Mrs. Billerbeck called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m.

Transcription

1 UPPER ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT UPPER ST. CLAIR, PA REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, :00 P.M High School LGI Room PRESIDING: Amy L. Billerbeck, President Notice having been advertised and posted and members duly notified, the regular meeting of the Board of School Directors was held on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, in the High School LGI Room. The following Directors were present: Mrs. Amy L. Billerbeck, President Mr. Harry F. Kunselman, Vice-President Mrs. Barbara L. Bolas Mrs. Carol B. Coliane 7:10 p.m.) Mr. Frank J. Kerber Mrs. Angela B. Petersen School personnel in attendance: Dr. Patrick O Toole, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sharon Suritsky, Acting Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction/ Supervisor of Special Education Dr. John Bornyas, Director of Operations, Community Relations & Special Projects Dr. Judith Bulazo, Director of Literacy, Assessment & Professional Development Ms. Frosina Cordisco, Director of Business & Finance Mrs. Jean Toner, Director of Human Resources Ms. Eloise Stoehr, Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Mrs. Mary Ann Stabile, Stenographer Mr. Ed Lawrence, Acting Solicitor CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mrs. Billerbeck called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. READING OF THE MISSION Mr. Kunselman read the following School District Mission Statement: Developing lifelong learners and responsible citizens for a global society is the mission of the Upper St. Clair School District, served by a responsive and innovative staff who in partnership with the community provides learning experiences that nurture the uniqueness of each child and promote happiness and success. APPROVAL OF AGENDA (Billerbeck) By Kerber: I move that the Board approve the agenda as presented. Seconded by Bolas, and carried on unanimous voice vote. RESIDENTS COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS ONLY There were no residents comments and this time.

2 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL OF MINUTES By Bolas: I move the approval of the minutes of the June 22, 2009 regular Board meeting. Seconded by Petersen, and carried on unanimous voice vote. By Bolas: I move the approval of the minutes of the August 3, 2009 Board meeting. Seconded by Petersen, and carried on unanimous voice vote. (Mr. Kerber abstained) By Bolas: I move the approval of the minutes of the August 10, 2009 Board meeting. Seconded by Petersen, and carried on unanimous voice vote. By Bolas: I move the approval of the minutes of the August 17, 2009 Board meeting. Seconded by Petersen, and carried on unanimous voice vote. PRESENTATIONS & UPDATES MIDDLE SCHOOLS RENOVATION PROJECT UPDATE Mr. Dave McLean of Graves & McLean Architects provided an update regarding the Middle Schools Renovation Project. He explained that agreements have been sent to all contractors, an agreement with the Township is being executed, the first job conference will be held at Boyce to review the procedures, protocol, and site for trailers, and bi-weekly meetings will begin for each project. Mr. McLean added that a building in Cecil Township has been approved as a repair facility for the bus garage, and the School District is anticipating the receipt of an occupancy permit. He noted that plans are continuing with the Township to locate a parking area for the school buses. Mrs. Billerbeck suggested that the surrounding residents of both middle schools be notified regarding the beginning of the construction projects. FINANCIAL UPDATE Mr. Mike Bova and John McShane of Boenning & Scattergood provided a financial update, including highlights of the bond structure for the Build America and Tax Exempt Bonds, market conditions, debt comparison, and summary of bond purchasing agreement. Lisa Chiesa of Thorp Reed reviewed the Debt Ordinance. Mrs. Billerbeck commented regarding the District being able to take advantage of the attractive interest rates noting that the millage impact is less than anticipated. She thanked Boenning & Scattergood and PNC Capital Markets for their efforts. She noted that the renovation of two middle schools and additional capital projects will be able to be completed with the total estimated millage impact of 1.60 mills over four years. Mrs. Billerbeck thanked the construction and finance teams involved in the process. SUPERINTENDENT S REPORT APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING INCURRENCE OF NON-ELECTORAL INDEBTEDNESS By Bolas: The Superintendent recommends and I move that the Board approve a resolution authorizing the incurring of nonelectoral debt by the issuance of General Obligation Bonds in the aggregate principal amount of sixty million dollars ($60,000,000); covenanting to pay, and pledging all available taxing power for the payment of, the bonds; establishing a sinking fund and appointing a sinking fund depository; fixing the form, interest rates, maturity dates,

3 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING MINUTES redemption and other provisions for the payment thereof; accepting a proposal for the purchase of the bonds; authorizing a filing of required documents with the Department of Community and Economic Development; ratifying and directing certain actions of officers; and making certain other covenants and provisions in respect of the bonds AS ATTACHED TO THE PERMANENT RECORD OF THE MINUTES OF THIS MEETING. Seconded by Kerber, and carried on majority roll call vote of 5-1. (Mrs. Coliane voted nay.) Board members expressed concerns regarding future PSERS obligations. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Mrs. Billerbeck explained that the approval of the Youth Steering Committee bylaws will be deferred until September due to wording changes by the Board of Commissioners that should be reviewed and discussed by the Youth Steering Committee. By Kunselman: The Committee recommends and I move that the Board approve the following Consent Agenda items. Seconded by Petersen, and carried on unanimous roll call vote. APPROVAL OF TWO VOTING DELEGATES AT PSBA CONFERENCE Authorize Barbara Bolas and Louis Piconi to attend the Pennsylvania School Boards Association conference as voting delegates October 13-16, 2009 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. RECOGNITION OF GIFTS TO SCHOOLS IN Accept with gratitude the list of gifts donated to the schools in the school year AS ATTACHED TO THE PERMANENT RECORD OF THE MINUTES OF THIS MEETING. APPROVAL OF BUS STOPS FOR Approve the bus stops for the school year AS ATTACHED TO THE PERMANENT RECORD OF THE MINUTES OF THIS MEETING. APPROVAL OF SUBSTITUTE RATE FOR SECRETARIES, TEACHER AIDES & NUTRITION CENTER EMPLOYEES Approve increases to the following substitute rates effective September 1, 2009: Secretary/Aide $9.00 per hour Nutrition Center Worker $8.25 per hour APPROVAL OF NON-PUBLIC TITLE I CONTRACT WITH AIU Approve the Non-Public Title I Contract with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit AS ATTACHED TO THE PERMANENT RECORD OF THE MINUTES OF THIS MEETING.

4 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL OF CONTRACTS FOR STUDENT SERVICES Approve the following contracts for student services AS ATTACHED TO THE PERMANENT RECORD OF THE MINUTES OF THIS MEETING: AGREEMENT WITH PHYSICAL REHAB, INC. Agreement with Physical Rehab, Inc. for student physical therapy services for the school year. CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT WITH PEDIATRIC THERAPY SPECIALISTS Contractual Agreement with Pediatric Therapy Specialists, Inc. for student occupational and physical therapy for the school year. SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE WATSON INSTITUTE TRAINING AND CONSULTATION SERVICES Service Agreement with The Watson Institute for training and consultation services for the school year. LETTER OF AGREEMENT WITH THE WATSON INSTITUTE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT ACADEMY Two letters of agreement for student services with The Watson Institute Behavior Support Academy for the school year. LETTER OF AGREEMENT WITH THE WATSON INSTITUTE SCHOOL- BASED CYBER ACADEMY Letter of Agreement for student services with The Watson Institute School-Based Cyber Academy for the school year. SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WESLEY SPECTRUM ACADEMY Services Agreement and four Individual Student Enrollment Agreements for student services with Wesley Spectrum Academy for the school year. HEALTH SERVICES CONTRACT WITH INTERIM HEALTHCARE SERVICES Two Health Care Services Contracts with Interim Healthcare Services, Inc. for 1 to 1 personal care nursing services for the school year. MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH MAXIMUS CONSULTING FOR CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES AND MAINTENANCE OF TIENET Maintenance Agreement with Maximus Consulting for customer support services and maintenance for Tienet software for the school year.

5 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING MINUTES ACADEMIC MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WESLEY SPECTRUM SERVICES Academic Mental Health Services Agreement with Wesley Spectrum Services for Intervention Specialist services for students at Boyce, Fort Couch and the High School for the school year. AGREEMENT FOR PROVISION OF SPEECH PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY SERVICES WITH CROSSROADS SPEECH & HEARING Agreement for Provision of Speech Pathology and Audiology Services with Crossroads Speech & Hearing, Inc. for the school year. APPROVAL OF FEDERAL AND STATE GRANT PROGRAMS FOR (STATE GRANTS CONTINGENT UPON STATE BUDGET APPROVAL) Approve the programs and funds allocated from the federal programs in the amount of $1,837,136 and from the state programs in the amount of $6,036,195 (state grants contingent upon state budget approval) for the school year. APPROVAL OF TREASURER S REPORT INCLUDING SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT By Petersen: I move that the Board approve the Treasurer s Report AS ATTACHED TO THE PERMANENT RECORD OF THE MINUTES OF THIS MEETING, including budget transfer, if known, and approved total of the Bill List and Check File Listings as follows. Seconded by Bolas, and carried on majority roll call vote. (Mrs. Coliane voted nay.) Fund 10 (General Fund) - $969, Fund 36 (Middle School Project Fund) - $531, Fund 31 (Capital Reserve Fund) - $71, SUPERINTENDENT S REPORT COMMENDATIONS & RECOGNITIONS By Kerber: The Superintendent recommends and I move the approval of the Commendations & Recognitions INCLUDED IN THE PERMANENT RECORD OF THE MINUTES OF THIS MEETING. Seconded by Bolas, and carried on unanimous voice vote. High School The 2009 ING Unsung Heroes Award has been awarded to High School science teacher Monica Erwin for her project titled Physiology Understanding Week. The project is designed for ninth grade biology students and uses a cross curricular approach to promote lifelong health and wellness. Monica will receive a plaque, a media package, and a check for $2000 to be used for her science curriculum.

6 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS REGARDING STAFFING By Bolas: The Superintendent recommends and I move that the Board approve the following. Seconded by Kerber, and carried on unanimous roll call vote. The District staff be decreased by the following positions: 1.0 Assistant Superintendent/Director of Communications and Secondary Level Education 1.0 Director of Elementary Education and Professional Development 1.0 Director of Middle School Education, Programming and Operations The District staff be increased by the following positions: 1.0 Acting Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction/ Supervisor of Special Education 1.0 Director of Operations, Community Relations & Special Projects 1.0 Director of Literacy, Assessment & Professional Development 1.0 Department Chair Elementary Special Education Dr. O Toole welcomed Dr. Suritsky, Dr. Bornyas, and Dr. Bulazo to their new roles and thanked the Board for supporting his administrative reorganization plan. He explained that he will provide updates to the Board regarding how the new administrative structure is working. Board members commended Dr. O Toole for his diligence in recommending an administrative reorganization that will serve the School District well into the future and welcomed Drs. Suritsky, Bornyas, and Bulazo to their new positions. Dr. Suritsky thanked the Board and Dr. O Toole for the opportunity to serve the School District as the Acting Assistant to the Superintendent. She noted the success of the opening day for the school year and commented regarding the excellent feedback she has received from the staff. Mrs. Billerbeck commented regarding being impressed with the new staff members and the positive start to the school year. APPROVAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION CHART By Bolas: The Superintendent recommends and I move that the Board approve the Administrative Organization Chart AS ATTACHED TO THE PERMANENT RECORD OF THE MINUTES OF THIS MEETING. Seconded by Petersen, and carried on majority roll call vote. (Mrs. Coliane voted nay.) MATTERS OF INFORMATION START OF SCHOOL Dr. O Toole reported regarding the successful start of the school year on Monday, August 24, with the return of all staff, and stated that he is looking forward to the students arriving on Thursday, August 27. He thanked Mrs. Billerbeck, Mr. Kunselman, and Mrs. Petersen for attending the welcome back breakfast and program. Dr. O Toole also thanked the Board members who attended the District Leadership Workshop on August 20 when Dr. Charles Schwahn presented information regarding customized learning and the impact of technology and 21 st century learning tools. Dr. O Toole explained that the administrators continued the leadership training on August 21 when Dr. Schwahn presented the principles of professionalism and how administrators act and work as a team for the benefit of the students. Dr. O Toole noted that the team building process will continue throughout the school year. Dr. O Toole stated that the administrators met

7 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING MINUTES for three days the week of August 10 to accomplish organizational details prior to the start of school. He thanked the administrators for their hard work and dedication during the leadership training. Dr. O Toole stated that he is looking forward to the students returning on August 27 and stated that he will provide additional information regarding the start of the school year at a future meeting. Mrs. Billerbeck thanked Dr. O Toole for bringing Dr. Schwahn to the School District to provide organized leadership training for the Board and administrators. Mrs. Bolas expressed with regret that she was unable to attend the District s leadership workshop. She explained that she was attending another leadership training to which she had previously committed. ADJOURN FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board adjourned for an executive session at approximately 8:14 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter and reconvened the Board meeting at approximately 8:21 p.m. ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL LISTINGS By Petersen: The Superintendent recommends and I move the approval of the Personnel Listings, pending receipt of all paperwork, INCLUDED IN THE PERMANENT RECORD OF THE MINUTES OF THIS MEETING. Seconded by Kerber, and carried on majority roll call vote. (Mrs. Coliane voted nay.) Retirement Classified Staff Raymond Zawatski Boyce/Custodian effective Change of Status Classified Staff Sharon Gaetano FROM (1.0) Health Room Aide TO High School / (1.0) Teacher Aide (Special Education) effective Pamela Bergman FROM (1.0) Health Room Aide TO Baker / (1.0) Teacher Aide (Special Education) effective Pamela Render FROM (1.0) Health Room Aide TO High School / (1.0) Teacher Aide (Special Education) effective Sandra Altman FROM Ft. Couch / (.5) Health Room Aide and (.5) Teacher Aide (Clerical) TO Ft. Couch / (1.0) Teacher Aide (Special Education) effective Sharon Lacey FROM Ft. Couch / Teacher Aide (Special Education) TO Ft. Couch / Secretary I effective $35,991 (prorated) Election Classified Staff Keith Eggert Bus Driver effective James McClory Bus Driver effective Ronald Jackman Bus Driver effective Patricia Kascak Bus Driver effective Change of Status Administrative Staff Dr. Judith Bulazo FROM Director of Elementary Education and Professional Development TO Director of Literacy, Assessment and Professional Development effective Dr. John Bornyas FROM Director of Middle School Education, Programming and Operations TO Director of Operations, Community Relations and Special Projects effective Dr. Sharon Suritsky FROM Supervisor of Special Education TO Acting Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction/Supervisor of Special Education effective

8 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING MINUTES Election Intern Keenan McGaughey Boyce/Administrative Intern for the school year effective $35,000 (prorated) New Appointments Extra Curricular Activities Matthew Henderson Girls Golf Head Coach $3,218 Thomas Hunsberger Middle School Choral Director (Ft. Couch) - $904 Reappointments Extra Curricular Activities Andy Lucas Middle School Girls Basketball Coach - $2,183 Mark Goelz Middle School Girls Basketball Coach - $2,183 Connie Montgomery Middle School Girls Basketball Coach - $2,183 Tom Kaminski Middle School Boys Basketball Coach - $2,183 Glenn Wayland Middle School Boys Basketball Coach - $2,183 Barney O Brien Middle School Boys Basketball Coach - $2,183 Joe DeMar Middle School Boys Basketball Coach - $2,183 Zoltan Toth Middle School Boys Basketball Coach - $2,183 Mark Goelz Middle School Boys Basketball Coach - $2,183 John Hall High School Fall Play Director - $2,581 Terry Williard High School Fall Play Technical Director - $1,506 Terry Williard High School Stage Crew Sponsor - $3,691 Paul Fox High School Fall Play Producer - $538 Lorraine Milovac High School Choral Director - $2,325 Gloria Christofano Middle School Choral Director (Boyce) - $904 Additions to District Substitute List Professional: Stasik, Ally Elementary effective Deletions from District Substitute List Professional: Jennifer Bannon Elementary effective Jessica Billy Elementary effective Cecilia Chapman Art effective Sandra Clingan Elementary effective Shannon Conner Elementary effective Brianna Corrado-Porter Art effective Brian Dankert Health & Phys Ed effective Anna DeCario Elementary effective Rose Demsher School Nurse effective Jocelyn Hladio Elementary effective James Horning Elementary effective Sara Houser Elementary effective Susan Hughes History effective Cheri Kaplan Elementary effective Dean Kraniou Social Studies effective Jennifer Little Elementary effective Jessica Locke Elementary effective Emily Mahoney Art effective Maria McNally Elementary effective Lisa Moidel Elementary effective Maria Nepa Biology effective Ellie Ratliff Mathematics effective Krista Sommer Biology effective Andrew Vietmeier Mid Level Social Studies effective Kate Ward Social Studies effective

9 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING MINUTES Classified: Keith Eggert Bus Driver effective James McClory Bus Driver effective Ronald Jackman Bus Driver effective Patricia Kascak Bus Driver effective APPROVAL TO DECLARE ITEMS SURPLUS By Petersen: The Superintendent recommends and I move that in accordance with Policy #3006 Sales of Surplus Furniture, Equipment and Other Tangible Personal Property, the Board declare ten television sets surplus and that the administration be authorized to bid the sale of the items, donate the items, dispose of the items as appropriate or advertise via public Internet auction. Seconded by Kunselman, and carried on unanimous voice vote. BUSINESS & FINANCE APPROVAL OF DESIGNATED FUND BALANCE FOR PSERS AND OTHER POTENTIAL LIABILITIES Ms. Cordisco reviewed the Proforma Financial Statements for the period ended June 30, 2009 (preliminary and unaudited). There was discussion among the Board and administrators regarding future PSERS obligations, possible bus replacements, and investments in security cameras at the elementary buildings. By Bolas: The Superintendent recommends and I move that the Board approve the use of $600,000 of the addition to the Fund Balance, consisting of a transfer of $70,000 to the Capital Reserve Fund for capital expenditures, $30,000 as a Designated Fund Balance for security cameras at the elementary schools, $100,000 as a Designated Fund Balance for bus replacements, and $400,000 as a Designated Fund Balance for future PSERS obligations. Seconded by Petersen, and carried on unanimous roll call vote. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION APPOINTING DELEGATES TO THE TAX COLLECTION COMMITTEE By Petersen: The Superintendent recommends and I move that the Board approve, in accordance with Act 32 of 2008, the Resolution Appointing Delegates to the Tax Collection Committee AS ATTACHED TO THE PERMANENT RECORD OF THE MINUTES OF THIS MEETING. Seconded by Coliane, and carried on unanimous roll call vote. MATTERS OF INFORMATION BUS GARAGE UPDATE Ms. Cordisco explained that the bus garage lease was signed with Turnberry Properties with the building being approved by Cecil Township as a repair facility and reviewed the terms of the lease, noting that there are plans to move the bus garage facility on September 3 if the occupancy permit is received. She explained that the School District is continuing to work with USC Township regarding a house for the buses and drivers with the hopes of reaching an agreement in the near future. Ms. Cordisco reviewed the leasehold improvements noting that the cost was under budget.

10 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING MINUTES ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING EXECUTIVE SESSIONS Mrs. Billerbeck announced that executive sessions were held on the following dates: August 17, 2009 Solicitor, Legal & Personnel Matters August 25, 2009 Personnel & Negotiations Matters ADJOURNMENT It was moved, seconded, and carried on unanimous voice vote that the meeting adjourn at approximately 8:41 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION (NEGOTIATIONS MATTERS) The Board adjourned into executive session to discuss negotiations matters. Amy L. Billerbeck, President BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS Frosina C. Cordisco, Secretary BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS Submitted by: Mary Ann L. Stabile School Board Stenographer