School Board Meeting 09/19/2011

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
September 19, 2011– 7:30 p.m.
Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room

AGENDA

1.Lord’s Prayer

2.Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

3.Roll Call

2 absent
4.Approval of Minutes from the Work Session of August 8, 2011, and the Regular Meeting of August 15, 2011.

Approved

5. Presentations
A. Buy Board Cooperative Purchasing

Mr. Carsley provided information to the Board about another opportunity for group purchasing.  It is a web-based program where you can choose 1 vendor or multiple vendors.  You must be a member of the state school board association.  To join, they prefer Board action through resolution.

Mr. McCartney asked if a price comparison had been completed.  Mr. Carsley stated that information was not available at the meeting he attended.

B. PSSA Results
Dr. Bishop, Mr. Rohrer & Ms. Wilson made a presentation concerning the PSSA results & actions being taken.

Dr. Bishop went over No Child Left Behind (NCLB).    By 2014, 100% of students must be proficient in math & reading.  In Pennsylvania, there are 17 targets.  If one sub-group doesn't meet AYP, then the school is in Warning.  If you miss 15 of 17 targets, you get the same Warning.

Octorara's Elementary & Intermediate schools are on warning due to sub-groups.  There are schools in the area who missed AYP by 1 point.

For the 2011-12 year, the percentage of students who must be proficients moves from 72% to 81% for reading and from 67% to 78% in math (in ALL subgroups). 

There is a direct correlation between socio-economic levels & test scores.

Preparing for the test takes away from good teaching.   The PSSA is a snapshot in time & involves a lot of memorization.

We tell our teachers "Do what is necessary for the test, then get back to regular instruction."

The State Report Card for 2010-11 has not been released to the public yet.  We don't know the results statewide - how many schools are in warning.  The results are usually released about mid-September.

We are now aligning curriculum to the Common Core Standards (National Standards).  These are not new.  They were started in the 1990's, then set aside.  They were brought into play again with the economic stimulus package & the Race To The Top.

The reauthorization of NCLB is 4 years late.  It will not be reauthorized before the next presidential election.  Both Democrats & Republicans agree that is is flawed, but they don't know what to do.

Again....for 2013-14, 100% of students must be proficient in reading & math.  This will not happen.

Some school districts have opted out & have put Congress on notice.  The Obama administration is allowing a waiver.  The States can apply for the waiver, but it has to go before a committee to be approved.  There are no instructions yet on how to make this application.

Since there is no news, we are proceeding with what we know.

Mr. Rohrer took over the presentation.

Targets

• 2011  Reading   72%     Math 67%
• 2012  Reading   81%     Math 78%
• 2013  Reading   91%     Math  89%
• 2014  Reading 100%     Math 100%

The District made AYP for Attendance & Graduation Rate.

The High School, Intermediate School & Elementary School are all on Warning (For the 1st time).

Most deficiencies were within the subgroups of IEP and Economic Disadvantaged students.

Ms. Wilson talked about what they are doing.

They are using I.U. resources, even though they are not in the position of being mandated to.

The curriculum in reading & math has been aligned with the State & the Core standards.  This is work that is never done.

They are giving professional development to the teachers to change teaching styles - to get the students engaged and not be passive learners.  Ms. Wilson gave a quote "School should not be a place where young people go to watch old people work."  Teachers should be facilitators.

They are changing groupings in math & reading.   Research now shows that students should be grouped hetergeneously rather than by ability.  All students should be taught content at grade level. Remediation should then be given to those who need help.  Example:  In the High School, all students take Algebra 1 (there is no longer Algebra A & B).  The struggling student also has an Algebra Lab to get remediation.

There is a K-12 math committee meeting on 9/29.  They will be discussing assessments.

Grades 3-8 will continue to have 4sight testing.
Grades 9-12 will have classroom diagnostic tests aligned to the Keystone Exams.

Grades 7 & 8 will have Algebra readiness assessments.   This will identify students who are ready for Algebra 1 in Jr. High & can also identify those who may struggle with Algebra in 9th grade.

Ms. Bowman stated that w/ NCLB, school will reach 100%.  She asked if in looking at the Keystone exams, will the same subgroups have issues.

Mr. Rohrer stated that there isn't good data on those exams, but given our socio-economic breakdown, there may be some issues.  We aren't even sure what we are preparing for.  The Keystone exams may never happen.  There may be a national exam.

Ms. Wilson thinks that since the Keystone exams are course specific - if they are used these students may have a bit more success.

Mr. Norris asked how socio-economic status was defined.  The answer was "free & reduced lunches".

Mr. Norris asked the number of these students is charting upwards.  The answer was "yes".

Mr. Norris asked if as the number of socio-economic disadvantaged students go up, does the number of IEPs go up.  Ms. Wilson said that it isn't that black & white.   We also have students that belong to more than one sub-group.

Dr. Bishop said it is a game of numbers.  If you have <40 students in a subgroup, those numbers don't factor into AYP.  (My note - so that tells me that if a district has 39 students in a subgroup & all 39 of those students don't make proficiency - it doesn't count.   But, if you have 41 students & 28 aren't proficient in math, they you end up in Warning).

Mr. Norris is concerned about the numbers.  Systemic changes need to occur.  It will be difficult with budget constraints.

Mr. Ganow asked how we reach these kids now that they are getting on-grade level instruction.  Mrs. Wilson said that the changes in how we understand how students learn will help.  In the past, we grouped by ability.  The low kids were with other low kids & expectations were low.  If we raise expectations, they many will rise to the occassion.

Mr. Ganow wanted to know if we are having language issues.  Dr. Bishop said we always have language issues.

Mr. Rohrer said it has taken 2 years to make these changes.

Dr. Bishop said that in math in the elementary levels, students are learning math concepts rather than rote memorization of math facts.  She handed out a sheet with questions that 2nd graders had answered.

6.Information Items

None.
7. Treasurer’s Report
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the General Fund Report for period ending August 31, 2011.

Mr. Carsley presented in Mr. Malone's absence.

Approved.

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

Mr. Carsley presented. 

Ms.Johnson had a question about Check # 173361.   It is spam filter, email filter , antivirus services.

Mr. Ganow asked how many elevators are on  campus.   There are 4.

Approved.
9.Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only

Larry Lavenberg (Atglen) had a question about Item Z.  How many school districts have a policy that is similar to the one being proposed.  He asked friends in other parts of the state.  They prohibit cell phones.
10.Recommended Action Items: (Italicized items are new; they were not on the September 12, 2011 agenda.)

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of school bus drivers employed by Althouse Transportation, Inc. for the 2011-2012 school year.

Approved.
B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of school bus runs by Althouse Transportation, Inc. for the 2011-2012 school year.

Mr. McCartney had questions about stops.  He feels that stops should be combined.  There are two stops in Christiana that intersect another street.  The stops are 76.5 yards apart.  These should be one stop. 

Ms. Johnson suggested that it may be a safety issue, given the number of students at those two stops.

Yes - 6
No - 1 (McCartney)

Approved.

Resignation Approvals:

C - S Approved.
C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the resignation of Ms. Beth Lambert as a cafeteria employee at the Octorara Jr. High School effective August 18, 2011. (Hired November 4, 2008)

D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the resignation of Ms. Bonnie Fuller as a cafeteria employee at the Octorara Sr. High School effective August 16, 2011. (Hired October 1, 2009)

E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the resignation of Ms. Donna Crawford as a lunchroom/playground aide at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 29, 2011. (Hired August 27, 2007)

F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the resignation of Ms. Doris Klein as a Title I math assistant at the Octorara Jr. High School effective August 23, 2011. (Hired February 27, 2009)

G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the resignation of Ms. Stephanie Rusen as a half-time gifted education teacher at the Octorara Jr. High School effective August 23, 2011. (Hired August 22, 2007)

Hiring Approvals:

H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Danae Dick as a long term substitute Title I math assistant at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 29, 2011 through December 15, 2011 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Dick’s rate will be $10.15 per hour. (Replacing Robyn Frye who will be student teaching.)

I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Gwenanne Hartshorn as a long term substitute Speech and Language Therapist at the Octorara Primary Learning Center effective August 29, 2011 through approximately October 14, 2011 pending completion of work related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Hartshorn’s rate will be $140 per day. (Replacing a medical leave of absence.)

J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Jan D’Angelo as a half­time gifted education teacher at the Octorara Jr. High School effective August 29, 2011. Ms. D’Angelo’s salary will be $29,735 pro-rated. (Ms. D’Angelo has worked for the District previously and will be replacing Stephanie Rusen who resigned.)

K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Tara Busby as a lunchroom/playground aide at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 29, 2011 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Busby’s rate will be $8.75 per hour. (Replacing Donna Crawford who resigned.)

L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Kelly Reuter as a personal care aide at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 29, 2011 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Reuter’s rate will be $11.65 per hour. (Replacing Wanda Fisher who resigned.)

M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Mr. David Villa as Access Assistant for the District effective October 1, 2011. Mr. Villa’s rate will be $18.49 per hour for 20 hours per week.

N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following as proctors for the PSAT/PLAN being given on Saturday, October 15, 2011. The rate is a maximum of $30 per hour not to exceed four hours per test administration.

Lisa Budzik, Jeff Butch, Danielle Cullen, Scott Cullen, Sandy Federici, Jen German, Edward Golden, Maria Hoff, Ashley Kimbrough, Dan Lefever, Karen Letts, Joanne Moore, David Rutledge, Tom Imms

O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teachers for the 2011-2012 school year:
Tammy Anthony (Elementary)
Karen Baillie (Early Childhood)
Kristen Ciaccia (Elementary)
Ann Clymer (Biology, General Science)
Erin Himes (Elementary, Middle LA, FACS)
Brittany Iler (Music K-12)
Joyce Kruse (FACS, Library Science)
Paul McAndrew (Social Studies 7-12)
Jodi Mincer (Special Education, Middle English)
Julie Umlah (Elementary, Middle Math)
Nicole Webster (Early Childhood, Reading)
Christopher Wrigley (Elementary)
Rebecca Klinsport (Math 7-12 )
Cynthia Sedlak (Elementary)

P. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute support personnel for the 2011-2012 school year:
Danise Miller (Cafeteria)
Wendy Nellius (Cafeteria)
Jennifer Zimath (Cafeteria)
Michelle Gemma (Instructional assistant)
Victoria Louthian (Cafeteria)
Melanie Ferrara (Cafeteria)

Q. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following supplemental contracts for the 2011-2012 school year:

Katherine Smith 7th Grade Field Hockey Coach 4 pts @ $570 $2,280
Kendal Dixon Varsity Track Coach 6 pts @ $570 $3,420
Dave Heffner Jr. High Newspaper 4 pts @ $570 $2,280
Aimee Blochberger Mentor Jan D’Angelo 1 pt @ $570 $ 570
Danielle Carmella Mentor Tshela Dennis 1 pt @ $570 $ 570

R. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in salary due to graduate credits earned:
Amy Steinmetz From M ($56,818) to M+15 ($61,519) Step 8
Christian Taylor From M ($54,244) to M+15 ($59,100) Step 5
Mark Hess From M+30 ($72,179) to M+60 ($77,342) Step 14

S. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following change orders:
408-03 Reed Assoc Casework modifications $772.00 008
Bristol Asbestos abatement $4,500.00

T - Y Approved.
T. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the resignation of Ms. Judith Lion as a Title I reading assistant at the Octorara Jr. High School effective September 23, 2011. (Hired August 25, 2008)

U. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Kathleen Dikun as a long term substitute third grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School effective September 12, 2011 through October 10, 2011. Ms. Dikun’s rate will be $140 per day. (Ms. Dikun is currently an instructional assistant at the Elementary School and will return to that position on October 11, 2011. She is replacing a medical leave of absence.)

V. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Robin McKenna as a long term substitute instructional assistant at the Octorara Elementary School effective September 12, 2011 through October 10, 2011. Ms. McKenna’s rate will be $11.65 per hour. (Replacing Kathleen Dikun.)

W. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Carolyn Ireson as an Alternative Ed instructional assistant at the Octorara Sr. High School effective September 12, 2011 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Ireson’s rate will be $11.65 per hour. (Replacing Cori Brittingham who resigned.)

X. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Rebecca Klinsport as a Title I math assistant at the Octorara Jr. High School effective September 12, 2011 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Klinsport’s rate will be $11.65 per hour. (Replacing Doris Klein who resigned.)

Y. That the Octorara Board of School Directors acknowledge receipt of the Pennsylvania Auditor General’s Audit Report covering the period June 28, 2007 through March 4, 2011 except as otherwise indicated in the report.

Z. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the Student Cell Phone Use – Pilot Policy as outlined by Mr. Rohrer on Monday, September 12, 2011 to the Board. (The administration will report back in February 2012 with a recommendation based on this pilot program to ask for any appropriate change to the student handbook.)

Mr. Rohrer has a list of schools that have similar policies.  It has been positive so far.  There has been no increase in tardies.

Mr. Stoltzfus asked how many cell phones were confiscated during the same time period last year.   Mr. Rohrer said that Mr. Blantz was gathering that information.

Mr. Ganow said that he is interested to see how it works.

Approved.

See next post re: Change in Phoenixville's policy.

AA. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the student activity request for “24/7 REWIND” at the Octorara Sr. High School.

24/7 Youth Group - discussion based  - no public funds used.
Addendum:
BB - Sarah Bollenbach was approved as a volunteer for the fall musical The Wizard of Oz.

CC - Richard Pankonian was approved as a long term sub as a Business teacher until 9/23.

11. Finance/Policy Committee Report

Mr. Carsley stated that the preliminary Act 1 index is 1.7%.   Octorara's should end up around 2.2%.  He presented a tentative budget calendar.  They reviewed the state audit.


12.I.U./C.A.T. Board Representative’s Report
Will meet this Wednesday.  One of the items to be discussed is the CAT-Brandywine building.

13. Old Business

None.
14.New Business

None.

15. Other Items and Announcements

None.

16.Visitors’ Comments – General

None.
17. Administrator Comments/Announcements

Mr. Rohrer said that there is a time change for the High School Dedication.  It will now be at 2;00 p.m. on 10/8/2011.   Tours will begin at 2:30 p.m.

Dr. Newcome:

• In August, there were questions about certifications.  He is pretty confident that the district is in good shape.
• The HS band will be taking a trip 4/27 - 29.  This is an information item.
• Memorial alcove - spelling error fixed.  It looks nice.
• On website - He is starting a Superintendent's Advisory Meeting.  It will be the 4th Monday of the month.   It will be in the District conference room.  It is for parents and community residents.  People can bring questions & suggestions.  He will make reports to the Board.
• There have been questions about the fall festival.  They have met with Houghton on the rides.  It seems like it will happen.  We hope to grow it in the future & help fund extra curricular activities

Mr. Ganow had some questions about the defibrillator.

18. Board Comments

19. Adjournment


Finance/Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, September 19, 2011 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Executive Session for personnel – Monday, September 19, 2011 – Following the Regular Meeting in the District Office Conference Room

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

Next regularly scheduled Work Session – Monday, October 10, 2011 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room

Finance/Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, October 17, 2011 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, October 17, 2011– 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room