Board Meeting 01/16/2012

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
January 16, 2012 – 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 Reorganization Meeting of December 5, 2011, the Work Session of December 5, 2011, and the Regular Meeting of December 12, 2011.

There were some typos that do not change the content .   Approved.

5. Presentations
A. Freshman Academy-Scott Rohrer, Mark Peticca

Before discussing Freshman Academy, Mr. Rohrer went over changes in the course of study which will be voted on later.  Reminded the Board that Futures I moved to 8th grade.  This year, both 8th and 9th grade are taking Futures.  Would like to add Futures II, which could be taken in 10th, 11th or 12th grade.   This would be a .5 credit class.  Students would set own goals, align with pathway, look for internships, etc.

Ms. Bowman asked if any courses were being removed.  Mr. Rohrer said there were some name changes.   In 9-11th grade, Applied English is being eliminated.  Everyone who is not taking Honors or AP English will be taking Academic English.    The classes will be tied to the Keystone exams.   Mr. Rohrer said they are waiting to find out when the Keystone exams will start - possibly with the Class of 2014.   Ms. Bowman asked if it is similar to eliminating Algebra A/B.    Mr. Rohrer spoke about some other classes.   Mr. Ganow asked if we have the teachers in place for the classes.  Mr. Rohrer said that the teachers are in place.

Mr. Pettica did a presentation on the pilot 9th Grade Academy.   Mr. Rohrer introduced the presentation.  He said that the goal is to have everyone who starts 9th grade graduate.    They hope to decrease 9th grade retention rates. (Retention in this sense means that the student does not have enough credits to officially move to 10th grade.)  They want to see how program changes impact the numbers.

Mr. Pettica did a lot of research to see what is going on elsewhere.

Three things:
1) Indentify needs.
2) Provide instructional support.
3) Implement across all freshman.

Every Wednesday, during homeroom they have a quick activity.  Started with organization, note taking, and study hints.  They also have emotional & social goals.

Mr. Rohrer said that a lot of it is based on the BRAVES acronym.   He thinks that what Mr. Pettica put together is outstanding.  They are getting a lot of great feedback from teachers and students.  Some upper level teachers are using this year since this is new.

The goal in upper grades is to group homerooms by pathways. 

The Board members had a lot of positve comments. 

Mr. Hume had a lot of questions & comments.
He made many statements about failing the students; students aren't prepared; he appreciates the effort, but doesn't see any progress.   We have a problem with absences.  Need someone to make home visits.

Ms. Bowman stated that we've made strides.  We are addressing the issues.

Ms. Melton stated that students need to take responsibility for learning.  Teachers have to help promote learning, then the students need to take responsibility.

Mr. Pettica stated that he was a math/science teacher for years in the middle school before moving to the highh school.  Everyone works beyond their job description to do right by the students.  There are many successes in the high school.  There are so many kids with so many needs.   He is very proud to be part of the District. 

Mr. Hume said that we have problems & it starts in the lower grades.  We have low PSSA scores.

Dr. Newcome said that we do have a relationship with Judge Gill for truancy.  We do have attendance protocols.  We have relationships with social service agencies.  We do not have a home/school position.   Every guidance counselor & instructional support teacher have done home visits.  We are dealing with large social issues.   We aren't 100% successful, but we are working toward. 

Ms. Bowman said that we often talk about the poverty rate in the area.  We need to remember that if there are 20 who are not successful, we have 200 who are successful.

Mr. Rohrer thanked Mr. Pettica for his hard work.  We know there has been an increase in hardships due to the economy.  It makes things difficult.

B. Budget Discussion

Mr. Carsley said that the budget hasn't changed since December.    We need to pass a preliminary budget in January.   The newly formed Education Committee will meet the 4th Monday of the month at 6 p.m.  At 7:30, the Superintendent Advisory meeting will take place. 

Ms. Bowman emphasized that the budget is a working document. 

Mr. Carsley said he has been meeting with Ms. Johnson.  He has been going over the calculations, etc., so that she has an understanding in case he's not at a meeting. 

Mr. Norris asked if there has been any information from the state.  Mr. Carsley replied that he hasn't  heard anything.   Basic education funding will not be cut  (at this time).  

Ms. Bowman addressed Mr. Lapp's comments from last week concerning public vs private schools.  The tuition is not the cost of education in a private school.    Higher grades cost more.  She also spoke about costs of public schools that private schools aren't legally bound to spend.  (Special education; public charter schools; retirement; prevailing wage to build; vo-tech programs)  Public schools also pay for transportation to private schools & certain nursing services. 

Dr. Newcome said that the cost per student in grades 7-12 is 35% higher than K-6. 

In 2006, there were 135 students who were home-schooled.   This school year, there are 85.   That is a difference of 50.  Most of those 50 are now attending cyber charter schools at a cost of approx. $ 500,000 to the district.  That is 3/4 of a mill in Chester County.    It is a tough line to hold when you have unfunded mandates.  It is a basic math problem.  We bear the cost of the new "private" schools.  Data does not show they are better.  Where families used to bear the burden, now the taxpayers are funding.  If the current PA administration gets their way, we will also be funding private schools.   

Funding charter schools is spending money twice for the same thing..  We are paying for full-time Kindergarten at public charter schools when we can't pay for full-time Kindergarten here. 

Mr. Stoltzfus asked how much time it takes to monitor homeschoolers.  Dr. Newcome said it takes about 80 hours per year. 

Mr. Lapp said we are spending about $16,000 per student.  Someone has to look out for the taxpayer. 

Dr. Newcome said that part of that number is paying for charter schools & other mandates. 

Ms. Bowman mentioned field development.  It is currently just a discussion.  Nothing has been proposed or recommended.   She states that the football club fulfilled their obligation because they raised some money.  And there are different people on the board than when the agreement was made. 

6.Information Items

None

7.Treasurer’s Report
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the General Fund Report for period ending December 31, 2011.

Ms. Johnson gave the report.   Approved.

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

Mr. Carsley gave the report.  Mr. McCartney questioned missing check numbers.   Mr. Carsley said they are probably voided checks.  He will verify that.  Approved.

9. Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only

None
10.Recommended Action Items: (Italicized items are new; they were not on the January 9, 2012 agenda.)

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the Proposed Preliminary Budget for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

Roll Call Vote.   9 "Yes"   0 "No".

B - H Approved.
B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the 2012-2013 calendar.

C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the 2012-2014 contract with Signal Service, Inc. for maintenance of the traffic signals in the District.

Resignation Approvals:

D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the resignation of Mr. Jason Smith as assistant wrestling coach at the Octorara Area Sr. High School effective December 14, 2011. (Hired November 15, 2010)

Hiring Approvals:

E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Joan Miller as a long term substitute Title I Reading Aide at the Octorara Elementary School effective January 3, 2012 through approximately June 8, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Miller’s rate will be $11.65 per hour. (Replacing Maxine London who retired.)

F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Cheryl Nelson as a long term substitute ESL Instructional Assistant at the Octorara Primary Learning Center effective December 22, 2011 through March 30, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Nelson’s rate will be $11.65 per hour. (Replacing Charlotte Bridges who is student teaching.)

G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve changing the following substitute cafeteria employees to permanent cafeteria employees effective January 16, 2012:

Melanie Ferrara – cafeteria worker at the rate of $8.50 per hour Wendy Nellius – cafeteria worker at the rate of $8.50 per hour Victoria Louthian – cafeteria worker/cashier at the rate of $8.75 per hour

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

Josh Parker Assistant Wrestling Coach 9 pts @ $570 $5,130
Michelle Miller Mentor Kim Kraf – OIS 1 pt @ $570 $ 570
Donna Edwards Mentor Kim Kraf – OES 1 pt @ $570 $ 570
Brooke Tymeson Girls’ Varsity Softball Coach 7 pts @ $570 $3,990

I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Mr. Dale Miller’s resignation as the Director of Buildings and Grounds for the purpose of retirement effective June 29, 2012. (Hired May 12, 1977)

Approved.

J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Nancy Bishop’s resignation as the Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education for the purpose of retirement effective June 30, 2012. (Hired October 23, 1995)

Approved.

Mr. Ganow moved that this position not be replaced for next budget year.   Approved.


K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept the resignation of Ms. Nina Thwaites as Director of the Elementary School Talent Show/Music Director effective January 10, 2012. (Hired January 17, 2011)

Approved.

L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the changes in the Octorara Area Sr. High School Program of Studies for the 2012-2013 school year.

Approved.

M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Jade Burkhardt as a long term substitute lunchroom/playground aide at the Octorara Elementary School effective January 17, 2012 through the remainder of the 2011-2012 school year. Ms. Burkhardt’s rate will be $8.75 per hour. (Replacing a medical leave.)

Approved.


N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Mr. Jason Ralston as a temporary special education teacher on assignment effective January 5, 2012 through March 16, 2012. Mr. Ralston’s rate will be $258.59 per day which is pro­rated from Step One of the Bachelor’s Scale.

Mr. Ralston is filling in for a special education teacher who is working on a special project with students.
Approved.

11. Finance/Policy Committee Report

No Policy committee tonight.

Finance Committee discussed:
- renewal of auditor's contract.
-someone wants to rent space across Rt. 41 to store equipment.  Mr. Carsley is looking into the details (insurance, etc.)
-New check listing was presented as an alternative to current listing.
-Mr. Carsley will be looking at Health Trust Funds
-received 2 special requests for the budget a) tech dept. is looking to increase a .5 FTE to 1.0 b) OES is looking for an extended day program.   This would cover 220 struggling students grades 1-5 at a cost of $142,000.   These requests will go to the Education committee.

Ms. Bowman announced that in the future policy committee meetings will meet at 6 p.m. with the finance meeting following at 6:30 p.m.

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

Meeting will be Wednesday.  They will be voting on what to do with the CAT-Brandywine building.  Will probably go with partial renovation as discussed before.
13. Old Business

None

14.New Business

None.

15. Other Items and Announcements

None.
16.Visitors’ Comments – General

None.

17.Administrator Comments/Announcements

Joe Mattis discussed what is going on with Student Council.  Just finished one fund raiser (Kitchen Kettle).  They will be holding a PJ's fundraiser.  There will also be a blood drive.

18. Board Comments

Mr. McCartney referenced a newspaper article where students are using cell phones to notify authorities of bullying. 

Ms. Melton asked if the district had an emergency alert system.   Dr. Newcome responded that the district does not have one in the sense that colleges do, however, we do have the telephone notification system.

Mr. Hume talked about how difficult the budget it and how he doesn't believe that residents understand.  We lost about $ 5.7 million  through reassessment, which has to be made up by everyone else.

Mr. Ganow said that Sadsbury (Lanc. Cty) pays taxes on the rails-to-trails property because they don't want to open it up to the public.  Since they won't  open it up, it makes Atglen's section inaccessible.  He believes that makes Atglen's portion taxable, as well.

Ms. Bowman mentioned that Oxford received a $1million donation.  The newspaper article suggested that the district requested it.  Ms. Bowman "officially" requested a donation to Octorara too  (jokingly...sort of).

19.Adjournment Finance/Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, January 16, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Executive Session for personnel – Monday, January 16, 2012 – Following the Regular Meeting in the District Office Conference Room

Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, February 13, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Work Session – Monday, February 13, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room

Finance/Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, February 20, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, February 20, 2012– 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room