OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
March 15, 2010 – 7:30 p.m.
Middle School Multi-Purpose Room
AGENDA
1.Lord’s Prayer
2.Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
3.Roll Call
1 absent
4. Approval of Minutes from the Work Session of February 8, 2010 and the Regular Meeting of February 15, 2010.
Mr. Norris commended Mrs. Hardy on the terrific job she did taking the minutes of those two meetings. There was a lot of discussion & she captured it well.
Approved.
5. Presentations
A.Lacrosse – Scott Grimes
Mr. Grimes gave an update on the Octorara Lacrosse Club. He reminded the Board that the Lacrosse teams are self-funded. There are 41 boys & 14 girls registered for the spring season. The club is excited because they have hired Lee Krug as the girls' coach. He comes to Octorara with 30+ years experience. The first week of practice went well. Last year the girls were competitive, even though they only won one game. The boys finished the season above .500. They are pleased that they can field a Varsity and a JV team for the boys. There are plans to continue development for 2010 with introduction to lacrosse for elementary & middle school students. Ellen Russell will continue with the program. The high school boys have been playing year-round at USTC. The budgeted amount for district expenses is $9,000. This includes transportation, ref fees and assignors. The club is planning to spend an additional $5,000 for supplies, uniforms, portable goals, etc. They were able to reduce the registration fee to $150 this year.
Mrs. Bowman asked about the trends for level of participation. Mr. Grimes stated that the boys has increased and the girls have been holding steady. They hope to continue to develop the girls' program.
Lisa McNamara (PLC Principal) said that Mr. Krug was her high school lacrosse coach.
B. Budget – Dan Carsley
Dr. Newcome took the lead on this discussion. He handed out a list of ideas from the staff. See Feedback from Staff
Mr. McCartney asked how often the district changes over the computers.
Mr. Carsley responded that the cycle is every 3 years.
Dr. Newcome said that it is typically longer. They often use older PCs for parts and to build computers for needy students.
Mr. McCartney asked about auctioning off old computers.
Dr. Newcome stated that it hasn't been very successful in the past.
Mrs. Bowman felt it is an interesting list. She is sure that some of it is already being done, such as turning off lights & computers.
Dr. Newcome briefly highlighted several items on the list. Any dollar amounts attached are a best guess.
Mrs. Bowman said the hard part is going to be determining the unintended consequences of any of these actions - what financial impact will come down the line.
Mr. Ganow said that they need to take a hard look at the entire list. They have a long way to go to balance the budget.
Dr. Newcome said that there would be more information at the April meeting.
C. Playground Equipment – Loree Lonsinger, PTO
Mrs. Lonsinger explained that when OIS was opened the K-4 PTO included the 5/6 building. The PTO has raised $ 5,635 toward playground equipment for the IS. Principal Haller chose a piece of equipment and got a price from the vendor. Mrs. Lonsinger emphasized how important it is for the students to have playground equipment. She asked what the process is to get this going and asked for Board approval.
Mr. Norris said that he thought there was a discount attached & asked if there was a time limit. Mr. Haller said that the discount had expired. Mr. Norris asked if the installation fee was necessary for the warranty. Mr. Haller responded that it was, but that the excavation can be separate. Mr. Norris feels the playground equipment should have been part of the construction costs and that the excess cost should come from capital funds (since that is why the money was borrowed ).
Mr. McCartney questioned why the cost was in square feet rather than cubic feet.
Mr. Carsley stated that it was because the depth is only 6-8 inches and our staff can do it.
Mrs. Lonsinger said that the PTO will raise more funds if necessary.
Mrs. Bowman asked if there had been communication with the lower grades. Mrs. Lonsinger stated that there had been & this was agreed upon.
Mr. Hume thanked the PTO for everything they do. He feels the Board should move forward.
Mr. Ganow asked if there is $29,000 left over. Mr. Carsley will check. Mr. Carsley then asked if the vendor was under state contract. Mr. Haller replied that they are.
Mrs. Bowman stated that this should be brought to the next facilities committee for recommendation. She also thanked the PTO.
6. Information Items
None.
7. Treasurer’s Report
A.That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the General Fund Report for period ending February 28, 2010.
Mr. Malone gave the report.
Approved.
8. Business Manager’s Report:
A.Approval of Bills for Payment
Mr. Carsley gave the report.
Mr. Norris questioned whether the police coverage paid for from the Capital funds is still necessary. Dr. Newcome feels that it is as long as construction is taking place.
Mr. Norris asked how we are sure they are there as invoiced.
Mr. Carsley stated that he goes over the bill.
Approved
9. Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only
Don R(?) wanted the Board to know that he feels the summer programs are advantageous and should continue. His children have benefited from them. They are extremely important. He also thinks the playground equipment is necessary to keep the kids active.
Denise Day (Executive VP- YMCA Brandywine Valley) spoke about item K. She wanted to clarify programs of the Y. She went through a brief history of the agreement. She feels some things were misinterpreted. Octorara is a program center.
Ellen Brown (Atglen) stated that if the district can't afford to put playground equipment across the street, they shouldn't be subsidizing the Y, no matter what their name is.
Virgina Dillon (Cochranville) stated that she is a resident and a Y employee. She believes the agreement is important to get the community involved in fitness.
Kent Buohl (Parkesburg) was affiliated with the Y in the past and has provided programs. He thought that when plans for the fitness center were being discussed, that the off hours were going to be used for a revenue stream for the sports programs. A lot of people have put a lot of time & effort to raise money for the fitness center.
Joanie J. (Parkesburg) - wanted to speak in support of the playground. Her child is often bored at recess and she thinks it is very important.
10. Recommended Action Items:
(Italicized items are new; they were not on the March 8, 2010 agenda.)
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following change orders to Lobar and Reed for the High School renovation and addition project:
Lobar: Change Order 401-14 Countertop Credit ($25,492.00)
Reed: Change Order 408-01 Doors and hardware in areas D & E $3,598.00
Approved.
Resignation Approvals:
B.That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Jane Nields’ resignation as an instructional assistant at the Octorara Elementary School for purpose of retirement effective June 15, 2010. (Hired September 20, 1992.)
Approved.
Hiring Approvals:
C.That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Janelle Sherman and Ms. Kristin Winner to split the seventh grade girl’s softball coaching position at two points each. (The Board originally approved Ms. Sherman for the full four points of the supplemental contract.)
Approved.
D.That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teachers for the 2009-2010 school year:
Deanna Downey (Elementary)
Lauren Hunter (Early Childhood)
Terri Kauffman (Emergency)
Jessica McGrath (Elementary and Special Education)
Approved.
E.That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in salary due to graduate credits earned:
Beth Hrincevich From M+30 ($74,974) to M+45 ($77,334) Step 19
Fallon Jordan From B ($43,741) to B+15 ($45,855) Step 1
Amy Rios From B+15 ($53,613) to M ($55,314) Step 10
Kristen Winner From B ($44,295) to B+15 ($47,579) Step 3
Deb Ward From M+15 ($57,535) to M+30 ($59,524) Step 7
Approved.
F.That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the request for Jody Bradley to take an unpaid leave of absence without benefits for the 2010-2011 school year.
Approved.
G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve services from EHC Associates for asbestos consulting and monitoring for the Octorara Area High School renovation and addition project.
Mr. Ganow is concerned about the number of these requests that have been coming through & why they have to keep approving them. Mr. Carsley said that the $9,800 only covered the basic portion of the contract. Any appendices were not included. Mr. Ganow is not comfortable without the receipt. Mr. Carsley agreed, but there could be additional asbestos as work continues. There have been additional asbestos finding in this phase. More could occur.
Approved.
H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Mr. Trevor Bolger as a volunteer coach for the high school baseball team. Mr. Bolger is a 2009 graduate of Octorara Area High School and was a member of the baseball team.
Approved.
I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept the resignation of Ms. Debbie Perkins as a cafeteria employee effective March 7, 2010. (Hired October 1, 2009.)
Approved.
J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the attached resolution urging legislative action on school employee pension reform.
Mr. McCartney doesn't like the last paragraph that talks about a hybrid plan (defined benefit/defined contribution) as being a viable alternative. It would still come back on the taxpayer.
Mr. Ganow said that they just need to ask for relief.
Mr. Malone stated that this let's them know that we don't like what is going on. Dr. Newcome said that they got the wording from Avon Grove. Mr. Stoltzfus said is is very much like what was distributed by the Intermediate Unit.
Mrs. Bowman said this is just to let the state know that the district isn't happy. Mr. McCartney felt they should already know that.
Dr. Newcome said that this Board does not often adopt resolutions. If you don't let the State know, they assume you don't have a problem with what they are doing. Mr. Hume said that the district needs to let the State know. Mr. Stoltzfus said that this reflects the feelings of schools throughout Chester County. We need to remind them.
Mrs. Bowman said that the Board needs to be an example to the community.
Vote: 7 For; 1 Against.
K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the recommendations as presented by the Superintendent on Monday, March 8, 2010 related to the Octorara YMCA (attachment).
Dr. Newcome updated the Board on discussions that had taken place with the Y over the past week.
Mr. Norris asked what Dr. Newcome envisions for additional programs such as before/after school programs.
Dr. Newcome said the plan is to put out a Request for Proposal to see what the market could handle. We need to ask the question if we can do it ourselves.
Mr. Norris reminded everyone that when the Board gave approval for negotiations, they gave Dr. Newcome full power to represent the Board. He is less than thrilled with the apparent with the less than reciprocal nature of the negotiations. They seemed to be lopsided. Is this a fair assessment?
Dr. Newcome said that from his perspective "yes", but this may not be shared by everyone in the room. He asked to speak to the Y Board & his request was denied. The Y has had an opportunity to speak at OASD meetings. He wanted members of the OASD Board to meet with the Y Board & vice versa. The Y does not have pubic meetings.
Mr. Norris asked how much money had been raised privately for the fitness center. Dr. Newcome was not sure of the figure, but will find out. Mr. Norris asked if the Y was going to purchase equipment. Dr. Newcome said that there were in-kind services & equipment that they no longer use in other facilities.
Mr. Norris asked exactly 'who is the Jennersville Y' and that they should revisit in the future.
Mr. Ganow asked Dr. Newcome who he negotiated with. Dr. Newcome replied 'Brian Wenzka and Denise Day'. Mr. Ganow then asked if he thought it was the Octorara Y or the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley. Dr. Newcome said that he advocated for the entity called "Octorara YMCA". Mr. Ganow agreed.
Mr. Malone said that the District's policy states "non-profits within the community".
Mr. Ganow said that we need something in the community.
Mr. Norris asked if the District is prepared to pick up the pieces of the SAC program. If so, we need to get moving and do something. Dr. Newcome stated he could have taken the easy route & come back asking the Board to ignore his recommendation.
Mrs. Bowman said that they need to take a step back. The Board is not closing the door.
Dr. Newcome expects this will be revisited in the future.
Mr. Hume thinks the school made a mistake in the beginning. He thinks we need all the help we can get. The Y is necessary to teach kids right from wrong. He can't imagine the district wanting to make money from the fitness center & childcare.
Mrs. Bowman said it has never been a question of benefiting the students.
Vote: For 6; Against 2. Approved.
L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the resignation of Ms. Barbara Scarcelle as an ESL aide at the Octorara Area High School effective March 25, 2010. (Hired August 29, 2005)
Approved.
M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the agreement to settle claims as asserted in the case docketed at 2:09-cv-04872-GP in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for the sum of $10,000, in accordance with a written agreement recommended by legal counsel for the District.
Approved.
11. I.U./C.A.T. Board Representative’s Report
Meeting this week.
12. Old Business
13. New Business
14. Other Items and Announcements
Dr. Newcome reminded everyone of the Community Conversation to be held on Thursday, facilitated by Chester County 2020. The Board will be listeners.
The calendar will be as posted for the snow make-up days.
15. Visitors’ Comments – General
Carol Beam (Sadsbury) -Board Chair of Octorara YMCA Program Center. There is an Octorara Y. It is a program center. The Board of Directors has become an advisory Board. They plan to continue to grow. The fitness center was to be a stepping stone to a larger center. There was an adminstrative change. This has been disappointing.
Denise Day (YMCA Brandywine Valley) said she is deeply saddened by the decision. The letterhead says YMCA Brandywine Valley. Nothing has changed. They are starting a 7th grade program where students will be bussed to the Jennersville Y. She hopes there is an opportunity to look at again soon.
16. Board Comments
Mr. Hume presented a math problem he got from OIS. He has visited with Mr. Rohrer and Mr. Carsley. He's disappointed that there have been water leaks in the ceiling of the new office in the HS.
Mr. Malone reminded everyone of "Willy Wonka" this weekend at the HS.
Mrs. Bowman said that she has visited the PLC. The Principal's Pride lunch was being held and the children were very excited. There was a lot of activity going on.
7. Adjournment
Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, March 15, 2010 – 6:30 p.m. in the Octorara District Office Conference Room
Executive Session for personnel Monday, March 15, 2010 – following the Board Meeting in the Octorara District Office Conference Room.
Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, April 12, 2010 – 6:00 p.m. in the Octorara District Office Conference Room
Next regularly scheduled Work Session – Monday, April 12, 2010 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room
Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, April 19, 2010 – 6:30 p.m. in the Octorara District Office Conference Room
Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, April 19, 2010 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room
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Part 1
ReplyDeleteTwo things to get out of the way before I start my analysis:
1)My husband would like everyone to know that he agreed with Dr. Newcome at last night’s meeting. He didn’t want to say so publicly, because he didn’t want anyone to think the roof was going to cave in.
2)A ‘discussion’ took place during the brief executive session that occurred during the meeting. It will not be discussed here. So, if you came here for the juicy details, you’re out of luck. Let's just say that I did not allow it to color my comments below.
Okay. That’s done.
Part 2
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley’s internal view of the “Octorara-Y” and the Octorara School District (Administration and Board of Directors) & community’s view of the “Octorara-Y” are two different animals. The community (including the OASD) watched the Octorara Rec Commission grow …and struggle. The YMCA took over operations of the Rec Commission & from an outside perspective; the “Octorara-Y” was treated as a branch, albeit a “baby” branch. It was on the ymcabwv.org website as a branch. Brochures came out as though it were a branch. All with the idea that a building would be erected somewhere within the district. Did the executives of the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley view it as a “branch”? I have no idea. However, it appears that if they ever did, they no longer do.
If I understand it correctly, “Octorara” is now considered a “Program Center”, with administrative oversight by the Jennersville branch. The Octorara Y Board of Directors is now an advisory board with no authority. It is these changes, which seem immaterial to the Y executives, that are a big deal to the District & the community.
The Y wants to increase membership. It’s how they make money to stay open. I’m assuming that the idea is to increase memberships among the citizens of the school district with the assumption on the part of members that an “Octorara” building will eventually come to pass. But who are we kidding? The Y is operating under the same economic constraints that the school district is. There isn’t enough commercial/industrial real estate to support either the district or the Y. It takes a lot of money to build a branch & you aren’t going to get it from single family memberships. You would need donations from corporate entities to bring a branch to fruition. If they are really serious about a full-fledged Octorara branch, perhaps they should get involved in the Octorara Regional Planning group (who knows… maybe they are).
Which brings us to the new fitness center in the High School…..which is at the root of all of this angst. Denise Day (soon-to-be CEO) claims they wouldn’t make any money on the fitness center & that they are staffing it for “free”. For “free”? Really? They were to get the fitness center rent-free. They were going to charge for memberships. That is NOT for free. They were going to collect the revenue & pay the salary – anything over & above is profit to the Y. If they weren’t going to make any money on it, they wouldn’t do it. The Y is a business… a 501(c)3 business, but a business none-the-less.
The Octorara Lacrosse Club experienced this first-hand a couple of years ago. The Club wanted to introduce elementary & middle school students to lacrosse –to start to build a feeder program for the high school. The High School coaches were stretched too thin & contact was made with someone from the Jennersville Y, because there was someone there who had a lacrosse background. (Actually, I can’t remember now if the Club contacted them or they contacted the club). A fair number of kids signed up & enjoyed the program. When it came time to do it again the following year, the Y wasn’t interested –although it was never stated outright – profit was obviously the reason.
I understand the OASD’s desire to foster & strengthen community relations. I also see where they believe(d) the Y would be a good way to do this. However, what about all of the other organizations who directly benefit the students & put a lot of time, money, and materials into the district – and are going to be charged to use the facilities? What happens when these organizations can no longer afford to put money & materials into the facilities or find somewhere else to go because of the facilities fees? This is just a question – because given the economic realities of this budget year, there is no good answer.
Part 3
ReplyDeleteSome Random Thoughts:
Mr. Hume suggested that the District should move forward with the agreement so the Y could teach kids “right from wrong”. When did it become the responsibility of the Y to teach our kids? How could you guarantee that the kids that do need guidance would even participate in any Y activities?
There was also concern about the SAC program. We did use the SAC program the first couple of years it was with the Rec Commission. But had it not existed, we would have made other arrangements. If the district can come up with something…great – they did it once, it could be done again. But it really isn’t the District’s responsibility to set up childcare for after school.
Although I am not advocating this, it would not surprise me if athletics & other extra-curricular activities were budgeted as self-funded next year. Before you get all in a tizzy….. where else is the money going to come from? If you look at the suggestion list, there are some pretty radical ideas there. But something that the district will have to watch for is not being in Title IX compliance, because from the research I’ve done, even if the district is not funding the activity directly –because it is “sponsoring” it – the district must remain in Title IX compliance.
I was a little confused by Mr. Hume’s statement that he couldn’t see making money from childcare & the fitness center…. Isn’t he always looking for funding?