Work Session 01/10/2011

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
WORK SESSION
January 10, 2011 – 7:30 p.m.
Middle School Multi-Purpose Room


DISCUSSION GUIDE

1. Roll Call

All Present


2. Presentations:
A. Budget – Daniel Carsley
There are no changes from December.  They just received the CD from the state.  They are filling it out.  The Board will receive the PDE official version before next meeting.  It will include the changes in the PSERS rate.  Next week he will present the multi-year budget model.

Dr. Newcome said they will also have the 1st draft of potential cost savings next week.  It will show broad strokes & they can discuss philosophy for cuts.  They will get into specifics in Feb., Mar. & April.

3. Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only

4. Information Items:
A. Ms. Susan Thieroff will transfer from full-time accounts payable clerk to 75% time accounts payable clerk from January 18, 2011 through May 6, 2011.

She is working on a degree.  They do bring in a substitute for the other 25% of the time.
5.Presentation of Agenda Items for the January 17, 2011 Regular Monthly Public Meeting:
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the proposed preliminary budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the District administration to apply for Act 1 exemptions for the 2011-2012 budget.

C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the 2011-2012 school calendar.

D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the “Sportsmanship Agreement” for parents of athletes who participate in District athletic programs.

Ms. Bowman talked about the changes.  She wanted to know if there were plans to distribute & ensure compliance and are there consequences.  Mr. Weagley said that along with the physical & activity fee this agreement will also have to be signed in order for the athlete to participate.

Ms. Bowman said that at the wrestling tournament a parent from another school complemented Octorara.  He has been to various activities over the years & has never had any problems.

E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve change order number 007 for Bristol Environmental, Inc. for 1st floor hallway pipe insulation abatement (Sections 1 & 2) and light tube disposal in the amount of $26,650.00.

Mr. Ganow had questions about this.  Mr. Carsley said that it was for tube disposal.  They are looking at other options for the future.
F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes from regular substitute pay to long term substitute pay at the rate of $140 per day:
Alice Lohr – 18 days
Meredith Benson – 20.5 days

Dr. Newcome explained that the substitute rate for 10-90 days in the same classroom is $140/day.. 
G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the student activity request for the “Music Club” at the Octorara Area High School.

H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the job descriptions for the position of Access Coordinator and Access Assistant.

Dr. Newcome said that these aren't budgeted items, but are funded through Access funds.
Resignation Approvals:

I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following supplemental
contract resignations:
Mike Mundy –Middle School Academic Team Advisor
Beth Hrincevich –Elementary School Talent Show/Musical Co-Director
Scott Conaghan –High School Assistant Track Coach
Mark Pedersen – Middle School Assistant Football Coach

J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the resignation of Ms. Katie Allison as cafeteria cashier in the Octorara Area High School effective January 2, 2011. (Hired November 1, 2010)

K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the termination of employee “A” effective January 3, 2011.

Hiring Approvals:

L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teachers for the 2010-2011 school year:
Marian Green (Special Education)
Cara Patti (Elementary)

M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute support personnel for the 2010-2011 school year:
Wayne Wharton (Custodian, maintenance)

N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following supplementalcontracts for the 2010-2011 school year:
Nina Thwaites OES Talent Show/Musical 2 pts @ $570 $1,140
Andrew Baumgardner OMS Football Coach 4 pts @ $570 $2,280
Matthew Smith OMS Wrestling Coach 4 pts @ $570 $2,280
Michelle Moran Mentor Jennifer Bower 2 pts @ $570 $1,140
Donna Edwards Mentor Jan D’Angelo 1 pt @ $570 $ 570

The OMS Football Coach & OMS Wrestling Coach are funded by the clubs.
O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Mr. Kendal Dixon and Mr. Bruce Davis as volunteer coaches for the Octorara Area High School boys’ basketball program.

P. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in salary due to graduate credits earned:
Michelle Lofgren From M+45 ($76,348) to M+60 ($78,780) Step 15

6. Facilities Committee Report

Mr. Stoltzfus gave the report.  The HS project is 84% complete.  They are working on classrooms now.  In February, they will start the gym and in March, the auditorium.  There are a few minor change orders that need priced. 

They still don't have a plan for the terrazo floor in the lobby.  They need to test it further for asbestos before they determine what to do.  They will probably take care of it next summer. 

There are still water issues in OIS.  The contractor is still working on it.  They are waiting for the weather to break.

More of the roof blew off OMS.  Insurance will cover.

The generator at the PLC had to be sent away to be repaired.
There are some issues with road signs that are being worked on.

Mr. McCartney asked about the water issues at the OIS.  Mr. Stoltzfus said that there is a leak in the gym.  There is a problem with the flashing.  When there is a driving rain, it soaks into the brick.  The contractor fixed some of it , but there is more than needs repaired.  There is no cost to the district.


7. Other Items/Concerns

Dr. Newcome said that besides the budget presentation next week, Mr. Rohrer will be presenting the HS Course of Study and the career & tech program.
8. Visitors’ Comments – General

9. Board Comments

Mr. Hume thanked the music department for coming to entertain the seniors in Parkesburg.  They were very good.

Mr. Ganow asked who approves Sunday activities of students and what are the activities.  Bus usage on Sundays is very expensive.  Dr. Newcome thinks it is probably music related.  He will check.

Ms. Bowman attended the Cyber Bullying presentation.  It was well presented. Eighteen people attended.  She was a little disappointed in the attendance.  The presenter said it was typical.

She also received a letter from a parent complementing the guidance staff & others in the high school for helping her daughter.  

There will be a letter going out to the community about the budget meetings.

10. Adjournment

Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, January 10, 2011 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Executive Session for personnel - Monday, January 10, 2011 – Following the Work Session in the Octorara District Office Conference Room

Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, January 17, 2011 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, January 17, 2011 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room