 m.p.h. limit in front of the schools on Highland Rd.

There is approx. $7million left from the Elementary school funding. There won't be much left by the end of the year.

9. Other Items/Concerns

Chloe Dean was introduced as the Student Council representative to the Board. She said the school year is off to a good start. They are collecting for nickel days to help students in need purchase school supplies. Homecoming is soon. Student Council is getting ready for Spirit Week, the Dance & other Homecoming activities.

Mr. Stoltzfus forgot to add to the facilities report that the buses have started to use the area in front of the Middle School.

10. Visitors’ Comments – General

Eric Stuehrmann (West Fallowfield) voiced concerns over the lack of coverage of school events & board meetings. He wondered if the district was going to do anything proactive. He wondered if the agenda could be posted sooner. He is also concerned about the number of students in some classes in the Intermediate School. One CA class has 31 students in it.

Ellen Brown (Atglen) thanked Mr. Rohrer for placing the daily announcements for the High School on the website. She also noted that Elena Wilson is listed as Asst. Principal for the Middle School on the website. However, she doesn't recall this coming up for a vote at any meeting. Mr. Norris said it had.

Mr. Ganow commented that funding issues are not unique to Octorara.

Mr. Norris stated he had received e-mails regarding class sizes. He visited the Intermediate School. The larger classes tend to be at the upper level CA classes. He's confident that the district will work it out. As for communication - the district is in a difficult position. There isn't a local paper and they can't legally post the minutes until they are approved.

Mr. Ganow mentioned the possibility of broadcasting the meetings once the TV studio is up and running.

Mr. Mango mentioned that the agenda is a living document & it would be difficult to post it sooner.

Mr. Weagley reported on the activity fee. The implementation & administration went well. The High School collection is complete and all athletes paid prior to the first contest. Middle School collection occurs this week. The revenue collected exceeded projections. Collected $ 7,350 Projected $6,895

11.Board Comments

Mr.Hume is worried about some of the trends of the PSSAs. He stated that the school is always open for parents to visit & they should be welcome. They should also ask for any information they seek.

Mary Ann Reese (West Fallowfield) wanted to voice her support for the SAC program from the Y & that it is a wonderful and necessary program.

Mr. Hershey reopened Visitor Comments.

Jody Davis (Sadsbury) (President OES-PTO) wanted to know if the PTO would be charged facilities fees. The Board response was 'no'. Ellen Brown replied that in the fine print it states that the level 1 groups would be charged if they hold fundraising activities.

Mr. Norris wanted to emphasize that the policy is not official yet. They will look into it.

Robin Sockoloski (YMCA employee) asked what the funds would be used for if the Y is charged facilities fees. Mr. Hershey stated they would be used to help run the school. Ms. Sockoloski stated that the Y uses all of their own equipment,etc.

Gina Reid (Atglen) had some questions about the PSSA data. She wanted to know if the AYP numbers for Octorara were correct. They appear to be under the target. She noted that grades 3-8 get tested and then not again until 11th. She wanted to know what the district was doing to fill that gap.

Dr. Bishop stated they used the 4sight test 4x's per year to monitor students. The 4sight test is a predictor of how students will do on the PSSAs. Mr. Rohrer said that in the high school, 9th & 10th grade students take the 11th grade 4sight to see where they stand. Dr. Bishop said there may be some gaps in the curriculum. Students may have had something in 7th grade, but then it isn't revisited & is on the 11 grade PSSA. Sometimes a lack of motivation in doing well on the 11th grade tests plays a role. There is also the possibility that the sequence of courses could affect the outcome. These are all things they are looking at.

Ms. Reid asked when they expect to see improvement. Dr. Bishop said they are looking at it constantly. Ms. Reid questioned whether there are other statewide assessments they could use. Dr. Bishop said there weren't. They do look at regular end-of-unit assessments.

Ms. Reid wanted to know if we got the same scores this year would we meet AYP. Mr. Rohrer said that we wouldn't. We need to show growth. That is why they are pushing students to take the ACT and SAT tests, as well as taking AP courses.

A gentlemen from West Fallowfield wanted to impress upon the Board the value of the YMCA to the community.

Back to Board Comments:

Ms. Bowman asked if the PTO had ever considered asking someone to attend Board meetings & report back to the PTO.

Mr. Hume is confident that the 11th grade PSSA problems are being addressed.

Mr. Rohrer wanted to remind people that he holds a Parent Advisory group the first Tuesday of every month in the HS Library at 6:00 p.m. He would like for people to come.

Mr. Malone wanted to emphasize that the number of students taking AP classes and the tests has increased.

Mr. Hershey stated that the position of Asst. Principal for the Middle School was voted on a couple of months ago.

12.Adjournment


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

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, September 21, 2009 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room

Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, October 12, 2009 – 6:30 p.m. in the Octorara District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Work Session – Monday, October 12, 2009– 7:30 p.m. Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room