BELLE VERNON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania MINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING JUNE 25, 2012

Transcription

1 BELLE VERNON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania MINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING JUNE 25, 2012 I. CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Belle Vernon Area School District Board of Education was called to order by President Aaron J. Bialon at 8:00 p.m. on June 25, 2012, in the Belle Vernon Area High School auditorium. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE President Bialon led the Pledge of Allegiance. III. RECORDING OF ATTENDANCE Secretary Daniel J. Sepesky recorded the following in attendance. DIRECTORS (Present): Bialon, Grata, Kunka, Michener, (Absent): Naylor, Ringstad Gray (2) SOLICITOR: Gregory Gleason, Esq. The Law Offices of Ira Weiss STAFF: MEDIA: Stephen V. Russell, Superintendent Eileen M. Navish, Business Manager Jason A. Boone, Assistant High School Principal J. K. Folmar, Jr., Rostraver Middle School Principal Monte T. Maugle, Director of Food Services David H. Bashada, Director of Transportation Jesse J. Cramer, Director of Athletics, Facilities and Security Frances P. Kopanic, Board Executive Secretary Chris Buckley, The Valley Independent, Monessen PA IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA FOR THIS MEETING

2 Page 2 Director Grata requested that Exhibit #44 be amended to read the rate for security guards be changed to $10.00 per hour for the school year. The agenda was approved as amended on a motion made by Director Grata, seconded by Director Patterson and V. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS President Bialon opened the meeting to comments from citizens. Ed Verkleeren Rostraver Township: Commended Mr. Russell on his many accomplishments both in education and in community service. Presented him with a special edition gold coin engraved with the words of President John Kennedy at his inauguration, Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES [May 21, 2012 Agenda Meeting] Minutes for the May 21, 2012 agenda meeting were approved on a motion made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Kunka and [May Regular Meeting] Minutes for the May 21, 2012 regular meeting were approved on a motion made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Grata and

3 Page 3 VII. COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS INFORMATIONAL MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: (Exhibits#1 thru #1C)... Jennifer F. Godzak, Curriculum & Instruction Report (Exhibits #2 and #2A)... Gregory M. Steeber Technology Department Report (Exhibits #3 and #3A)... Monte T. Maugle Food Services Report (Exhibits #4 thru 4BBB)... Jesse J. Cramer Athletic Director s Report (Exhibits #5 thru #5D)... Jesse J. Cramer Facilities Usage Report (Exhibits #6 thru #6D)... Jesse J. Cramer Security Report (Exhibit #7)... David H. Bashada Truant Officer Report (Exhibits #8 and #8A)... David H. Bashada Transportation Department Report (Exhibits #9 thru #9C)... Jason E. Zadrozny Maintenance Department Report (Exhibits #10 thru #10B)... Eileen M. Navish Business Department Report President Bialon ordered the reports filed for the record. WESTMORELAND INTERMEDIATE UNIT: (Exhibit #11 and #11A, and #12 thru #12M) Summary of the Intermediate Unit Board meeting held May 22, 2012 and the Executive Director s report for same. President Bialon ordered this filed for the record. COMMUNICATIONS BOARD ACTION REQUIRED PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS: (Exhibit #13) Certification that David C. Taylor, 474 Matty Drive, Belle Vernon PA, has been approved for exemption of all real estate and property taxes on the above listed property. A motion to accept this was made by Director Nusser, seconded by Director Sepesky and carried on a 7-0 vote:

4 Page 4 YVONNE M. HAYES, DIRECTOR, TAX OFFICE-- WESTMORELAND COUNTY REAL ESTATE TAX OFFICE: (Exhibits #14, and #15 and #15A) Notification that a refund in the amount of $ is due to Thomas Kelley and Jody Kelley,721 Farm Brook Drive, Belle Vernon PA, for 2011 taxes on property at Map No due to Catastrophic Loss. A motion for approval was made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Kunka and carried on a 7-0 vote: VIII. FINANCIAL REPORTS A motion was made by Director Grata to collectively, and/or for informational purposes only, approve all financial reports submitted for this meeting as listed in Exhibits #16 thru #27G.. Director Patterson seconded and the motion (Exhibits #16 thru #16P): (Exhibits #17 thru #17B): (Exhibits #18 thru #18B): Interim Financial Statements of the General Fund For the Month of May 2012 Reconciliation Report of the General Fund For the Month of May 2012 Report of Investments for the Construction Fund PLGIT ARM For the Month of May 2012 (Exhibits #19 thru #19H): Report of Investments for the General Fund PLGIT, PLGIT Plus, PLGIT I-Class, PLGIT OPEB, and PSDLAF For the Month of May 2012

5 Page 5 (Exhibits #20 thru #20W): (Exhibits #21 thru #21I): (Exhibits #22 thru #22G): (Exhibits #23 thru #23D): (Exhibits #24 thru #24N: (Exhibits #25 thru #25G): (Exhibits #26 thru #26E): (Exhibits #27 thru #27G): Bills Presented for Payment from the General Fund TOTAL $249, Report of Bills Paid from the General Fund In May 2012 for Fixed Charges TOTAL $587, Athletic Fund Financial Report For the Month of May 2012 Statistical Reports of Cafeteria Program Operations For the Month of May and June 2012 Interim Financial Statements of the Cafeteria Fund For the Month of May 2012 Student Activity Fund Reconciliations For the Month of May 2012 Belle Vernon Area High School Bellmar Middle School Rostraver Middle School OVERVIEW OF FINANCES Business Manager Navish thanked the the directors and the administration for all the hard work that was put into finalizing the budget. IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Nothing to report. X. NEW BUSINESS A. RESIGNATIONS (Exhibits #28 and #28A): The retirement resignation of Robert M. Pabis, teacher, effective June 11, 2012 under the terms and conditions of the Belle Vernon Area School District Retirement Incentive Plan was accepted on a motion made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Sepesky and

6 Page 6 (Exhibits #29 and #29A): The retirement resignation of Jamie Weir, teacher, effective May 30, 2012 was accepted on a motion made by Director Sepesky, seconded by Director Nusser and B. REPORT OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE: (Exhibit #30) Notification that the district s Single Audit Report for the year ending June 30, 2010, including the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), has been approved and is in compliance for programs funded by that office. President Bialon ordered this filed for the record. PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION: (Exhibit #31) Notification that, with respect to the federal financial assistance programs funded by this agency, the district s Single Audit Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 is approved as being substantially in compliance with the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-133 and other relevant federal and Commonwealth policy. President Bialon ordered this filed for the record. C. REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATION [Additions to Substitute Rosters ] (Exhibit #32) Additions be made to substitute rosters as listed, contingent upon the

7 Page 7 District s receipt of all required background clearances and testing results. < Substitute Custodian: Luke Widmer Approval was granted on a motion made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Sepesky and Graduate Credit Tuition Reimbursement BVAEA] (Exhibit #32-1) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education authorize payment of graduate credit tuition reimbursement to the following members of the professional staff in accordance with the Current Collective Agreement with the Belle Vernon Area Education Association. Christopher Evancho...$ % of $1, credits earned 01/29/12 thru 04/29/12 Jeffrey Freund...$2, % of $3, credits earned 01/18/12 thru 05/12/12 Kimberly Humbert...$1, % of $2, credits earned 01/23/12 thru 05/12/12 This was approved on a motion made by Director Sepesky, seconded by Director Nusser and [Rescind Teacher Furloughs] (Exhibit #33) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education return from furlough the following members of the professional staff: Jennifer Osborne Michael Pappas Angela Kozura Amy Colleran Melvin Gouker Todd Yancey Kimberly Humbert Christopher Evancho Susan Surovchak Suzanne Mesher Stephanie Flatt David Mills

8 Page 8 Lindsey Williams Jeffrey Freund Laura Goodnack 1 /2 day Zachary Gouzd 5 /8 day The motion for approval was made by Director Sepesky, seconded by Director Nusser and carried on a 7-0 vote: [Rescind from Furlough Secretary] (Exhibit #34) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education rescind the furlough of Melissa Modar, secretary. This was approved on a motion made by Director Sepesky, seconded by Director Patterson and [Agreement in Lieu of Adjudication Student No ] (Exhibit #35) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education approve an Agreement in Lieu of Adjudication of Student No A motion for approval was made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Sepesky and [Agreement in Lieu of Adjudication Student No ]

9 Page 9 (Exhibit #36) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education approve an Agreement in Lieu of Adjudication of Student No A motion for approval was made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Grata and carried on a 7-0 vote: [Agreement in Lieu of Adjudication Student No ] (Exhibit #37) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education approve an Agreement in Lieu of Adjudication of Student No A motion for approval was made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Michener and [Birth to Twelfth Grade Literacy Plan] (Exhibit #38) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education approve the district s Birth to Twelfth Grade Literacy Plan, copy of which was given to each Director prior to this meeting. This was approved on a motion made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Sepesky and

10 Page 10 [Title I Like Reading Program Rostraver Elementary School] (Exhibits #39 and #39A) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education authorize the Title I Coordinator to seek approval from the Department of Federal Programs to operate a Title I Like Reading Program at Rostraver Elementary School. This was approved on a motion made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Michener and [Rescind Policy No Required Attendance for Credit] (Exhibit #40) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education rescind Policy No Required Attendance for Credit, and discontinue the practice of credit denial hearings; henceforth, seniors will be required to fully comply with attendance, behavior and academic standards, rules and policies, which shall be non-negotiable, in order to qualify for graduation. This was approved on a motion made by Director Sepesky, seconded by Director Kunka and [Policy No. 815 Revisions] (Exhibits #41 thru #41K) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education adopt revisions to Policy No. 815 Acceptable Use of Internet, Computers and Network Resources as attached. Approval was granted on a motion made by Director Nusser, seconded by Director Michener and

11 Page 11 [Open Majorette Instructor Position] (Exhibit #42) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education open the majorette instructor position as requested by High School Band Director Mark Surovchak. Approval was granted on a motion made by Director Grata, seconded by Director Kunka and [Agreement with Agape Day Treatment ] (Exhibits #43 thru #43E) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education accept the service contract with Agape Day Treatment for student services, if needed, at the rate of $ per day, or the discounted rate of $ per day for placements of six students or more. A motion for approval was made by Director Grata, seconded by Director Kunka and carried on a 7-0 vote: [Wage Rate for School Guards] (Exhibit #44) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education authorize the wage rate of $10.00 per hour for the security guards for the school year. This was approved on a motion made by Director Sepesky, seconded by Director Grata and

12 Page 12 [Unpaid Leave Request] (Exhibits #45 and #45A) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education authorize the request of Janice Sandy, Athletic Secretary, for unpaid leave for October 18, 19, and 22, 2012, for personal reasons. Approval was granted on a motion made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Kunka and [BVA Leopard Boosters Small Game of Chance License] (Exhibit #46) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education approve the BVA Leopard Boosters request to make application for a small game of chance license to be used for fundraising projects. Approval was granted on a motion made by Director Sepesky, seconded by Director Nusser and [Transfer Funds from PLGIT-OPEB Account to General Fund] (Exhibit #47) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education authorize the transfer of funds in the amount of $452, for the post employment benefits paid during the year from the PLGIT-OPEB Account into the General Fund. Approval was granted on a motion made by Director Sepesky, seconded by Director Michener and

13 Page 13 [Transfer Funds from the General Fund to the PLGIT Fund] (Exhibits #48 and #48A) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education authorize the transfer of funds in the amount of $297, from the General Fund into the PLGIT Other Post Employment Benefits Fund as required in the GASB 45 Actuarial Report. This was approved on a motion made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Michener and [Resolution No Homestead Farmstead Exclusion] (Exhibits #49 and #49A) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education adopt Resolution No implementing the assessed value Act 1 Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion in the amount of $ for the school year. A motion for approval was made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Sepesky and [Advance Refunding of Outstanding Bonds, Series 2007] (Exhibits #50 thru #50CC) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education authorize the advance

14 Page 14 refunding of all or a portion of the School District s Outstanding General Obligation Bonds Series 2007 through issuance of General Obligation Bonds Series No Following discussion, this was approved on a motion made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Grata and carried on a 7-0 roll call vote: [Note Resolution Tax Anticipation Note] (Exhibits #51 thru #51H) Superintendent Russell recommended that theboard of Education adopt a Note Resolution authorizing the issuance of a Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note from PNC Bank for the year in the amount of $2,000,000 at a taxable fixed rate of 2.32%. The motion for approval was made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Sepesky and [Resolution No Levy and Re-enact Taxes for ] (Exhibits #52 and #52A) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education adopt Resolution No levying real estate taxes for the period commencing July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 and reenacting other taxes without substantial change. This was approved on a motion made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Nusser and [General Fund Budget for School Year] (Exhibits #53 thru #53W)

15 Page 15 Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education approve the General Fund Budget for the school year in the amount of $31,963,941 expenses with supporting revenues and a millage rate of (decrease of.48) in Westmoreland County and (no increase) in Fayette County. A motion to adopt the budget was made by Director Patterson and seconded by Director Sepesky. Following discussion, the motion carried on a 7-0 roll call vote: D. EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONNEL [Coach for Middle School Girls Soccer] (Exhibits #54 thru #54B) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education appoint Andrew Temoshenka to the position of head coach of the girls middle school soccer team, as recommended by Head Coach Paul Sasko, at the negotiated salary of $3, for the season, pending receipt of required clearances and based upon the understanding and contingency that this is subject to continued financing and furtherance of the program by the Board of Education. Approval was granted on a motion made by Director Michener, seconded by Director Grata and [Girls Head Volleyball Coach] (Exhibits #55 and #55A) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education appoint Stephanie Flatt to the position of girls head volleyball coach at the negotiated salary of $3, for the season, based upon the understanding and contingency that this is subject to continued financing and furtherance of the program by the Board of Education. This was approved on a motion made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Kunka and

16 Page 16 [Part-Time Cafeteria Worker] (Exhibits #56 and #56A) Superintendent Russell recommended that the Board of Education appoint Shannon Skobel as a part-time cafeteria worker at the High School for 4.5 hours per day at the negotiated rate of $10.20 per hour; this is a replacement for a recently vacated position. Approval was granted on a motion made by Director Michener, seconded by Director Sepesky and E. OTHER NEW BUSINESS Nothing to report. F. COMMITTEE REPORTS G GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE Nothing to report. G CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE Nothing to report. G FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Nothing to report. G FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE Director Michener thanked the directors, the administration, Superintendent-elect Wilkinson and Business Manager Navish for all their work in coming up with a balanced budget with no tax increase for the school year. G ATHLETIC COMMITTEE President Bialon commended the boys baseball team and the girls softball team for their success

17 Page 17 during the regular season and in the playoffs. G TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Nothing to report. G. SUPERINTENDENT WATCH! REPORT Superintendent Russell submitted a report he plans to prepare monthly to keep the Board and the public informed on initiatives and goals to promote the school environment for the students and teachers. The complete report is recorded below; in addition, these reports will be posted on the School District website and a copy will be maintained with the official record of this meeting. Some people measure their lives by the calendar, others by the changing seasons possibly indicated by a sport: baseball, football, hockey, basketball, and so on. But many of us, first as children and later as parents, march to the beat of the school year. It shapes our mealtimes and travels and the very surge and sag of our gross domestic product. In the vast span of human civilization, universal public education is a rarity; and yet, in the fortunate lands where the idea is reality, it fills such a large cultural space that we scarcely realize the uniqueness of it all. School is where some doors swing open, revealing vast opportunity. It s also a place where other doors gradually close. A child enters imagining a world full of possibilities, of making a difference, but slowly everything works backward toward real life. Figuring out how to channel life without narrowing it, how to gather direction and velocity without sacrificing freedom-these are heavy weights for young shoulders. Our recent Commencement ceremony this past June 6 can be a model of the kind of excellence possible in this community. The solemnity, the dignity, the tradition of commencement is truly awe inspiring. Most important to the event is the participation of our graduates and the large number of community in attendance. For the past four years I have marveled at the number of community members this occasion has attracted. I also take great personal satisfaction in the change in the presentation of commencement from four years ago to the one just held. It was devoid of anything to take away from the dignity of the event. I thank the students, our most valuable resource for the future, and community for joining in this historic effort. The place to hold commencement is in an outdoor spacious stadium venue. With a large community gathering, commencement has become a time to renew old and new friendships. The 2012 graduating seniors have now joined 12,572 other BVA graduates since the first class in As student body President of the BVA Class of 1967 I can now recall how far this district has come in its 46 years. It has been a great privilege to be both a student and administrator of BVA. Now we place our faith in the students of BVA who are the future technology planners, community

18 Page 18 shapers, institution builders and leaders of this the greatest republic ever conceived by mankind. While the school district will always be a part of me, my time here is done. I look forward to moving on with treasured memories and enthusiasm with other roles but always a watchful eye on my home school district. ANNOUNCEMENTS / COMMENTS BOARD AND/OR ADMINISTRATION Each director offered personal remarks to Mr. Russell on his service to the students, the school district, and his many positive contributions to the entire community over the past forty plus years, also, wishing him well in retirement. Administrators J. K. Folmar, Eileen Navish, and Dave Bashada also offered personal remarks. XI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. on a motion made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Sepesky and carried on a 7-0 vote: Daniel J. Sepesky Board Secretary DJS:fpk Page 18 C O R R E C T I O N Minutes for the June 25, 2012 regular meeting are to be corrected relative to recording of all votes taken. The vote count is to read as follows:

19 The minutes of the June 25, 2012 regular meeting were approved as corrected at the July 23, 2012 meeting on a motion made by Director Patterson, seconded by Director Sepesky and carried on a 7-0 vote: YES... Grata, Kunka, Michener, Naylor, Patterson, Ringstad Gray, Sepesky (7) NO... None (0) ABSENT... Bialon, Nusser (2) Daniel J. Sepesky Board Secretary DJS:fpk