School Board Meeting 07/16/2012

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
July 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

1 absent.

4. Approval of Minutes from the Work Session of June 9, 2012, and the Regular Meeting of June 23, 2012.

Approved

5. Presentations
A. Ken Phillips

Ken Phillips from RBC Capital Markets discussed the possibility of refinancing bonds.  He has represented the District about 30 years for funding issues.  The district has saved about 1/2 million dollars over the years.

This could be the last chance for this set of bonds.  The District has always taken advantage of refinancing when it makes sense.

The State picks up 7 - 18 cents on the dollar.

He discussed rates & the amount of savings.  He would like to set parameters for refinancing if the Board give the go-ahead.

Mr. Norris asked if the cost vs savings is within acceptable percentages of each other.

Mr. Phillips said that it is.  If the savings is $75,000 or greater, you should probably do it.

Mr. Norris asked about reimbursement from the State.

Mr. Phillips stated that the District's projects are grandfathered against the moratorium place on capital funding as of 10/1.  The reimbursement is not guaranteed, but it would be foolish for the State to not reimburse.  They will be saving money too.

Mr. Ganow asked if Moodys downgrading the State's rating would impact this.

Mr. Phillips doesn't think it will have a negative impact.

Mr. Carsley said that the Board needs to give him direction.

Mr. Ganow asked if the savings was one-time or annual.  Mr. Phillips said this was one-time.  The District has always taken it as one-time.  He could look at it spread out.

B.  Linda Neff

Linda Neff from Food Service presented information on the new Federal USDA guidelines concerning school lunches.

The new regulations limit the amount of calories, protein & grains that can be offered in a week. The system is moving from a "taken" system to an "offered" system.   There are different limits for different grade ranges.  

An example of a change that will have to be made concerns grains.  Because there is a limit of the amount of grains that can be offered in a week, the cafeteria will have to serve subs on 4" rolls instead of 6" rolls.  It doesn' matter than not everyone will eat a hoagie on the days they are served.  The fact that they are offered is what determines this.  

At the Elementary level, they won't be able to serve sandwiches daily.

The serving sizes for fruits & vegetables will increase.  They will have to offer legumes, as well as orange & red vegetables. 

Students must take certain combinations for the meals to be considered reimbursable.

All grains must be whole grains - including pasta.

Milk must be fat-free.   White milk can be 1%, but chocolate & strawberry must be fat-free.

Mr. McCartney asked if there are any provisions for dietary needs.  Ms. Neff said that if it is a life threatening condition, then they can make accomodations.  However, if someone is, for example, lactose intolerant, then no.  That student would have to take water as their drink.

Schools must have water available.  It doesn't have to be bottled, but must be readily available.  No other substitutions are allowed.

Ms. Bowman wanted to know how you budget for this and how much waste is anticipated.

Ms. Neff thinks that there will be a lot of waste.  They legally must have 1 serving for each child.  So, she thinks a lot will go to waste.

Ms. Bowman asked if Ms. Neff anticipates a decrease in students buying lunch.   She does think that sales will decrease.

They may look at having a fruit/vegetable bar, like a salad bar in the High School.  It is not possible in the Elementary schools.

Ms. Bowman asked if a student takes milk or an apple and doesn't consume them, can they put them back.  Ms. Neff said that they cannot.

She also mentioned that if a student is on free- or reduced-lunch, they are not permitted to share their food by regulation.  This district could lose funding.

We are also mandated to raise our prices to meet Federal guidelines.  There will be a 10 cent increase for next year.  Grades K - 6 will pay $ 2.30 per lunch.   Grades 7-12 will pay $2.60 per lunch.

Ms. Bowman commented that the price will increase & students will be getting smaller sandwiches.

Mr. Norris said that the challenge will be to shift the focus and captivate the students and make the food appealing.  He noted that if students brownbag, we have no jurisdiction over that.  He said that his kids often come home hungry if they have early lunch.  He wondered if a policy could be put in place where students could take one of their servings of fruit from the cafeteria to eat as a snack later - without punishment.

Ms. Neff said she is worried about athletes   She is afraid that the lunches won't hold them over through practices & games.

More information can be found at http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/governance/regulations.htm  and http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/governance/legislation/nutritionstandards.htm

6.Information Items
A.  The Octorara Cross Country and Track & Field Booster Club will begin a Cross Country program at the Jr. High level.  All expenses will be paid for by the Booster Club.

B.  Mr. Stoltzfus gave an overview of the meetings concerning ESCOs (Energy Saving Companies).  They have interviewed two.  There was a free inspection.  They didn't come up with much.  There are costs & savings.  They need to decide if they want to pursue.  The next facilities committee meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. to discuss.  It is a public meeting.  He encourages all Board members to attend and anyone from the public who wants to attend.

Mr. Hume said that it is a 15-year program.  He doesn't want to saddle future boards with such a long-term program.  No matter what happens, we will have to pay for it. 

Mr. Stoltzfus agrees with Mr. Hume.  That is why he wants people to come to the meeting.

Dr. Newcome said that a resident came forward & talked with him & Mr. Carsley.  There has been no charge so far.   They have received a detailed analysis.  If we chose to do it, it would be for environmental sensitivity.  Every year during the budget process, people come in and say we should look at solar & wind power.  The payback on them are an outrageous number of years.

7. Treasurer’s Report
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the General Fund Report for period ending June  30, 2012.

Approved

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

Mr. Ganow asked about differences in totals.  Mr. Carsley said they are different due to timing.  One set of numbers is since the last meeting.  The other is as of the end of the month.


Approved.

9. Visitor's Comments (agenda items only)

none.

10.Presentation of Agenda Items for the July 16, 2012 Regular Monthly Public Meeting (new items in italics):

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Policy 201 Admission of Beginners, first reading.

Approved.

B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the attached contract with Sports Care LLC for athletic training services for 2012-2013 school year (up to $1,000 hours of service at a rate of $30.00 per hour.)

Some changes were made to the wording so it is consistent throughout the contract.  Mr. Carsley reported that the expense for last year was $ 24,270.

Approved.

C - M   Approved.

C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the attached changes to the handbook for part-time cafeteria staff.

Resignation Approvals:

D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Sandra Mendez’s resignation as a lunch/recess supervisor at the Octorara Primary Learning Center effective June 21, 2012. (Hired February 5, 2002)

E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Traci Zary’s resignation as a cafeteria employee effective June 25, 2012. (Hired August 31, 2010)

F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Mr. Sal Anzelmo’s resignation as JV Soccer Coach at the Octorara Area Sr. High School effective July 3, 2012. (Hired August 2011)

G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Tammy Anthony’s resignation as a Title I Reading Assistant at the Octorara Intermediate School effective July 2, 2012. (Hired August 25, 2010)

Hiring Approvals:

H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Traci Zary as lunch/recess supervisor at the Octorara Primary Learning Center effective August 27, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.

Ms. Zary’s rate will be $8.75 per hour for three hours per day. (Replacing Nicole Flaherty who resigned.)

I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Jade Burkhardt as lunch/recess supervisor at the Octorara Primary Learning Center effective August 27, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Burkhardt’s rate will be $8.75 per hour for three hours per day. (Replacing Sandra Mendez who resigned.)

J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Sarah Kluge as a substitute teacher for the Special Education Extended School Year Program effective June 18 through July 19, 2012 at the rate of $30 per hour.

K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Mr. Drew Baumgardner as mentor for Polly McCullough for the 2011-2012 school year at one point at $570 per point.

L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in salary due to graduate credits earned:

Sarah Bieg From M+45 ($66,970) to M+60 ($70,062) Step 12
Lori Boldt From B+15 ($52,066) to M ($53,941) Step 16
Dana Coulter From B+15 ($52,066) to M ($53,941) Step 16
Mark Durante From M ($65,524) to M+15 ($69,330) Step 7
Cindy Eshleman From M+45 ($84,947) to M+60 ($87,194) Step MAX
Jennifer Godwsky From B+15 ($52,066) to M ($53,941) Step 16
Susan Hancock From M ($58,276) to M+15 ($62,973) Step 11
Jed King From B+15 ($52,960) to M ($54,808) Step 15

M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve a change in salary due to graduate credits earned in the 2011-2012 school year for Ms. Aimee Blochberger from M+45 ($82,528) to M+60 ($84,749) Step 19. Ms. Blochberger’s salary for the 2012­2013 will be $87,194 Step MAX.

N.  That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Roberta Souders's resignation as a Communications Arts teacher at the Octorara Area High School for the purpose of retirement effective July 9, 2012.  (Hired September 18, 1980)

Approved.

O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Sarah Kluge as a substitute teacher for the summer literacy program at the rate of $22/hour.

Approved.

11. Policy Committee

No meeting.

12. Finance Committee

Ms. Johnson reported that they had a brief meeting to touch base on the possibility of refinancing the bonds.

13.  I.U./CAT Board

Meeting this Wednesday.

14.  Old Business

None

15.  New Business

None

16.  Other Items/Announcements

None.

17.Visitors’ Comments – General

None

18.Administrator Comments/Announcements
Dr. Newcome spoke about some collaboration that is occurring with the CCIU.  They are doing a custodial/maintenance review.  We expect some recommendations soon.   There is also a 1/2 position in the budget that will be filled with someone from the CCIU.  We have a position in the Ag Science program.  They have someone in Ag Science who is not being fully utilized.

Chester County 20/20 is going to help with our Ag Science program.   They are going to help over the next 8-10 months to find funding and other resources. 

Dr. Newcome thanked Mr. Knickerbocker who has helped with communications in this area.  We hope to grow the program.

19. Board Comments

Mr. Lapp wanted to comment on the cafeteria presentation.  He feels the Federal government is stepping on our toes, telling us how to feed our kids.

20Adjournment
The agenda wasn't posted on the website, so I don't have all the meeting dates & times.  They can be found on the district website.