WORK SESSION
February 13, 2012 – 7:30 p.m.
Jr./Sr. High 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. Budget
Mr. Carsley discussed the Governor's budget. They took 4 lines (Gen Ed, Social Security subsidy, 2 transportation subsidies) and combined into one. There is currently a $58,000 shortfall from the State. This could change before the budget is finalized. The State has said that the reporting requirements for the Social Security subsidy & transportation subsidies will be going away. If the requirements go away, how will they know if expenses go up to increase the subsidy? This is basically saying that those subsidies will not be going up in the future. So, if salaries increase or transportation costs increase we won't be getting more money.
Mr. Ganow asked Mr. Carsley if he had time to take a look at the President's budget. He hadn't.
Since Post-secondary & social services took larger hits, if any money gets added back, they will probably get it before public schools.
Mr. Stoltzfus asked about the reimbursement for projects. Mr. Carsley said the State is falling behind. It depends on where you are in the process. We submitted reimbursement forms for bond payment, but haven't received the money yet.
Ms. Bowman asked if there is a deadline for them to reimburse. Mr. Carsley said there isn't. Mr. Stoltzfus said if they skip payments, they can skip for good. They made the commitment, but are now bowing out.
Mr. Carsley said we will probably get ours back eventually because we started in 2006.
5.Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only
None.
6. Information Items:
None.
7. Presentation of Agenda Items for the February 20, 2012 Regular Monthly Public Meeting:
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following addition to the Octorara Area Sr. High School Program of Studies for the 2012-2013 school year: REMEDIATION OPPORTUNITIES – Students who demonstrate below proficient ability on state or local benchmark assessments, (reading and/or math), may mandatorily be placed in a remediation course that will target student needs and assist students in working towards proficiency.
B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the lease agreement between the Octorara Area School District and B & S Construction LLC for facilities garage parking lot rental.
Resignation Approvals:
C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Mr. Frank Wasco’s resignation as a Vo-Ag teacher at the Octorara Area Sr. High School for the purpose of retirement effective June 30, 2012. (Hired September 1, 1979)
Hiring Approvals:
D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Tammy Anthony as a long term substitute third grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School effective approximately February 7, 2012 through June 8, 2012. Ms. Anthony’s rate will be $140 per day. (Replacing Erika Lynch who is on child rearing leave.)
E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Barbara Whitworth-Roy as an instructional assistant in the Alternative Education Program at the Octorara Area Sr. High School effective January 17, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Whitworth-Roy’s rate will be $11.65 per hour. (Replacing Eva Karen Gallagher who resigned.)
F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve changing Ms. Kimberly Domblesky’s rate to $9.72 per hour. Ms. Domblesky is a playground/cafeteria aide at the Octorara Elementary School.
Dr. Newcome explained that this is a correction on her salary rate. This should have been approved a while ago. Mr. Ganow asked if this is the rate where she should be now. Dr. Newcome said that it is. She is also owed back pay & that will be added to the motion for next week.
G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Mr. Christian Taylor as an assistant track coach at the Octorara Area Sr. High School for the 2010-2011 school year for six points at $570 each totaling $3,420.
This is another correction.
H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teacher for the 2011-2012 school year:
Robyn Frye (Elementary)
I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following supplemental contracts for the 2011-2012 school year:
Astyn DiNorscia Assistant Softball Coach 6 pts @ $570 $3,420
Joe Lynch OES Musical Director 2 pts @ $570 $1,140
J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following change orders:
404-06 Clinger/Perrini - Replace exit sign/repair fire alarm $1,461.00
405-01 Guy M. Cooper – Credit for damage to fire alarm and remaining allowances ($5,508.46)
407-03 DeGol – Floor patch for crawl space & room E112 $2,111.02
K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the funding of the Summer Literacy Program at a cost not to exceed $160,000.
Dr. Newcome said that approx. $80,000 is currently in the budget for the extended school year program that we have to do for special education students. We are adjusting the fee schedule for non-special education students. We will charge $100/week for 5 weeks. Compared to summer camps in the area. We need to move on this because we are behind in the planning process. We probably will not spend the whole additional $80,000.
Mr. Ganow asked if this was discussed in the Education Committee. It was and this is the recommendation. Dr. Melton said the necessity of the program was discussed and they all felt it was worthwhile.
8.Facilities Committee Report
Mr. Stoltzfus reported that they are trying to wrap up the renovation project. There are a few items to complete (some of which are in Item J). There is approximately $3million left in the account. This money cannot be placed in the general operating budget. It must be spent on projects.
Water is still an issue at OIS. It is still leaking. The contractor is standing behind it & is still working on it.
There was an upside down sale in Parkesburg on a property in Parkesburg that hadn't paid their property taxes in 5 years. The property sold for $1100. We will get a small portion of that.
The Committee is look at what needs to be done at the school.
- OMS (Jr. High) needs 2 new heat pumps @ approx. $20,000.
- PLC needs carpet & flooring replaced. 6 labs & 30 classrooms @ $ 120,000
- Remaining section of OMS roof $ 850,000
- Brickwork on OMS needs repaired - mortar not holding up. Need to keep water out. $ 125,000
- Field Development
- Track Replacement
- HS Wall extension in the first section renovated - space near ceiling allows noise to travel (7-8 classrooms)- extensions were put in subsequent sections
- Duct work in the PLC
A storage shed out back to store items for art department.
Looking at new contract On Demand Response for PECO (shut down electric)
Education Committee
Mr. Norris reported on the education committee. He stated that it is refreshing to talk education. They discussed the Summer Literacy Camp and it was a unanimous decision to recommend. They also looked at summer reading requirements for all students. They hope to have something to review in April. Mr. Haller & Mr. Harner presented information on Gr. 3-6 enrichment for struggling students. They will receive more details. Mr. Rohrer presented information on the remedial program at the HS and the criteria for senior privileges. They will be discussing the Kindergarten program. Dr. Newcome will have more information next month.
9. Other Items/Concerns
Mr. Ganow referenced information the Dr. Newcome had provided the Board regarding charter schools. He asked that Dr. Newcome distribute this information to our representatives and to contact them personally.
Dr. Melton remarked that it was a nice breakdown. She had some questions about the numbers. Mr. Carsley replied. The bottom line is that it cost $2.4 million for charter schools (that is what we budget). If they didn't exist, we could save at least $1million. There is a $351,000 increase for this year. We no longer get any reimbursement from the state. Dr. Newcome feels it is redundant spending. We need to educate the people making the decisions and then see if they actually care. Mr. Ganow stated that we can't do anything about the funding, but we can do something about bringing some of these kids back. Dr. Newcome met with the I.U. We are going to have an open house for our charter school families. Some of them have never attended Octorara. We need to show what we have. When Board members speak to local business leaders, they need to talk about this topic, because those business leaders also talk to our representatives.
10. Visitors’ Comments – General
Donna Edwards (representing the Octorara Area Education Association) spoke to the Board in response to some comments that were made at a prior meeting by one of the members re: "failing children" and "cleaning house". She thanked the Board for their dedication & service. She noted that teaching has changed dramatically in the 32 years she has been a teacher. It is not recognizable. She went on to list things that teachers do above and beyond:
- By contract offer 2 help sessions per month, but many offer weekly sessions
- Work hours before & after the hours in the contract.
- Work at home
- Work through lunch to help students
- Holiday food drives
- Provide clothing for students in need (including prom dresses & tux rentals)
- Provide used computers to students or help fix ones they have
- Create cross-building activities
- Fitness & training without supplemental contract
- Attend recitals, plays, sporting events
- Clubs without supplemental contracts
- Advance Placement courses, student council, etc.\
- Help finds awards earned for students
- Help find doctors, dentists, social service agencies.
- Pay for lunches, field trips for students who can't afford them
- Provide book bags & supplies
- Elementary teachers will probably have extra boxes of valentines cards for those who don't have them.
- Go into homes to set up homework sites, conferences, IEP meetings
- Check on students who haven't been in school.
- Visit in hospitals & foster care
- Purchase books for the classroom
- Write letters of recommendation
- Raise money for students to pay electric bills, gas, etc
11. Administrator Comments/Announcements
12. Board Comments
13.Adjournment
Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, February 13, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room
Executive Session for personnel – Monday, February 13, 2012 – Following the Work Session in the District Office Conference Room
Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, February 20, 2012 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room
Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, February 20, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room
Regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, February 20, 2012– 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room
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