School Board meeting 10/21/2013

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
October 21, 2013 – 7:30 p.m.
Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room
 
AGENDA
1. Moment of Silence
2. Pledge of Allegiance 
3. Roll Call
2 Absent

4. Approval of Minutes from the Work Session of September 9, 2013 and the Regular Meeting of September 16, 2013.
Approved

5. Presentations
Before the Heroes presentation, Dr. Newcome presented Long-term Service Awards to the following Board members:

• 8 years          Lisa Bowman
• 16 years        Nelson Stoltzfus
• 16 years        Sam Ganow
• 16 years       Bob Hume

A.  Octorara Heroes 

•    Ann Donnelly
• Nick Conforti
• Spencer Fox
• Courtney Moore
• Sara Fiscus
• Brianna Balady
• Elizabeth Lapp
• Haley Fisher
• Kyle Mast
• Robert Jennings
• Jennifer Kauffman
• Dominic Lapp
• Sarah Richey
• Courtney Blake
• Eliza Brown
• Courtney Thompson
• Mandie Wendling
• Brittney Wier
• Jory Hill
• Devin Shade
• Austin Oas
• D J Evans
• Emma Hutchinson

6. Information Items
None

7. Treasurer’s Report
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the General Fund Report for period ending September 30, 2013.
Mr. Ganow gave the Treasurer's 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 Business Manager's Report.  Mr. Norris had a few questions on checks.  Mr. Carsley will research & get back to Mr. Norris
Approved.

9. Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only
None

10. Recommended Action Items:  (Italicized items are new; they were not on the October 14, 2013 agenda.)
A - V  Approved.

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the Transportation Contract between the Linville Hill Mennonite School and the Octorara Area School District for the 2013-2014 school year.


B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the school bus run by the Linville Hill Mennonite School for the 2013-2014 school year.


C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Mr. Ronald Leaman as a school bus driver employed by the Linville Hill Mennonite School for the 2013-2014 school year.


D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the student activity request for “Manga Club” at the Octorara Area Sr. High School.


E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the student activity request for “Fellowship of Christian Athletes” at the Octorara Area Sr. High School.


F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the Service Proposal not to exceed $2,300 for EHC Associates, Inc. for three year re-inspection services as required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act.


G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the revised Business Associate Agreement between the Octorara Area School District and Reschini Agency, Inc. effective October 1, 2013 due to new HIPAA regulations.


H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the revised Business Associate Agreement between the Octorara Area School District and Tri-Star Benefit Systems, Inc. effective October 1, 2013 due to new HIPAA regulations.


                  Resignation Approvals:
I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, the resignation of Ms. Shara Townsend as an instructional assistant at the Octorara Primary Learning Center effective September 20, 2013.  (Hired August 29, 2005)


J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, the resignation of Ms. Beth Ciccone as a Health and Physical Education teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center and Intermediate School effective November 8, 2013. (Hired August 20, 2008)


                    Hiring Approvals: 
K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Lisa Hillman as a long term substitute fourth grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School from September 24, 2013 through February 14, 2014. Ms. Hillman’s salary will be $49,141 pro-rated which is Step 18 to MAX of the Bachelor’s Scale. (Ms. Hillman is currently on the approved sub list and is replacing a medical leave.)


L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Dorothy Lomboy as  a lunchroom/playground supervisor at the Octorara Intermediate School effective September 23, 2013 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Ms. Lomboy’s rate will be $8.75 per hour for three hours per day. 


M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Christine Johnson as  an instructional assistant at the Octorara Primary Learning Center effective September 30, 2013 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Ms. Johnson’s rate will be $11.65 per hour for 5.75 hours per day. (Replacing Shara Townsend who resigned.)


N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Jodi Johnson as  a long term substitute instructional assistant at the Octorara Elementary School for the 2013-2014 school year effective September 19, 2013 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Ms. Johnson’s rate will be $11.65 per hour for 5.75 hours per day. (Replacing Trent Zook who is substitute teaching.)


O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Dawn Kimberling as a Title I math assistant at the Octorara Intermediate School September 20, 2013 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Ms. Kimberling’s rate will be $11.65 per hour for 5.75 hours per day. (Replacing Stacey Hoopes who resigned.)


P. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Elizabeth Schlegel as an instructional assistant at the Octorara Intermediate School effective September 19, 2013 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Ms. Schlegel’s rate will be $11.65 per hour for 5.75 hours per day. (Replacing Amy Ellsworth who resigned.)


Q. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Diane Hery as a cafeteria team leader at the Octorara Elementary School effective October 1, 2013.  Ms. Hery’s rate will be $10.00 per hour for three hours per day.  (Replacing Gloria Stoltzfus who retired.) 


R. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teachers for the 2013-2014 school year:

 Christine Johnson, Elementary, ESL

S. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute support staff for the 2013-2014 school year:

  April Bibey, Cafeteria
  Dorothy Lomboy, Instructional Assistant
  Genevieve Dolan, Cafeteria
  Stephanie Halsey, Cafeteria
  Kristina Thompson, General Support
  
T. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following supplemental contracts for the 2013-2014 school year:

Kevin Noon  Mentor Lisa Hillman  1 pt  @ $600  $   600
Ashley Brennan  Mentor Joan Agen  2 pts @ $600  $1,200
Emily Landers   7th Grade Field Hockey Coach  4 pts @ $600  $2,400
Tara Pitts  Honor Society Advisor  2 pts @ $600  $1,200
 (Note: Ms. Pitts was previously approved as Honor Society Advisor at two points.  This is typically a four point split position. Ms. Pitts is sole advisor this year due to the co-advisor being on child rearing leave.)

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

Ashley Ayers  From B+15 ($51,719) to M ($53,642)  Step 17 to MAX
Jennifer John  From M+15 ($58,707) to M+30 ($60,919)  Step 17 to MAX
Candice Schwien  From B ($49,441) to B+15 ($51,719)  Step 17 to MAX

V. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Frances Propper’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from approximately March 4, 2014 through June 2, 2014 and an additional unpaid leave of absence from June 3, 2014 through the close of the 2013-2014  school year.  Ms. Propper is an emotional support teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center, Elementary, Intermediate, and Jr. High Schools.


W. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Mr. Thomas Stern as Event Security pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Mr. Stern’s rate will be $50 per event. 

Mr. Ganow noted that he thought the District was using Signal 88 for security.  Dr. Newcome said that for large events there is a combination of Signal 88 and internal staff.  For smaller events, there is just internal staff.  Mr. Stern is a substitute teacher who will be part of the internal staff for event security.

Approved

X. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Krista Lease as a Teacher on Special Assignment from October 28, 2013 to December 20, 2013 (37 days).  Ms. Lease will assume the day to day responsibilities for Ms. McNamara who will be on medical leave.  She will receive a stipend of $100 per day for a total of $3.700. 
Approved

Y. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the agreement between the Octorara Area School District and the parents of student “A” to attend the Concept School.
Approved.

11. Policy Committee Report
Mr. Ganow said that the committee started review of Policies 801 (Public Records) and 806 (Required Reports of Child Abuse by School Employee).   Both should be ready for 1st reading next month.

12. Finance Committee Report
In Ms. Johnson's absence, Mr. Ganow gave the Finance Committee Report. 
They received a report on the annual audit.  It is complete and there will be a presentation on Nov. 18th.

The district needs to bond the tax collector for $ 1 million.

Reviewed report on tax appeal.

Fund Balance assessment.

Budget timeline - may opt out of exemptions

13. I.U./C.A.T. Board Representative’s Report
Mr. Stoltzfus sent the report to the Board.  They are starting their budget & upcoming teacher negotiations.

14. Old Business
None

15. New Business 
None

16. Other Items and Announcements
None

17. Visitors’ Comments – General
None

18. Administrator Comments/Announcements
Dr. Rohrer gave an update on Team O - pull community w/ district - They are developing plans to work on. 

3 Topics:
Attendance
Drugs/Alcohol
Bullying

The 30-40 people who are currently involved have been broken down into 3 committees for the 3 topics.

Rachel's Challenge assemblies this week.  For more info: http://www.rachelschallenge.org/

Lydia Lions reported that some Student Council members attended a conference where one topic they were excited about concerned growing vegetables to be used in the cafeteria.  Lydia made them aware that Octorara already does this.

Dr. Newcome looked into Run for Education that Mr. Norris asked about last week.  He said that it is similar to something that is already done here to help fund sports.  

Reminder that an Education Committee meeting will be held next week.  Parents invited to come hear about drilling down into the annual report; learn about Learning Focused Schools and School Performance Profiles.  The meeting will be held in the Jr. High multipurpose room.

The Holiday Food Drive will look a little different this year.  Instead of meals for Thanksgiving being delivered from the school, the school is working with local agencies/Food Bank.  Families will register w/ the food bank.  This will hopefully help with sustainability throughout the whole year, not just the holidays.
19. Board Comments
Ms. Bowman gave a Right To Know update.  A timeline was developed.   See link:   http://octorara.k12.pa.us/cms/lib07/PA01916570/Centricity/Domain/46/Office%20of%20Open%20Records.Alexander%20Doc.%20102113.pdf

Mr. Norris asked what this has cost the District so far.   $5,500.

Mr. Norris said he spoke with a teacher who teaches in the Pequea School District.  They have done Learning Focused Schools for 8 - 10 years and loves it.  He hopes that our staff gives it a chance.

Mr. Ganow is interested in comparing our legal fees to other area districts.  He'd like to see something on legal fees as a percentage of expenses or per student.

20. Adjournment


Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, October 21, 2013 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, October 21, 2013 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Executive Session for personnel– Monday, October 21, 2013 – Following the Regular Meeting in the District Office Conference Room

Education Committee Meeting – Monday, October 28, 2013 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

 Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, November 11, 2013 – 6:30 p.m. in the  District  Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Work Session – Monday, November 11, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. in the Jr. High School Multi-Purpose Room

Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, November 18, 2013 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, November 18, 2013 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, November 18, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. in the Jr. High School Multi-Purpose Room

Education Committee Meeting – Monday, November 25, 2013 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room