OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
WORK SESSION
May 13, 2013 – 7:30 p.m.
Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room
DISCUSSION GUIDE
1. Moment of Silence
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Presentations
A. Budget
They are continuing to make adjustments from the list. They should have new millage rates next week or the work session in June at the latest.
Estimated tax relief from gambling revenue: $ 1,119,353. There are approx. 4200 properties approved. Each parcel will receive a reduction of $264.
For comparison:
2012/13 $265
2011/12 $266
2008/09 $286
It has declined because more parcels have been approved.
Ms. Bowman said that the goal is still a $0 change for Chester County. The difference in the budget is
$ 90,000.
4. Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only
None.
5. Information Items
Dr. Rohrer introduced Lynwood Smith of the Christiana Lions Club. Mr. Smith is the chaplain for the club. He asked some members of the Culinary Arts program to attend. He wanted thank them & let the Board know what a great job they do providing the meal for club meetings. He said that they are professional & diligent. The District should be proud of them.
6. Presentation of Agenda Items for the May 20, 2013 Regular Monthly Public Meeting:
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors elect _____________ as Board Treasurer from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.
Ms. Johnson was nominated to continue. She respectfully declined. Mr. Ganow was nominated & he accepted the nomination. The Board thanked Ms. Johnson for her service. She has done an outstanding job.
B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of current Class of 2013 seniors of the Octorara Area Sr. High School, having been individually considered for graduation by the Octorara Board of School Directors, contingent upon their successful completion of all local and state requirements.
C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors authorize the administration to develop and file applications for external funding for the 2013-2014 fiscal year under the following federal programs:
Title I – Improving Basic Programs Operated by LEA’s
Title II (A) – Improving Teacher Quality
Title III – Improving Language Instruction Programs
D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the Administrative Services Agreement between QCC Insurance Company and Octorara Area School District effective July 1, 2012.
Mr. Ganow asked for clarification. Mr. Carsley said that when the District first went self-funded for health insurance, they needed a bank letter of credit. Then, they developed an escrow account. We no longer need that.
Mr. Oleyniczak asked about "Per contract per month". Mr. Carsley stated that there are 235 contracts (one for each person). This is for the administration of those contracts.
E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve bid awards for the 2013-2014 school year as per attached summary for:
Art Supplies $10,627.94
Industrial Arts/Vo-Ag Supplies $ 7,391.28
Science Supplies $ 2,332.64
Copy & Computer Paper $28,166.48
Technology $ 2,908.79
Total $51,427.13
F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Marjory Zajac’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from October 9, 2013 through January 16, 2014. Ms. Zajac is a second grade teacher at the Primary Learning Center
G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Marjory Zajac’s request for sabbatical leave for the purpose of study for the second semester of the 2013-2014 school year.
Resignation Approvals:
H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept the resignation of Mr. Jamie Topper as the seventh and eighth grade girls’ soccer coach effective June 7, 2013. (Hired August 2012)
I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept the resignation of Ms. Kelsi Thieroff as the eighth grade field hockey coach effective May 3, 2013. (Hired September 2012)
Hiring Approvals:
J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Kimberlee Bitzer as a long term substitute special education teacher at the Octorara Elementary School effective April 22, 2013 through June 7, 2013. Ms. Bitzer’s rate will be $140 per day. (Replacing Shauna McAllister who is on child rearing leave.)
K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Mr. Eric Hofmann as a long term substitute biology teacher at the Octorara Area Sr. High School effective April 29, 2013 through June 7, 2013. Mr. Hofmann’s rate will be $140 per day. (Replacing Kristin Winner who is on child rearing leave.)
L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Diane Hery as a permanent cafeteria team member effective May 1, 2013. Ms. Hery’s rate will be $8.50 per hour for 2.25 hours a day. (Ms. Hery was hired on a substitute basis on March 18, 2013 and is replacing Victoria Louthian who transferred.)
M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Sue Rzucidlo as the team leader in the Octorara Jr. High Cafeteria effective May 1, 2013. Ms. Rzucidlo’s rate will be $13.00 per hour for 5.75 hours per day. (Replacing Alberta Gehron who resigned.)
Mr. Ganow asked about the job title "team leader". Mr. Carsley said that Ms. Neff is reorganizing food services & that includes changing job titles to include more duties.
N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the attached list of Summer Literacy teachers, support staff, and substitutes.
O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following Extended School Year staff:
Jennifer Bower Teacher $30 per hour
Kelly Doughtie Teacher $30 per hour
Jason Ralston Teacher $30 per hour
Patricia Ford Instructional Assistant $15 per hour
P. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following supplemental contracts for the 2012-2013 school year:
Fallon Manchin Mentor Kimberlee Bitzer $200
Q. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in salary due to graduate credits earned:
Maria Scarfo From B+15 ($53,855) to M ($55,675) Step 14 to MAX
Tabitha Wallace From B+15 ($25,585.50) to M ($26,537) Step 17 to MAX
R. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the recommendation of accepting the bid of E & D Specialty Stands for bleachers & a 8x24 press box. The bid amount is $257,000 less $8,000 scrap metal credit. Mr. Stoltzfus said this has an I-beam construction. It allows for more flexibility for storage.
Mr. Norris said that to keep the project on time, he suggested that this item be approved now. The dollars were already approved. The Board approved. it.
7. Facilities Committee Report
Mr. Stoltzfus presented the Facilities Committee report.
The playground equipment is ready to be installed.
There are 4 remaining items on the punchlist that need fixed. This will hopefully be completed next week.
The high school roof should be started June 10th.
The gates have been installed for security.
CO Monitors - dropping for now They are not required.
The old bleachers have been removed.
Chester County Solid Waste day was a success. This could be an annual event.
Replacing a booster heater in the dishwasher in the PLC.
Did not look at the priority list at this meeting.
Will go for a 1 year extension for Servicemaster.
Still working on water treatment plant issues.
The district was reimbursed for the faculty lounge repairs.
8. Education Committee Report
Mr. Norris stated that the last Education Committee meeting was on April 22nd.
Ms. McNamara spoke about the comprehensive plan. They are re-aligning the curriculum to meet Core Standards. Fifth grade concepts will be taught in 3rd grade.
Ms. Wilson gave information on learning focused schools.
Dr. Rohrer updated the committee on structured study hall. There has been a 30-40% improvement.
Dr. Newcome talked about changes to teacher evaluations based on the Pennsylvania Value Added Assessment System (PVAAS)
Ms. Michalowski talked about inclusion. She will be visiting Unionville to see how they do it. We have a lot of flexibility to move students.
Summer reading assignments have been given out.
iPads will be rolled out in the fall. Teachers are getting training.
The Ag Expo did well for the first year.
The Mobile labs will be here for the end of the year.
Our envirothon groups participated in the Ag expo.
Going after a grant to start a science fair club.
9. Other Items/Concerns
None
10. Visitors’ Comments – General
Lois Lantz (West Fallowfield) - She understands that the athletic policies are being reviewed. She's concerned that proposed changes will impact her son. He wants to play middle school field hockey. He is currently playing with that age group in a league at USTC as the goalie. His twin sister also plays field hockey. He has the support of members of the hockey boosters, his coach, his sister and parents. She has also spoken with Jen Watson, the former HS Varsity coach. She also supports his wish. He has played soccer & football in the past and doesn't have an interest in continuing They are aware of other boys who have played on the HS team. She wanted to speak up before changes are made to the policies.
11. Administrator Comments/Announcements
Dr. Rohrer announced the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2013:
Valedictorian - Amanda Billig
Salutatorian - Meghan Miller
Ms. McNamara announced that the K-6 Spring Fair will be held on Friday at the PLC.
12. Board Comments
Dr. Newcome addressed Ms. Lantz. Mr. Bankert is researching this issue. The next policy meeting is May 20th at 6:30.
The prom was Friday evening. Proud of the students.Their behavior and demeanor was delightful. They were dressed nicely.
Board has the schedule of concerts. They have been enjoyable.
Mr. Ganow asked Dr. Rohrer to check on the HS website. A citizen mentioned to him that is was out of date (new teachers not listed, past teachers still listed).
Mr. Stoltzfus had the following brought to his attention that two students received scholarships from the Greater Philadelphia Auto Association.
Buying in bulk through the I.U. has saved member districts $1.3 million.
Mr. Ganow asked about the track. Dr. Newcome said that home meets have been held at away venues. They have been able to practice on our track.
Ms. Bowman said that some Board members had attended the academic dinner. There was an art show going on at that time. She stopped by the Prom. It was nice to see.
13. Adjournment
Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, May 13, 2013 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room
Executive Session for personnel – Monday, May 13, 2013 – Following the Work Session in the District Office Conference Room
Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, May 20, 2013 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room
Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, May 20, 2013 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room
Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, May 20, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. in the Jr. High School Multi-Purpose Room
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
Downingtown teachers deal ratified - Daily Local News 05/02/2013
Downingtown teachers deal ratified
By SARA MOSQUEDA-FERNANDEZ
smfernandez@dailylocal.com
smfernandez@dailylocal.com
Thursday, May 2,2013
EAST CALN — The Downingtown Area Educators Association and the school district board ratified a four-year contract on Wednesday, ending more than two years of negotiations.
Until the ratification, union members were working under the terms of the previous contract, which expired on Aug. 31, 2011.
The association and the school board voted separately on Wednesday. The school board’s board was unanimous, 8-0, with board member Thomas Ost-Prisco absent. The association’s vote was cast anonymously throughout the day.
“We are pleased to bring a conclusion to a lengthy negotiation process, which was hampered by the many budgetary restrictions that districts all over Pennsylvania are facing,” said Jacqueline “Jackie” Fenn, school board member and spokeswoman for the board’s negotiations committee. “The agreement we have reached is fiscally responsible given these restrictions, provides fair salary increases and benefits for our teachers, and places (the district) in excellent position to provide cutting-edge educational options for our students.”
The contract was founded upon a state-appointed fact-finder’s report that was distributed to both the school board and the association on Jan. 28, and although it was accepted by the school board in an 8-1 vote, it was ultimately rejected by union membership on Feb. 5.
The contract, which will last from Sept. 1, 2011 to Aug. 31, 2015, will include the highlights regarding salary, insurance, tuition reimbursement and job security.
The plan indicates that the salary freeze for 2011-12 will be maintained, followed by a retroactive salary increase of 2.95 percent for 2012-13, an increase of 3.20 percent for 2013-14, and a salary increase of 3.30 percent for 2014-15. All increases will include increments regarding salary position placement.
Under the plan, the average teacher would earn $71,930 by the end of the contract. Overall, even if a member does not increase their placement on the salary scale through earning a graduate, master’s, or doctorate degree, this would result in an overall 9.45 percent salary increase.
Under the new agreement, insurance offerings include:
• Personal Choice 10/20/70 (Option 1 plan) through the 2013-2014 school year, with the district funding 90 percent in 2012-13, and 88 percent in 2013-14. Option 1 will be eliminated as of June 30, 2014.
• Personal Choice 20/30/70 (Option 2) will continue to be offered to union members, with the district funding 97 percent in 2012-13, 96 percent in 2013-14, and 95 percent in 2014-15.
• Personal Choice 320 Plan (Option 3) will be made available to union members in 2013-14.The district will fund 98 percent of it in its inaugural year and 97 percent in 2014-15.
The new agreement dictates that the district will reimburse 75 percent toward permanent certification or a master’s degree program. Credits will be limited to 12 per year for teachers, and 18 per year for those on sabbatical leave.
A cap of $750,000 per year for tuition reimbursement will be effective as of Sept. 1, 2014. Should there be remaining reimbursement dollars in a given year, meaning that the cap has not been reached, the remainder of the fund would be used to reimburse on a first-come, first-served basis for coursework beyond the permanent certification or master’s degree program.
The sides also agreed that the district has the right to promote, offer and implement online instruction, with the classes provided by district teachers or instructors from other sources, at its discretion. The district will also provide training as it deems appropriate for any teacher selected to teach such courses.
Follow Daily Local News staff reporter Sara Mosqueda-Fernandez on Twitter @DailyLocalSara.
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