WESTMORELAND INTERMEDIATE UNIT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES JUNE 28, 2016 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting was called to order by Vice President Dennis J. Rittenhouse at 7:50 p.m. in the Board Room of the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, 102 Equity Drive, Greensburg, Pennsylvania followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL 11-6 Present Gretchen V. Beveridge, Bill Feldbusch, Linda Leghart, Aimee Love, Dallas Leonard, Susan J. Mains, Sharon Mauck, Robert A. McDonald, Dennis J. Rittenhouse, Tamra Smail, Barbara Vernail. Absent Aaron J. Bialon, Robert M. Gumbita, Patrick Petit, Irvin W. Tantlinger, Herb Yingling, Joseph L. Yorio. Also in attendance Dr. Jason A. Conway, Executive Director; Dr. Joseph Sciullo, Director of Student Services; Allison Willis, Director of Financial Services; Eric Vaughan, Supervisor of Information Technology; Carl Beard, Solicitor; and Christie L. Ridenour, Assistant Secretary, I.U. Board. EXECUTIVE SESSION JUNE 28, 2016 Prior to the regular meeting from 6:15 p.m. until 7:48 p.m. LEGAL, PERSONNEL and CONTRACTUAL. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES May 24, 2016 Second: Ms. Mains FINANCIAL REPORTS A. Treasurer's Report - May (FR-1516-029) B. Payment of Bills 05/14/16-06/15/16 (FR-1516-030) C. Ratification of Investments - May (FR-1516-031)
C. Ratification of Investments May, Contd. 2015-2016 INTEREST BUDGETED RECEIVED TO DATE Special Education $ 0.00 $ 0.00 General Fund 0.00 580.08 Non-Public 0.00 0.00 Transportation 0.00 0.00 Core 0.00 0.00 TOTAL $ 0.00 $ 580.08 Second: Mr. McDonald BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS None. PARAEDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD by Dr. Jason Conway Janice Altieri Janice can be described by many words. She is Generous with her time and concern, kind to all she meets, polite and always calm in demeanor, creative and a very hard worker. She is always looking out for the needs of the children and will do whatever it takes, whether it is time, effort, or that extra boost to ensure that all children in her care feel loved and valued in her classroom. Sharon McKinney Sharon is the consummate team player. No matter where she is, she blends seamlessly into the work and is supportive of all the students regardless of their needs. Her organizational skills help the classroom and students to run more efficiently. With a smile and a helpful tone, the students gravitate to her for help which she provides with skill and knowledge. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT A. Mr. Eric Vaughan named Chairperson of the Western PAIMS Group B. August 15-All WIU Opening Day-Fred Rogers Center C. Saturday, October 1 (8:00 AM)-Board Workshop & Committee Meetings D. Wednesday, March 29 (6:00 PM)-All WIU Dinner & Workshop E. Special Motion vs. Proposed July 26th Board Meeting WIU FOUNDATION REPORT Mr. Robert A. McDonald, Board Representative, reported that the Golf event was a success. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. in the WIU Board Room. 2 06/28/16 WIU Reg. Bd. Mtg. - Minutes
CORRESPONDENCE None. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS FINANCIAL SERVICES FS-1516-012 - Approved transportation contracts with First Student, Inc. and DMJ Transportation - 2016 Extended School Year at a cost not to exceed $72,487.99. (FS-1516-012) Second: Ms. Vernail FS-1516-013 - Approved the following insurance policies through Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., for the policy term July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017: Workers' Compensation $ 121,774 Package (Property, Liability and Crime) $ 16,790 Educators Legal Liability $ 11,449 Umbrella $ 9,033 Cyber $ 9,025 Auto $ 3,093 Total $ 171,164 Motion: Ms. Leghart Second: Ms. Mauck FS-1516-014 - Approved the Early Intervention Budget for the 2016-2017 school year in the amount of $3,737,366.00. (FS-1516-014) Second: Ms. Mains FS-1516-015 - Approved the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit's Budgets for the 2016-2017 school year as listed: a. Act 89 - Non-public $ 834,260.00 b. Special Education CORE $ 1,800,765.88 c. Special Education Transportation $ 1,760,080.00 (FS-1516-015) Motion: Ms. Mains Second: Ms. Vernail 3 06/28/16 WIU Reg. Bd. Mtg. - Minutes
FS-1516-016 - Granted the Administration permission to apply for the listed federal funds for the 2016-2017 school year. P.L. 105-17 (IDEA) Component I $ 898,188.00 P.L. 105-17 (IDEA) Component II & III $ 10,291,215.00 P.L. 105-17 (IDEA-619) $ 218,919.00 (FS-1516-016) Second: Ms. Mauck FS-1516-017 - Granted the Administration permission to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for $29,273.00 in Title IIA funds for the 2016-2017 school year for the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit's Non-Public Schools under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Motion: Mr. Feldbusch Second: Ms. Beveridge FS-1516-018 - Approvee the following contracts for the term of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019: a. Source4Teachers (FS-1516-018a) a.-1 Addendum to Extend Agreement (FS-1516-018a-1) b. Mission One Educational Staffing Services, LLC (FS-1516-018b) Motion: Ms. Leghart Second: Ms. Smail HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES HR-1516-071 - Approved the following retirement(s)/resignation(s): Name Position Effective end of day Reason Allison Arendas Distance Learning Coordinator August 12, 2016 Other employment Marlene Cecchini Nurse June 3, 2016 Retirement Sally Chandler Teacher June 3, 2016 Retirement Ronald Heitchue School Psychologist June 30, 2016 Denise Kubistek Clairview School Principal August 26, 2016 Other employment Other employment Larry Todd Lantz eacademy Programming and Application Support Analyst August 1, 2016 Other reasons 4 06/28/16 WIU Reg. Bd. Mtg. - Minutes
HR-1516-071, Cont d. Name Position Effective end of day Reason Michelle Mondale Classroom Assistant June 3, 2016 Retirement Kellie Santini Speech and Language Pathologist August 12, 2016 Other employment Donna Silvis eacademy Secretary August 1, 2016 Retirement Motion: Ms. Mains Second: Mr. Feldbusch HR-1516-072 - Approved the following Leave requests: Parental Leave a. Employee #010889, beginning June 24, 2016 and ending May 4, 2017. Motion: Ms. Vernail Second: Ms. Mains HR-1516-073 - Approved termination of Employee #133108, effective May 31, 2016 in accordance with collective bargaining agreement terms. Motion: Mr. Feldbusch Second: Ms. Smail HR-1516-074 - Approved a Memorandum of Agreement between the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit 7 and Westmoreland Intermediate Unit 7 Classroom Assistants Educational Support Personnel Association PSEA-NEA and Westmoreland Intermediate Unit 7 Classroom Assistants Educational Support Personnel Association PSEA-NEA Personal Care Assistants. (HR-1516-074) Motion: Ms. Vernail Second: Ms. Leghart HR-1516-075 - Approved additions to the Substitute Secretary List, pending satisfactory completion of all pre-employment requirements. Name Hourly Rate Roberta Yesho $9.00 Motion: Ms. Vernail Second: Mr. Leonard 5 06/28/16 WIU Reg. Bd. Mtg. - Minutes
HR-1516-076 - Employed personnel for the 2016 Extended School Year Program, commencing July 5, 2016 through July 27, 2016 with compensation set at $28.50 per hour for Teachers, $14.00 per hour for Classroom Assistants, and $20.28 per hour for Nurses. Teacher Nurse Caroline Palanko Sheri Robosky Motion: Ms. Mauck Second: Ms. Smail HR-1516-077 - Approved the 2016-2017 hourly rates for the following job classifications per Nurses & Job Coach Mentors Compensation Plan: RN - $28.08 LPN - $22.37 Job Coach Mentors - $18.03 Second: Ms. Leghart HR-1516-078 - Approved a contract for a Student Services Specialist, effective July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. Motion: Ms. Mains Second: Mr. Leonard HR-1516-079 Approved the following Resolution: Be it resolved that the Board of Directors of Westmoreland Intermediate Unit #7 hereby approve the following position eliminations at the end of the 2015-2016 school term based on reasons of economy and efficiency, due to alterations to the Intermediate Unit s Early Intervention Program and due to State mandated withdrawal of Intermediate Unit s Federal Medical Access Fund in the amount of approximately $1,048,029, as a result of same this has left the Intermediate Unit with a $1.4 million deficit projected for the 2016-2017 school year as it relates to its Early Intervention Program. These cuts have already included the elimination of two (2) Administrators, and a Special Education Supervisor. In light of the foregoing, the following actions are necessitated: The elimination of the following Classroom and/or Personal Care Assistant positions. The affected individuals are as follows: #010180, 010759, 010694, 010202, 011103, 011067, 010664, 010618, 010378, 010126, 010803, 010500, 010269, 010860, 010216, 010188, 010204, 010987, 010730, 010374, 011398, 011045, 011140, 010620, 011651, 011931, 012105, 000949, and 000965. Be it further resolved that the affected individuals be notified by the Board Secretary and/or Executive Director of this action. Motion: Mr. Feldbusch Second: Ms. Leghart 6 06/28/16 WIU Reg. Bd. Mtg. - Minutes
HR-1516-080 Approved the following Resolution: Be it resolved that the Board of Directors of the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit No 7 hereby approve/authorize creation of sixteen (16) part-time Classroom Assistant and/or Personal Care Assistant positions. Motion: Ms. Mauck Second: Ms. Smail HR-1516-081 - Approved contracts with the following to serve as Job Coaches under the Work Discovery program, effective July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017, pending satisfactory completion of all pre-employment requirements: Kate Dzurica Marie Lasor Valarie McAteer Kayla Messenger Heidi Miller Lori Sciore Motion: Ms. Beveridge Second: Mr. Feldbusch HR-1516-082 - Accepted the resignation of Allison Willis, Director of Financial Services, effective August 14, 2016 for other employment. Motion: Ms. Leghart Roll Call: 10-1, 6 absent Second: Ms. Mauck HR-1516-083 Named J. R. Dzurica, Interim Business Manager, effective August 15, 2016 and concluding on or around February 28, 2017 at a monthly stipend of $1500. Motion: Ms. Smail Second: Ms. Beveridge TECHNOLOGY & INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES TIS-1516-015 - Approved a service agreement with Unionville-Chadds Ford School District to provide fraud application services. Motion: Ms. Mains Second: Mr. Feldbusch TIS-1516-016 - Approved a service agreement with the following to provide document imaging and management services: a. Franklin Regional School District b. Greensburg Salem School District Second: Ms. Leghart 7 06/28/16 WIU Reg. Bd. Mtg. - Minutes
TIS-1516-017 - Approved a service agreement with Diocese of Greensburg to provide internet access services. Motion: Ms. Mauck Second: Mr. Feldbush TIS-1516-018 - Approved a service agreement with Monessen City School District to provide network services. Ms. Beveridge CURRICULUM SERVICES STUDENT SERVICES SS-1516-028 - Approved service agreements with the following to provide student services: a. Belle Vernon Area School District b. Burrell School District c. Greensburg Salem School District d. Hempfield Area School District e. Yough School District Motion: Ms. Mains Second: Mr. Feldbusch SS-1516-029 - Approved an affiliation agreement with Edinboro University to provide practicum or student teaching services. Motion: Ms. Beveridge Second: Mr. McDonald SS-1516-030 - Approved a service agreement with Bayada, Home Health Care, Inc. for "in school" nursing services. Second: Ms. Mauck SS-1516-031 - Approved the revised 2016-2017 Westmoreland County Youth Detention Center and Youth Shelter Calendar. (SS-1516-031) Second: Mr. Feldbusch 8 06/28/16 WIU Reg. Bd. Mtg. - Minutes
SS-1516-032 - Approved the Early Intervention Assurance for the Operation of Special Education Services and Programs for the 2016-2017 school year. Motion: Ms. Leghart Second: Ms. Mauck SCHOOL BOARD SB-1516-021 - Approved an agreement with Saint Vincent College for conference facilities for the WIU All Staff Inservice on August 15, 2016. Motion: Mr. Feldbusch Ms. Smail SB-1516-022 Appointed Dennis J. Rittenhouse as the PSBA Liaison for the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit Board of Directors for the 2016-2017 school year. Motion: Ms. Beveridge Second: Mr. McDonald SB-1516-023 - Approved the attendance of the PSBA Liaison and the Executive Director at the Pennsylvania School Boards Association/Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PSBA/PASA) Conference on October 13-15, 2016 in Hershey, PA. Second: Mr. McDonald SB-1516-024 - Elected Westmoreland Intermediate Unit Board Officers for the 2016-2017 school year. President Mr. McDonald nominated Dennis Rittenhouse Mr. Rittenhouse nominated Irvin Tantlinger Close the nominations Second: Ms. Leghart Voting Mr. Rittenhouse Beveridge, Feldbusch, Leonard, Love, Mauck, McDonald, Smail. Voting Mr. Tantlinger Leghart, Mains, Rittenhouse, Vernail. Roll Call: 7 4 for Mr. Rittenhouse Mr. Rittenhouse elected President Vice President Mr. Leonard nominated Irvin Tantlinger Mr. McDonald nominated Mr. Leonard 9 06/28/16 WIU Reg. Bd. Mtg. - Minutes
Close the nominations Motion: Ms. Mains Second: Mr. Feldbusch Voting Mr. Tantlinger Beveridge, Feldbusch, Leghart, Leonard, Love, Mains, Mauck, Rittenhouse, Smail, Vernail Voting Mr. Leonard McDonald Roll Call: 10 1 for Mr. Tantlinger Mr. Tantlinger elected Vice President Treasurer Ms. Mauck nominated Dallas Leonard Close the nominations Motion: Ms. Smail Voting Mr. Leonard Second: Mr. McDonald Mr. Leonard elected Treasurer Secretary Mr. Feldbusch nominated Robert Gumbita Close the nominations Voting Mr. Gumbita Second: Ms. Leghart Mr. Gumbita elected Secretary Assistant Secretary Ms. Vernail nominated Christie Ridenour Close the nominations Motion: Ms. Leghart Voting Ms. Ridenour Second: Ms. Mains Ms. Ridenour elected Assistant Secretary 10 06/28/16 WIU Reg. Bd. Mtg. - Minutes
2016-2017 WIU Board Officers President Mr. Dennis J. Rittenhouse Vice President Mr. Irvin W. Tantlinger Treasurer Mr. Dallas Leonard Secretary Mr. Robert Gumbita Assistant Secretary Ms. Christie L. Ridenour SB-1516-025 - Allowed the Executive Director to fill current open positions and any opened positions due to retirement or resignation after June 28, 2016 for the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year with the Board's retroactive approval at the next board meeting on August 23, 2016. Motion: Ms. Leghart Second: Mr. Leonard SB-1516-026 - Approved the following Resolution: Action regarding Lease Agreement between The Most Reverend Lawrence E. Brandt, JCD, PHD, Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg, A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust, Successor Trustee for the Roman Catholic Bishop William G. Connare Center, A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust and Westmoreland Intermediate Unit. Whereas, the Intermediate Unit entered into a Lease Agreement on May 1, 2010 for a period of ten (10) years commencing July 10, 2010 (the Commencement Date ) and unless extended as provided in the Lease, ending on June 30, 2020; and Whereas, among other things, Section 2.4 of the Lease entitled Termination and Surrender, provides as follows: Section 2.4. Termination and Surrender. Lessor and Lessee mutually agree that this Lease and the tenancy created hereby shall terminate upon the expiration of the Term hereof or upon the earlier termination of this Lease by either party as provided herein. Lessee agrees to and shall, on expiration of the Term or sooner termination of this Lease, promptly surrender and deliver peaceable possession of the Leased Premises to Lessor without demand therefore. Lessee shall return the Leased Premises broom clean and free of debris and in good order and condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted. It is agreed and understood that Lessee's ability to meet its obligations under this Lease is contingent upon its receipt of funds from the office of Child Development and Early Learning ("OCDEL"), and the Pennsylvania Department of Education ("PDE"), and the continued operation of the Lessee's Early Intervention Program. Therefore, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, in the event that Lessee's funding from OCDEL or PDE is materially reduced or eliminated, or in the event Lessee is directed by OCDEL or PDE to materially reduce or discontinue the Lessee's Early Intervention Program, Lessee may terminate this Lease with ninety (90) days written notice to Lessor; and Whereas, said Lease provides inter alia:... It is agreed and understood that Lessee's ability to meet its obligations under this Lease is contingent upon its receipt of funds from the office of Child Development and Early Learning ("OCDEL"), and the Pennsylvania Department of Education ("PDE"), and the continued operation of the Lessee's Early Intervention Program. Therefore, notwithstanding anything 11 06/28/16 WIU Reg. Bd. Mtg. - Minutes
SB-1516-026, Cont d. contained herein to the contrary, in the event that Lessee's funding from OCDEL or PDE is materially reduced or eliminated, or in the event Lessee is directed by OCDEL or PDE to materially reduce or discontinue the Lessee's Early Intervention Program, Lessee may terminate this Lease with ninety (90) days written notice to Lessor; and Whereas, the Intermediate Unit s Early Intervention state funding was cut in 2014-2015 from $4,283,090 to $3,866,589 in 2015-2016 representing a cut of $416,501 or 9.7% and an additional cut of $129,223 or 3.3% from 2015-2016 to the proposed funding for 2016-2017; and Whereas, at the same time that state funding levels were decreased, the state mandated withdrawal of the Intermediate Unit s federal ACCESS fund reserves in the amount of $1,048,029 during the 2015-2016 school year leaving the Intermediate Unit s remaining balance in the federal fund reserve of approximately $170,000; and Whereas, the mandated withdrawal of the federal ACCESS funds was used by OCDEL to balance the Intermediate Unit s overall Early Intervention budget; and Whereas, these funds then had to be used for reoccurring expenses and left the Intermediate Unit with a $1.4 million deficit projected for the 2016-2017 school year; and Whereas, the Early Intervention program has had to make several significant cuts to the program due to the anticipation of this deficit; and Whereas, the cuts have already included elimination of two (2) administrative positions, a special education supervisor, nurses and recently resulted in the elimination of eighteen (18) full time classroom assistant positions in Early Intervention and the resulting in the creation of sixteen (16) part time classroom assistants positions; and Whereas, individuals impacted by these actions have already been notified of same on June 23, 2016; and Whereas, it is clear that with funding to OCDEL is materially reduced and eliminated the Intermediate Unit is well within its rights to provide the Lessor, The Most Reverend Lawrence E. Brandt, JCD, PHD, Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg, A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust, Successor Trustee for the Roman Catholic Bishop William G. Connare Center, A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust, notification of its intent to terminate the Lease Agreement with ninety (90) days written notice to the Lessor. Be it therefore resolved that the Administration is therefore authorized to provide The Most Reverend Lawrence E. Brandt, JCD, PHD, Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg, A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust, Successor Trustee for the Roman Catholic Bishop William G. Connare Center, A Pennsylvania Charitable Trust with the required notice under the May 1, 2010 Lease Agreement of the Intermediate Unit s desire to terminate same effective September 30, 2016. Roll Call: 11 0 Second: Ms. Vernail 12 06/28/16 WIU Reg. Bd. Mtg. - Minutes
COMMENTS BY CITIZENS IN ATTENDANCE Terri Pajak, President, Classroom Assistants/Personal Care Assistants congratulated Ms. Altieri and Ms. McKinney on being named Paraeducators of the Year. She also acknowledged with sadness the furloughed individuals. Finally she wished Ms. Willis good luck in her new position. COMMENTS BY WIU BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ms. Vernail thanked Ms. Willis for her service to the WIU. ADJOURNMENT Second: Mr. Leonard Dates to Remember: August 15, 2016 WIU All Staff In-service/Quarterly Meeting Fred Rogers Center (St. Vincent College) August 23, 2016 WIU Regular Board Meeting 7:00 P.M., WIU Board Room September 27, 2016 WIU Regular Board Meeting 7:00 P.M., WIU Board Room October 1, 2016 WIU Board Retreat 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., WIU March 29, 2017 ALL IU Dinner & Workshop 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., WIU 13 06/28/16 WIU Reg. Bd. Mtg. - Minutes