DRAFT NOT APPROVED BY THE BOARD QUAKERTOWN COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS

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1 DRAFT NOT APPROVED BY THE BOARD QUAKERTOWN COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS MILFORD COMMONS CONFERENCE CENTER 100 Commerce Blvd., Quakertown, PA Minutes of the Thursday, October 11, 2007 Information Meeting I. CALL TO ORDER: 7:02 PM President Kelly L. Van Valkenburgh called the meeting to order with a quorum present as indicated in the roll call below. II. FLAG SALUTE III. ROLL CALL Board of School Directors Present Absent Mrs. Kelly L. Van Valkenburgh, President Mrs. Linda A. Martin, Vice President Mr. Manuel Alfonso Mr. William R. Laboski Dr. Robert L. Leight Mrs. Kathy Mosley Mr. Zane Stauffer Mr. Paul R. Stepanoff Mrs. Nancy B. Tirjan Dr. Lisa Andrejko, Superintendent (Non-voting Member) Mrs. Alice K. Bishop, Non-Member Secretary Others Present Mr. Christopher Harrington, Director of Technology, Assessment and Data Analysis Ms. Sylvia C. Lenz, Business Administrator/Treasurer Ms. Nancianne Edwards, Director of Human Resources

2 IV. REPORTS SUPERINTENDENT Staff Development Award Dr. Andrejko introduced Mr. Daniel Vorhis who presented the Pennsylvania Staff Development Council s Exemplary Staff Development award to the board. The award is given annually to one Pennsylvania school district that demonstrates exceptional staff development programs. This year, QCSD was recognized as a regional model for collaboration. Dr. Andrejko thanked Mr. Vorhis for accepting the award in behalf of QCSD, and President Van Valkenburgh thanked Mr. Vorhis for his work in the Staff Development department. AP Scholars and PSAT Commended Students, Dr. Andrejko presented certificates to students who achieved the designation of Advanced Placement Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level AP Program Exams, and to four commended students for placing in the top 10% of students taking the PSAT exams. AP Scholars with Distinction: Michael Bolton Christopher Stiteler Andrew Yodis AP Scholars with Honors: James Ahlum Janelle Schmouder AP Scholars: Charles Crossan Elisabeth Evans Gabrielle Heerschap Meghan McLaughlin Daniel Mullen Benjamin Shecter Emily Snyder George Snyder IV Jennifer Young PSAT commended students Danielle Gehman Shayla Nagy Christopher Pritts Lisa Witkoski

3 Staff Recognition Dr. Andrejko informed the board that Mr. Donald Mease, Quakertown Community High School Technology Education Teacher was featured in an article titled: 3D Animation published in THE JOURNAL, October Richland Township update on Ronald Reagan Drive. Dr. Andrejko reported that according to Richland Township Manager, Mr. Stephen Sechriest the Richland Township Planning Commission has approved the Rosen development which includes the completion of Ronald Reagan Drive beyond the railroad tracks. Once that is completed, the school district has the responsibility to complete its portion of Ronald Reagan Drive. The project will be taken to Richland Township Supervisors for approval. Discussion continued on the installation of traffic calming measures. Concern was expressed about the speed limit on the road, the safety of the students crossing the road to the track, and the fact that the two-lane road could become a through-way from Station Road to Route 313. Dr. Andrejko reminded the board that Richland Township will make the final decision on the road and the concerns need to be addressed to Richland Township supervisors. Calendar revision Dr. Andrejko recommends switching non-instructional days from April 21, 2008 to April 22, 2008 for the Presidential Primary. This will be an action item at the October 25 meeting. Discounted Math Materials. Dr. Andrejko informed the board that there is an opportunity to purchase Every Day Math curriculum materials from the fund balance for the school year which will save the district $70,000. This will be an action item at the October 25 meeting. Student Achievement Presentation. Dr. Andrejko presented a Student Achievement snapshot on the PSSA reading & math scores for the school year. Dr. Andrejko will provide a comprehensive report on the SAT s in the future. Strategic Plan Procedures Dr. Andrejko contacted Pennsylvania Department of Education regarding an amendment to the strategic plan. Ms. Nancianne Edwards reported that after the strategic plan has been submitted to PDE, the board can direct the Superintendent to reconvene the strategic plan committee to amend or revise the strategic plan. Discussion continued on revising the procedure for the future. Mr. Stepanoff would like the board to be more involved in the process of developing the strategic plan. The Board directed Dr. Andrejko to reconvene the strategic planning committee.

4 Business Office Restructuring Dr. Andrejko and Ms. Lenz are taking advantage of an open position in the Accounts Payable department to expand the secretary position to an accounts payable purchasing supervisor. Creating a position is a board decision and the board directed the administration to move forward with posting the position. President Kelly L. Van Valkenburgh announced that the meeting is being recorded by Manuel Alfonso. PUBLIC COMMENT Patrick Murphy, Richland Township addressed the board regarding the volume of traffic on the extension of Ronald Reagan Drive and the issue of traffic safety of the students. He noted that railroad service will begin within the next 4-10 years. He recommended the board go back to the original tri-party agreement for the road. Helen Kondracki, Haycock Township addressed the board regarding the proposed development of Ronald Reagan Drive. V. DISCUSSION OF UPCOMING ACTION ITEMS (Possible executive session) A. FISCAL Loan Agreement Amendments The Local Government Unit Debt Act was amended in As a result, it is necessary to also amend selected definitions within five of our loan agreements with the Delaware Valley Regional Finance Authority (DelVal). They are the loan agreements for the notes of 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, and Our financial advisor for DelVal has been working with PDE to restate Section 4 of each of the notes to enable the district to receive reimbursement for the monthly finance charge in addition to interest and principal. That change is also reflected in the revised agreements. There will be no costs incurred to the District for these amendments. This will be an action item on October 25. B. PERSONNEL (Additional items will be added to the October 25 agenda as needed) 1. REQUEST FOR FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE Jolene Miga Supervisor Request for Family Medical Leave August 23, 2007, September 12, 2007, September 13, 2007, September 24, 2007, September 25, 2007 (1/2 day), September 27, 2007 (1/2 day) and September 28, 2007 (1/2 day) 2. REQUEST FOR FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE AND UNPAID CHILD- REARING LEAVE

5 Jennifer Rafferty Teacher Request for Family Medical Leave Effective August 29, 2007 to November 21, 2007 and Request for Unpaid Child- Rearing Leave Effective November 22, 2007, to January 30, EMPLOYMENTS Classified Employees a. Beverly Nice Part-time Category B Aide Effective: September 24, 2007 Rate of Pay: $11.00 b. Oscar A. Morales Part-time Category B Custodian Effective: October 8, 2007 Rate of Pay: $ ADDITIONS TO THE PROFESSIONAL TEACHER SUBSTITUTE LIST Zachary E. Baker Victoria J. Banas Jill Branch Donielle Fitts Jenna Kusma 5. ADDITION TO THE FOOD SERVICE WORKER SUBSTITUTE LIST Lisa Barbarito 6. RESIGNATIONS a. Kristine Olson Part-time Library Secretary Effective: September 14, 2007 b. Jackeline Martinez Part-time Aide Effective: October 8, 2007 c. Julie Heffentrager Accounts Payable Secretary Effective: October 5, RETIREMENTS UNDER EARLY RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PLAN a. Sandra M. Rice Teacher Effective: At the Close of the School Year b. Carol A. Wascura Teacher Effective: At the Close of the School Year c. JoyceAnn M. Heley Teacher Effective: June 19, 2008

6 d. Jill Gery Guidance Counselor Effective: June 19, 2008 e. Linda Szojka Teacher Effective: June 19, 2008 f. Susan E. Peiffer Teacher -Effective: June 19, 2008 g. Deborah Gryshuk Teacher Effective: June 19, 2008 h. Marianne Gardoski Librarian Effective: August 16, 2008 i. James N. Bevan Teacher Effective: At the Close of the School Year j. Charles P. Talboo Teacher Effective: At the Close of the School Year k. Nona F. Feathers Teacher Effective: June 19, 2007 Mr. Stepanoff asked Ms. Edwards about the number of teachers taking the early retirement incentive offer. Ms. Edwards reported we have 37 teachers signed up and the deadline is Monday, October 15, B. POLICY and PROGRAMS Board Mission Statement Mrs. Kathy Mosley submitted the following motion: The Board needs to develop a board mission statement, goals and customs manual through an ad hoc committee to serve as a guide/framework to achieve a shared understanding among all board members of their roles and responsibilities in efficiently and effectively directing the Quakertown Community School District. Mrs. Mosley recommends the board develop a board mission statement, including goals and a customs manual to be used in the transition for new board members. This could serve as an on-going guide and compass for the board s work. The board agreed to move forward on the concept. Each board member will submit ideas for the board mission statement and the manual. Dr. Andrejko will work with Mrs. Mosley on a sample custom manual.

7 Performance Audit Mr. Manuel Alfonso submitted the following motion: The Board is asked to authorize the Administration to solicit bids from audit firms for conducting a performance audit of the District s operations. Its main objective would be to identify measures that would result on cost savings through increased efficiency and effectiveness of operations. The audit s scope shall include a review of the budget process. Taxpayers would benefit by the possible decrease in the cost of operations. The Board should receive the auditor s report by February 2008 in order to enable us implement any necessary changes in the budget. Mr. Alfonso recommends the school district have a performance audit to increase effectiveness and to reduce cost of operations. Discussion continued on the cost of the audit, the amount of time required from every administrator, timeliness, usefulness and necessity of a performance audit. The board will allow time for the new administration team to put their programs in place before moving forward with the performance audit. VI. INFORMATION ITEMS A. DATES FOR BOARD MEMBERS CALENDARS Thursday, October 25, :00 PM Thursday, November 8, :00 PM Regular Board Meeting Senior High School Cafeteria Regular Board Meeting Senior High School Cafeteria B. COMMUNICATIONS None C. BOARD COMMENTS Milford Commons Project Dr. Andrejko suggested getting a scope of costs from an architect for the Milford Commons project. Kane and Godshall architect firm would be an appropriate company for this size project. Dr. Andrejko will get an approximate cost from Mr. Damon Kane and will report back to the board at the next meeting. Paul Stepanoff commented on Policy #321 and Board Procedure #011. Dr. Andrejko noted that the Administrators are working on a draft Administrative Procedure for the distribution of materials in the district.

8 Dr. Andrejko goals will be posted on the website by the end of October Mr. Alfonso asked about his past request for teachers to be encouraged to attend and speak at board meetings without feeling threatened. D. PUBLIC COMMENTS Helen Kondracki, Haycock Township addressed the board on school district fiscal responsibility. Nicole Hallowell, Trumbauersville Elementary School parent regarding the safety of the students in our buildings and the installation of a notification system. Dr. Andrejko responded that plans are in the works for a 30 day trial of a notification system. VII. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 9:45 pm. Kelly L. Van Valkenburgh, President Alice K. Bishop, Board Secretary