Seneca Valley School District SCHOOL BOARD MEETING Seneca Valley Intermediate High School Auditorium MINUTES November 12, 2007 1. CALL TO ORDER - Mr. Berkebile called the meeting to order at 8:11 p.m. A. Moment of Silence - The meeting was opened with a moment of silence in remembrance of Evans City teacher Linda Saulle who passed away today. B. Pledge of Allegiance - Mr. Berkebile led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. C. Roll Call - Roll call by Joan Rinaman, Board Secretary, showed the following Board members in attendance: Mr. Paul Adametz, Mr. Dean Berkebile, Mr. Kenneth Brennan, Mr. Anthony Evans, Mr. Robert J. Hill, Jr., Mr. William Paul, Mr. Thomas Roth, Mr. Anthony Storti, and Mr. Jeffrey Widdowson. Others present included Dr. Donald Tylinski, Superintendent; Dr. Matthew McKinley, Assistant Superintendent Secondary; Mr. Jeffrey Fuller, Assistant Superintendent Elementary; Ms. Tracy Vitale, Assistant Superintendent Human Resources and Pupil Services; Mrs. Linda Andreassi, Communications Director; Mr. Ronald Lamneck, Buildings/Grounds/Security Director; Mrs. Joanne Meredith, Special Education Director; Mr. Matthew Hoffman, Solicitor; visitors on enclosed list; and press representatives. 2. INFORMATION REPORTS A. Dates to Remember November 19 November 22 December 3 Special Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Intermediate Auditorium Thanksgiving Vacation School Board Reorganization, 8:00 p.m., Intermediate Auditorium B. Enrollment Update - The latest enrollment figures provided in the backup materials. C. Principal Reports - The building reports provided in the backup materials. D. Grant Programs 1. County Drug and Alcohol 2. Title I - Improving America s Schools - Remedial Reading 3. Title IIA - Improving Teacher Quality 4. Title III - Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient and Immigrant Students 5. Title IV - Drug Free Schools
6. Title V - Innovative Education E. Budget Report - The budget report provided in the backup materials. F. Recognition 1. Teacher Anne Koch received a $450 grant from Penn Power for math and science instruction. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT A. Robert Tarpey has tried to stay neutral through the strike. He does not like the negative, irresponsible journalism of the media. The teachers were offered a good and fair proposal. Teachers at the top of the scale should get top raises. They have held the district hostage. Benefits are very good in this district. B. Lisa Zimmerman thinks Seneca Valley is in a lose lose situation. Both sides need to work together for a win win situation. C. Elaine Ashton noted that the district has an award winning Middle School. She quoted PSSA rankings from the Pittsburgh Business Times and winning ways described in the Seneca Valley Insight. Exemplary teachers who produce these results should be compensated the same as those in other districts with similar results. D. Frank Essek commented on the conflicting figures provided for raises, raise on scale vs. raise on steps. His main question was what each proposal will cost tax payers. E. Ken Dash commented on the ugly situation in the community which will take a lot of time and effort to fix. Board members are elected and serve without pay. They must also be peacemakers in the community. Each side must respect the other and stop personal attacks. F. Jarod Stewart would support any tax increase to support teachers. They are professionals and are not in teaching for the money. G. Craig Monismith stated more negotiation sessions are needed. He does not make this amount or have benefits. His son is in tears about this strike. H. Pat Schillero has asked both sides to explain the numbers. She thinks taxes will increase but salaries will not drive those increases. It would help the community to have all the financial data. I. Scott Madeira thanked the Board for maintaining sports and activities. The kids need to be back in school. 4% is fair and economical with the benefits offered. J. Bill Adams stated that public education is a monopoly. The fund balance cannot be used when there is bond debt. Giving the teachers the attritional savings is never realized as savings since they continue to be paid in retirement. K. Ramona Francis said her daughter has always been a good student and was taught to respect teachers. Now in her senior year she is faced with a strike. Ms. Francis suggests the senior project be voluntary. L. Wendy Hoffman would like a meeting for parents of seniors. She is afraid the students will face retribution when the teachers return. M. Jack Wilson recalled that he went through a previous strike and like that strike things will work out for the best. The Board is hiding behind attorneys with negative negotiations. N. Terry Moore thanked the Board for taking on this challenge for free and asked the association to look in the mirror to ask am I here to educate children or for my wallet. O. Bill Yurich suggested the kids are the losers in the strike so raise taxes and spend the money on educators. P. Jeff Plut wants both sides to negotiate. The Board needs to show fiscal responsibility and the teachers can go somewhere else. 2
Q. Karen Daley asked if any Board members were aware of the new playground enhancements the parent teacher group provided at Rowan. She asked if the principals could have evening meetings with parents for information on impact on students. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Approve the following Board minutes: A. Work Session - October 1, 2007 B. Regular Meeting - October 8, 2007 C. Special Meeting - October 17, 2007 5. OPERATION REPORTS A. Treasurer's Report - Approve the August 2007 treasurer s report. B. Financial Reports - Approve the following financial reports: 1. Senior High Activities 2. Middle School Activities 3. Food Service 4. Tax Collection 5. Real Estate 6. Food Service C. Agency Reports 1. Vo-Tech - The Board needs to appoint a new representative and an alternate to replace Mr. Paul and Mr. Adametz, respectively. 2. I. U. IV - The next meeting is November 28. 3. Clarence Brown - The next meeting is November 20. 6. PAYMENT OF BILLS - Approve the General Fund bills provided in the backup materials which total $3,607,126.18. 7. ACTIVITIES FUND BILLS - Approve the Activities Fund bills provided in the agenda which total $24,362.24. 8. CONSTRUCTION FUND BILLS - Approve the Construction Fund bills provided in the agenda which total $138,380.52. Mr. Hill motioned, seconded by Mr. Paul, to approve the minutes, financial reports, and various bills as listed above. Motion carried on a roll call vote with those present voting in the affirmative. 9. ADMINISTRATION ACTION A. Conferences - Approve conferences in backup. B. Concensus Consulting Contract - Approve an agreement with Concensus Consulting for the provision of information technology management and services for a term commencing November 1, 2007, and ending June 30, 2008, in the amount of $152,000, subject to approval of the form of agreement by the solicitor. 3
Mr. Hill motioned, seconded by Mr. Storti, to approve the conferences and consulting contract as listed above. Motion carried on a roll call vote with those present voting in the affirmative except Mr. Adametz voting no. 10. INSTRUCTION ACTION A. Student Trips 1. Approve girls varsity basketball trip to Villa Maria basketball tournament in Erie on December 7 and 8. Students will not miss any school. Only cost to the district is a contribution to the bus cost. 2. Acknowledge six students from Senior and Intermediate High School student councils participation in the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils conference on November 1-3, 2007. B. Musical Ticket Prices - Approve a one dollar increase to ticket prices for the all school musical due to increased rental costs. Mr. Storti motioned, seconded by Mr. Roth, to approve the student trips and ticket price increase as listed above. Motion carried on a roll call vote with those present voting in the affirmative. 11. BUSINESS/FINANCES ACTION A. Joint Purchasing Agreement - Approve Joint Purchasing Agreement with Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV. B. General Supplies and Equipment Bid - Authorize the administration to seek bids for general equipment and supplies for 2008-09 school year. C. Real Estate Tax Refunds - Approve the following refunds of real estate tax: 1. Demolished property - $598.41. 2. Overpayment - $1,579.60 D. Budget Transfers - Approve budget transfers. Mr. Paul motioned, seconded by Mr. Hill, to approve the purchasing agreement, authorization to bid, refunds, and transfers as listed above. Motion carried on a roll call vote with those present voting in the affirmative. 12. PERSONNEL ACTION A. Resignations - Classified - Cheryl Hays; Supplemental - Karyn Brooks B. Appointments - Professional - day-to-day substitutes; Supplementals - Chad Hein, Evan King, Jodie Perry. C. Leaves - Tisha Konvolinka, Margaret Tkatch, Sue Williamson. D. Intents to Retire - Debra Hill, Ronald McEntire, William Allen, Elaine Ashton, Mary Leone, Cindy Stewart, Robert Scott Brown, Rajkumari Dameron, Phyllis Martinek. 4
Mr. Widdowson motioned, seconded by Mr. Storti, to approve the resignations, appointments, leaves, and intents to retire as listed above. Motion carried on a roll call vote with those present voting in the affirmative. 13. COMMUNICATIONS - Communications were received from the following: 1. Brenda Beck 2. Heidi and Scott Jeffries 3. Lori Meek 4. Jennifer Williams Dancisin 5. Jennifer Nicotero 6. Kathy Hensler 7. Kelly Lambert 8. Nancy Kotvas 9. Leslie Mularski 10. Lynn Taylor 11. Michael DeJeet 12. Beth Panizales 13. Gary Rieger 14. Sandi and Dan Ruble 15. Susan DeRiggi 16. Amber Wolfe 17. John Marmol 18. Beth Herrmann 19. Gabriele Kirsch 20. Betsy Heney 21. Pam Beauseigneur 22. Dr. Edward Bennett 23. Tracey Martin 24. Lisa Goda 25. Barbara Schreibeis 26. Chuck and Marianne Milcic 27. Gerry Riazzi 28. Mary Vargo 29. John and Diane Dum 30. Kathleen Riley 31. Jennifer Dancisin 32. Richard Underwood 33. Lisa Underwood 34. Barb Kelly 35. Beth Meahl 36. David Thomas 37. Kevin Wagner 38. Lisa Di Michele 39. Lisa Mislan 40. Nancy Mead 41. Niki Campbell 42. Mark Jakubowycz 43. Joy Martin 44. Terry Rich 45. Jim Gloeckner 5
46. Sue Hickey 47. Jeffrey Slike 48. Shelly McCarthy 49. Dianne Rotz 50. Barb Hogan 51. Keith Cardinal 52. Laura Kurywchak 53. Linda Deutsch 54. Michael Martocci 55. Tim Hannon 56. Glen O Connor 57. Elisabeth Brugnone 58. Lori Pontzius 59. Maureen Veverka 60. Karen Russell 61. Bill McAllister 62. Bryan Popp 63. Dale and Patti Downing 64. Bobbi Keeling 65. John Marmol 66. Mary Ellen Barry 67. Lisa Patrick 68. Sally Reichert 69. Stacey Wagner 70. Jill Matter 71. Kim Buczynski 72. Lynn Spadine Taylor 73. William and Virginia Banks 74. Doug O Donnell 75. Fran Kuzma 76. Pat Mullen 77. William Marree 78. Joseph Talarico 79. Patty Schillero 80. Charles and Lori Griffith 81. Cynthia Phelps 82. Stacey Allison 83. Becky Smith 84. Ruth Neibar 85. Mary Pearson 86. Sandy Howell 87. Bernie Weber 88. Mary Pearson 89. Dan Stepnick 90. Amy Downing 91. Brenda Martin 92. Christopher Inman 93. Jennifer Coyle 94. Lisa Kalbaugh 95. Sue Gondringer 6
14. Mr. Hill motioned, seconded by Mr. Widdowson, to nominate Mr. William Paul as chairman protem. Motion carried on a voice vote with those present voting in the affirmative. Mr. Berkebile congratulated Mr. Paul on 42 years of service on the Board and 17 years on the Vocational Technical school board. He also hoped that Mr. Paul would continue to visit the Board on Monday nights. Mr. Paul received a standing ovation. Mr. Paul stated that his only regret was that he was going out in this situation. 15. ADJOURNMENT - With nothing further to come before the Board, Mr. Storti motioned, seconded by Mr. Hill, to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Motion carried on a voice vote with those present voting in the affirmative. 16. EXECUTIVE SESSION - An executive session was held prior to the meeting to discuss personnel matters. Mr. Dean Berkebile, Board President Mrs. Joan Rinaman, Board Secretary 7