Tuesday, September 18, 2012

School Board Meeting 09/17/2012

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
September 17, 2012 – 7:30 p.m.
Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room
                                                                       

AGENDA


  1. Moment of Silence
2,Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

  1. Roll Call
1 absent
 
  1. Approval of Minutes from the Work Session of August 13, 2012, and the Regular Meeting of August 20, 2012.
Approved

  1. Presentations
None
           

  1. Information Items
None
 

  1. Treasurer’s Report

    1. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the General Fund Report for period ending August 31, 2012.
Ms. Johnson reported.  Approved.
 

  1. Business Manager’s Report
    1. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of bills for payment.
Mr. Carsley reported.  Mr. Norris asked Mr. Carsley to look at the detail for check # 175652 payable to Oxford Feed & Lumber.  He'd like him to check on whether it was something we could have purchased within the district.  Mr. Carsley will look at it.

Approved.
 

  1. Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only
Mr. Norris read a statement concerning the issue surrounding The Lord's Prayer and the decision of the Board to change it to a moment of silence.   The District determined it would cost too much to fight.  Legal counsel advised that Board members could meet privately to pray before the meeting; have a moment of silence.  There will be no official Board discussion.  The public may comment.  The Board has always tried to honor the traditions of the community.

Mr Lapp moved to the visitor's seat to make some comments.  He understands that the Board is coming up against the law as it is currently written.  What bothers him the most is the chipping away at the foundation of this country.  Separation of Church and State is not in the Constitution.  Those words came from Thomas Jefferson in a letter to a Baptist church that was concerned about the Government interfering in church affairs.   His words were to assure the Church that the Government would not impede their rights.  The Founders were Godly people.  They would be shocked at what has happened.  Early colleges were created as religious schools.

Mr. Norris then moved to the visitor's seat to read a statement prepared by Ms. Bowman.  She did not want her absense to negatively reflect on her support of the Board.  We need to obey the law to set an example to the students.  The Board cannot put the district at risk.  

Jim Lantz (Highland Township) - The point of the letter by Thomas Jefferson that Mr. Lapp mentioned was not to stop religion but that the Government would not force one denomination on the citizens.

The 1st professors were Bible-believing Christians.  Students were required to be in the church of their choice on Sundays.  People who were studying to be pastors went to the University of Virginia for free.

If we don't stand up for truth, what are we standing up for?

  1. Recommended Action Items:  (Italicized items are new; they were not on the September 10, 2012 agenda.)
A - J   Approved.

A.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of school bus drivers employed by Althouse Transportation, Inc. for the 2012-2013 school year.

B.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of school bus runs by Althouse Transportation, Inc. for the 2012-2013 school year.

Resignation Approvals:     

C.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Carolynn Ireson’s resignation as an instructional assistant in the Alternative Education Program at the Octorara Area Sr. High School effective August 24, 2012. (Hired September 12, 2011)

D.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Kelly Reuter’s resignation as a personal care assistant at the Octorara Intermediate School effective September 17, 2012.  (Hired August 30, 2011)

Hiring Approvals:

E.      That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Natalie Ergler as a lunchroom/playground supervisor at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 27, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Ms. Ergler’s rate will be $8.75 per hour for three hours per day.  (Replacing Kim Domblesky who resigned.)

F.      That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Sara Gallo-Cornell as a long term substitute art teacher at the Octorara Area Sr. High School effective August 27, 2012 through December 21, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Ms. Gallo-Cornell’s rate will be $140 per day.  (Replacing Sarah Bieg who is on child rearing leave.)

G.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Maria Miller as an instructional assistant at the Octorara Primary Learning Center effective August 27, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Miller’s rate will be $11.65 per hour for 5.75 hours per day. (Replacing Heidi Griest who resigned.)

H.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Rachel Schreiber as a lunchroom/playground aide at the Octorara Intermediate School effective August 27, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Schreiber’s rate will be $8.75 per hour for three hours per day.  (Replacing Kristine Woodall who resigned.)

I.        That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Karen Williamson as a second grade teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center effective August 27, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Ms. Williamson’s salary will be $48,160 which is Step 18 to MAX of the Bachelor’s Scale.  (Replacing Lori Boldt who transferred.)

J.       That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Tracy Villa as business manager secretary effective September 4, 2012 pending completion of employee related required by law and the District.  Ms. Villa’s salary will be $31,500 pro-rated at 5.5 hours per day.

K.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teachers for the 2012-2013 school year:
        Kelly Reuter (Elementary)
         Sara Gallo-Cornell (Art Education)
         Astyn DiNorscia (Elementary)
         Carla Graydus (Emergency)
         Lorraine Harmer (Secondary Math)
         Jodi Johnson (Elementary)
         Dawn Jones (Emergency)
         Phyllis Reis (Emergency)
         Curtis Sebastian (Emergency)
         Leslie Town (Emergency)
         Christina Althouse (Early Childhood, Reading)
         Pamela Bogus (Elementary, Reading)
         Jessica Cummings (Social Studies)
         Dianne Ernst (Elementary)
         Richard Fitch ( Middle Math, Health & PE)
         Jennifer Haak (Secondary English)
         Jacqueline Hamilton (Business)
         Tess Lutz (Secondary English)
         Linda McCawley (Tech Ed, Elementary, Secondary Social Studies,      
                          Secondary English, Library)
         Lisa Rusek (Elementary, Middle Math)
         Kolleen Skahan (Music)
         Renee Smith (Special Ed, Elementary, Mid Level English, Science, &  Math)
         Jeremiah VanOrden (Special Ed)

Approved.        

L.      That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute support staff for the 2012-2013 school year:
  Kimberly Domblesky (Lunch/Playground, Instructional, Health Room Aide,   Van Driver, Secretary)
Carla Graydus (Aide, Secretary)
  Susan Simpson (Aide, Secretary)
  Cindy Brownback (Cafeteria)
   Shelly Hurley (Clerical, Instructional Assistant)
   Kimberly Stoltzfus (Clerical, Instructional Assistant, Lunch/Playground)
    Deborah Shank (Instructional Assistant)
    April Pidgeon (Cafeteria)

Approved        

M.    That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following supplemental contracts for the 2012-2013 school year:

Krista Lease
Mentor Jeanie Curry                    .5 pt @ $585
$   292.50
Shirley Williams
Mentor Jeanie Curry                    .5 pt @ $585
$   292.50
Claudia Benekam
Mentor Laura Fischer                   1 pt @ $585
$   585
John Atlee
Mentor Emily Landers – August-November
$   200
Dena Schott
Mentor Tammy Anthony              2 pts @ $585
$1,170
Jennifer Dean
Mentor Joan Miller                     2 pts @ $585
$1,170
Tim Ergler
Mentor Karen Williamson          2 pts @ $585
$1,170
Emily Landers
7th Grade Field Hockey Coach   4pts @ $585
$2,340
Kelsi Thieroff
8th Grade Field Hockey Coach   4 pts @ $585
$2,340

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Approved.  Dr. Newcome noted that the field hockey positions are being funded by the Boosters.
 
N.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in     salary due to graduate credits earned:

Debra Bloth
From M+45 ($84,947) to M+60 ($87,194)
Step MAX
Doreen Creighton
From M+15 ($58,086) to M+30 ($60,274)
Step 17
Christine Gray
From M+15 ($66,151) to M+30 ($68,045)
Step 9
Dana Irons
From M+30 ($62,531) to M+45 ($65,360)
Step 14
Kimberly Kraf
From M       ($55,675) to M+15 ($60,529)
Step 14
Cynthia Kunko
From M+15 ($62,973) to M+30 ($64,788)
Step 11
Andrea Weaver
From M+15 ($80,454) to M+30 ($82,699)
Step MAX
Shauna McAllister
From M+45 ($63,751) to M+60 ($66,778)
Step 16
Kristin Winner
From M+15($58,086) to M+30 ($60,274)
Step 17

 

 

 

 

Approved.
 

O.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Mr. Ben Creighton as an instructional assistant at the Octorara Jr. High School effective August 27, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Mr. Creighton’s rate will be $11.65 per hour for 5.75 hours per day. (Replacing Ann Stirling who resigned.)

Approved. 

P.      That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Amy Ellsworth as an instructional assistant for the Alternative Education Program effective September 10, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Ms. Ellsworth’s rate will be $11.65 per hour for four hours per day.  (Replacing Carolyn Ireson who resigned.)

 Approved.

Q.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Rosemary Imms as an instructional assistant for the Alternative Education Program effective September 10, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Ms. Imms’ rate will be $11.65 per hour for four hours per day.  (Replacing Barbara Whitworth-Roy who resigned.)

 Approved.

R.      That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve a stipend of $500 for Ms. Deb Canby for writing a successful grant.  The grant provided $10,000 for the Octorara Health and Physical Education Department and was awarded by CCRES.

 Mr. Norris asked for the details.   Ipad carts.   Mr. Ganow asked for an update on the iPads.  They received 6 carts.  There are 4 in the High School and 2 in the Junior High.  They are starting to be used in the classrooms.

S.      That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the agreement between the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit and the Octorara Area School District for Atomic Learning in the amount of $4,567.50.

 Online technology training.   Staff, students, and Boatd members can use.  Approved.

T.      That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the student activity request for “Culinary Arts” at the Octorara Area Sr. High School.

 Approved.

U.     That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the Lease Agreement between Xerox Financial Services and the Octorara Area School District to lease three copiers for 36 months.

 
V.  That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the Lease Agreement between Edwards Business Systems and the Octorara Area School District to lease three copiers for 36 months.
Mr. Carsley reported that these are replacements for copiers comng off lease in the Junior/Senior High School.  We are getting 3 Xerox and 3 Edwards machines.  Less expensive than old machines.
 
11. Policy Committee
 
Mr. Ganow reported that they are workiing on two policies.  One is being rewritten.

  1. Finance Committee Report
Ms. Johnson reported that the committee looked at the Budget Calendar; the copier leases; and the athletic fund (which has been running a deficit for the past few years).
 

13.  I.U./C.A.T. Board Representative’s Report
Meets this week.
 

  1. Old Business
None
 

  1. New Business
None
 

  1. Other Items and Announcements
None
 

  1. Visitors’ Comments – General
None
 

  1. Administrator Comments/Announcements
Ms McNamara reported that there is a parent workshop on Thurs. Sept. 27 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.  The workshop is Understanding the Difference between Reading and Whole Group Reading.

Joe Mattis (Student Rep) gave an update on Homecoming week.   Details can be found here:  http://octorara.k12.pa.us/education/district/district.php?sectionid=1

Mr. Haller said they are having a bully prevention assembly this Wed.

Dr. Newcome said he was asked to get the percentage of staff who reside in the District:
Overall    47%   (Dr. Newcome read the list, but I missed some as I was writing them).
 

  1. Board Comments
Mr. Stoltzfus commented that the I.U. meeting would occur in the new building next to the I.U.

Mr. Hume hopes people come out to everything that is occurring this week on campus.

Mr. Ganow stated that he agreed with everyone who spoke.  He disagrees with the District Court.  Unfortunately, it is the law at this time.
 

  1. Adjournment

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

            Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, September 17, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. in the         District             Office  Conference Room

Executive Session for personnel – Monday, September 17, 2012 – Following the Regular Meeting in the District Office Conference Room

Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, October 8, 2012 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Work Session – Monday, October 8, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room

 

Policy/Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, October 15, 2012 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

 

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, October 15, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room

 

 
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2 comments:

  1. Ellen BrownSeptember 18, 2012 at 7:27 PM

    If the athletic fund has been running a deficit, then it would seem to me that it hadn't been budgeted correctly. You know what teams you have. You know how much the officials cost. You know what the assigner fee is. You know what the transportation costs are. You know what the coaches stipends are. You know what the activity fees are. The only "soft" number I can think of is the take at the gate for games we charge admission.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 19, 2012 at 6:09 PM

    While that's true, you have to keep in mind that school activity costs are already high as it is. If the school raises them, then fewer people will be able to attend. Also I am not sure how the free lunch program works, because I know those people are exempt from the fee, thus I don't think the school gets any money for them? Not really sure where else you can raise money.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are moderated. Although I asked people to sign their comments (or at least use their initials), I have only been getting 'anonymous' comments. I have changed the settings to that the posts will need some sort of identifier.

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