DRAFT NOT APPROVED BY THE BOARD QUAKERTOWN COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS Quakertown Community Senior High School 600 Park Avenue, Quakertown, PA 18951 Minutes of the Thursday, February 26, 2009 Regular Meeting I. CALL TO ORDER: 7:10 PM President, Linda A. Martin called the meeting to order with a quorum present as indicated in the roll call below. She announced that executive sessions were held after the February 12, 2009 meeting and prior to tonight s meeting to discuss legal issues and a personnel issue. II. FLAG SALUTE III. ROLL CALL: Board of School Directors Present Absent Mrs. Linda A. Martin, President Mr. Dean Wackerman, Vice President Mr. Manuel Alfonso Mr. George Dager Mrs. Kathy Mosley Mr. Zane Stauffer Mr. Paul R. Stepanoff Mrs. Nancy B. Tirjan Mrs. Kelly L. Van Valkenburgh 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 Mrs. Katherine Metrick, Assistant Superintendent 2-26-09 Minutes
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES May I have a motion to approve the minutes of the February 12, 2009 meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Quakertown Community School District. Discussion: Kelly L. Van Valkenburgh Zane R. Stauffer Mr. Stepanoff requested that the minutes be amended to note that the entire board voted to take the realignment plan to the Bucks County Court for a decision. Mrs. Van Valkenburgh noted that Mr. Stepanoff was the only one who testified at that hearing. with changes as noted. V. REPORTS SUPERINTENDENT Staff Sergeant Baum Dr. Andrejko updated the board on the recent loss of Staff Sergeant Mark Baum, parent of a Quakertown Elementary student who died while on duty in Afghanistan. There are many efforts underway to help the young family. Dr. Andrejko led a moment of silence in honor of Staff Sergeant Baum. President Obama s Stimulus plan Dr. Andrejko reported on the President s stimulus plan and the effect on the school district. The stimulus plan includes IDEA funds of $1,103,000 and Title 1-A funds of $258,000 to add to the special education budget. Project Lead the Way Program Dr. Andrejko noted that a year ago the board approved a new program offering engineering courses in high school called Project Lead the Way. The board moved to the Tech Ed lab for a tour of the program led by teachers Mr. Christopher Polk and Mr. Nicholas Foley along with students involved in the program. The board members returned to the board room. Paul R. Stepanoff thanked Dr. Andrejko for bringing the Project Lead the Way program to the board and implementing the program. UPPER BUCKS COUNTY AVTS President Martin reported on the February 19 meeting of the Upper Bucks County Vo-tech School and their recent trip to the farm show in Harrisburg. President Martin announced the winners of the Skills USA competition held recently. BUCKS COUNTY INTERMEDIATE UNIT Mrs. Tirjan reported on the 3 rd Tuesday meeting in February at the Bucks County IU. She asked about the value of a hard copy newsletter and the cost involved. Dr. Andrejko noted that on a recent survey, the community is more interested in electronic newsletters. 2
AD-HOC FINANCE COMMITTEE Mrs. Mosley reported on the activities of the ad-hoc committee. Future meetings will be held on the 3 rd Thursday of March through June. Mrs. Bishop will advertise these meetings. She thanked Mrs. Van Valkenburgh for her work as legislative liaison. LEGISLATIVE REPORT Mrs. Van Valkenburgh showed a PSBA video featuring Tom Gentzel, PSBA Executive Director who explained recent developments from the state capitol and the FREE initiative, Freeing Schools From the Burden of Unfunded Mandates. Mrs. Van Valkenburgh asked the board if she should attend the April conference on legislative issues. The board agreed to send her to the conference. This item will be on a future agenda for approval. VI. ITEMS FOR BOARD ACTION (Possible Executive Session) A. PUBLIC COMMENT (on agenda items only) B. FISCAL CONSENT AGENDA 1. TA MATTERS The Business Services Department is recommending the board approve the following tax matters: Real Estate Liens Municipality 2008 2007 2006 Total Haycock 128,334.60 330.55 128,665.15 Milford 626,429.08 12,206.05 638,635.13 Quakertown 300,965.16 3,014.65 66.49 304,046.30 Richland 537,816.10 12,957.10 304.98 551,078.18 Richlandtown 31,818.26 31,818.26 Trumbauersville 41,446.11 1,645.30 43,091.41 Total 1,666,809.31 30,153.65 371.47 1,697,334.43 2008 Real Estate & Interim Tax Exempt or Exonerated as of Jan 31, 2009 Municipality 2008 Haycock 6,517.46 Milford 17,404.35 Quakertown 3,463.80 Richland 5,534.55 Total 32,920.16 Delinquent Per Capita Taxes for Submission to Berkheimer Associates Municipality 2008 Haycock 2,260.00 3
Milford 10,250.00 Quakertown 14,050.00 Richland 14,870.00 Richlandtown 1,660.00 Trumbauersville 1,350.00 Total 44,440.00 Exempt or Exonerated Per Capita Taxes Municipality 2008 Per Capita Haycock 120.00 Milford 550.00 Quakertown 680.00 Richland 890.00 Richlandtown 110.00 Trumbauersville 80.00 Total 2,430.00 May I have a motion to approve the above tax matters. Discussion: Nancy B. Tirjan George Dager Mr. Stepanoff asked about the amount of the real estate tax liens and how they compare to previous years. Ms. Lenz explained that the interims are included in the figures and that last years figures were at the same level. 2. TREASURER'S REPORT The treasurer's report for the month ending January 31, 2009 is enclosed in your agenda. The Business Services Department is recommending the Board approve this report. 3. BUDGET TRANSFERS Attached are budget transfers for the period of July 1, 2008, to December 31, 2008. The Business Services Department is recommending these budget transfers, as specified in the attached document, be approved. May I have a motion to approve the above items. Manuel Alfonso Kelly L. Van Valkenburgh 4
C. PERSONNEL 1. REQUEST FOR UNPAID FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE Jolene Miga Supervisor Request for Unpaid Family Medical Leave - Effective: February 3, 2009 (1/2 day) 2. REQUEST FOR UNPAID CHILD-REARING LEAVE Margaret Smith Teacher Request for Unpaid Child-Rearing Leave Effective: March 24, 2009 to June 18, 2009 3. EMPLOYMENT Long Term Substitute Teacher CFF Grant Anna Berry Long Term Substitute Librarian Effective: February 9, 2009, for the Remainder of the 2008-2009 School Year Only Education: University of Maryland and Kutztown University Home: Perkiomenville Salary: $38,599 pro-rated 4. APPOINTMENT Martha Nolan P.M. Bus Duty Quakertown Elementary Effective: For the 2008-2009 School Year Rate of Pay: $746.52 5. ADDITION TO THE 2008-2009 PROFESSIONAL TEACHER SUBSTITUTE LIST Bryan Book Lisa D. Collins Robert Garland Kimberlie Gartner Rachel Palumbo Benjamin D. Nice Leonard, Schechtman Judith Scheetz 6. ADDITION TO AIDE SUBSTITUTE LIST Linda Treffinger Tammy L. Renner 7. RESIGNATION Mike Johnson Assistant Boys Baseball Coach Senior High School Effective: February 12, 2009 RESOLVED THAT, subject to the terms and conditions of any applicable agreements which are ratified or affirmed herewith, the Quakertown Community School District approves the 5
personnel items as presented. May I have a motion to adopt the above resolution and approve the above personnel items as recommended. Nancy B. Tirjan Paul R. Stepanoff 8. RETIREMENT Mario Galante Director of Special Services Effective: July 10, 2009 RESOLVED THAT, subject to the terms and conditions of any applicable agreements which are ratified or affirmed herewith, the Quakertown Community School District approves the personnel items as presented. May I have a motion to adopt the above resolution and approve personnel item #8 as recommended. Discussion: Zane R. Stauffer Kelly L. Van Valkenburgh Dr. Andrejko noted that Mr. Galante served the district for a total of 20 years. Mrs. Tirjan thanked him for the many years he served as principal in the senior high school and in the District Office for the past few years. D. POLICY AND PROGRAMS 1. APPROVE SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 2009-2010 The Administration is recommending the Board adopt the proposed calendar for the 2009-2010 school year as previously shared with the board. 2. ADOPTION OF CURRICULUM PROGRAM OF STUDIES FOR 2009-2010 The Program of Studies for 2009-2010 has been presented to the board. The Administration is recommending the Board adopt the Program of Studies as previously shared with the board. May I have a motion to adopt the policy and program items as presented. Discussion: Kelly L. Van Valkenburgh Manuel Alfonso Mr. Stepanoff noted that the start of the school year was after Labor Day last year, and would like administration to look at that again next year. Mrs. Metrick explained that Labor Day is late this year and the calendar is coordinated with Pennridge and Palisades. Mrs. Tirjan mentioned that our schools are used as 6
polling places and asked for an update. Mr. Galante reported that he met with the board of elections and was told that if he found alternate locations for the board of elections they may agree to move the polling places out of the elementary schools. It is ultimately their decision. Mrs. Tirjan noted that Quakertown is the only school in our immediate area that has to close for election day. Ms. Serge updated the board on the program of studies for 2009-2010. The first course in the Project Lead the Way Program will be held in the Freshman Center. VII. INFORMATION ITEMS BOARD COMMENTS Mr. Stepanoff read a statement on the recent article Intell article in January 22 about remediation in high school. He asked for more information from administration in a future meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS Kevin Wolfinger, Quakertown Borough handed President Martin an envelope of pictures. He addressed the board regarding a workout room with equipment in the basement of the high school. Nina Bagshaw, Milford Township addressed the board regarding the at-large system of electing school board members. Jerry Bassett, Milford Township reported on the TSA Region 5 challenge involving 19 schools and the awards earned by students from Strayer and Milford Middle Schools, the Freshman Center and the Senior High school. Dave Dolly, Haycock Township addressed the board with his concerns on the potential loss of a coach position in the girls soccer booster club and his concern with the safety and fairness of the girls sports program. Dr. Andrejko noted that this issue will go to the athletic budget committee. Paul R. Stepanoff asked about the relation to Title I on this issue. Tasha Keller, Quakertown Borough addressed the board on the bussing issue for the music program. DATES FOR BOARD MEMBERS CALENDARS Thursday March 12, 2009 7:00 pm REGULAR VOTING MEETING Senior High School Cafeteria 7
Thursday March 26, 2009 7:00 pm REGULAR VOTING MEETING Senior High School Cafeteria VIII. ADJOURNMENT May I have a motion to adjourn the meeting. George Dager Kelly L. Van Valkenburgh and the meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm. Linda A. Martin, President Alice K. Bishop, Board Secretary 8