Octorara School Board Meeting 11/16/2009

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT


PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

November 16, 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

All present


4. Approval of Minutes from the Work Session of October 12, 2009 and the Regular Meeting of October 19, 2009.

Approved

5.Presentations:

Mr. Hershey’s last meeting is tonight. Dr. Newcome presented him with a plaque and made a few remarks. Mr. Hershey also made a few remarks.

A.Incident Debriefing 11/11/09

Dr. Newcome went over the events of 11/11/09. There was a bomb threat. They went on lockdown. The State Police were notified. The communications to parents went fairly well, but the communications within the building could have been better. They would like to look at utilizing texting between parents & students. The administration met to review what happened.

Mr. Norris asked the timeline for evacuation. Mr. Rohrer said 20 – 25 minutes. Mr. Norris asked if the construction was a factor. Mr. Rohrer indicated that it was not.


Mr. Propper felt the Middle School evacuation was fairly organized.

Chloe Dean (Student Rep) gave the student perspective.

Mr. Hershey asked if it was determined who made the threat. Dr. Newcome said that it hadn’t yet, but he would keep the Board informed.

Mrs. Bowman said that she appreciates the communication system.

B. Math Report

Before turning the floor over to the math consultants, Dr. Newcome showed a video clip from the PA Dept of Ed Teacher of the Year finalist presentation. Dr. McWatters (HS Physics) was a finalist. Lindsey Evans (Sr.) provided the introduction. She spoke of Dr. McWatters teaching techniques and how they inspire the students in his physics classes.

Math Report
Dr. Newcome passed out a packet containing a lot of information concerning math in the district. It contained a summary, written by Dr. Newcome, of where the math program had been, where it is now & where they would like to see it go. There were statistics concerning the PSSA tests and SAT’s, as well as grades for the various math courses. There was also a table showing 8th & 11th grade PSSA scores for districts around the state.

Eighth grade scores spiked last year across the state.

The Keystone Exams will cover Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry. They will transition to this over the next 3 years. Dr. Newcome thinks this means that there is something wrong with the 11th grade PSSA’s.

He also discussed the Parent Letter, Summer School & teacher iniatives.

The consultants, Carol Antes (K-6) and Janie Zimmer (7-12), gave their presentation.

The idea is to create a seamless K-12 system.


They set up a committee with representatives from K-12

K-12 Coordination Team


PLC 4 teachers (3 gen, 1 sp ed), principal


OES 4 teachers (3 gen, 1 sp ed), principal


OMS 3 teachers (2 gen, 1 sp ed), principal

OHS 4 teachers (3 gen, 1 sp ed), principal

The consultants will create a broad plan, using input from the team. These recommendations will be presented to the Board in Dec/Jan.

They will be shared with the team Feb 2010.

After changes are made, they will be presented to the Board & Administration in Feb. 2010.

They will process the plan and set up action-steps for implementation of recommendations. It will take 3 – 5 years. The consultants emphasized that the changes will not occur overnight.

There needs to be coordination between grades.

Dr. Newcome talked about Dr. McWatters success in physics. He claimed there can’t be success there without success in Algebra and Trig.

Mr. Norris asked what is missing if teachers currently have low expectations of the students.

The consultant stated that every student should be on grade level, including special education students. She spoke about heterogeneous groups and how they raise expectations. Teachers tend to have lower expectations for lower classes.

Mrs. Bowman expressed frustration on how long things take. She asked how fast some of these things could be implemented (i.e. future elimination of Algebra A & B)

The consultant stated that it is difficult for teachers to make those changes. She recommends placing fewer students into Algebra A & B each year.

They will measure results by the PSSA’s & teachers’ grades. There are fewer students getting D’s/F’s this year, than this time last year.

Mrs. Bowman asked how will they balance getting through the material on a timely basis with students who aren’t getting it.

Consultant – In general, teachers teach the concepts very quickly and move on to the problems. As a nation, we have too many concepts in each grade. She would like to see stronger development of concepts with activities and have students express in their own terms.

Mr. Ganow asked them to define “support”. He wanted to know what we are doing right now to help the kids. He feels as though we are setting them up to fail since they need 4 credits of math to graduate.

Dr. Newcome said that in the last 2 years, they have used grant money for kids who were not scoring proficient to set up enrichment classes.

The Consultant stated that there is no quick fix.

Mr. Malone asked about “student engagement” and were they being given “real life” problems.

The Consultant stated that students need to struggle with problems & work together.

Mr. Hume asked if colleges are preparing teachers to teach.

The Consultant stated that math is the most challenging subject for her elementary ed practicum students.

Mr. Norris stated the perception of where the problem lies if validated by some of the teacher responses. In several instances, their comments began with “The students don’t…” and “The parents don’t…” There needs to be a shift away from this.

Please see the following links for portions of the report. It was too large to scan the whole thing.

Dr. Newcome's Letter:
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3fwieKBz959YWJkMWQ2MjYtNjY2MS00ODllLTk1ZTItODQ2OTRmZmE5MDJi&hl=en


Some Statistics:
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3fwieKBz959YjVkNDBlZmItOGU3Yi00MWM2LWIyMTItN2E4OWYxOGJhNjNj&hl=en

Report:
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3fwieKBz959ZTEyMTQ3MDktMDM4ZC00NmI0LWE1YzktMjk1ZWQzZjdiNjIw&hl=en


6. Information Items:

None

7.Treasurer’s Report:

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

Mr. Malone gave the report & it was approved.

8.Business Manager’s Report:

A. Approval of Bills for Payment

Mr. Carsley gave the report & it was approved.

9.Visitor’s Comments – Agenda Items Only

Donna Durr asked about the facilities policy - gave her support to the Y.

Pam Meek asked how to continue the dialogue concerning the math program.  She noted that there are no parents on the team.  She feels there should be some "quick hits" that could be implemented.

Shelly Meadowcroft thanked them for the presentation.  She had a couple of comments concerning the bomb scare.  She commended the district on how it was handled.  She felt that students could have been notified of the nature of the threat sooner to help put rumors to rest.  She asked how students were accounted for.  She moved on to the math presentation.  She feels that Octorara is a great school.  Looking over the grades, she wondered why this wasn't jumped on sooner.  She asked if smaller class sizes would help (although she knows that there are limits to the budget).  She also commented on Lindsay Evans introduction of Dr. McWatters - why couldn't those techniques be applied to math.

10. Recommended Action Items:

(Italicized items are new; they were not on the November 9, 2009 agenda.)

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the attached Bureau of Career and Technical Education Approved Program Evaluation Correction Plan and Status Update for 2008-2009.

Approved.

B.That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the use of the high school gym for a Wiffle Ball Tournament fundraiser for the baseball team on Sunday, December 6, 2009 from 12:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Board wants the time changed to 1:00 p.m.
Approved

C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Student “A” for graduation as of November 16, 2009. The student has completed all requirements for graduation required by the Octorara Area School District and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Approved

D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve policy 707, Use of Public School Facilities, first reading.

Mr. Hume reiterated his opposition to the Octorara YMCA being charged. Dr. Newcome stated that there is a policy meeting in December & that changes could still be made. Mr. Norris asked if there are still discussions with the Y. Dr. Newcome stated that they are ongoing.

Approved

E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following change orders to Bristol Environmental, Inc. for the High School renovation and addition project:

Change Order 002 Additional asbestos removal $28,720.00
Change Order 003 Pipe and fitting insulation abatement $ 6,232.91

Approved

Resignation Approvals:
F.   That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Mr. Scott Forman’s resignation as a wellbeing assistant at the Octorara High School effective October 27, 2009. (Hired April 19, 2005.)

Approved

G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Frances DeJesse’s resignation, with regret, as a bus duty aide at the Octorara Intermediate School effective October 29, 2009. (Hired October 18, 2004.)

Approved

H.That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Rebekah Doane’s resignation as District registrar/secretary at the Octorara District Office effective November 6, 2009. (Hired February 26, 2009.)

Approved

Hiring Approvals:

I.That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the transfer of Ms. Cheryl Johnson as a one-on-one instructional/personal care assistant at the Octorara High School at the rate $12.85 per hour to a wellbeing assistant at the Octorara High School at the rate of $15.40 per hour effective October 28, 2009. (Replacing Scott Forman who resigned.)

Approved

J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the transfer of Ms. Kathleen Shaffer from a lunch/playground assistant at the Octorara Primary Learning Center at the rate of $8.55 per hour to a one-on-one instructional/personal care assistant at the Octorara High School at the rate of $12.40 per hour effective November 2,2009. (Replacing Cheryl Johnson who transferred.)

Approved

K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms.Deborah Pizolato as a lunch/playground assistant at the Octorara Primary Learning Center pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Pizolato’s rate will be $8.25 per hour effective November 5, 2009. (Replacing Kathleen Shaffer who transferred.)

Approved

L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Jane Markman as a mid-range substitute gifted/reading teacher at the Octorara Intermediate School pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Markman’s rate will be $140 per day from approximately October 20, 2009 through November 13, 2009. (Replacing Christine Gray who is on medical leave.)

Approved

M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Mr. Kyle Whary as eighth grade girl’s basketball coach. This position is designated at 4 points at $545 per point. (Replacing Scott Forman who resigned.)

Approved

N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms.Robin Elias as middle school cheerleading coach. This position is designated at 4 points at $545 per point. (Replacing Sonia Taylor who resigned.)

Approved

O.That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms.Rebekah Doane as a District interpreter at the rate of $30 per hour on an as needed basis.

Approved

P. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the transfer of Ms. Katie Dikun from a third grade instructional assistant at the Octorara Elementary School at the rate of $11.45 per hour to a long-term substitute third grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School at a rate of $43,741 pro-rated effective approximately December 3, 2009 through April 27, 2010. (Replacing Sally Welk who will be on child rearing leave. Ms. Dikun will return to the instructional assistant position on April 28, 2010.)

Approved

Q. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teachers for the 2009-2010 school year:

Lauren Michalski (Emergency)
Mark Battinieri (Emergency)
Katherine Houser (Emergency)
Melissa Hanzl (Emergency)
Cassandra Eccles (Special Ed and Elementary)
Peter DuFresne (Emergency)
John Hathaway (Emergency)
Nicholas Brewer (Health & PE)
David Harkins (Elementary)
Brittany Strunk (Elementary)

Approved

R. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute support staff for the 2009-2010 school year:

Melanie Gridley (Instructional Assistant)
Madeleine Oldham (Cafeteria)

Approved

S. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in Salary due to graduate credits earned:

Holly Conte From B+15 ($51,027) to M ($52,807) Step 7
Laura Keefer From B ($44,018) to B+15 ($46,717) Step 2
Kim Knightly From M+45 ($64,526) to M+60 ($67,505) Step 10
Matt Livingood From M+15 ($55,181) to M+30 ($57,349) Step 4
Vanessa Peterson From M+15 ($65,268) to M+30 ($67,130) Step 14
John Voss From M+15 ($57,535) to M+30 ($59,524) Step 7
Elizabeth Scroggin From B+15 ($47,579) to M ($49,465) Step 3

Approved

T. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the salary adjustment for Ms. Lindsay Mitman from a mid-range substitute teacher rate of $140 per day to a long-term substitute teacher salary of $43,741 which is Step 1 of the Bachelor’s Scale prorated from October 29, 2009 through approximately March 23, 2010.

Approved

U. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. JoAnn Marinacci as a mentor for Ms. Linsday Mitman from October 29, 2009 through March 23, 2010 at a stipend of $200.

Approved

V. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the transfer of Mr. Robert Joseph (Joey) Steffy from computer technician for the District at the salary of $31,328 to software support specialist for the District at the salary of $35,000 effective November 9, 2009. (Replacing Cheryl Todd who transferred.)

Approved

W. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the attached student activity request for “Students Without Borders” at the Octorara High School.

Approved

X. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Lisa Rohrer as a clerical assistant at the Octorara Primary Learning Center pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Rohrer’s rate will be $11.15 per hour effective November 11, 2009. (Replacing Shara Townsend who transferred.)

Approved

Y. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Jean Coldiron as a mid-range substitute special education teacher at the Octorara High School pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Coldiron’s rate will be $140 per day effective November 17, 2009 through December 23, 2009. (Replacing Katie Heller who will be on medical leave.)

Approved

Z. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Mr. Lee Krug as a high school girl’s lacrosse coach. This position is designated at 6 points at $545 per point. (Replacing Ellen Russell who resigned.)

Mr. Norris asked for confirmation that this is self-funded. It is.

Approved

AA. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Holly Conte’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from approximately April 27, 2010 through May 21, 2010. Ms. Conte is a second grade teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center.

Approved

BB. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve change order number 40304 to Frey-Lutz to provide a duplex pump station and control panel for domestic water in the amount of $28,014.00 (electric not included.).

Mr. Stoltzfus noted that this is less than what was discussed at the work session.

Approved

CC.That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the attached By-Laws of the Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau with proposed amendments to be effective January 1, 2010.

Approved

DD. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Tammy Anthony as a substitute instructional assistant at the Octorara Elementary School pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Anthony’s rate will be $11.15 per hour effective December 3, 2009 through April 27, 2010. Ms. Anthony will also teach the third grade reading skills class at the rate of $31.57 per hour for one and one half hours per day. (Replacing Katie Dikun who transferred.)

Approved.

EE. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teacher for the 2009-2010 school year:

Arlene Sulek (Emergency)

Approved.

FF. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the appointment of Ms. Shawna Johnson to complete the remaining two years of the term left open by the resignation of Mr. Pete Mango from the Octorara Board of School Directors. (Term expires 2011)

Dr. Newcome introduced Ms. Johnson to the Board. The Board asked her some questions, which she answered.


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

None

12. Old Business

13. New Business

14. Other Items and Announcements

From the Finance Committee: There will be a presentation of the audit report in January 2010. We are looking at a coop w/ other districts to purchase electricity at a cheaper rate.

Mr. Hume asked if state aid was increasing 17% with the passage of the state budget. Mr. Carsley replied that is was 5.2% or approx. $ 67,000.

Dr. Newcome related information concerning the Pandemic Drill that was held on Saturday. There are approximately 250 community members involved. From a county perspective, they can report that there is a pod ready to open in the event of a pandemic.

Mr. Propper (OMS Principal) talked about Jack Gantos (Author) visiting the school.

Chloe Dean (Student Representative) talked about the student leadership conference she attended as part of student council. Mr. Butch has been asked to help plan the event for next year.

15. Visitors’ Comments – General

Eric Stuehrmann had some followup questions concerning the gifted program in the district – particularly as they relate to the special education audit & the lowered targets being used in the district.

16. Board Comments

Mr. Malone reminded everyone that the High School production of A Christmas Carol is Friday & Saturday night.

Mrs. Bowman mentioned the HS Boys Soccer semi-final State game in Hershey Tues. evening at 7:30 p.m.


Mr. Ganow gave some comments on Mr. Hershey’s tenure on the Board.

17. Adjournment

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

Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, December 7, 2009 – 6:30 p.m. in the Octorara District Office Conference Room

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

Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, December 14, 2009 – 6:30 p.m. in the Octorara District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, December 14, 2009 – 7:30 p.m. Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room