SOUTHERN COLUMBIA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT 800 SOUTHERN DRIVE CATAWISSA, PA 17820 The Board Meeting of the Southern Columbia Area School District Board of Directors convened in the High School Library at 7:30 p.m. with President Craig Roadarmel in charge of the meeting. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all. President Roadarmel welcomed everyone, followed by a roll call of Board Members. BOARD MEMBERS Rae Atherton Marvin Johnson Daniel Yeager Elsie Bittner Karl Meyer James Yeager Linda Kreischer Craig Roadarmel OTHERS PRESENT Dr. Alan J. Lonoconus, Superintendent; Joseph Springer, Business Manager; Tresa Britch, Board Secretary; Richard J. Roberts, Solicitor; Pat Shultz and William Hoffner, Administrators; a district resident and members of the media. AGENDA HEARING PERIOD President Roadarmel announced that all Personnel Items on the agenda would be action items. SUPERINTENDENT S REPORT Dr. Lonoconus reported on the following topics: 1). He requested an Executive Session following the meeting to consult with the Solicitor on a litigation matter and to discuss an Act 50 tax appeal. 2.) The district received notice from the Department of Health that an Immunization Audit would be conducted on December 12, 2002. 3.) Dr. Lonoconus notified the Board that he may be requesting the use of Act 80 days in order to get the entire professional staff (K-12) together to work on the Strategic Plan and curriculum writing to meet deadlines. He added that we already have an extension on the Strategic Plan deadline and will be formally requesting another extension. One reason for the extension is lack of public support in the planning process. President Roadarmel asked how many days would be needed. Dr. Lonoconus said that would have to be discussed, but he is probably looking at 2 to 3 days. He prefers to use full days instead of half days for more effective use of time. President Roadarmel asked if all staff was needed on these days. Dr. Lonoconus responded that the support staff would not be needed - just the professional staff. President Roadarmel questioned the length of the extension. Dr. Lonoconus replied that the first extension was for 30 days, but now a formal extension would have to be requested and that would be somewhat flexible. COMMITTEE REPORTS Activities Linda Kreischer, Chairperson, reported that 54 to 60 students are currently signed up for the Bowling Team. Due to the large number of students, an assistant coach should be hired. The band pictures will be reduced in size and moved to the auditorium lobby. New
Page 2 pictures will be 16 x 20 and the existing pictures will be gradually changed to that size. The committee has requested from Mrs. Stone and Mr. Thomas guidelines for students to have their pictures taken. A Boys Basketball Coach is needed for 8 th Grade. Curriculum Elsie Bittner, Chairperson, reported that the committee discussed the Graduation Requirements. She added that the tutoring sessions were going well and were attended by seniors. Act 80 days, individual grade level learning plans and the No Child Left Behind Chapter 4 requirements were also discussed. Facilities & Services Dan Yeager, Chairperson, reported that the high school auditorium air conditioning project was discussed. An engineer will review the current equipment and provide a range of options for the upgrade. The committee would like to combine a number of projects on one plan for financing - possibly the weight room renovation, auditorium air conditioning/lighting/sound, elementary gym floor and parking lot improvements. Repair of the gym entrance was discussed, and a gable roof was ruled out due to the probability of wind damage. The committee is waiting for a response from Solicitor Roberts regarding the HVAC service contract. The band has requested permanent markings on the high school parking lot for practice and safety purposes. Mr. Yeager asked that all Board members return their Capital Projects Listing to Mr. Springer if they haven t done so already. The elementary gym floor project is scheduled for Summer 2003. The parking lot expansion is scheduled for the Spring break in April 2003. The light bulbs in the high school gymnasium have been replaced with higher intensity bulbs to improve lighting. Finance Karl Meyer, Chairperson, reported that Act 50 and how it affects the budget was the main topic of discussion at the last meeting. The committee is comparing current tax revenues and how they are received with last year s revenue. They will continue to closely monitor the process. Mr. Springer updated the Board on the Pennies from Heaven issue. It has been determined that the funds are interest earnings. Mr. Springer will contact First Union Bank to find out why they held the funds for so long and why they didn t apply them to the outstanding principal as per the finance agreement. He added that we might need to make a decision whether to return the funds and force First Union Bank to apply the funds to the principal or keep the funds and reduce the principal on our own. His preference is to keep the funds. Mrs. Atherton asked how long the funds had been held. Solicitor Roberts replied that First Union continued to hold the funds for 4 or 5 years, when the agreement stated that the funds should be applied to the principal and the balance would be reamortized. Dr. Meyer reported that the district is reapplying for an extension on the 21 st Century Learning Centers Grant. The funding is moving from the federal government to the state government. Dr. Lonoconus added that the application for an extension would be made in the 2 nd phase after the New Year. Negotiations & Personnel No meeting was held. President Roadarmel asked if it was necessary to schedule a meeting at this time. Mr. Springer reported that Support Staff negotiations would begin in January 2003. Policy Mr. Jim Yeager, Chairperson reported that a meeting was held on October 21 st and the committee started work on a policy for the ESL program. C.S.I.U. Linda Kreischer, Chairperson, reported that the last meeting was held at the Danville State Hospital grounds at the Center for Adolescent Females. The program aims to prepare the girls to return to school or everyday life with a smooth transition. The center currently serves young females from ages 12 to 20.
Page 3 Vo-Tech Mr. Dan Yeager reported that the committee is looking at No Child Left Behind and how to fund this mandate. Several teachers attended the High Schools at Work conference. The teachers returned very energized and full of ideas for improvement and motivation. The Joint Operating Committee is experiencing problems with other districts not attending the meetings. They are looking into the possibility of having alternate representatives from each school district to improve attendance. An Envirothon Club was approved. There are problems with the cabinetry contractor for the Chemistry and Science labs. Mr. Yeager added that the Vo-Tech has a lot of questions regarding the new programs and mandates. Dr. Meyer asked if Mr. Clippinger could give the Board an update on the 21 st Century Grant and the ESL program in the near future. Dr. Lonoconus said it would be arranged. TREASURER S REPORTS President Roadarmel asked if there was anything Mr. Springer wanted to report regarding the treasurer s reports. Mr. Springer responded that we have a good fund balance to cover the time difference of receiving tax revenue under the Act 50 system. President Roadarmel asked if the funds should be coming in quarterly. Mr. Springer responded affirmatively, but added that in the past, we received approximately $800,000 of tax revenue by the end of October. Now that $800,000 is spread over 4 quarters. Dan Yeager asked if all area employers are caught up and complying with withholding 2% from their employees. Mr. Springer responded that if a business is located outside of our district, they are not required to withhold 2%, but most are doing it as a favor to their employees. The employee is ultimately responsible. ITEMS MINUTES/INVOICES Mr. Springer explained the following checks: #5425 payable to Clark, Shaeffer, Jones - this is payment to our auditor for the recent audit, which is on the agenda for approval. #5441 payable to Farm & Home is payment for diesel fuel at 0.76 per gallon. They were the lowest bidder from the Joint Purchasing Council. Dr. Meyer asked if the check for $98, 556.31 was payment for the entire year for health insurance. Mr. Springer replied that it was the cost for one month for health and vision insurance. ITEMS FISCAL Mr. Springer explained Fiscal Item B. This item appears on the agenda every year. It allows the district to pay bills since there is no formal board meeting in December. Mr. Springer reported that a single audit was required this year due to the fact the district spent over $300,000 in federal funds in one fiscal year. In the single audit, the auditors closely review two federal grants. In our case, it was Title I and the 21 st Century Learning Centers Grant. There were no audit findings. Mr. Springer added that the auditor was willing to come before the Board and answer any questions if necessary. The Board did not feel that was necessary. President Roadarmel stated that this audit was a reflection on Mr. Springer s hard work and expertise. Dr. Meyer questioned Fiscal Item D. He asked how the engineers come up with the cost. Mr. Springer replied that with a small project like this, the cost is based on the time and staff needed to complete the work. President Roadarmel asked when we would receive the bid documents. Mr. Springer replied that we should have them in December. President Roadarmel
Page 4 asked where the engineer was based. Mr. Springer replied that they were from Clarks Summit. They were recommended by Valley Refrigeration, who is looking at taking advantage of our existing equipment and only replacing and adding what is necessary. President Roadarmel asked what was budgeted for the elementary gym floor and parking lot projects. Mr. Springer reported that the parking improvements were between $25,000 and $50,000, and the elementary gym floor resurfacing was approximately $37,000. President Roadarmel asked if these projects would be financed or paid from the reserve fund. Mr. Springer responded that, at this time, we can afford to take the funds from the reserve, but it will be discussed at the time the projects begin. ITEMS PERSONNEL On a motion by Meyer and second by J. Yeager, adding the following personnel to the 2002-03 Instructional Substitute List effective November 12, 2002 (pending completion of all employment requirements) was approved:! Cindy Rospendowski (Secondary English)! Dan Feldhaus (Social Studies)! Mark G. Baylor (Environmental Science and Elementary)! Oluwatoyin I. Newton (K-12) On a motion by Kreischer and second by Atherton, the following teachers were approved as after school tutors effective as listed, at a rate of $20 per hour, which will come from the proceeds of the 21 st Century Learning Centers Grant:! Allison Burrell - effective October 31, 2002! Joseph Shirvinski - effective October 8, 2002 On a motion by Bittner and second by Meyer, adding the following personnel to the 2002-03 Non-instructional Substitute List effective November 12, 2002 (pending completion of all employment requirements) was approved:! Leonard McDonald (Bus/Van Driver)! Christine L. Heaps (Aide) On a motion by D. Yeager and second by Meyer, the retirement of David Cardell, Bus Driver, was accepted with regret effective December 31, 2002. Mr. Cardell has been with the district for over 20 years. On a motion by D. Yeager and second by Atherton, Penny Derr was approved as Kindergarten Team Leader for the 2002-03 school year. Her salary is as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement ($613). On a motion by Bittner and second by Meyer, Sandra Lutz was approved as Pupil Personnel Department Lead Teacher for the 2002-03 school year. Her salary is as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement ($920).
Page 5 On a motion by Bittner and second by Kreischer, David Townsend was approved as a Volunteer Boys Basketball Coach (pending receipt of favorable clearances) for the 2002-03 school year. On a motion by Atherton and second by Johnson, Jayme Toczylousky was approved as an after school tutor effective November 5, 2002, at a rate of $10 per hour, which will come from the proceeds of the 21 st Century Learning Centers Grant. The motion carried by unanimous affirmative voice vote. ITEMS - POLICY AND PROGRAMS President Roadarmel questioned if Policy 102 Educational Goals would have to also be revised along with the Policy 217 Graduation Requirements. Dr. Lonoconus replied that Policy 102 is very broad and the two policies go hand in hand. No revision is necessary. President Roadarmel requested that the Board be afforded the opportunity to view the Tiger News report from the National Honor Society trip to New York City. Dr. Lonoconus said that it would be arranged. BOARD COMMENTS Rae Atherton asked about the status of the Board vacancy. President Roadarmel replied that the Board would wait until the next meeting and then re-advertise. RECOGNITION OF THE PUBLIC Press-Enterprise Reporter, Lauri Sheibley, asked what would happen after the expiration of the 30 days to fill the vacancy. Solicitor Roberts replied that the statute states a 30-day limit, but the Board retains jurisdiction to fill the vacancy unless someone petitions the court to expedite an appointment. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Meyer and second by J. Yeager, the meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Tresa J. Britch Board Secretary