School Board Meeting 11/15/2010

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
November 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

All present
4.Approval of Minutes from the Work Session of October 11, 2010, and the Regular Meeting of October 18, 2010.

Mr. McCartney asked that a question he asked be included in the minutes, as well as the answer.

Approved as corrected.

5.Presentations
A. Reading – Dr. Nancy Bishop

Dr. Bishop reviewed the Reading PSSA results. 

AYP Targets:
2010       63% Proficient or Advanced in Reading
2011       72% Proficient or Advanced in Reading

All schools in the district made AYP for the 2010 test.

Grade	2009	2010
11th	59.4%	65.7%
8th	85.0%	85.4%
7th	75.0%	77.6%
6th	63.0%	68.0%
5th	64.0%	61.0%
4th	87.0%	79.9%
3rd	87.0%	79.7%

This table is not comparing the same students from year to year.  Fifth (5th) grade is lower than we would like.  When we look at the same students, the score goes down in 5th grade.  We look at students who took the test in 3rd grade & 4th grade.  When they get to 5th grade the scores go down.  This pattern is similar throughout the state.  They make up what they lost after 5th by the time they get to 8th.   We compare these scores to the 4sight tests.

We've looked at the 5th grade curriculum.  There is a big jump in thinking skills expected from 4th to 5th grade.  In 4th grade, the students are expected to summarize.  In 5th grade, they are expected to analyze what they read and understand figurative language.  We need to adjust the 4th & 5th grade curriculum to match this.

PVAS (PA Value Added Scores) - measures growth - have the students made a year's growth?
For 5th grade, most schools in Chester County had negative growth - i.e. - they did not have 1 year's worth of growth.

The District has restructured the schedules in OIS to address literacy.  There is now more time for both ends of the spectrum - enrichment for students who are more advanced & remediation for students who need extra help.

The District also has the ability to look at individual student's scores and can intervene where necessary.

Mr. McCartney asked if this trend has been observed across the state and if so, for how long.  Dr. Bishop stated she looked back to 2005 and it was happening then.  Fifth grade is known for the big jump in expectations.

Mr. McCartney asked if districts were left on their own or if there was help available from the State.  Dr. Bishop said that the State has some support available in the form of resources.  If a district is on 'warning', they would need to put together a team to submit a response plan.   They could get help from their Intermediate Unit, but there are no longer funds from the State.

Mr. Malone asked if we could compare ourselves to other schools in the county & state.  Dr. Bishop replied that we could & do.  Mr. Malone asked how we measure up.  Dr. Bishop said we are within 2 points of state average in reading.  Mr. Malone asked if the reason that 11th grade goes down is the same.  Mr. Rohrer said that it is.

Mr. McCartney said that it seems that the State isn't doing all it can to help if the trend has been that long.

Dr. Bishop said that the State reviews the test for questions that are most frequently answered wrong & makes adjustments as necessary.   The state added the PVAS to help keep schools proficient.  There are modified tests for students with IEPs.

Mr. McCartney asked if districts can work together.  Dr. Bishop has contacted Phoenixville. They have a similar pattern to ours.

Mr. Rohrer pointed out that they will also be dealing with the Keystone exams.


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, 2010.

8.Business Manager’s Report

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of bills for payment.

Mr. Ganow questioned a check & Mr. Carsley answered.
9.Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only

Allen Brown (Atglen) asked why there were 2 Asst. Coaches for wrestling while the district is looking for areas to cut.
10.Recommended Action Items: (Italicized items are new; they were not on the November 8, 2010 agenda.)

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the student activity request for the “Discussion Club” at the Octorara Area High School.

Approved.
B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the contract for remote deposit between Fulton Bank and the Octorara Area School District.

Approved.
Hiring Approvals:

C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Katy Ferrier as a Proctor for the PSAT exam effective October 21, 2010 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Ferrier’s rate will be $30.00 per hour.

Approved.
D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teachers for the 2010-2011 school year:
Eric Calcara (Elementary)
Meredith Benson (Emergency)
Kristin Hendrick (Elementary)
Ashleigh Hulme (Elementary)
Daniella Falconio (Clerical, Cafeteria)

Mr. McCartney had a question about the "Emergency" designation.   Dr. Bishop explained that in certain instances, people without a teaching degree can get an emergency certification to be a day-to-day substitute.


E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following supplemental contracts for the 2010-2011 school year:

Melissa Pillus Mentor for Cori Brittingham $ 200
Joshua Parker OAHS Asst. Wrestling Coach 4.5 pts @ $570 $2,565
Jason Smith OAHS Asst. Wrestling Coach 4.5 pts @ $570 $2,565

Mr. Weagley explained taht the Asst. Coach is actually one position being split.
Approved.
F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Mary Cassidy, Mr. Gary Gawin, and Ms. Cheryl Coughlin as volunteer swim coaches for the winter sports season. Three Octorara Area High School students will participate in the Ches-Mont League on an exhibition basis when a lane is available (supporting document attached).

Approved.
G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Elizabeth Piotrowski’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from approximately February 2, 2011 through May 5, 2011. Ms. Piotrowski is also seeking the Board’s approval for an unpaid leave of absence without benefits from May 6, 2011 through the end of the 2011-2012 school year. Ms. Piotrowski is a speech language therapist at the Octorara Elementary and Intermediate Schools.

Approved.
H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in salary due to graduate credits earned:

Doreen Creighton From B+15 ($49,759) to M ($51,669) Step 2
JoAnn Marinacci From M+15 ($59,906) to M+30 ($61,887) Step 6
Kim Hoferer From M+15 ($61,519) to M+30 ($63,377) Step 8

Approved.
I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Ms. Kathryn Allison as a cashier in the Octorara Area High School cafeteria pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Allison’s rate will be $8.75 per hour. (Replacing Ashley Smith who resigned.)

Approved.
J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the no cost schedule change order for Lobar, Frey Lutz (Plumbing and HVAC), Eastern Shore Service, Guy M. Cooper, Inc., David M. Maines Associates, Inc., DeGol Brothers Carpet, and All Walls and Ceilings to revise the phasing plan in order to perform work in the gymnasium and associated systems to begin February 21, 2011 and be substantially completed by June 5, 2011.

Mr. Hume had some comments about the capital project funding.  He feels that the district's debt resembles the problem the country is having.  We are mortgaged to 2030.  He doesn't think the money that has been spent has been wasted, but that the district has gone too far in spending.  He thinks that the District should sit down with Breslin & see if there can't be some dampers put on the spending.  He believes we can wait 3-4 years to do the gym.  He doesn't think that people in the district understand how much debt the District has.

Ms. Bowman stated that the project is 85% complete and the borrrowing is to complete the project.

Mr. Stoltzfus said that the District had signed contracts.  They are in place & if the District tries to get out of them, it will cost more than completing the project.

Mr. Malone asked if the time included the ceiling in the gym.

It is just a change in schedule, not a change in funds.

8 Yes  1 No - approved.

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

Mr. Stoltzfus said that the meeting is this Wednesday.
12.Old Business

None.
13.New Business

None.
14. Other Items and Announcements

None.
15.Visitors’ Comments – General

None.
16.Board Comments

Mr. Malone reported that a Finance meeting had taken place (with a long agenda that was not completed).  The budget timeline was formalized & approved.  They went over projections for taxes for the next several years.   (Note:  part of the budget timeline is posted on the District's website).  They would like to get the community involved in some capacity given the position the District is in concerning PSERS (pension funding).

Mr. McCartney said that the State had passed HB 2497 concerning pension funding.  Mr. Cutler of this area voted against it.  (See article posted on this blog after this entry).

Mr. Norris asked why the assemblies for Cyber Bullying did not include the Intermediate School.  Mr. Rohrer said that they would look at the appropriateness of the content before scheduling for OIS.

Mr. Norris wanted an update on who is using the facilities and how much they are paying.

Mr. Hume wanted to point out an article in the Lancaster New Era about Amanda King as Teen of the Week.  He thought it was a terrific article.  He is also pleased with the music department & how they bring students out into the community to play.  He is glad that Mr. Rohrer showed interest in Safe Drive program.

Mr. Hume mentioned that they get a letter from a resident every year with ideas to save money.  He thinks that she should be contacted to let her know that it does get read & considered.

Mr. Norris had some comments about a Parent Pledge that is being considered for parents of athletes.  He thinks that pay-to-play strips coaches of the ability to coach and of their authority.  Ms. Bowman wanted to know if it was initiated by the coaches.  Mr. Weagley said that it was.  Mr. McCartney wanted to know what types of disciplinary actions could be taken against payments.  Mr. Weagley gave the example of not being permitted to attend the next game.

Ms. Johnson said she had some senior citizens questioning if they could volunteer to help offset some of their property taxes.  She didn't know if any determination had ever occurred.  Mr. Ganow replied that when they looked into it before, that they would have to apply for open positions and become an employee.

Ms. Johnson praised the musical put on by the High School.

Ms. Bowman also wanted to say that she like the article about Amanda King.  She liked that it was added to this blog & to Debbie Wygent's blog.


17.Adjournment

Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, November 15, 2010 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, December 6, 2010 - 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Reorganization Meeting followed by Work Session – Monday, December 6, 2010 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room

Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, December 13, 2010 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, December 13, 2010 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room