OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
November 19, 2012 – 7:30 p.m.
Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room
AGENDA
1. Moment of Silence
2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
3. Roll Call
1 absent
4. Approval of Minutes from the Work Session of October 8, 2012, and the Regular Meeting of October 15, 2012.
Approved.
5. Presentations
A. Annual Report – Dr. Newcome
Dr. Newcome did a presentation on test scores (PSSA, SAT) & other measurements. The powerpoint presentation will be posted on the website. (I will post a link when available).
For PSSAs, we score average with other districts in the state. The reading & math scores determine AYP (Average Yearly Progress). We are lagging a little behind in Science & Writing. We have had level (consistent) performance since 2007. This is in the face of reductions in programs & services for budget constraints. We have done well given the resources. Dr. Newcome felt that the changes that had to be made to resources would not cripple us and it appears that they haven't. It is possible that those changes have prevented gains.
When looking at Lancaster & Chester County schools, over 1/2 did not make AYP. It is a simple math problem. The system is set up so eventually no one makes AYP. We are starting to see it happen.
It is hard to look at our Jr/Sr High numbers. They are no combined, so we lose the archival data from when they were separate.
When looking at regional AYP numbers, we are one of 2 in Warning (in Chester County). Two items put us in Warning. Our Graduation Rate was one. The formula for this changed & we did not have all of the data to submit. We are not collecting the appropriate data & this number should drastically improve for the current year. The other area we fell below the standard was in Reading (Goal 81% meet or exceed Proficient; Octorara 71%)
For 2014, all school are expected have 100% profiency in math & reading.
Students also take NOCTI ( a job readiness test). 75% of Octorara students who took this in 11/12 were competent or better. This is compared with 33% in 08/09.
15 Octorara students qualified for free technical college credits.
172 are enrolled in career & technical education programs
57 taking College-In-The-High school classes through HACC
11 are in Dual Enrollment with Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
286 taking an AP test (some may be duplicated if they are taking more than one AP class).
Dr. Rutlege is working very hard on the technical programs.
Very proud of the numbers for AP classes for a school our size. It is provent that students who take AP courses do better in college.
Comprehensive Planning
(formerly Strategic Planning)
There is a District Wide Committee (which needs to be approved by the Board) and Building level committees.
We need to develop learning focused schools. It is not about the teaching, it's about learning.
Mr. Norris noted that the percentage of students taking the SAT & AP tests has increased, yet the scores are flat. Why aren't we seeing the results we would expect? You would think the PSSA scores would increase. (see my comments)
Dr. Newcome stated that they plan to address this in the Comprehensive plan. We have dedicated professionals. However, they are trained in teaching & we need to shift the focus to learning.
Mr. Norris would like to see a demographic subgroup breakdown of the scores. Are there trends we can identify based on socio-economic factors that impact our total scores? Are those populations increasing & what adjustments do we need to make?
Dr. Rohrer said that they had started to look at that information today as part of the comprehensive plan.
Mr. Norris stated that headlines in the newspaper don't let you understand how subgroups impact overall scores.
Mr. McCartney tried to say that the state has "dumbed down" the curriculum & how the districts present the information.
Dr. Newcome emphatically disagreed with that statement.
Mr. Hume seemed to be a little confused over the writing portion of the PSSA. Ms. Wilson explained that it is composition.
Mr. McCartney either made a completely inappropriate comment which I will not repeat here or I just didn't understand what he was trying to say.
Dr. Melton asked if the demographic breakdown in the presentation matched the categories in the PSSA.
Dr. Newcome said that they are close.
Dr. Melton wanted to know if we have trend data for the past 5 years for that breakdown to compare to the PSSA scores.
Dr. Newcome believes that it exists in some form & they will try to put something together.
Ms. Bowman asked Dr. Rohrer if the pathways in the HS is driving the increase in the number of students going to the technical programs, taking the SATs, taking AP courses, etc.
Dr. Rohrer said he believes it is a factor. Students are willing to take chances and are looking at how to achieve their goals. The next big issue is the Keystone exams. Current 8th graders are the first to have to pass the exams. This year's Juniors will take the Algebra I test - but many had that class 2 or 3 years ago. Any 8th grader taking Algebra I this year will take the test & can bank the score until Junior year. Eventually we will be looking district wide at a combination of PSSA & Keystone scores to determine AYP.
Mr. Hume believes that AP testing is expensive. He believes the counselors should know which colleges accept the test for credit.
Dr. Newcome hopes that people start looking at career readiness in the same light as college readiness. Dr. Rohrer stated that only 20% of jobs need a 4-year degree. Dr. Melton said that West Chester University is putting more emphasis on career readiness.
6. Information Items
None.
7. Treasurer’s Report
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the General Fund Report for period ending October 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. Dr. Melton had a question about a check. Mr. Carsley will get back to her.
9. Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only
None.
10. Recommended Action Items: (Italicized items are new; they were not on the November 12, 2012 agenda.)
Items A - K There was a change to letter I. Additions made to letter J. Approved.
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Policy 248.1 “Harassment/Bullying/Intimidation”, second reading.
B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Policy 113.5 “Disqualification or Debarment”, first reading.
C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the student activity request for “Animation Appreciation” at the Octorara Area Sr. High School.
Resignation Approvals:
D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Mr. Scott Cullen’s resignation as Musical Assistant at the Octorara Area Sr. High School effective November 12, 2012. (Hired 2008/2009)
E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Mr. Derek Smith’s resignation as the Boys’ Varsity Soccer Coach at the Octorara Area Sr. High School effective October 23, 2012. (Hired 2011/2012)
Hiring Approvals:
F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Johanna Lasak as a long term substitute third grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School from approximately November 2, 2012 through March 18, 2013. Ms. Lasak’s rate will be $140 per day. (Replacing Ashlee DiRocco who is on child rearing leave.)
G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Susan Simpson as a long term substitute principal’s secretary at the Octorara Primary Learning Center from October 24, 2012 through approximately February 11, 2013. Ms. Simpson’s rate will be $17.12 per hour. (Replacing a medical leave.)
H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Tammy Simon as an Instructional Assistant in the Alternative Ed Program at the Octorara Area Sr. High School effective October 22, 2012. Ms. Simon’s rate will be $11.65 per hour for four hours per day for 140 days per year. (Replacing Rosemary Imms who resigned.)
I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Cheryl Coughlin, Mr. Gary Gawin and Ms. Barb Gawin as volunteer swim coaches for the winter sports season for their children. These students will participate in the Ches-Mont League on a competitive basis when a lane is available.
J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following supplemental contracts for the 2012-2013 school year:
Lisa Scanish OPLC Substitute Coordinator 2 pts @ $585 $1,170
Susan Conrad OES Substitute Coordinator 2 pts @ $585 $1,170
Mary Jo Nines OIS Substitute Coordinator 2 pts @ $585 $1,170
Gene Lambert OJHS Substitute Coordinator 2 pts @ $585 $1,170
Gene Lambert OSHS Substitute Coordinator 2 pts @ $585 $1,170
Jason Ralston JV Basketball Coach 6 pts @ $585 $3,510 *
Chris Henley JV Basketball Coach 3 pts @ $585 $1,755 *
* One position being split
K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Robin Peace’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave from October 10, 2012 through approximately January 15, 2013. Ms. Peace is the Food Service secretary.
L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Tracy Villa’s resignation as business manager’s secretary effective November 12, 2012. (Hired September 4, 2012.)
Approved.
M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Ashley Stern as a long term substitute instructional assistant at the Octorara Elementary School effective approximately December 12, 2012 through March 18, 2013. Ms. Stern’s rate will be $11.65 per hour for 5.75 hours per day. (Replacing Trent Zook who will be a long term substitute.)
Approved.
N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Nancy Culp as a long term substitute Title I reading assistant at the Octorara Intermediate School effective November 2, 2012 through March 18, 2013. Ms. Culp’s rate will be $11.65 per hour for 5.75 hours per day. (Replacing Johanna Lasak who will be a long term substitute.)
Approved.
O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the Career and Technical Programs Advisory Committee (CTP) as attached.
It is a requirement that this be approved by the Board. This is an active group made up of community members.
P. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Caitlin Cellini’s resignation as Title I math assistant at the Octorara Intermediate School effective December 22, 2012. (Hired August 23, 2010)
Approved.
Q. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the District Level Committee for Comprehensive Planning Project (included in Annual Report Documents).
Approved.
R. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the Fire Protection Agreement with Kistler O’Brien for inspection and testing of fire protection equipment.
Mr. McCartney wanted to raise a question about Mr. Kistler O'Brien. He was told that it is a company, not an individual.
11. Policy Committee Report
None.
12. Finance Committee Report
Ms. Johnson reported that they received the bond rating. We are A+. Assessment appeals have resulted in a $4.2 million decrease in assessed value.
The retirement percentage for PSERS for next year is 16.9%. This is an increase of $400,000 to the District.
13. I.U./C.A.T. Board Representative’s Report
Report has been sent to the Board.
14. Old Business
None.
15. New Business
None.
16. Other Items and Announcements
Mr. Norris - No Education Committee meeting next week.
Dr. Rohrer - The HS put on Cheaper By The Dozen. Musical presentations are coming up. Working with community leaders to coordinate efforts for food distribution to those in need; social issues; identifying mentoring needs.
Mr. Hume said they had a conversation about transportation needs.
17. Visitors’ Comments – General
None.
18. Administrator Comments/Announcements
Dr. Newcome said that it is banquet season, with plays & concerts following. A lot of hard work has gone into all and they do a delightful job. He attended the NHS banquet & was impressed with the group.
Ms. McNamara shared (through Dr. Newcome) that local community organizations have contributed to their Nickels for Neighbors program. This is very important given the economy.
19. Board Comments
Mr. Hume announced that on April 13th there will be an Agricultural Festival & Auction. Funds raised will go to the school. If anyone is interested in helping, please contact Jill Hardy. He was wondering if the Phila. Inquirer still put PSSA scores in the paper. The concensus was that they don't.
20. Adjournment
Please note that the Work Session & Board meeting are a week earlier than usual.
Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, November 19, 2012 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room
Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, November 19, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room
Executive Session for personnel – Monday, November 19, 2012 – Following the Regular Meeting in the District Office Conference Room
Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, December 3, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room
Reorganization Meeting – Monday, December 3, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. in the Jr. High School Multi-Purpose Room
Next regularly scheduled Work Session – Monday, December 3, 2012 – following the Reorganization Meeting in the Jr. High School Multi-Purpose Room
Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, December 10, 2012 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room
Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, December 10, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room
Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, December 10, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room
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Maybe someone from the District can confirm this - but in answer to Brian's question about SAT scores stayiing flat even though more students are taking the test... I have heard/read in the past that the more students who take the test in your district, the lower the average scores are because you have students taking the test who previously would not have taken it (i.e. students who may have lower scores). They would drag down the average - so if our average has stayed flat, then that is a good thing. Either the students at the upper end of the scoring are doing better or the students at the lower end aren't as low as you might think they would be.
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