Page 12059 REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015 MEETING 6:42 p.m. I. CALL TO ORDER The regular School Board Meeting of the Mifflin County School District was held Thursday evening, January 22, 2015, at 6:30 P.M. at the Administration Building, 201 Eighth Street, Highland Park, Lewistown, Pennsylvania. The following members were present at roll call: II. BOARD MEMBERS DR. RUTH D. ARMSTRONG ROBERT W. HAMMOND JOHN E. KNEPP BETH M. LAUGHLIN NEIL B. RUSSLER KRISTEN L. SHARP MARY LOU M. SIGLER RICHARD A. SMELTZ ANNEMARIE SWINEFORD Also present were Mr. James A. Estep, Superintendent; Mr. Vance S. Varner, Director of Secondary Education; Mr. Steven J. Schaaf, Director of Elementary Education; Mr. Sean A. Daubert, Chief Financial Officer; Mrs. Angela L. Wise, Board Secretary; Ms. Tracey M. Quigley-Jones, Director of Special Education; Mr. Joseph Gagliardo, Director of Buildings and Grounds; Mr. Orris Knepp III, Knepp & Snook; Mr. Mark Crosson, Mr. Matthew Shoemaker, Mrs. Dianne Shearer, Mrs. Jennifer Neavling, Mr. Paul Kline, Mrs. Melissa Kline, Mrs. Francy Becker, Miss Gretchen Miller, Mrs. Karen McCurdy, Mrs. Mary Wheeler, Miss Claire Mulkey, Mrs. Gina Snyder, Mr. Clint Snyder, Mrs. Connie Welch, Ms. Maddy Thompson, Mrs. Gail Wagner, Miss Lori Mowery, Mrs. Michelle Knepp and Mr. Joe Cannon, The Sentinel. An executive session was held from 6:00 PM 6:42 PM to discuss personnel items. III. COMMUNICATIONS A. School Board Secretary Mrs. Wise reminded Board Members that statements of financial interest are due in April. B. School Board Members School Board Members had nothing at this time. C. School District Administration Mrs. Michelle Schaaf and Ms. Nicole O Donnell provided an update on Mifflin County
Page 12060 Online. Ms. O Donnell said that currently there are 38 students enrolled at MCO. MCO has serviced 48 students total. Ten students have used MCO to transition back to the traditional brick and mortar school. Mrs. Schaaf thanked the Board for allowing Mrs. Stephanie O Donnell to join the MCO team. Mrs. O Donnell said they have resolved the technology issues. MCO is now using Faulkner Technologies for computer support. Mrs. Schaaf stated that MCO has switched to Lincoln Interactive for grades 9-12. Students are taking advantage of the electives offered by Lincoln Interactive and guidance counselors have the course descriptions. Mr. Varner reviewed student enrollment as of January 20, 2015. Mr. Schaaf reported that Ms. Amy Morton from CSIU mapped out math, reading and language arts curriculum for the elementary grades. Mr. Schaaf said he is also working with Mr. Cunningham and Skyward for RTII. Ms. Quigley-Jones announced that there is a new reading program, Language Live, for struggling readers at the middle school level. The students can record themselves reading and then the teachers can listen and provide assistance. Ms. Quigley-Jones commented that the program also comes with a writing component. The program could expand to the high school if they find success. Miss Dawn Hayes, Director of Federal Programs, is also helping with the program. D. Public Comment Period Mrs. Connie Welch said she was in attendance this evening to support the swimming program. Mrs. Welch said stated she supports the two volunteers that were removed from the agenda last month and the current coach, Miss Gretchen Miller. Mrs. Welch described the two volunteers with one word, integrity. Mrs. Welch commented that the programs are not just about athletics. There are other skills to be used as well. Mrs. Welch said she feels that Miss Miller can take the swimming program to the next level. However, when the Board chose to remove two volunteers from the agenda, the Board tied one hand behind Miss Miller s back. Mrs. Welch stated that the two volunteers did what they could behind the scenes and took the high road to keep as much consistency as possible for the students. Mr. Knepp made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Laughlin to approve item E below. The motion passed by a 9-0 roll call vote. E. As the President of this Board conducts this meeting, it will not be necessary to announce each Director s name for each vote. If, however, a Director or Directors wish to vote NO, that Director shall so state. The President of this Board shall call for the vote on a motion and if a Director does not vocally record a NO vote, that Director s vote shall be considered a YES vote. The President of this Board shall utilize roll call voting as required by law or at his or her discretion. The chair will entertain a motion to conduct this meeting according to these guidelines. IV. RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE MEETINGS, SPECIAL AND REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD
Page 12061 MEETINGS HELD, AND LISTING OF EXECUTIVE SESSIONS CONDUCTED Mr. Knepp made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hammond to approve items a, b, c and d below. The A. Special Voting Meeting December 4, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. B. Special Board Meeting for Reorganization December 4, 2014, at 8:14 p.m. C. Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting December 4, 2014, at 8:31 p.m. D. Regular School Board Meeting December 18, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. E. Executive Sessions Conducted December 4, 2014, from 7:15 7:30 PM Personnel and Legal Items December 18, 2014, at 9:04 PM Legal and Personnel Items V. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT A. CURRICULUM Mr. Hammond made a motion, seconded by Mr. Knepp to approve item 1 below. The 1. Approval of the recommended Reading List Grades 6-12. B. CUSTODIAL-MAINTENANCE Mr. Gagliardo said that the snow guards at MCHS are almost finished. There is about a half day of labor to go. Mr. Gagliardo addressed the phase protection issue. Mr. Gagliardo commented that 11 units did not have phase protection on them. That count excludes MCHS and MCJHS. Mr. Gagliardo commented that they still need to look at a few units at MCHS to see if they need phase protection. Mr. Gagliardo said he would bring back a plan and the cost to get the units completed. Mr. Gagliardo addressed the moisture issue at MCJHS. The issue is between the two wings where the modular buildings were. A storm water inlet was covered. Mr. Gagliardo said that the inlet needs to be opened up. Mr. Russler made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hammond to approve item 1 below. The
Page 12062 1. Recommend that JEFFREY CONDRON be removed from the Substitute Custodian List effective January 2, 2015. Mr. Hammond made a motion, seconded by Mr. Knepp to approve item 2 below. The 2. Consideration of The Friends of Mifflin County Library request to waive the fee of $500 for the use of the Mifflin County Middle School auditorium on Thursday, April 30, 2015, for the Lewistown Community Band to provide a concert as a fund raiser for the Mifflin County Library. Mr. Knepp made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Laughlin to approve item 3 below. The 3. Recommend approval of Change Request submitted by Lobar, Inc., to address correction of double doors near auditorium area at IVES at a cost of $13,926.21. Mr. Knepp made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Sharp to approve item 4 below. The 4. Recommend authorizing McKissick Associates to proceed with design documents for contractor pricing to address issues affiliated with the Mifflin County Junior High crawl space as documented in January 15, 2015 McKissick Associates letter to the District. C. FINANCE 1. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER S REPORT Mrs. Swineford made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Laughlin to approve items a, b and c below. The a. Review of Treasurer Reports for month ended December, 2014 (1) Kish Bank Balance 2,707,838.36 (2) PSDLAF / PSDMAX Balance 12,326,066.69 (3) Temporary Investment Report and Summary (4) Capital Projects Fund (PLIGIT) Balance 3,698,247.47 (5) General Obligation Bond 2013 Series (PLIGIT) Balance.43 (6) General Obligation Bond 2014 Series (PLIGIT) Balance 4,875,460.89 b. Review of Operating Fund Account Financial Report and Summary December, 2014 (1) Revenue and Expense Summary (2) Revenue Accounts (3) Expense Accounts c. Review of Listing of bills for payment
Page 12063 Checks 58519-58707 in the amount of $6,614,897.47 2. TAX INFORMATION Mrs. Swineford made a motion, seconded by Mr. Russler to approve items a, b and c below. The a. Real Estate and Per Capita Tax Collector Reports b. Exonerate Cheryl Hartzler, Brown Township, from collecting bill 385 in the amount of $391.38. c. Consider request for Real Estate Tax Refund to Harry W. and Ednah H. Oberholtzer in the amount of $443.21. 3. OTHER FINANCIAL BUSINESS Mr. Smeltz made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Laughlin to approve item a below. The motion passed by a 9-0 roll call vote. a. 2015 Bond Refinancing Presentation D. CAFETERIA Mr. Knepp said there was $175,000 from the Academy to be paid to MCSD. Mr. Knepp asked if the Academy would be able to keep $50,000 in their capital reserve account. Mr. Daubert said that if the Academy wants to keep money, all they need to do is let him and Mrs. Melinda Kenepp know so they can prepare the books accordingly. Mr. Knepp updated the Board on items occurring at the Academy: 1. Sophomores and juniors are at the Academy while seniors are participating in Co-op. 2. Looking at new programs such as CDL, adult ed. classes, building trades/maintenance and dental. 3. Residential construction and electrical installation classes have created a room for businesses to use. The culinary arts department could cater the event. 4. Fixing lighting problems on the side parking lot. 5. Looking for grant money. 6. Received laptops for programs. 7. Mr. Bilich is working on a packet with detailed descriptions of classes offered to attract future students. 8. Secure vestibule. 9. Students are wearing uniforms based on programs. 10. Working on accreditation to help with student loans. 11. Working on 3-tier scheduling system.
Page 12064 Mrs. Swineford made a motion, seconded by Mr. Russler to approve items1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 below. The 1. Recommend approval of the Cafeteria Financial Report for December, 2014. Year-To-Date December 14 Budget % of Budget Expense 1,328,820.23 221,793.43 2,875,625 46.20 Revenue 1,283,555.92 226,427.46 2,875,625 44.63 Profit/(Loss) -45,264.31 4,634.03 2. Request authorization to pay Cafeteria Bills for December, 2014. Checks 5119-5136 in the amount of $272,406.59 3. Recommend that HEATHER E. KOHLER be hired for the 3-hour part-time position at MCHS. 4. Recommend that the resignation of CATHY A. DIVEN be accepted due to retirement effective June 30, 2015. 5. Recommend that KIMBERLY A. CARSON be hired for the 2-hour part-time position at The Academy effective January 22, 2015. 6. Recommend that the resignation of DANIELLE A. KNIGHT be accepted effective January 16, 2015. 7. Recommend that the following be removed from the Cafeteria Substitute List: LUANN M. RIDEN (effective January 7, 2015) E. TRANSPORTATION Mrs. Swineford made a motion, seconded by Mr. Knepp to approve item 1 below. The 1. Recommend that LISA HOSKAVICH be added as an approved driver for KV Bus Line. F. STUDENT-RELATED Mr. Knepp made a motion, seconded by Dr. Armstrong to approve items 1 and 2 below. The 1. Recommend Homebound Instruction for Student #08-05-18 beginning January 5, 2015, for three months. 2. Recommend Homebound Instruction for Student #15-02-06 beginning January 7, 2015, for three months.
Page 12065 G. PERSONNEL Mr. Knepp made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Laughlin to approve items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 below. The motion passed by a roll call vote no objections, unanimous vote. 1. Recommend that the effective date for the employment of CHERYL L. HIMES, Comprehensive Child Care Aide at MCMS, be changed to January 7, 2015. 2. Recommend that JAIME L. HESS be hired as a permanent Autistic Support Teacher at MCMS, effective January 5, 2015. 3. Recommend that the following teachers be approved to serve as Mentors for the new Inductees during the second semester of the 2014-2015 school year: Kathryn Shaffer for Jaime L. Hess Laura Leone for Kaitlyn F. Anderson 4. Recommend that the resignation of PATRICIA A. YODER, Spanish Teacher at MCHS, be accepted due to retirement effective June 8, 2015. 5. Recommend that the resignation of DEBRA K. AROMATORIO, Guidance Counselor at MCMS, be accepted due to retirement effective June 30, 2015. 6. Recommend approval of EMPLOYEE A request for sabbatical leave for restoration of health effective January 14, 2015 through June 30, 2015. 7. Recommend that the resignation from BLAIRE A. PROUGH, First Grade Teacher at LES, be accepted effective January 30, 2015 due to other employment. 8. Recommend that the resignation of J. ROSS MOORE, Science Teacher at MCMS, be accepted due to retirement effective June 30, 2015. 9. Recommend that the resignation of ELAINE K. MOORE, Emotional Support Teacher at MCHS, be accepted due to retirement effective June 30, 2015. 10. Recommend that the resignation of HILLARI A. BASTIAN, Paraprofessional at MCMS, be accepted due to personal reasons effective January 21, 2015. 11. Recommend that the resignation of KAREN MCCURDY, Learning Support Teacher at Alpha, be accepted due to retirement effective August 4, 2015. Mrs. Swineford made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Swineford to approve item 12 below. The
Page 12066 12. Recommend that CHRISTOPHER M. GILL be hired as the Temporary Assistant Principal for the Alpha Program, effective January 26, 2015. $340/day Mr. Knepp made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hammond to approve items 13 and 14 below. The 13. Recommend that the following be added to the Substitute Teacher List: JESSICA E. HENRY Health/P.E. K-12 (Pending compliance with CPSL guidelines) GLORIA L. RUNK Data Processing/Secretarial 7-12 ALLEN SCOTT SPECHT Emergency SAMUEL R. STEWART Emergency COLE R. CARTER Social Studies 14. Recommend that the following be removed from the Substitute Teacher List: COURTNEY BELL Gr. 4-6 All Subjects, Gr. 7-8 Math, Gr. 7-8 Eng/LA/Rdg H. ATHLETICS and ACTIVITIES Mr. Knepp made a motion, seconded by Mr. Smeltz to approve item 1 below. The 1. Recommend that the resignation of SHANE P. SPENCER, Head Boys Basketball Coach, be accepted effective January 21, 2015. Mr. Knepp made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Laughlin to approve item 2 below. The 2. Recommend approval for the Mifflin County High School Indoor Drumline, Indoor Guards and Indoor Majorettes to attend the Tournament of Bands Indoor Association Chapter 4 Championships on Sunday, April 26, 2015, at 3:00PM at the Bellefonte Area High School. Mrs. Swineford made a motion, seconded by Mr. Russler to approve item 3 below. The 3. Recommend approval of the following Volunteer Coaches for the 2014-2015 school year: MELISSA H. KLINE Swimming
Page 12067 FRANCY A. BECKER Swimming Mr. Knepp made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hammond to approve item 4 below. The motion failed by a 5-4 roll call vote. Dr. Armstrong, Mr. Russler, Mrs. Sharp, Ms. Sigler and Mrs. Swineford cast the dissenting votes. 4. Recommend approval to eliminate the pay to play fee of $135 for grades 6 12 for the 2015-2016 school year. VI. OTHER BUSINESS Mrs. Laughlin made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hammond to approve item A below. The A. Tuscarora Intermediate Unit #11 Board Nomination July 1, 2015 June 30, 2018, Mary Lou M. Sigler Mr. Knepp made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Swineford to approve items B, C, D, E, F and G below. The B. Recommend current MCSD policy 140.1 and 140.2 be eliminated and replaced with new policies 203 and 203.1. C. Recommend current MCSD policy 209.1 be converted to administrative procedures. D. Recommend new policies 209 and 209.1 be approved. E. Recommend current MCSD policy 210 be renumbered to 227. F. Recommend current policy 210.1 be revised and renumbered to new policy 210. G. Recommend approval of new policy 210.1. VII. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Mrs. Dianne Shearer asked the Board to recognize those who retire rather than doing it as a group. VIII. ADJOURNMENT With no further business before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:50 P.M. An executive session was held to discuss student-related and personnel items. Angela L. Wise, Board Secretary