GREATER JOHNSTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT REGULAR BOARD MEETING October 3, Minutes

Transcription

1 GREATER JOHNSTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT REGULAR BOARD MEETING October 3, 2017 Minutes The of the Greater Johnstown Board of School Directors was held on Tuesday, October 3, 2017, at the District Administrative Office. The meeting was called to order by Vice President, Eugene Pentz, at 7:30 p.m. Those present were: Mr. Vincent Arcurio, Mr. Thomas C. Dadey, Mr. Edwin J. Mikesic, Mr. Jason Moore, Mrs. Kimberly Murray, Mr. Eugene Pentz, and Mr. Daniel Tomak. Those absent were: Ms. Cynthia Ahlborn (family member illness) and Mr. John Berzinsky (prior commitment). Others present were: Michael Vuckovich, Attorney John Kuzmiak, Amy Arcurio, Brian Bambino, Bernard Conway, Michael Dadey, Amie Lumadue, Kimberly Moore, David Trotz, Justin Zahorchak, Ronald Fisher, from the Tribune Democrat, Rachel Logan, from Our Town, and representatives from WJAC-TV and WTAJ-TV. The Opening Prayer was offered by Eugene Pentz, to those who wished to participate, and also led the Pledge of Allegiance. At this time, Attorney John J. Kuzmiak publicly read a statement with regard to the District s position on suicide prevention. A copy of the statement is attached. HEARING OF CITIZENS At this time, Eugene Pentz announced that individuals will have three minutes to discuss their topics, no derogatory remarks shall be made against Board Members, Board Officials, and employees, or their remaining time will be forfeited, and no swearing. If an individual needs additional time, they are to contact the Superintendent s Secretary to schedule an appointment. 1. Johanna Boratko, 380 Beatrice Avenue Mrs. Boratko addressed the comment on Facebook made by the Board President regarding the McNally Bridge and suicide. She indicated that as of this date, 1,213 signatures have been posted requesting the resignation of Ms. Ahlborn from the Board.

2 October 3, 2017 Page 2 2. John DeBartola, 1197 Bedford Street Mr. DeBartola addressed the following: a. Does not agree with the District s Hearing of Citizens procedures, but will let the Court decide. As well, he does not agree with having to wait for the Committee Meeting to begin in the lobby. b. A Lawsuit has been filed regarding the comment by the Board President on Facebook regarding suicide. He stated her apology was not enough, and called for her resignation from the Board. 3. Ruben Dutton, 45 Oakhurst Homes Mr. Dutton addressed the following: a. The dismissal of children at the elementary school, whereby bus drivers are provided with a list of children who are to be transported on their respective buses, noting those children who would not be on the bus at dismissal time. b. Thanked his child s teachers for providing a caring and quality educational program. 4. Robin Kmetz, 125 Spring Street Mrs. Kmetz addressed the seriousness of the alleged incident regarding a security guard and a student at the Middle School during the School Year. She also stated that it was reported that a girl was molested at the High School. She suggested that an assembly be held regarding sexual assault. 5. Terry Smith, 410 Park Avenue Mrs. Smith addressed bullying within the District and stated that parents are afraid to talk with staff due to a lack of trust, and what can be done to make a better connection with staff to deal with issues. 6. Saki Taranto, 426 Park Avenue Mrs. Taranto addressed communication between parents and the District, whereby parents feel they can talk with teachers. 7. Milissa Teeter, 161 Sheridan Street Mrs. Teeter addressed the Facebook comment made by the Board President regarding suicide. She stated that the comment was not posted on a private page and that she shared the comment. She stated that Ms. Ahlborn s apology was not sincere.

3 October 3, 2017 Page 3 APPROVAL OF AGENDA Edwin J. Mikesic moved to approve the October 3, 2017 Agenda. The motion was seconded by Thomas C. Dadey, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Vincent Arcurio moved to approve the Minutes of the September 5, 2017 Regular Committee and Board Meetings. The motion was seconded by Thomas C. Dadey, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. Daniel Tomak moved to approve the Minutes of the September 14, 2017 Special Board Meeting. The motion was seconded by Edwin J. Mikesic, and upon being put to a Roll Call vote, passed, the vote being polled as follows: five ayes (Arcurio, Mikesic, Moore, Pentz, and Tomak) and two abstentions (Dadey and Murray). PRESIDENT S REPORT - A report was not presented. INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT S REPORT A report was not presented. BOARD SECRETARY S REPORT/CORRESPONDENCE Debra Crowder announced the following Executive Sessions: 1. Prior to the Committee Meeting (October 3, 2017), 5:15 6:00 p.m. a. Cambria County Court of Common Pleas Civil Action Petition, No b. Cambria County Court of Common Pleas Civil Action Case, No c. Personnel matters regarding five professional staff employees, two Act 93 Employees, and two Support Staff Employees d. Contractual matter regarding the Teachers Contract e. Legal matters regarding the Fair Funding Lawsuit and two Freedom of Speech Lawsuits f. Potential litigation

4 October 3, 2017 Page 4 2. Prior to the Board Meeting (October 3, 2017), 6:45-7:05 p.m. a. Personnel matters regarding the candidates for the positions listed on the agenda b. Contractual matter regarding the Teachers Contract SOLICITOR S REPORT Attorney Kuzmiak stated that only District residents or taxpayers qualify to speak during Hearing Citizens. TREASURER S REPORT Debra Crowder, on behalf of the Treasurer, presented the Treasurer s Report for August Vincent Arcurio moved to approve the Treasurer s Report. The motion was seconded by Kimberly Murray, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. BUILDINGS AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Edwin J. Mikesic moved that: The General Fund Bills (Buildings & Operations), as budgeted for the School Year be approved as submitted, subject to the final audit. (BO-17-17) VOUCHER AMOUNT WARRANT NUMBER(S) 677 $ TOTAL $27.00 The following school district building be used as a polling site for the Municipal Election, to be held on November 7, (BO-18-17) City of Johnstown: Seventh Ward No. 2 Johnstown Middle School 220 Messenger Street Johnstown, PA The motion was seconded by Thomas C. Dadey, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (BO-17 and 18-17)

5 October 3, 2017 Page 5 Daniel Tomak moved that the District be authorized to purchase a 2017 Ford pick-up truck, with plow, bedliner and rust proofing, from Suppes Ford, at the total cost of $31,990.00, using the Costars Contract Program. The motion was seconded by Thomas C. Dadey, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (BO-19-17) Thomas C. Dadey moved that the District be authorized to purchase a 2018 Ford, 10-passenger van, from Suppes Ford, at the total cost of $27,025.00, using the Costars Contract Program. The motion was seconded by Kimberly Murray, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (BO-20-17) Jason Moore moved that LTM Paving be award the bid to patch potholes at the Johnstown Elementary School, located at 196 Westgate Drive, at the cost of $4, The motion was seconded by Vincent Arcurio, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (BO-21-17) Jason Moore moved that LTM Paving be awarded the bid to patch potholes at the Johnstown Middle School, located at 220 Messenger Street, at the cost of $4, The motion was seconded by Thomas C. Dadey, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (BO-22-17) Edwin J. Mikesic moved that LTM Paving be award the bid to patch potholes at the Johnstown High School, located at 222 Central Avenue, at the cost of $ The motion was seconded by Kimberly Murray, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (BO-23-17) Daniel Tomak moved that Jerry Thomas, PLS, be awarded the bid to provide the District with a survey of the Johnstown Elementary School property, located at 196 Westgate Drive, at the cost of $5,000. The motion was seconded by Edwin J. Mikesic, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (BO-24-17) Motions BO-21, 22, 23, and were revised as read to include award the bid and delete permitted.

6 October 3, 2017 Page 6 CAFETERIA COMMITTEE Vincent Arcurio moved that: The Cafeteria Bills, as budgeted for the School Year be approved as submitted, subject to the final audit. (C-5-17) VOUCHER AMOUNT WARRANT NUMBER(S) 673 $ , As Listed TOTAL $49, The Contract to Sell or Purchase Meals, by the Greater Johnstown School District, with the Cambria County Child Development Corporation, during the School Year at $1.55 per lunch meal, be approved for the following sites. (C-6-17) Building Blocks Learning Center 222 Central Avenue Johnstown, PA The Contract to Sell or Purchase Meals, by the Greater Johnstown School District, with the Alternative Community Resource Program, during the School Year at $2.00 per supper meal, be approved for the following sites. (C-7-17) ACRP St. Michael s 188 Gilbert Street Johnstown, PA ACRP Alternative School 317 Power Street Johnstown, PA The motion was seconded by Thomas C. Dadey, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (C-5, 6, and 7-17)

7 October 3, 2017 Page 7 EDUCATION COMMITTEE Mr. Moore chaired this committee in the absence of Mr. Berzinsky. Thomas C. Dadey moved that the General Fund Bills, as budgeted for the School Year be approved as submitted, subject to the final audit. VOUCHER AMOUNT WARRANT NUMBER(S) 676 $ 88, As Listed , , & SUB-TOTAL $154, The motion was seconded by Daniel Tomak, and upon being put to a Roll Call vote, passed, the vote being polled as follows: five ayes (Dadey, Mikesic, Murray, Pentz, and Tomak) and two abstentions (Arcurio and Moore Both stated their abstention votes were due to a family conflict. Their Record of Abstention Votes forms are attached.) (E-66-17) Edwin J. Mikesic moved that: The Independent Study request, between the Greater Johnstown School District and one Grade 12 student, be approved. (E-67-17) Student ID Number Course(s) Ethnic Studies The Sub-recipient Letter of Agreement, between the District and Lancaster- Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13, to collaborate the administration of the Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Project (OTDA), effective during the School Year, be approved. (E-68-17) The Letter of Agreement, between the District, Megallan Healthcare, and Cambria County Behavioral Health/Intellectual Disabilities Program, effective July 1, 2017, be approved. (E-69-17) The Contract, between the District and MedVan Transport, to provide transportation to designated students, effective August 28, 2017 through June 30, 2018, be approved. (E-70-17)

8 October 3, 2017 Page 8 The following Parent and Family Engagement Plans, effective during the School Year, be approved. (E-71-17) A. Johnstown School District B. Johnstown Elementary School C. Johnstown Middle School D. Non-Public The following Board Policy be approved, and the reading waived for the first review. (E-72-17) No. 304 Employment of District Staff and Contracted Employees Amendment 1 to the Letter of Agreement, between the District and the Berks County Intermediate Unit, extending the term of the Community Innovation Zone Grant through June 30, 2018, be approved. (E-73-17) The revised bus routes, as submitted by McIlwain School Bus Lines, Inc., be accepted. (E-74-17) Cindy O Connor, of Goodwill Industries of Southern Alleghenies, be appointed to the Act 48 Committee, as the Community Business Representative. (E-75-17) The motion was seconded by Kimberly Murray, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (E-67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75-17) Vincent Arcurio moved that the following conference requests be approved: A. Nancy Behe (0) Not Mandatory State Board Industry Meeting Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - October 10, 2017 Approximate Cost: $ B. Amy Arcurio (0) Mandatory 2017 PSBS School Leadership Conference Hershey, Pennsylvania - October 18-20, 2017 Approximate Cost: $1, C. Diane DiPaolo (0) Not Mandatory MTSS Implementer s Forum - STEM Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - October 17-19, 2017 Approximate Cost: $255.00

9 October 3, 2017 Page 9 D. Ian Cunningham (0) Not Mandatory MTSS Implementer s Forum - STEM Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - October 17-19, 2017 Approximate Cost: $ E. Karin Penrose (0) Not Mandatory MTSS Implementer s Forum - STEM Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - October 17-19, 2017 Approximate Cost: $ F. Bill Bassett (0) Not Mandatory MTSS Implementer s Forum - STEM Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - October 17-19, 2017 Approximate Cost: $ G. Laura Kniss (0) Not Mandatory MTSS Implementer s Forum - STEM Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - October 17-19, 2017 Approximate Cost: $ H. Edwin Mikesic(0) Not Mandatory MTSS Implementer s Forum - STEM Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - October 17-19, 2017 Approximate Cost: $ The motion was seconded by Daniel Tomak, and upon being put to a Roll Call vote, passed, the vote being polled as follows: five ayes (Dadey, Moore, Murray, Pentz, and Tomak) and two abstentions (Arcurio and Mikesic Both stated their abstention votes were due to a family conflict. Their Record of Abstention Votes forms are attached.) (E-76-17) PERSONNEL AND NEGOTIATIONS COMMITTEE Mr. Pentz chaired this committee in the absence of Ms. Ahlborn. Kimberly Murray moved that Lindsey Miller be appointed to the position of School Psychologist, contingent upon the Personnel Office receiving all necessary payroll forms and clearance documents, with no violations noted, prior to employment with the District, per the Administrative Compensation Plan, at a salary of $58,500, effective date to be determined by the Administration. The motion was seconded by Jason Moore, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (PN-88-17)

10 October 3, 2017 Page 10 Edwin J. Mikesic moved that Tammy Moberley be appointed to the position of Substitute for Temporary Vacancy of Science Teacher, at Johnstown High School, contingent upon the Personnel Office receiving all necessary payroll forms and clearance documents, with no violations noted, prior to employment with the District, as per the Teachers Contract, effective date to be determined by the Administration. The motion was seconded by Kimberly Murray, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (PN-88-17) Kimberly Murray moved that: The Intermittent Family Medical Leave Request, of Employee No. 1116, during the School Year, effective from the first date of absence through twelve weeks, be approved. (PN-89-17) The resignation of Darren Buchko, from the supplemental position of District Website Manager/Photographer, effective September 25, 2017, be accepted and the Administration be authorized to eliminated the position. (PN-90-17) The Contract of Theresa Subich, Student Information Coordinator, be renewed for a three-year term, effective October 10, 2017 through October 9, 2020, and the attached contract be approved. (PN-91-17) The Contract Amendment Agreement, between the District and Ignite Education Solutions, nurse substitute rate of $95 per day and teacher substitute rates increase after 20th day-21st day from $85 to $95, be approved. (PN-92-17) The updated job description for Paraprofessional staff, be approved. (PN-93-17) The Early Retirement Incentive Agreement, between the District and Mr. Randy Romesberg, Director of Physical Plant, be approved. (PN-94-17) The position of Title IX Coordinator and Athletic Transportation Coordinator, be created, at the annual stipend of $5,000.00, the job description be approved and the Administration be authorized to post and, if necessary, advertise the position. (PN-95-17) The position of Substitute for Temporary Vacancy Kindergarten Teacher, be created and the Administration be authorized to post and, if necessary, advertise the vacancy. (PN-97-17) The motion was seconded by Vincent Arcurio, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (PN-89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, and 97-17)

11 October 3, 2017 Page 11 The following motion was not addressed: PN That the Memorandum of Understanding, between the District and the Greater Johnstown Education Association, be approved. See Attachment # PN-6. Kimberly Murray moved that: The Contract, between the District and Ignite Education Solutions, be provide a school psychologist, on an as needed basis for the school year, be approved. (PN-98-17) The Intermittent Family Medical Leave Request, of Employee No. 2280, during the School Year, effective from the first date of absence through twelve weeks, be approved. (PN-99-17) The resignation of Susan Heslop, Teacher Aide in the areas of Emotional Support/Life Skills at West Side Elementary School, be accepted effective October 13, 2017, and the Administration be authorized to eliminate the position. (PN ) The position of Paraprofessional - Special Education/Regular Education/ Personal Care Assistant at Johnstown Elementary School, be created and the Administration be authorized to post and, if necessary, advertise the vacancy. (PN ) The motion was seconded by Jason Moore, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (PN-98, 99, 100, and ) Edwin J. Mikesic moved that Joseph Solich be appointed to the position of Paraprofessional - Special Education/Regular Education/Personal Care Assistant (JES), contingent upon the Personnel Office receiving all necessary payroll forms and clearance documents, with no violations noted, prior to employment with the District, per the Support Staff Contract, effective date to be determined by the Administration. The motion was seconded by Jason Moore, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (PN )

12 October 3, 2017 Page 12 ATHLETIC AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE Mr. Dadey chaired this committee. Daniel Tomak moved that the Athletic Bills, as budgeted for the School Year be approved as submitted, subject to the final audit. VOUCHER AMOUNT WARRANT NUMBER(S) 676 $ As Listed As Listed , & , , As Listed , As Listed SUB-TOTAL $18, The motion was seconded by Edwin J. Mikesic, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (AS-12-17) BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE Edwin J. Mikesic moved that the General Fund Bills, as budgeted for the and the School Years be approved as submitted, subject to the final audit. GENERAL FUND AP VOUCHER AMOUNT WARRANT NUMBER(S) 675 $ 1, , As Listed , As Listed 678 3, As Listed , (16-17) 5, , As Listed , As Listed SUB-TOTAL 1,021, GENERAL FUND CONFERENCE & MILEAGE VOUCHER AMOUNT WARRANT NUMBER(S) 674 (16-17) , & SUB-TOTAL

13 October 3, 2017 Page 13 GENERAL FUND YMCA VOUCHER AMOUNT WARRANT NUMBER(S) 677 8, , SUB-TOTAL 16, TOTAL $1,038, FUND 89 INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM VOUCHER AMOUNT WARRANT NUMBER(S) 685 $1, & TOTAL $1, The motion was seconded by Daniel Tomak, and upon being put to a Roll Call vote, passed, the vote being polled as follows: six ayes (Dadey, Mikesic, Moore, Murray, Pentz, and Tomak) and one abstention (Arcurio Mr. Arcurio stated that his abstention vote was due to a family conflict. His Record of Abstention Votes form is attached). (BF-18-17) Vincent Arcurio moved that: The following budget transfers be approved as listed below, per School Code. (BF-19-17) Building Budget(s): IDEA Grant Budget Transfer Amount: 646, Reason: Revised budget- to include actual grant budget amounts in GJSD budget. Building Budget(s): Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness to Transfer Amount: 3, Reason: Revised budget- to include actual grant budget amounts in GJSD budget.

14 October 3, 2017 Page 14 The following refund(s) for overpayment of School Real Estate Taxes be approved. (BF-20-17) A. For Lower Yoder Township Property: Bill# 1014 Richard & Nancy Bender (*prior owner s name on bill-charles Maley) 101 Matley Court Johnstown, PA Refund Amount: $ Reason: Richard & Nancy Bender purchased the property from Charles Mley. His name is still listed on the bill because the courthouse has not corrected the names, yet. The Bender s paid the property tax in the amount of $ (cash). Their mortgage company also paid the same amount. The Bender s are requesting the refund. B. For Lower Yoder Township Property: Bill# 559 Rudolph K. Harris 161 Norton Road Johnstown, PA Refund Amount: $ Reason: Rudolph K. Harris paid his property taxes in the amount of $ (cash). His mortgage company also paid the same amount. Mr. Harris is requesting the refund. C. For Stoneycreek Township Property: Bill# 890 Slovenian Savings & Loan Association Escrow Amount 512 Central Avenue Johnstown, PA Refund Amount: $ Reason: Slovenian Savings & Loan Assoc., James Mayerscik s mortgage company, paid his property taxes in the amount of $ He also paid the same amount Slovenian Savings & Loan Assoc. is requesting the refund. D. For Stoneycreek Township Property: Bill# 903 Kurt R. Nilson Attorney at Law-Escrow 1397 Eisenhower Blvd. Richland Square III, Suite 304 Johnstown, PA Refund Amount: $ Reason: Kurt R. Nilson, Attorney at Law-Escrow, Jonathan McConville s mortgage company, paid his property taxes in the amount of $ (without the Homestead Act). Jonathan also paid the same amount. Kurt R. Nilson is requesting the refund.

15 October 3, 2017 Page 15 E. For City Property: Bills# , 09969, 09970, 09971, 09972, William T. Hindman III & Prudence 173 Sons of Italy Road Johnstown, PA Refund Amount: $1, Reason: Assessment lowered. Refund to be paid to taxpayer. F. For City Property: Bill# Robert Semonick & Richard Cogley P.O. Box 382 Johnstown, PA Refund Amount: $ Reason: Assessment lowered. Refund to be paid to taxpayer. G. For City Property: Bill# Our Solutions Inc. 466 Strayer Street Johnstown, PA Refund Amount: $ Reason: Assessment lowered. Refund to be paid to taxpayer. H. For City Property: Bill# Beverly J. Busch 138 Spring Street P.O. Box 237 Robinson, PA Refund Amount: $ Reason: Assessment lowered. Refund to be paid to taxpayer. I. For City Property: Bill# Cambria Community Development Corporation 401 Candlelight Dr. Suite 209 Ebensburg, PA Refund Amount: $ Reason: Assessment lowered. Refund to be paid to taxpayer. J. For City Property: Bill# David K. Fetchko 713R Forest Ave. Johnstown, PA Refund Amount: $ Reason: Assessment lowered. Refund to be paid to taxpayer.

16 October 3, 2017 Page 16 K. For City Property: Bill# Lira L. J. Pridgen & Beverly A. 122 Patrick Drive Johnstown, PA Refund Amount: $ Reason: Assessment lowered. Refund to be paid to taxpayer. L. For City Property: Tax Parcel # Loreta Duerod 639 Wood Street Johnstown, PA Refund Amount: $ Reason: Refund of 2016 School Real Estate Taxes because the Homestead was improperly removed from the tax bill. The notice of proposed sale of realty owned by the Tax Claim Bureau as Trustee Grantor be approved on the following. (BF-21-17) OWNER: MUNICIPALITY CONTROL # DESCRIPTION: BID: McGowan, Richard E. 6 th Ward City x 63 H $ Sheehan, Mark A. 7 th Ward City x 120 2H $ Wozniak, Karen M. 8 th Ward City x 80 H $ Powell, Jordyn & 17 th Ward City x 120 H $ Alvarado, Loraine Edelmann, Jane Marie 18 th Ward City x 127 H $ O Donnell, William & 18 th Ward City x 130 H $ Bender, Joan M. Christ, Catherine A. 20 th Ward City x 117 H $ Rhodes, Charlotte L. & 21 st Ward City x 150 H $ William The motion was seconded by Edwin J. Mikesic, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (BF-19, 20, and 21-17) Vincent Arcurio moved that the Settlement Agreement with Gap Vax, which establishes the Market Value at $2.5 million, be approved. The motion was seconded by Kimberly Murray, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. (BF-22-17)

17 October 3, 2017 Page 17 ADJOURNMENT Thomas C. Dadey moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 p.m. The motion was seconded by Kimberly Murray, and upon being put to a vote, passed, the vote being polled as all ayes. Debra A. Crowder Board Secretary Eugene Pentz, Board Vice President Date Approved:

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