School Board Meeting 10/17/2011

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
October 17, 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

All present.
4.Approval of Minutes from the Work Session of September 12, 2011, and the Regular Meeting of September 19, 2011.

Mr. McCartney said that the quote attributed to him on page 5 of the Sept. 12th minutes is not exactly what he said.

Mr. Ganow asked that the line be removed from the minutes.

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 September 30, 2011.

Mr. Malone presented. Approved.


8. Business Manager’s Report

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

Mr. Carsley presented.  Approved.

9. Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only

Larry Lavenberg (Atglen) - He is requesting a roll call vote for Item R.  If approved, please give a brief review of what approved. 

10.Eecommended Action Items: (Italicized items are new; they were not on the October 10, 2011 agenda.)

A-O:  Mr. Ganow asked if the substitute nurse is considered a teacher.  Dr. Newcome said "yes".
Approved.

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the Transportation Contract between the Linville Hill Mennonite School and the Octorara Area School District for the 2011-2012 school year.

B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the school bus run by the Linville Hill Mennonite School for the 2011-2012 school year.

C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Kimberly Huggins as a school bus driver employed by Linville Hill Mennonite School for the 2011-2012 school year.

D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the agreement between the Arc of Chester County and the Octorara Area School District for the 2011-2012 school year.

E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the Earned Income Tax Resolution as required by Act 32.

F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following student activity requests at the Octorara Sr. High School:
Class of 2015
Sign Language Club
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following policies, first reading: 001 - Name and Classification, 002 – Authority and Powers, 003 – Functions, 004 – Membership, 005 – Organization, 006 – Meetings, 007 – Distribution, 008 – Organization Line and Staff Regulations, 011 – Board Governance Standards/Code of Conduct, 618 – Student Activity Groups/Clubs, 707 – Use of Public School Facilities, 915 – Booster Organizations

Resignation Approvals:

H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the resignation of Mr. Nicholas Kluge as yearbook advisor at the Octorara Elementary School effective September 12, 2011. (Hired January 19, 2009)

I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the resignation of Mr. Thomas Hurley as Health/PE teacher at the Octorara Sr. High School effective October 3, 2011. (Hired January 2, 1997)

Hiring Approvals:

J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Theresa Rudick as a computer technician for the District effective September 26, 2011 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Rudick’s rate will be $10.50 per hour for four hours per day.

K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teachers for the 2011-2012 school year:
Caitlin Cellini (Elementary, Middle School Math)
Pamela Dorton (Elementary)
Stacey Hoopes (Elementary)
Lisa Budzik (Librarian)
Ashley Sosack (Elementary, Special Ed)
Susan Constable (Nurse)


L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute support personnel for the 2011-2012 school year:
Tina Housman (Instructional Assistant)
Melissa Ogburn (Instructional Assistant)
Susan Simpson (Instructional Assistant, Secretary)
Kathleen DeLia (Cafeteria)
Laura Ross (Instructional Assistant)
Emily Creighton (Instructional Assistant)


M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the supplemental contract for Mr. Joe Lynch as Octorara Elementary School yearbook advisor for the 2011-2012 school year at one point at $570. (Replacing Nicholas Kluge who resigned.)

N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute cafeteria staff to become permanent staff effective October 3, 2011 at the rate of $8.50 per hour:
Danise Miller (Replacing Ashley Smith)
Diane Vinson (Replacing Mary Weigher)
Joan Shupe (Replacing Bonnie Fuller)


O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in salary due to graduate credits earned:
Jennifer George From M ($55,102) to M+15 ($59,906) Step 6
Kelly Wetzel From M+30 ($62,632) to M+45 ($65,484) Step 3

P. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following change orders:
407-02 DeGol - Additional floor prep in area E $2,893.75
410-01 All Walls & Ceilings – Replace water damaged ceiling tiles (will be billed to contractors) $ 760.00

Q. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Barbara Scarcelle as a Title I Reading Assistant at the Octorara Jr. High School effective October 14, 2011 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Scarcelle’s rate will be $11.65 per hour. (Replacing Judith Lion who resigned.)

R. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Octorara Area Education Association for the period July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014 as recommended by the Board Negotiating Team.

Roll call vote:
Bicking - Yes
Bowman - Yes
Ganow - Yes
Hume - No
Johnson - Yes
Malone - Yes
McCartney - No
Norris - Yes
Stoltzfus - Yes

There were 4 Board members on the negotiating team (Bowman, Ganow, Johnson, Norris).  They met several times, along with the Superintendent, Business Manager, Benefits Manager, and the OAEA.  They reported to the Board.  (See press release published last week for details)  If there are questions,please ask the negotiating team.

One goal was to control wage increases, given the economy.  Another goal was to gain control of healthcare costs.  There is a plan design change, as well as increases in premiums and co-pays.  Every month that this contract is not approved, the district is losing money.  It will slow down the movement in steps.

Mr. Norris said that as a member of the team, he wanted to thank the negotiating team.  It was refreshing.

Mr. Hume thanked the negotiating committee.    They did an excellent job in negotiations.  But there will still be an increase in costs.

Mr. Ganow made some clarifications to what was presented. 

Mr. McCartney asked about 403.5 on page 23.  He questioned the teacher's negotiators meeting with the Superintendent six times per year.   Dr. Newcome said this has been in the contract since 1993.  They address concerns and interests before they become problems.

Ms. Bowman asked Mr. Udell to confirm the ratification.  Mr. Adam Udell was the chief negotiator for the teachers.  It was ratified with a "yes" vote of 95%.

Ms. Bowman thanked them for recognizing the financial difficulty the District faces.  She read a joint press release. 

S. That the Octorara School Board of Directors accept the resignation of Theresa Kelleher as Head Cheerleader Coach effective 9/27/2011.

Approved.

T. That the Octorara School Board of Directors accept Mary Cassidy, Cheryl Coughlin, Gary Gawin and Amy Oster as Parent Swim Coaches.

Approved.

Mr. Ganow mentioned an article in the High School newspaper concerning Cierra Runge being in the Olympic swimming trials.  That is outstanding.

11. Finance/Policy Committee Report

Mr. Carsley reported that the Finance/Policy Committee met before this meeting.  They reviewed budget information for next year.  They also reviewed the policies above for the 2nd reading.

The Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau provided projected revenues for next school year.

12. I.U./C.A.T. Board Representative’s Report
The meeting will be Wednesday.  Mr. Stoltzfus will forward the report after the meeting.  He discussed what they have been working on.  The Authority Board is looking at what to do with a building in Coatesville that was replaced by a renovated building in Downingtown.  The building in Coatesville will be vacant next fall.  There are 3 options they are looking at.  The option they will probably go with will involve renovation & renting out part of the building to other tenants.  He will know more by January 2012.

Dr. Newcome said if he hears any updates, he will inform the Board.

13. Old Business

None

14. New Business

None.

15. Other Items and Announcements

None.

16. Visitors’ Comments – General

Joan Agen (Parkesburg) had some comments/questions re: Fall Festival.  She was proud of the families who participated.  She commended Mr. Propper for coordinating.  She asked if they knew how much money was made.  It was a great first start.

Paige Brown (Atglen) wanted to talk about the condition of the soccer field.  She felt it was disrespectful to the soccer players that the football team played on the wet field and did not fix it before the next soccer game.  Both teams have a chance to go to districts.  The field is dangerous and it is not fair.

17. Administrator Comments/Announcements
Joe Mattis (Student Council Rep) - They are still trying to raise more money toward the statue.  They are working on some new ideas. 

Family Fun night will be held 10/28 at the High School.  It is a great time.  There are different rooms sponsored by different clubs.

Dr. Newcome reminded the Board to "Save The Date" - 11/20 is the Memorial Cove dedication.

We are back in budget season.

18. Board Comments
Mr. Ganow said he was proud to serve on the negotiating team.  They worked well together and each person brought something different to the team.

Mr. Hume thanked Joe Mattis for the letter he sent.  He also wanted to explain his "no" vote.  It was because of the financial situation.

Mr. McCartney also wanted to explain his "no" vote.  It wasn't because the contract had no value.  He also asked people to look at Agenda 21.

Mr. Stoltzfus thanked the negotiating team for a job "well done".  Oct. 27th is the National Honor Society Haunted Barn on his property.

Ms. Bowman spoke about the soccer field.  She said that it is there job to identify problems and solutions.  They need to provide as many opportunities as possible.  They need to manage the facilities better.  There have been things going around the internet concerning the field.

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

Executive Session for personnel – Monday, October 17, 2011 – Following the Regular Meeting in the District Office Conference Room

Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, November 14, 2011 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Work Session – Monday, November 14, 2011 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room

Finance/Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, November 21, 2011 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, November 21, 2011– 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room