School Board Work Session 11/08/2010

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
WORK SESSION
November 8, 2010 – 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.Presentations:

A. Guidance

The guidance staff from every school gave a presentation on the guidance departments & what they do.  The showed how their focus changes as the students go from school to school.  They follow the American School Counselor Association model.

At the Elementary level (K - 6), they spend their time as follows:
Guidance Curriculum       40%
Individual Student Planning   10%
Responsive Service          40%
Support Services              10%

At the Middle School level (7-8):
Guidance Curriculum         25%
Individual Student Planning  20%
Responsive Service           40%
Support Services               15%

At the High School level (9-12):
Guidance Curriculum         20%
Individual Student Planning  30%
Responsive Service            35%
Support Service                 15%

Mr. Norris had a question for Ms. Federicci (HS Guidance) concerning students who don't have a plan going into their senior year.  He also asked if the economy has changed the number of students looking at post-secondary education.   Ms. Federicci said the economy has some effect on that.

Mrs. Moran (OES Guidance) said that the counselors guide students to different avenues.

Mr. McCartney had a question for Mr. Atlee (OMS Guidance) concerning the Student Assistance Program (SAP).  Mr. Atlee explained how it works.  Mr. McCartney asked if students are reluctant to say they are in counseling.  Mr. Atlee replied that there will always be people who are reluctant.   Mr. McCartney asked how students get into counseling.  Mr. Atlee said they are referred by faculty, parents, self-referral, friends.  There are many paths.  Mr. McCartney asked about updating parents.  Mr. Atlee said that the counseling is confidential unless the student is harming themselves, harming others, is being harmed or agrees to tell parents.  Mrs. Bowman asked about parent workshops.  Mrs. Moran said that historically attendance has been light at the elementary level.  She tends to do one-on-one meetings with parents.  Ms. Federicci said that the financial aid workshops at the HS are well-attended.  There are links on the websites for parents.
B. Heroes

The Guidance staff introduced the Heroes for this school year.  They will be meeting with 4th graders this week.
5.Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only

None.
6.Information Items:

A. The Octorara Baseball Team will be using the high school gym on Sunday, December 5, 2010 from 1:00 – 8:00 p.m. for a wiffleball tournament fundraiser.

7.Presentation of Agenda Items for the November 15, 2010 Regular Monthly Public Meeting:
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the student activity request for the “Discussion Club” at the Octorara Area High School.

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

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.

Mr. Ganow asked how many exams & how many hours.  Dr. Newcome said he would find out.  Ms. Hardy said it was about $115.  Mrs. Bowman asked if there are particular qualifications or certifications necessary.  Dr. Newcome said he thought it was a matter of being trained what the proctor can/can't do & what the students can/can't do.
D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teachers for the 2010-2011 school year:

Eric Calcara (Elementary)

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

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 Ches­Mont League on an exhibition basis when a lane is available (supporting document attached).

Mr. Ganow asked what it would take to guarantee lanes for these students.  Dr. Newcome will look into it.
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.

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

8.Facilities Committee Report

Mr. Stoltzfus reported on the facilities meeting that was held earlier.  The HS renovations are winding down.  The current phase should be completed by 11/24.  Then, they will start upstairs.  The work on the gym will begin after basketball season.  It will hopefully be completed by June.  There are two issues with the gym.  A tile ceiling was put in at some time.  They are looking at information as to why it was installed.  That will cost about $17,600.  The estimate for painting the walls is $10,000.  They are looking into the district doing some of the work themselves.

They are still working on final prices for some change orders.

There is an issue with a mistake in the curbing for wheel chair access.

Still working on the cell tower agreement.

When the HS renovation is complete, the only school with asbestos is the middle school.  None of it is exposed.  They won't need to do anything with it unless renovation occurs.

They got a technology update from Rob Czetli.

The memorial cove is being worked on.

Mr. McCartney asked if there was a problem with the sump pump under the elevator in  the high school.  Mr. Stoltzfus explained that when the elevator was installed, they put in a sump pump pit, but no the sump pump.  He thinks it probably wasn't required at the time & they were looking ahead.   But now that there are sprinklers in that area, they have to put in a sump pump to get a certificate of occupancy. 

9.Other Items/Concerns

Dr. Newcome said that the YMCA is looking for an Octorara Board member to represent the district on the YMCA Advisory Board. 

Last Friday, there was a joint exercise with the PA State Police Troop J.  They practice procedures as if there were a shooter in the school.  The staff participated.  The district safety committee will meet this week and give feedback.

The issue with facebook over the past couple of weeks defined "going viral". 

Elena Wilson said that there will be a cyberbullying assembly at both the middle school and high school next week. (11/16 & 11/18)

Chloe Dean said that the musical "Back to the 80's"  will be this weekend.  If  you dress in 80's clothes or bring canned goods, you can get a discount on your ticket.  Details are on the website.  She also said that some teachers are changing rooms.

10.Visitors’ Comments – General

None

11. Board Comments

Mr. Hume complemented the Heroes program.

Mr. Norris reported a scheduling conflict with one of the gyms.  He asked that someone look into it to see how it can be avoided.   He also spoke of a letter written by parents concerning some curriculum issues at OIS.    He also thinks they need to work on the field trip policy so that trips are equitable between buildings & within buildings.  There should be a narrow scope for field trips.

Mr. McCartney said he was pleased that the letter offered suggestions, not just complaints.

Ms. Bowman said that they would need to look at field trips going into the next budget season.  She also wanted to mention last week's election results.  She wanted to thank Tom Houghton for participating in the Octorara Regional Council and for listening to the district's concerns.  She looks forward to working with Rep. Lawrence.

12.Adjournment

Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, November 8, 2010 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Executive Session for personnel - Monday, November 8, 2010 – Following the Work Session in the Octorara District Office Conference Room

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

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, November 15, 2010 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room