School Board Meeting 08/20/2012

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
August 20, 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 Work Session of July 9, 2012, and the Regular Meeting of July 16, 2012.

Approved

5. Presentations

A. Bond Refinancing - RBC
More discussion surrounding the possible refinancing of the 2008 bonds.

The Board was presented with 2 documents (Resolution and Bond Purchase Agreement).  There is the potential for $130,000 in savings.  They will not go forward unless they can get at least $75,000 in savings. If approved tonight, they cannot go forward until at least 11/1/2012.


6. Information Items

None.

7. Treasurer’s Report

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the General Fund Report for period ending July 31, 2012.

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.  
Approved.

9. Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only

None.

10. Recommended Action Items: (Italicized items are new; they were not on the August 13, 2012 agenda.)

A - C   Approved.
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Policy 201 Admission of Beginners, second reading.

B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following lunch prices for the 2012-2013 school year:

Grades K-6 $2.30
Grades 7-12 $2.60

Resignation Approvals:

C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Nina Thwaites resignation as Variety Show Coordinator at the Octorara Area Jr. High School effective July 30, 2012. (Hired August 2011)


Board retired for executive session related to personnel issues.
Hiring Approvals:

D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the recommendation to hire Mr. Jamie Bankert to a half-time position of Assistant Principal assigned to Athletics and Virtual Learning. This position will be an Act 93 position at a salary of $50,418 [Mr. Bankert’s teaching duties will be half-time at a salary of $33,082 ($66,165÷2)] Therefore, his total salary for the combined position of half-time teacher and half-time assistant principal will be $83,500.
Re-worded this item to show as a single position.
Approved.

Items E - I   Approved.
E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of supplemental contracts for the 2012-2013 school year.

F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of substitute teachers, substitute emergency permit teachers, and substitute support staff for the 2012-2013 school year pending proper certification verification. Added to the original list will be Matthew Reinert (Health & PE).

G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in salary due to graduate credits earned:
Carol Dittoe From M+30 ($69,673) to M+45 ($72,458) Step 8 to MAX
Nicholas Kluge From M+45 ($63,751) to M+60 ($66,778) Step 16 to MAX
Kim Tercha From M ($53,941) to M+15 ($58,900) Step 16 to MAX

H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Ashlee DiRocco’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from approximately December 18, 2012 through March 18, 2013. Ms. DiRocco is a third grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School.

I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Ashley Ayers’ request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from approximately January 13, 2013 through March 18, 2013. Ms Ayers is a fourth grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School.

J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the three year contract with Mr. Daniel Carsley to serve as Business Administrator from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2015.

Approved.

K - Y Approved.
K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Jan D’Angelo as a full time Communication Arts teacher at the Octorara Area Jr./Sr. High School effective August 21, 2012. Ms. D’Angelo is presently a half-time teacher at Octorara Area Jr./Sr. High School in Gifted Education. Ms. D’Angelo’s full time salary will be $61,900 which is Step 9 to MAX on the Master’s Scale. (Replacing Jamie Bankert’s half-time teaching position.)

L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Jennifer Bower as a Speech/Language Therapist for the District effective August 21, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Bower’s salary will be $58,276 which is Step 11 to MAX of the Master’s Scale. (Replacing Elizabeth Piotrowski who resigned.)

Ms. Bower has been filling the position as a long term substitute.

M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Mr. Dale McCarthy as a Communication Arts teacher at the Octorara Area Jr./Sr. High School effective August 20, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Mr. McCarthy’s salary will be $48,160 which is Step 18 to MAX of the Bachelor’s Scale. (Replacing Margaret Forchetti who retired.)

N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Jennifer John as a Communication Arts teacher at the Octorara Area Jr./Sr. High School effective August 20, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. John’s salary will be $52,206 which is Step 18 to MAX of the Master’s Scale. (Replacing Roberta Souders who retired.)

O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Danae Dick as a Title I Math assistant at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 21, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Dick’s rate will be $10.15 per hour for 5.75 hours per day. (Ms. Dick was a long term substitute last year and is replacing Robyn Frye who resigned.)

P. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Johanna Lasak as a Title I Reading assistant at the Octorara Intermediate School effective August 21, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Lasak’s rate will be $11.65 per hour for 5.75 hours per day. (Replacing Tammy Anthony who resigned)

Q. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Robin McKenna as an instructional assistant at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 21, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. McKenna rate will be $11.65 per hour for 5.75 hours per day. (Replacing Katie Dikun who resigned)

R. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Emily Landers as a long term substitute art teacher at the Octorara Area Jr./Sr. High School effective August 20, 2012 through November 21, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Landers’ rate will be $140 per day. (Replacing Deb Ward who is on child rearing leave.)

S. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Kimberly Domblesky’s resignation as a lunchroom/playground aide at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 14, 2012. (Hired October 6, 2008)

T. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Dianne Ernst’s resignation as a Title I Math Aide at the Octorara Intermediate School effective August 9, 2012. (Hired October 8, 2003)

U. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Ann Stirling’s resignation as an instructional assistant at the Octorara Area Jr. High School effective August 15, 2012. (Hired January 4, 2006)

V. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Kristen Lauer’s resignation as an ESL Teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center and Elementary Schools effective August 15, 2012. (Hired August 26, 2009)

W. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the superintendent to sign the contract between the Octorara Area School District and Eastern Lancaster County School District for Special Education Life Skills and Transitional Services in the amount of $13,604.00.

This is the 3rd year for this contract concerning one student.

X. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the student activity request for “Class of 2016” at the Octorara Area Sr. High School.

This is to recognize the freshman class.

Y. That the Octorara Board of School Directors adopt a Resolution authorizing the incurrence of nonelectoral indebtedness of the School District by the issuance of Octorara Area School District General Obligation Bonds, Series of 2012 (the “Bonds”). The Resolution to be considered and acted upon, among other things, sets forth that proceeds of the Bonds will be used to provide funds for the current refunding of the School District’s General Obligation Bonds, Series of 2008, and to pay the costs and expenses of issuing the debt. The Resolution also determines to accept a proposal for the purchase of the debt, sets forth the parameters and substantial form of the bonds to be issued evidencing the debt, provides covenants related to the payment of debt service, and sets forth covenants to create a sinking fund.



11. Policy Committee Report
Did not meet.

12. Finance Committee Report
Did not meet.

13. I.U./C.A.T. Board Representative’s Report
Not meeting in August.
14. Old Business

None.

15. New Business

None.

16. Other Items and Announcements

None.

17. Visitors’ Comments – General

None.
18. Administrator Comments/Announcements
Dr. Newcome reported that the new teachers reported today (along with some veteran teachers).  There was iPad training today.   There will be Reading Workshop training later this week.

Mr. Bankert will be working with virtual learning.  He will be developing & working with staff.  We have the Octorara Virtual Academy to try to bring virtual charter school students back to the district.  Our Alternative Education program is being done virtually.  For the past 5 - 7 years, our teachers have been moving toward using more technology.  Some teachers have put lessons on YouTube, used open source materials, created lessons on Facebook.  It's a good way for the students to learn the material, and then do the lab the next day.  We will attempt to pull best practices together.  He'd like to thank the Board for allowing.

19. Board Comments
Mr. Hume contacted Mr. Pilleggi's office about the energy people.  He's looking for guidelines.

Mr. Norris had a comment about Sneak-a-peak being unstaffed.   He thinks that it is upsetting at the lower levels.  He'd like to see the schedule changed in the future so students could meet their teacher.

Mr. Lapp welcomed back the teachers.  He would like them to be aware of the impact they can have on their students.  They shouldn't be here to just collect a paycheck.  

Ms. Bowman said that it is an exciting time.  She'd like to thank the administration & staff for moving forward with the changes that have been approved.  

There are a lot of stories of teachers stepping up and going above & beyond.  They do a lot of good work.  She wishes them well as they start the new year.

Mr. McCartney thanked the Boy Scouts in the audience for attending.

20. Adjournment

Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, August 20, 2012 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

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

Executive Session for personnel – Monday, August 20, 2012 – Following the Regular Meeting in the District Office Conference Room


Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, September 10, 2012 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Work Session – Monday, September 10, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room

Policy/Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, September 17, 2012 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, September 17, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room

Work Session 08/13/2012

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

WORK SESSION
August 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.     Dwayne Walton – Parkesburg Point

Dr. Newcome introduced Mr. Walton.  He mentioned that it is often talked about at Board meetings that there are resources in the community for families & children.

Mr. Walton gave his background.  He talked about students with issues and that the schools can't be prepared for all of the issues.  The community needs to serve those students.  Parkesburg Point is in collaboration with local churches.

It is a safe place for kids after school from 3:30 pm - 8:00 pm.  There are 120 volunteers (church, teachers, other community members).  There are computers for homework to be completed.  There is a cafe for meals.  Otherwise, some kids would only get lunch at school.

There are activities such as basketball & skating.

A lot of these kids are intelligent & need to be pushed to go to college.  The Point reached out to colleges.  Eastern University has accepted 5 students and cut 50% off tuition.  They can work their way out of poverty.  

There are 15 students working & taking classes.  

Some students have gone on international service trips.

They help kids with their school work using the Gates funded Kahn Academy  (see this link  http://www.khanacademy.org/)

There are problems in the community but also solutions.  No one institution can bear the burden.

Mr. Hume commented on Senior Awards Night & the scholarships that The Point gave.

Ms. Bowman asked about the number of students served; number of laptops; grade levels.

There are no laptops.  They have 6 PCs. 

The age range is complicated. The intention was to help kids aged 10 - 18.  But once they turn 18, they want to still come, so they are helping them into their 20's.   They get between 60-70 kids per night during the school year.  There are different kids each night.  It is difficult to determine exactly how many.   They get about 300 different students from Octorara.

They have purchased property.  It will have separate recreation & enrichment areas.

They are a 501(c)3 organization and can accept donations.

They feel that Octorara is run very well with good teachers.

They hope to have the new building ready by next summer.

5. Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only

Ken Knickerbocker (Parkesburg):  He wanted to mention a couple of things about Parkesburg Point.  The community is very fortunate to have Dwayne Walton.  He has a gift with kids and is remarkable in how he deals with them.  When you visit, the kids are very polite.  He teaches lessons that are usually taught at Sunday School or Church.  They listen intently.

It is remarkable how much money they have been able to raise.  They paid cash for the property (about $800,000).

This is a significant collaboration of churches in the area (all denominations).  They care about the kids.   They have been able to bring together community, church, and government.   This is the best thing that is happening in Parkesburg.

6. Information Items:

A.     Ms. Laura Fischer will transfer from a fourth grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School to Reading Specialist at the Octorara Jr. High School.
 

7.      Presentation of Agenda Items for approval at August 13, 2012 Work Session:

These items need to be approved this week to get school started.  A - L  Approved.

                  Resignation Approvals:     

A.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Margaret Forchetti’s resignation as a Communication Arts teacher at the Octorara Area Jr. High School effective June 8, 2012 for the purpose of retirement. (Hired January 1, 1995)

B.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Tshela Dennis’s resignation as a Reading Specialist at the Octorara Area Jr. High School effective August 1, 2012.  (Hired August 22, 2007)

C.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Heidi Griest’s resignation as an instructional assistant at the Octorara Primary Learning Center effective July 30, 2012. (Hired August 27, 2007)

D.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Glenda Sue Derstler’s resignation as a cafeteria employee effective July 27, 2012. (Hired August 25, 2008)

E.      That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Kathleen Dikun’s resignation as an instructional assistant at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 6, 2012.  (Hired August 25, 2008)

F.      That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Kristine Woodall’s resignation as a lunch/playground aide at the Octorara Intermediate School effective August 1, 2012.  (Hired February 18, 2009)

G.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Mr. Chris Henley’s resignation as an ESL assistant at the Octorara Intermediate School effective August 5, 2012. (Hired April 7, 2010)

H.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Robyn Frye’s resignation as a Title I Math Assistant effective July 5, 2012. (Hired August 26, 2010)

I.        That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Barbara Whitworth-Roy’s resignation as an instructional assistant for the Alternative Education Program at the Octorara Area Sr. High School effective July 31, 2012.  (Hired August 15, 2011)

               Hiring Approvals:
J.       That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Tammy Anthony as a third grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 20, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Anthony’s salary will be $48,160. (Replacing Beth Davis who retired.)

K.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Joan Miller as a fourth grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 20, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Ms. Miller’s salary will be $48,160. (Replacing Laurie Fischer who transferred.)   

L.      That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Mr. Trent Zook as an instructional assistant at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 27, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Mr. Zook’s rate will be $11.65 per hour for 5.75 hours per day. (Replacing Alison Parry who resigned.)

8. Presentation of Agenda Items for the August 20, 2012 Regular Monthly Public Meeting:

M.    That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Policy 201 Admission of Beginners, second reading.

N.That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following lunch prices for the 2012-2013 school year:

Grades K-6      $2.30

Grades 7-12     $2.60

                  Resignation Approvals:     

O.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Nina Thwaites resignation as Variety Show Coordinator at the Octorara Area Jr. High School effective July 30, 2012. (Hired August 2011)

                    Hiring Approvals:

P.      That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the recommendation to hire Mr. Jamie Bankert to a half-time position of Assistant Principal assigned to Athletics and Virtual Learning.  This position will be an Act 93 position at a salary of $50,418 [Mr. Bankert’s teaching duties will be half-time at a salary of $33,082 ($66,165÷2)]  Therefore, his total salary for the combined position of half-time teacher and half-time assistant principal will be $84,500.  

Dr. Newcome wanted to give background information.   Mr. Harmer resigned as OES principal to take another job.  We are not replacing him.  Ms. Wilson is backfilling that position.

Mr. Ganow asked if the athletic position is a full-year.   It is.

Q.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of supplemental contracts for the 2012-2013 school year.

R.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of substitute teachers, substitute emergency permit teachers, and substitute support staff for the 2012-2013 school year pending proper certification verification.

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

Carol Dittoe	From M+30 ($69,673) to M+45 ($72,458)	Step 8
Nicholas Kluge	From M+45 ($63,751) to M+60 ($66,778)	Step 16
Kim Tercha	From M ($53,941) to M+15 ($58,900)	Step 16

Mr. Ganow asked if this was under the old or new contract.  Dr. Newcome said this is under the current contract. 

T.  That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Ashlee DiRocco’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from approximately December 18, 2012 through March 18, 2013.  Ms. DiRocco is a third grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School.

U.That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Ashley Ayers’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from approximately January 13, 2013 through March 18, 2013.  Ms Ayers is a fourth grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School.

V.That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the three year contract with Mr. Daniel Carsley to serve as Business Administrator from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2015.

9. Facilities Committee Report

Mr. Stoltzfus discussed the facilities committee meeting.

• PLC/OES PTO is purchasing playground equipment.  The space they've chosen is acceptable & will be moving forward.
• MS roof is complete.  There are some change orders coming.
• Boiler inspections are ongoing at Jr. High and OES.
• CCIU facilitites staff will be reporting in September.
• HS Renovation is pretty well complete.
• OIS water problem - being worked on .  It should be complete by the end of the week.
• There was a demand response (electric) on 7/18.  It went well.

Priority List

• Mortar issue in Jr. High - need plan to fix
• Field development - being worked on by booster organizations
• Wall extensions in HS completed.

Ductwork in PLC being cleaned.

We have a generator we are trying to sell.

There has been a request to sell the maintenance building across Rt. 41.  We have to go through the proper procedures which includes bids.

10. Other Items/Concerns

None

11. Visitors’ Comments – General

Ken Knickerbocker (Parkesburg) asked the board to approve a resolution to buy local and track it.  It would be good to know how much of the taxpayers' money stays in the District.

12. Administrator Comments/Announcements

Mr. Rohrer said the floors in the HS are shining.  They found a way to fix them.

Dr. Newcome said that additional staffing will be on the agenda next week.

              

13. Board Comments

Ms.Bowman thinks it would be interesting to see how much money is spent locally.  Dr. Melton thinks it makes sense to support those we are taxing.

Mr. Ganow wanted to know if we can ask how many teachers and administrators live in the district.

Dr. Newcome said he would find out if it was allowable.

Mr. Norris said that this is something he has questioned.    Sometimes it is a matter of teachers stopping on their way in or their way home.   It is one of the struggles.

Mr. Lapp says he has seen first-hand what the Point has done to save kids.  He encourages people to get involved.  He believes it could help raise test scores.

Ms. Bowman wanted to mention that the football boosters did some electrical work & installed their storage shed.   She also mentioned that the soccer club worked on the concession stand.  

14. Adjournment

            Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, August 13, 2012 – 5:30 p.m. in the District   Office Conference Room

EXecutive Session for personnel – Monday, August 13, 2012 – Following the Work Session in the District Office Conference Room

            Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, August 20, 2012 – 6:00 p.m. in the District     Office  Conference Room
            Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, August 20, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office  Conference Room

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