Octorara School Board Meeting 8/16/2010

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
August 16, 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

All present.
4.Approval of Minutes from the Work Session of July 12, 2010 and the Regular Meeting of July 19, 2010.

Approved.
5.Presentations

None.
6.Information Items

None.
7.Treasurer’s Report
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the General Fund Report for period ending July 31, 2010.

Approved.
8.Business Manager’s Report
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of bills for payment.

Mr. Ganow asked whether two checks to the same person were duplicates.  They aren't.
9.Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only

None.
10.Recommended Action Items: (Italicized items are new; they were not on the August 9, 2010 agenda.)

A-J approved.

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following change orders: Bristol Environmental, Inc. #005 Asbestos removal 1st floor corridor and nurse’s suite in the amount of $8,645.00. Bristol Environmental, Inc. #006 Asbestos removal 1st floor renovation area in the amount of $7,000.00.

Resignation Approvals:
B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, the resignation of Ms. Sherry Carolus as cafeteria/playground supervisor at the Octorara Elementary School effective July 20, 2010. (Hired 9/3/97)

C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept the resignation of Ms. Kathleen Dikun as an instructional aide at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 5, 2010. (Ms. Dikun is filling a long-term substitute third grade position for the 2010-2011 school year. She will return to the aide position for the 2011-2012 school year.)

Hiring Approvals:
D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Robin Keevan as a long term substitute physical education teacher in the Octorara Middle School effective August 25, 2010 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Keevan’s salary will be $46,914.00 which is Step 1 of the Bachelor’s Scale. (Replacing Deb Canby who is on sabbatical leave.)

E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Kathleen Dikun as a long term substitute third grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 25, 2010 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Dikun’s salary will be $46,914.00 which is Step 1 of the Bachelor’s Scale. (Replacing Jody Bradley who is on child rearing leave.)

F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Dana Coulter’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from August 25, 2010 through October 4, 2010. Ms. Coulter is a second grade teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center.

G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Sarah Callaway’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from approximately October 26, 2010 through January 3, 2011. Ms. Callaway is a special education teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center.

H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Amanda King’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from approximately November 22, 2010 through January 3, 2011. Ms. King is a sixth grade teacher at the Octorara Intermediate School.

I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes of salary omitted from the salary list approved on June 28, 2010:
Ashley Brennan $46,914 Step 1 Bachelor’s Scale
Aleta Connell $81,848 Step 20 Master’s +30 Scale

J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following change in salary due to graduate credits earned:
JoAnn Marinacci From M ($55,102) to M+15 ($59,906) Step 6
Megan Munn From M ($54,244) to M+15 ($59,100) Step 5
Sally Welk From M+30 ($65,733) to M+45 ($68,622) Step 10
Roberta Souders From M ($77,402) to M+15 ($79,625) Step 20
Sarah Callaway From M ($51,669) to M+15 ($56,682) Step 2

K-FF approved (comments/questions listed below items)

K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Policy 226, Searches, second reading. .

Mr. McCartney had a question as to whether the policy followed state guidelines.  Dr. Newcome replied that the policy was vetted by the policy committee.

L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the proposal for NRG Controls, Inc. service agreement renewal, option 2.


M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Octorara Area School District Board of Directors and the Octorara Area Education Association regarding Octorara District Office Support Personnel starting salaries.


N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the resignation of Mr. Nicholas Raftas as an alternative education instructional assistant at the Octorara Area High School effective August 11, 2010. (Hired August 31, 2009)


O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Mr. Matthew Talley as a technology education teacher at the Octorara Area High School effective August 25, 2010 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Mr. Talley’s salary will be $46,914.00 which is Step 1 of the Bachelor’s Scale. (Replacing Don Mills who retired.)

Dr. Newcome explained that another candidate had been brought to the Board previously, but did not complete paperwork because he decided to take a job with another district.   This is a new candidate.

P. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Gina DiBenedetto as a long term substitute physical education teacher at the Octorara Intermediate School effective August 25, 2010 through December 2, 2010 at the rate of $140 per day pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. (Replacing Beth Bushong who is on child rearing leave.)


Q. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Doris Klein as a Title I math assistant at the Octorara Middle School for the 2010-2011 school year pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Klein’s rate will be $11.40 per hour. (This is a new position paid for by ARRA funds. Ms. Klein is an approved substitute for the District.)


R. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Caitlin Cellini as a Title I math assistant at the Octorara Intermediate School for the 2010-2011 school year pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Cellini’s rate will be $11.40 per hour. (Replacing Lina Vu who resigned.)


S. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Katherine Ward as a Title I reading aide at the Octorara Middle School effective August 25, 2010 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Ward’s rate will be $11.40 per hour. (Replacing Laurel Vnucak who resigned.)


T. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Natalie Meek as a lunchroom/playground supervisor at the Octorara Intermediate School effective August 25, 2010 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Meek’s rate will be $8.50 per hour. (Ms. Meek’s resignation was approved on May 17, 2010; she is returning to the position.)


U. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Mr. Matthew Furlong as payroll clerk/accounting supervisor assistant for the District effective August 12, 2010 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Mr. Furlong’s salary will be $39,500. (Replacing Carol Edwards who retired.)


V. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Teresa Cassel as lunch/playground supervisor at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 25, 2010 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Cassel’s rate will be $8.50 per hour. (Replacing Sherry Carolus who resigned.)


W. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Gwendolen Klotz’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing effective August 25, 2010 through November 22, 2010. (Ms. Klotz was approved for an unpaid leave of absence without benefits for the 2010-2011 and 2011–2012 school years on May 17, 2010. This is a request for the 12 weeks of family medical leave she is eligible for.)


X. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of substitute teachers, substitute emergency permit teachers, and substitute support staff for the 2010-2011 school year pending proper certification verification.


Y. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of supplemental contracts for the 2010-2011 school year.

Z. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Tammy Anthony as an instructional assistant at the Octorara Elementary School for the 2010-2011 school year pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Anthony’s rate will be $11.40 per hour. (Replacing Kathleen Dikun who is a long-term substitute for the 2010-2011 school year.)


AA. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Amanda Welsh as a Title I math assistant at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 25, 2010 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Welsh’s rate will be $11.40 per hour. (Replacing Richard Letts who resigned.)

BB. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Jodi Lewis as a Title I reading assistant at the Octorara Intermediate School effective September 13, 2010 through December 10, 2010 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Lewis’ rate will be $11.40 per hour. (Replacing Stacey Hoopes who will be student teaching.)

CC. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Taylor Carroll as a substitute elementary education teacher for the 2010-2011 school year.

DD. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following change in salary due to graduate credits earned:


Marjory Zajac From M ($56,818) to M+15 ($61,519) Step 8

EE. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Jim and Amy Wilde as volunteer volleyball coaches at the Octorara Area High School for the 2010-2011 school year.

FF. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept the resignation of Mr. Richard Letts as a Title I math assistant at the Octorara Intermediate School and an Alternative Education instructional assistant at the Octorara Area High School effective August 9, 2010. (Hired August 31, 2009.)

Information Item:


Ms. Susan Thieroff will transfer from full-time accounts payable clerk to half-time accounts payable clerk from August 30, 2010 through December 31, 2010.

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

No meeting in August.

12.Old Business

Board received report on Fitness Center.  Mr. Weagley hopes that it will pick up in the fall.  Ms. Bowman asked about the phone calls he had received.  About 1/2 came in.  Ms. Bowman asked about the fee reduction and the fee for non-residents.  Mr. Weagley said that currently there are no non-resident members.  The discounted rate is for the trial period.  Mr. Hume commented that the rates are not what the Board approved.  Mr. Weagley said they reduced the rates because of limited hours.

Mr. Malone asked if anyone had looked into the possibility of using the phone system for community members without children.  Dr. Newcome said it can't be done due to the contract.   The contract is only for students and staff  ($16,000 for 3100 people).  Mr. Norris asked what it would cost to open it up?

13.New Business
Mr. Norris wanted some history on the policy for field trips.  Dr. Newcome said the goal is to come up with a policy by June 2011.  Need to define purpose (education, rewards,etc) and to provide consistency within grades.

Dr. Newcome said he had been contacted by Betsy Gallagher.  She is part of a group trying to reconstitute S.A.V.E.    She asked if the Board would have any suggesNonetions for a representative from the northern end of Rt. 41.  Ms. Bowman would like to look at more.  She isn't sure about their position on development along the Rt. 41. corridor.

14.Other Items and Announcements

None.
15.Visitors’ Comments – General

County Commissioner Terence Farrell attended the meeting.  He has been visiting all of the Chester County schools.  He wanted to let the District know that he is available.  The County and the District face similar challenges.  He thanked the District for the partnerships with the County (PODS & the energy purchasing coop.)  He also sits on the Board of the Y and is please that the District is working with the Y.

Mr. Ganow mentioned that the new County Park at Wolf's Hollow is now open.

Ms. Bowman thanked Mr. Farrell for coming out.  She wanted to point out that the demographics in this area are different than elsewhere in the County (in response to Mr. Farrell's comment that Chester County is the wealthiest county in the State).   He recognizes the special challenges with 319.

Kent Buohl (Parkesburg) gave an update on HS Girls' Soccer.  One of the highlights of the season is Girls' Night Out.  The younger players come out and have a good time at a game.  Last year, the team sponsored a tailgate.  They are doing it again this year with the focus on Breast Cancer Awareness.  All proceeds will go toward this cause.  The team will be wearing pink & white.  The jerseys are being donated.  The game will be held on Sept. 18th.  The tailgate will begin at 3:30 p.m.  The Board is invited to the game & will be receiving an invitation.   

The team also raised funds to purchase new uniforms.  They sold cookbooks (some are still available) and held other fund raisers. 

Mr. Weagley also commented on Girls' Night Out.  He talked about how the soccer program has done a nice job of building continuity from the youngest players to the high school players.

Homecoming will be held Sept. 24-25th.  The parade is at 7:00 p.m. Friday.  There is a football game Thurs. night.

16.Board Comments
Mr. Ganow thought there are some private residences in the park.  He wondered if they are on the tax rolls.  He would also like someone to look into whether the park would be a good place for a cross country course.

Mr. Hume said that 6-8 weeks ago he had requested some information from the HS and hadn't received it yet.  Mr. Rohrer had it with him to share with Mr. Hume after the meeting.

17.Adjournment

Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, August 16, 2010 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room (Cell Tower Agreement) Executive Session for personnel - Monday, August 16, 2010 –6:30 p.m. in the Octorara District Office Conference Room

Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, September 13, 2010 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room Next regularly scheduled Work Session – Monday, September 13, 2010 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room

Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, September 20, 2010 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, September 20, 2010 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room