Jim Thorpe Area School District. The Regular Meeting of the Jim Thorpe School Board of Education was. December 4, 2014

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1 Jim Thorpe Area School District Regular Meeting of the Jim Thorpe School Board of Education December 4, 2014 ROLL CALL The Regular Meeting of the Jim Thorpe School Board of Education was opened at the District Office with a moment of silent meditation and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The following directors were present: William Allison, Walter Schulz, Pearl Downs-Sheckler, Dennis McGinley, John Ciavarella, Glenn Confer, Robert Schaninger, and Gerald Strubinger, Michael Principe participated via telephone for a portion of the meeting. Administrators present: Brian Gasper, Superintendent, Lauren Kovac, Business Manager/Board Secretary, Thomas Lesisko, High School Principal, David McAndrew, Jr., Penn Kidder Principal, and Kathy Doll, Curriculum Coordinator, Also present: Brian Baddick, Director of Special Education, Jerome Brown, Director of Technology, Laurie Mundinger, Director of Transportation, Lori Lienhard, Director of Security, Michelle Searfoss, Business Manager Secretary, Ted LaRizzio, Director of Buildings and Grounds and Attorney Gregory Mousseau, Solicitor. Visitors present: Elena Monaco, Jay Llewellyn, Frank Miller, Trish Bucci, Norm Richards, Glenn Serfass, Lt. Michael Chlebowski, Linette Goodchild, Tammy Musmaches, Alex Blew, Marilyn Mills. Robert Lee, Charles Trovato, Christine Trovato, Sharon Engle, Kelli Reese, Nichole Burchell, David Marino, Lisa Warren, Megan Reilly. Jamie Scott and Jens Damgaard, Rhoads & Sinon, LLP. Representing the press: Jarred Hedes, Times News ELECTION OF TEMPORARY PRESIDENT: LAUREN KOVAC Motion by Mr. D. McGinley, seconded by Mr. J. Ciavarella, to approve the election of temporary President, Lauren Kovac. Voice vote. MOTION PASSES NOMINATION/ELECTION OF OFFICERS PRESIDENT Members of the Nominating Committee, Mrs. P. Sheckler and Dr. M. Principe nominated Mr. Dennis McGinley for President. Mrs. L. Kovac Asked for any additional nominations. Hearing none, motion by Mrs. P. Sheckler, seconded by Mr. J. Ciavarella, to elect Mr. D. McGinley as President.

2 Roll call vote. MOTION PASSES (8-0-1) WITH THE VOTE AS W. Schulz Aye G. Confer Aye W. Allison Aye M. Principe Aye G. Strubinger Aye J. Ciavarella Aye D. McGinley Abstain R. Schaninger Aye P. Sheckler Aye VICE PRESIDENT Members of the Nominating Committee, Mrs. P. Sheckler and Dr. Michael Principe nominated Mr. R. Schaninger for Vice President. Mrs. L. Kovac asked for any additional nominations. Hearing none, motion by Mrs. P. Sheckler, seconded by Mr. J. Ciavarella, to elect Mr. R. Schaninger as Vice President. Roll call vote. MOTION PASSES (7-1-1) WITH THE VOTE AS W. Allison Aye M. Principe Aye G. Strubinger Nay W. Schulz Aye D. McGinley Aye J. Ciavarella Aye R. Schaninger Abstain G. Confer Aye P. Sheckler Aye SOLICITOR Members of the Nominating Committee, Mrs. P. Sheckler and Dr. Michael Principe nominated Attorney Gregory Mousseau for Solicitor. Mrs. L. Kovac asked for any additional nominations. Hearing none, motion by Mrs. P. Sheckler, seconded by Mr. J. Ciavarella, to elect Attorney Gregory Mousseau as Solicitor. Roll call vote. MOTION PASSES (9-0) WITH THE VOTE AS G. Strubinger Aye W. Schulz Aye D. McGinley Aye W. Allison Aye R. Schaninger Aye J. Ciavarella Aye G. Confer Aye P. Sheckler Aye M. Principe Aye Motion by Mr. G. Confer, seconded by Mr. J. Ciavarella, to adjourn the Reorganization portion of the meeting. Voice vote. MOTION PASSES 2

3 GENERAL BUSINESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VISITORS Lynnette Goodchild addressed the Board regarding the movement of the bus stop at Holiday Pocono. She is concerned for the safety of of the children. There is a lot of traffic and not a lot of room for cars to park. Alexander Blew, Fire Chief of Albrightsville Fire Company also addressed the Board regarding the movement of the bus stop. He is vey concerned about the traffic and the blind spot on the curve on Route 534. He would like to see the bus stop stay where it is now. Michael Chelbowki also addressed the Board regarding the movement of the bus stop. He does not want the bus stop to move. He is concerned about a sex offender who lives at the corner of the proposed bus stop. Mr. Gasper responded that this is the first he has heard about the sex offender and will check into it. Marilyn Mills also addressed the Board regarding the movement of the bus stop. She stated that when Getz was busing the children, there was never a problem, and, now that Brandywine took over, they feel the need to move bus stops. Mrs. L. Mundinger stated that the reason they want to move the bus stop is because the bus drivers reported that students were acting up and fooling around on the rocks at the stop, creating a dangerous situation. Charles Trovato addressed the Board concerning the movement of the bus stop at Valley View Estates. He is concerned about the roads, especially when the weather is bad. He is aslo concerned about speeders in the area of where the bus stop is located. Charles Trovato also addressed the Baord concerning the Teacher s Contract. He asked why it is not settled and why lawyers are involved. Atty. G. Mousseau advised that information regarding negotations should not be discussed publicly. Mr. B. Gasper announced that a Transportation Committee Meeting will be scheduled discuss the moving of the bus stops. Mrs. P. Sheckler also asked the in attendance should come to the Transportation Meeting with a solution on keeping the stops where they currently are. Mr. D. McGinley asked if any of the teachers in attendance would like to address the Board. No teachers wished to speak. 3

4 BOND REFINANCING PRESENTATION: JENS DAMGAARD Mr. Jens Damgaard gave a presentation on the refinancing of two Bonds. Motion by Mr. G. Strubinger, seconded by Mr. D. McGinley, to approve the resolution presented by bond counsel authorizing the School District s General Obligation Bonds, Series A and B of 2015 to refinance its Series A and B of 2005 Bonds, under the terms of a Bond Purchase Agreement with Janney Montgomery Scott, and under the conditions previously approved by this Board. Roll call vote. MOTION PASSES (8-0) WITH THE VOTE AS D. McGinley Aye W. Allison Aye R. Schaninger Aye J. Ciavarella Aye G. Confer Aye G. Strubinger Aye M. Principe Absent W. Schulz Aye P. Sheckler Aye BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE Motion by Mr. J. Ciavaarella, seconded by Mr. R. Schaninger, to approve The School Board Meeting Schedule as presented. Under the Head of the Question: Mr. G. Strubinger expressed a desire to go back to two meetings per month. He feels there is too much information put into one meeting per month. Motion by Mr. G. Strubinger, seconded by Mr. G. Confer, to table the motion to approve the Board Meeting Schedule. Roll call vore. MOTION TO TABLE FAILS (2-6) WITH THE VOTE AS R. Schaninger Nay W. Allison Nay G. Confer Aye W. Schulz Nay M. Principe Absent G. Strubinger Aye P. Sheckler Nay D. McGinley Nay J. Ciavarella Nay Voice vote on original motion to approve School Board Meeting Schedule. MOTION PASSES 4

5 EXECUTIVE SESSION An executive session was held for personnel matters. Actions will be taken during the meeting. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Mr. J. Ciavarella, seconded by Mr. R. Schaninger, to approve the consent agenda as presented: Approval/Minutes of November 10, 2014 Approva /Athletic Report (October) Correspondence Albrightsville Volunteer Fire Co. Approval/Completed Applications Informational: Current JTASD Substitute List Voice Vote. MOTION PASSES FINANCIAL APPROVALS Motion by Mr. G. Confer, seconded by Mr. R. Schaninger, to approve the financial consent agenda as presented. Approval/Bills Payable- Area Approval/Bills Payable-Cafeteria Roll call vote. MOTION PASSES (6-2) WITH THE VOTE AS R. Schaninger Abstain W. Schulz Aye G. Confer Aye W. Allison Aye M. Principe Absent G. Strubinger Aye P. Sheckler Aye D. McGinley Abstain J. Ciavarella Aye OLD BUSINESS NO REPORT COMMITTEE BUSINESS ATHLETIC COMMITTEE GIRLS BASKETBALL STATISTICIAN Motion by Mr. J. Ciavarella, seconded by Mr. G. Confer, to approve Mr. 5

6 Bernard Williams as the Volunteer Girls Basketball Statistician. Voice vote. MOTION PASSES EMPLOYMENT: WRESTLING COACH MR. HARRY PRY Motion by Mrs. P. Sheckler, seconded by Mr. G. Confer, to approve Mr. Harry Pry as A Jr. High Wrestling Coach - $1, Roll call vote. MOTION PASSES (8-0) WITH THE VOTE AS G. Confer Aye W. Allison Aye M. Principe Absent G. Strubinger Aye P. Sheckler Aye D. McGinley Aye J. Ciavarella Aye R. Schaninger Aye W. Schulz Aye JOHNATHAN CONDLY TEACHERS Mr. G. Confer congratulated Johnathan Condly on his successful cross country season and his athletic scholarship to Temple University. Mr. R. Schaninger addressed the teachers in attendance concerning their lack of response to compliments and requests for comment. CAFETERIA/BUILDING COMMITTEE Mr. T. LaRizzo informed the Board that everything went well with the first snow storm. Mr. J. Ciavarella stated he would like to look into the use of solar panels. Panther Valley is getting government loans. They are looking for $500K grant. Mr. B. Gasper will look into this. He has solar contacts. CARBON CAREER & TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE JOINT OPERATING COMMITTEE OF CCTI: MR. JOHN CIAVARELLA Motion by Mrs. P. Sheckler, seconded by Mr. R. Schaninger, to approve 6

7 CCTI AUTHORITY MEMBER REPRESENTING JTASD: MR. RANDALL SMITH Mr. John Ciavarella as the Alternate Representative of the Joint Operating Committee of CCTI representing the Jim Thorpe Area School District for a period of one (1) year. Voice vote. MOTION PASSES Motion by Mr. J. Ciavarella, seconded by Mrs. P. Sheckler, to approve Mr. Randall Smith as the CCTI Authority member representing JTASD for a period of five (5) years January 2015 January Voice vote. MOTION PASSES CARBON-LEHIGH INTERMEDIATE UNIT BUDGET Mr. W. Schulz informed the Board that CLIU passed their budget. Mr. G. Strubinger asked how does the budget look. Mr. W. Schulz said there will be an increase but it will not be significant. CURRICULUM COMMITTEE Mr. W. Allison thanked the teachers for being at the meeting tonight and he added that he appreciated the work they have done with our students. LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE NO REPORT LEHIGH CARBON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Mr. W. Allison informed the Board that there are plans for expansion at the Allentown site. LCCC is also hoping to renew their lease with Jim Thorpe. Shine celebrated its 10 year anniversary. FINANCE & INSURANCE COMMITTEE COMMITTEE MEETING A Finance & Insurance Committee Meeting is scheduled for December 15, 2014 at 6:00 PM at the District Office. 7

8 POLICY & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE INFORMATIONAL: Ms. Darlene Henning Retirement - Cafeteria (Nutrition Inc. employee) Mrs. P. Sheckler addressed the public and stated that she is not on the negotiating team, and, that she is not in favor of getting rid of the janitors. Mr. G. Confer added that he has heard rumors about himself to the same effect and noted that if somebody has a problem they should call him. he also stated that people should not make up remarks that he never said. TRANSPORTATION & SECURITY COMMITTEE SOLICIT BIDS FOR A SCHOOL VAN Motion by Mr. D. McGinley, seconded by Mrs. P. Sheckler, to approve the solicitation of a new school van. Roll call vote. MOTION PASSES (7-1) WITH THE VOTE AS P. Sheckler Aye D. McGinley Aye J. Ciavarella Aye R. Schaninger Aye M. Principe Absent W. Schulz Nay G. Confer Aye W. Allison Aye G. Strubinger Aye Mr. G. Strubinger asked if we need another van and Mrs. P. Sheckler stated it was discussed at the Transportation Committee Meeting. Mrs. L. Kovac said that it is in the budget and approved as such. Mr. W. Schulz asked Mrs. L. Mundinger if she keeps track of all the repairs being done to the vans. Mrs. L. Mundinger stated that she has records on all the vans and why they are being repaired. FOR YOUR INFORMATION SCHOOL PERFORMANCE PROFILE Mr. B. Gasper gave a presentation on the District School Performance Profile. Mr. D. McGinley stated that they will be going into Executive Session after the meeting. Mr. D. McGinley also stated that the School Board Meeting for February will be out at the Penn Kidder Campus. Mr. David Marino responded to Mr. R. Schaninger s earlier comments. He stated that the Board was not willing to meet with the teachers and there 8

9 was name calling during negotiations. The teachers have never cancelled a meeting. Mr. G. Strubinger replied that Mr. R. Schaninger s comments are his own and do not reflect the feelings of the entire Board. Mr. G. Confer stated he respects the teachers and they should respect him. Mr. W. Schulz added that the meeting was not the proper place to have this type of discussion and they should save it for the negotiating table. He hopes to see movement and get the job done with the contract. ADJOURNMENT The Board Meeting adjourned at 8:27 PM Respectfully submitted, Lauren K. Kovac Business Manager/Board Secretary ATTEST: President 9

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