Work Session 11/12/2012

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
WORK SESSION
November 12, 2012 – 7:30 p.m.
Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room

DISCUSSION GUIDE

1. Moment of Silence
2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
3. Roll Call

All present.

4. Presentations

None

5. Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only

None

6. Information Items:

None

7. Presentation of Agenda Items for the November 19, 2012 Regular Monthly Public Meeting:

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 an exhibition 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

Mr. Hume asked if this was something new.  Dr. Newcome said it was part of the new Support Staff contract.

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.

8. Facilities Committee Report
Mr. Stoltzfus gave a report on how the campus faired during Hurricane Sandy.  There was a lot of preparation before the storm hit.  The work on OIS over the summer seemed to have corrected a lot of the problems.  There were just a few weeks.  There was no water in the bandroom or the studio.  The sump pump ran for approximately 2 hours total.

Wohlsen (who did the work on the PLC) checked to see if there were any problems.  There weren't any.

The playground equipment has arrived and will be installed.

There are just a few punchlist items left on the HS renovation.  All of the contractors are meeting this week to wrap it up.

The I.U. might buy the generator we have for sale.

We have decided to keep the garage across Rt. 41.  We have been using it.

There is a parcel for sale in December - more info to follow.

We can save $.01 per KW for electric.

We went over the priority list for the capital funds that are remaining:

• Brickwork on junior high - getting figures & bids
• Presentation by field development committee - things moving rapidly. 
• The work on the field will be put off until spring.  Sod installed in May.
• Sprinkler system - will need to use over the summer.
• Should be ready to use by fall
• Estimate - just over $100,000 + fence  (estimate $15 - 20K)

9.  Education Committee Report
Mr. Norris reported that they went over the outline of test scores.  They will be reported next week.

10.  Other Items/Concerns
None.

11.  Visitors' Comments
None

12. Administrator Comments/Announcements
Ms. Wilson announced that Frog Night for K-6 will take place Thursday.  There will be math and reading games.  Prizes will be given.

Dr. Newcome reiterated that test scores would be presented next week.

He is excited and thankful that Ryan Vogelsong wants to be involved with the District.  There are members of the community that want to recognize him.  Dr. Newcome met with him.  He is willing to be used for fundraising.  Save the date:  1/12/13 is the tentative date for An Evening With Ryan Vogelsong.  He is going to meet with some students to talk about dreams, setting goals, etc.

There is a meeting Wed. evening at 6:00 pm to discuss.  He is inviting interested people to attend.

13. Board Comments
Ms. Bowman formally congratulated Mr. Vogelsong on behalf of the Board.  There was a sense of pride watching someone from the area do so well.

Mr. Ganow had some questions/comments about the bleachers & the track.  He felt that it was a lot of money and he would like to see firm figures.  He wanted to know if the gate receipts would go toward reimbursing the costs.

Mr. Stoltzfus said that we get pounded every year by the insurance company over the bleachers.

Ms. Bowman said that the Board can't say they won't do anything when the community is doing what has been asked of them.

Mr. Nelson said that the bleachers need to be handicap accessible; the elevation needs to be changed and the press box needs work.   We will have better numbers in December or January.

Mr. Lapp wanted everyone to know that ELANCO school district is the latest casualty of the Freedom From Religion group.

Mr. McCartney talked about school tax reform. There were two bills introduced last year.  Neither came up for a vote.  They will be re-introduced. 

Mr. Hume talked about the agriculture meeting that was held on Oct. 13th.  They are planning an Ag festival and auction.  Everyone is welcome to join.  You can contact Jill Hardy in the District office if you are interested.

Mr. Stoltzfus said that the I.U. meeting is this week because of Thanksgiving.

Ms. Bowman thanked the Band Boosters for doing such a nice job on the calendar.

14. Adjournment

Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, November 12, 2012 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Executive Session for personnel – Monday, November 12, 2012 – Following the Work Session in the District Office Conference Room

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

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, November 19, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room