MARS AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 9, 2013

Transcription

1 MARS AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 9, 2013 A board meeting of the Board of Directors of the Mars Area School District was held at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 in the board room of the Administration Office. Present for the meeting were board members Rebecca Brown, Rita Dorsch, Jane Dunn, Dayle Ferguson, John Kennedy, Gordon Marburger, (Mr. Marburger arrived at 7:36 PM), Ross McConnell, Christine Valenta, Bonnie Weaver, Board Secretary, Jill Swaney and attorney Thomas W. King III of Dillon McCandless King Coulter & Graham, L.L.P. Also present were Dr. William G. Pettigrew, Josh Schwoebel, Secretary to the Superintendent, Kate Rich, two members of the press, various Mars Area School District staff and members of the public. ROLL CALL Roll call at 7:01 P.M. showed eight (8) board members present and one (1) board member absent. PERSONS WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE BOARD Dr. Pettigrew requested a closed executive session to discuss personnel issues. The board convened into a closed session at 7:02 P.M. The board meeting was called back to order at 7:25 P.M. Anthony Ditka from Dinsmore and Shohl, bond counsel for the school district, was introduced. Mr. Ditka is here to present a refunding analysis, which was prepared by Scott Shearer of Public Financial Management. The analysis proposes refunding the district s existing debt with lower borrowing rates, resulting in a reduction of payments in debt service. This refinancing would provide budgetary relief to the district. If the school board wishes to proceed, an advertisement would be run in May and targets would be established for the refinancing. Ms. Ferguson entertained a motion to authorize Public Financial Management and Dinsmore and Shohl to proceed with a parameters resolution for refunding. A motion was then made by Ms. Dunn and seconded by Ms. Dorsch to authorize Public Financial Management and Dinsmore and Shohl to proceed with a parameters resolution for refunding. With Ms. Brown, Ms. Dorsch, Ms. Dunn, Ms. Ferguson, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Marburger, Mr. McConnell, Ms. Ms. Ferguson provided an update on the superintendent interviews. The first interviews were conducted on April 5 th and April 6 th. The board is trying to balance a resume and also find a cultural fit for the school district. A smaller group of candidates have been invited back for a second interview. After the second interview, the board will narrow the search to two candidates. The board hopes to choose a successor in early May. Ms. Ferguson encouraged the public to check the district website in the interim for updates. It was noted that the Board Retreat was held on Saturday, April 6 th. Dr. Pettigrew, Matthew Friedman and Jill Swaney met with the board as well. The purpose of the retreat is to reflect, evaluate and discuss various topics of public education and the school district. No decisions are made at the retreat. Ms. Ferguson also noted that history was made in Mars Area School District; the boys varsity lacrosse team held their first game and had their first victory. It was a big win and the board is pleased to welcome the team and their first success on the field. In addition to this news, it is board member Ross McConnell s birthday!

2 Page 2 of 5 MINUTES A motion was made by Mr. McConnell and seconded by Ms. Brown to approve the Minutes of the Work Session Meeting of March 12, 2013, the Finance Committee Meeting of March 19, 2013 and the Board Meeting of March 19, With Ms. Brown, Ms. Dorsch, Ms. Dunn, Ms. Ferguson, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Marburger, Mr. McConnell, Ms. PERSONNEL A motion was made by Ms. Valenta and seconded by Ms. Brown to: Approve the request of Melissa M. Strom (Mathematics High School) for Child Bearing/Rearing Leave tentatively scheduled to begin June 15, 2013 to the first day of the school year, as per the provisions in the Agreement between the Mars Area School District and the Mars Area Education Association dated July 1, 2012 through June 30, Ms. Strom will utilize sick days, personal days and unpaid leave. Pending the receipt of the necessary paperwork, approve Thomas Crummie for a full-time Head Custodian position at the Mars Area Primary Center effective April 10, Accept the resignation of Karen Frantz (Nurse Paraprofessional) effective April 9, Approve the following day-to-day substitute teacher at the pay scale approved at the 7/21/09 board meeting: Valerie McAnallen Health and Physical Education. Approve the following day-to-day substitute support personnel at the rate of pay indicated: Theodora Zika Substitute Secretary - $9.85/Hr. Remove the following day-to-day substitute support personnel from the calling list: Lynne Christy Substitute Paraprofessional. FINANCE A motion was made by Ms. Brown and seconded by Ms. Dunn to: Approve the Payables List Bills to be paid in April Approve the Treasurer s Report for February Approve the Cash Receipts Report for February Approve the Payables List Bills paid in February 2013 (Check #37084 through Check #37210). A motion was made by Ms. Brown and seconded by Ms. Valenta to approve the A. J. Myers Payables List for February A roll call vote was taken and with Ms. Brown, Ms. Dorsch, Ms. Dunn, Ms. Ferguson, Mr. Kennedy, Ms. Mr. Marburger and Mr. McConnell abstained from voting.

3 Page 3 of 5 A motion was made by Ms. Dorsch and seconded by Ms. Brown to: Approve the Account Summary Report for the Revenue Account and Expenditure Account for February Approve the Construction Fund Disbursements for February Approve the Mars Area High School Athletics Reports for December 2012 and January and February Approve the Student Activity Fund Reports for February 2013 for the Mars Area High School and Middle School. Approve issuing Request for Proposals for substitute teacher services effective the school year. Approve the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV Consortium for Title I and Title II/A Improving Teacher Quality for the school year, as presented. Dr. Pettigrew reviewed Finance item #1 on Addendum #1. This is an initiative for each high school student, beginning with the school year, to have a laptop computer and for each staff member to have an updated laptop similar to the students. This initiative will take the district further into the 21 st century. It is the hope of the district to eventually phase out textbooks and writings and access material via a computer. Dr. Pettigrew believes this is a positive change in productivity for the Mars Area School District. Ms. Ferguson noted that a great amount of research has been done on this project and the district is excited to bring this technology to the high school. Dr. Pettigrew said that the project has been approximately two years in the making. A three-year leasing agreement is being proposed due to how technology continues to change and advance each year. A motion was then made by Ms. Brown and seconded by Ms. Dunn to approve the leasing of 1,150 student and 75 staff laptop computers for the Mars Area High School 1:1 Program beginning the school year, pending solicitor approval of the Lease Agreement with Lenova Financial Services and the Student and Employee Laptop Guidelines. The annual cost of the three (3) year Lease program shall not exceed $280,000. A roll call vote was taken and with Ms. Brown, Ms. Dorsch, Ms. Dunn, Ms. Ferguson, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Marburger, Mr. McConnell, Ms. Dr. Pettigrew reviewed Finance item #2 on Addendum #1. The district is reformatting the current work order program and is changing the use of facilities scheduling. Currently there is a lot of paperwork involved in scheduling events in the district. In the next school year, a person will be able to access the district website and obtain the costs to rent a facility in the district and the various requirements involved in renting. This program will save time and will make scheduling more efficient. A motion was then made by Mr. McConnell and seconded by Ms. Brown to approve the purchase of a Facilities and Work Order scheduling program from rschool Today at a cost of $6,990, plus training. With Ms. Brown, Ms. Dorsch, Ms. Dunn, Ms. Ferguson, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Marburger, Mr. McConnell, Ms. Valenta and Ms. Weaver voting aye the motion carried.

4 Page 4 of 5 PROGRAMS A motion was made by Ms. Dunn and seconded by Ms. Brown to approve the attendance of Tammi Redmond (High School Band Director) and two (2) students to the State Band scheduled April 17-20, 2013 in Erie, PA. The total estimated cost to the school district for registration and lodging is $1, With Ms. Brown, Ms. Dorsch, Ms. Dunn, Ms. Ferguson, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Marburger, Mr. McConnell, Ms. Valenta and Ms. Weaver voting aye the motion carried. POLICIES A motion was made by Ms. Valenta and seconded by Ms. Dunn to approve the posting of revised Policy No. 709, Attendance, as presented. With Ms. Brown, Ms. Dorsch, Ms. Dunn, Ms. Ferguson, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Marburger, Mr. McConnell, Ms. DISCUSSION/COMMENTS Board member Rebecca Brown updated the board on the last Clarence Brown Community School meeting. The treasurer s report and list of bills were approved and a list for capital projects is to be compiled for budgeting purposes. The Clarence Brown principal noted that the first round of PSSA testing is completed, along with the Keystone Exams. The current curriculum and common core standards are being reviewed. During the first part of April there were various activities for the students to participate in; such as a science project for students in K through 5 in which chicken eggs will be hatched in incubators provided by the 4H club. Board member Gordon Marburger updated the board on the last Butler County Area Vocational Technical School meeting. The budget for the school was approved. This year 890 achievement certificates were awarded to students. Normally these certificates are not received until the student is enrolled in a specific technical school. Board President Dayle Ferguson updated the board on the last Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV meeting. The Intermediate Unit met in a closed session and also held a public meeting. The board members of the Intermediate Unit placed the Executive Director on paid executive leave and the Human Resources Director has been temporarily placed in charge. The specifics of the leave cannot be divulged at this time. The annual convention dinner is scheduled for April 24 th and Ms. Ferguson thanked all of the Mars board members for being able to attend this year. Jennifer Renner of 1023 Marsh Drive, Valencia, PA was introduced to the board. Ms. Renner wanted to know how the laptop computers would be tracked. Dr. Pettigrew advised that each computer would be individually tagged. She also inquired as to how the computers would be maintained and if necessary, repaired. Dr. Pettigrew advised that a technology employee of the district would in available in the high school library during the school day to address any computer-related issues. Computer updates would be done at the beginning of the school year and would have to be approved by the technology department. There would be no applications on the computer that do not have a direct relation to the school curriculum. The laptops will be used for academic purposes only and certain restrictions will be placed on the equipment. Ms. Renner asked who would be responsible if the laptop is broken or stolen. Dr. Pettigrew noted that a paper will be signed outlining the terms and conditions of using the computer. At this time, the school district solicitor is reviewing the agreement and the guidelines. Steve Boggs of 414 Ridge Road, Valencia, PA was introduced to the board. Mr. Boggs requested clarification on the three-year lease agreement program for the laptops. He inquired as to what would happen if the equipment was lost or stolen. Dr. Pettigrew reiterated that the solicitor is reviewing these items and that a procedure and policy is being worked on. As of right now, it is the plan to have the students take the laptops home. As previously mentioned, Dr. Pettigrew said it is the hope to void out the consumption of textbooks and paper. There has been a lot of success in other school districts in implementing the laptop computers.

5 Page 5 of 5 Christine Petrini of 119 Dwellington Drive, Valencia, PA was introduced to the board. Ms. Petrini has concerns about the procedures and policy for the use of the laptops by the students. Dr. Pettigrew noted again that the district solicitor is reviewing all of the legal aspects concerning the use of the laptops by the students. Ms. Ferguson said it will be made very clear as to what the rules and responsibilities will be to the students and the parents/guardians. Ms. Petrini believes a lot of good could come from this type of technology but that it is very expensive and she would not want the children to lose out on anything else because of this expenditure. Ms. Ferguson requested a closed executive session after the meeting to discuss personnel issues. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. McConnell and seconded by Ms. Brown to adjourn the board meeting. With Ms. Brown, Ms. Dorsch, Ms. Dunn, Ms. Ferguson, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Marburger, Mr. McConnell, Ms. Valenta and Ms. Weaver voting aye the board meeting was adjourned at 8:05 P.M. The board convened into a closed executive session to discuss personnel issues. MARS AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MARS AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Board President Board Secretary