april 21, 2014 lower dauphin school board regular meeting minutes

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LOWER DAUPHIN SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS

Regular Meeting Minutes

Monday, April 21, 2014

I. CALL TO ORDER

The Lower Dauphin School Board met this evening at 7:00 p.m. in its regular session at

the District Administration Center with President Todd M. Kreiser presiding.

II. OPENING CEREMONY

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ROLL CALL

Responding to Roll Call were Board Members, Mr. Todd M. Kreiser, Mrs. Dana A.

Barry, Mr. Kevin J. Busher, Ms. Debra J. Macut, Mrs. Marcela D. Myers, Mr. Keith E.

Oellig, Mrs. Laurie N. Reichert, Mr. Eric M. Samples, and Mrs. Kerry L. Wolfe, as well

as Dr. Sherri L. Smith, Superintendent. Also in attendance were Student Board

Representatives, Ashleigh Simpson and James McDonough.

Staff members present included Dr. Robert Schultz, Assistant Superintendent; Mrs.

Michelle D. Shuler, Business Manager; Mrs. Angela Hepner, Director of Human

Resources; Mr. Andrew McCrea, Director of Pupil Services; Mr. James Hazen,

Community Relations Coordinator; Mr. David Marshall, Supervisor of Operations &

Maintenance; Dr. Kevin White, Director of Information & Technology Services; and Mr.

Todd Neuhard, High School Principal.

Also in attendance was a press representative from The Patriot and The Sun.

IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

It should be noted that public notice was given for this meeting in accordance with Act 84

of 1986. The preliminary agenda with additions and deletions as discussed at the work

session on April 7, 2014 was submitted for the Board's approval.

Dr. Smith stated the following additions were made since the work session: I.4.,

permission to sell used equipment; and several names under J.3., professional

employment.

Motion: Mrs. Reichert and Mrs. Myers moved to approve the agenda with

additions, deletions, and corrections made to the preliminary agenda on April 7, 2014.

Vote: All nine (9) members approved the motion.

4/21/14 Regular Meeting Minutes

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V. RECOGNITION OF GUESTS AND SCHEDULED SPEAKERS

Dr. Smith announced it was planned to recognize Mr. James Pirtle for his National Teacher

Certification. Unfortunately he was ill and it was postponed until the May 19th

meeting.

Dr. Smith welcomed Mr. Brad Mettle from Chartwells.

VI. REPORTS

A. DAUPHIN COUNTY TECHNICAL SCHOOL: Mr. Kreiser reported:

They met on April 9 where the two main items were they voted to approve the

elevator replacement project and there is a mail ballot that needs to be competed

and returned to Mrs. Hagy. Mr. Oellig added he is voting no on the budget which

includes adding a principal because he feels four principals and two directors is

too much for a facility with 1000 students.

B. HARRISBURG AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Mrs. Wolf reported:

2014 marks 50 years for HACC. They are holding events all year long

including a gala in October this year; HACCs president will be biking 150

miles visiting all the HACC campuses with the slogan of All roads lead to

HACC. Students are having a lobby day at the capital asking the state to

support HACC with funding. There has been a reduction in enrollment in

2014 which is also happening statewide at Pennsylvanias other 13 community

colleges. Tuition is down approximately 1.5 million, so they are trying to

increase enrollments including using a shuttle bus visiting malls, schools and

advertise coming on the bus to register. They are also trying to cut costs.

They moved the administration building to Wildwood Conference Center.

They have cut costs with supplies, utilities and geothermal heat.

She reviewed the decrease in Lower Dauphins contributions which used to be

$600,000, now $389,000 this year, and decreases to $246,000 by 2016-17.

This is something Mrs. Paladino and Dr. Smith worked very hard at getting

started.

SB 874 which is the agreement with the school districts passed and is now on

the House education table.

C. CAPITAL AREA INTERMEDIATE UNIT: Mrs. Reichert reported:

There is a CAIU ballot for everyone to complete and return to Mrs. Hagy.

She provided a CAIU Summary of Operations from a previous year to educate

members on the many budgets. The districts only vote on the general

operating budget. She then reviewed the state funded projects, federal

programs, core programs, self supported and entrepreneurial programs where

districts purchase services.

D. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES:

Ashleigh Simpson reported:


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On April 12, 2014, Lower Dauphin hosted the PMEA Music String Fest at the

high school. Over 250 students from around the area came to perform.

In the annual Rotary Club freshman essay contest, the winners were Chade

Stewart (1st), Paige Balshy (2

nd), and Andrea Miller (3

rd). Two students

received honorable mention Alex Cuevas and Madeline Gotshall.

On April 3, Acting Secretary of Education, Carolyn Dumaresq, presented the

High School and Nye Elementary School with the Governors award for

academic excellence. It was a great honor.

Maggie Tamburro competed in the Level 10 regional gymnastics competition.

She will then go into the JO Nationals in May.

In the National Latin exam, eight students received honors.

May is busy with Camp Hebron for our fifth graders, Prom is May 3 with a

theme of A Night on the Nile, AP tests start the first two weeks of May, and

Keystones are the second and third week of May. Senior finals start May 30.

James McDonough reported:

In sports, Baseball is 8-3, undefeated in Keystone Division; Softball is 7-1,

undefeated in Keystone Division; Boys Tennis is 11-2, 2nd in Keystone

Division; Boys Volleyball is 8-1, undefeated in Keystone Division; Boys

Track and Field is 3-3; Girls Track and Field is 6-0, undefeated for 47 meets

which translates to the last five years; Girls Lacrosse is 8-4 and Boys

Lacrosse is 3-7. Playoffs will be in the end of May and early June.

In June, Varsity Field Hockey Coach, Linda Kreiser will be inducted into the

USA Field Hockey Hall of Fame.

Mr. David Bitting, has been voted District III Athletic Director of the Year.

E. CURRICULUM: Dr. Schultz reported:

We are in full test mode, currently finishing PSSA testing. We have finished

the math and reading in grades 3-8, with a few students doing make-ups in

writing. This is the last year for writing for 5-8. Next year, all students in

grades 3-8 will take an ELA. Science starts next week. Then the high school

will begin the Keystones. The number of Keystone exams that will be taken is

1,110 344 in Algebra, 400 in Biology, 366 in Literature. 209 of those

students will take the tests online.

He will report next month on what our Safe and Supportive Schools

committee has been doing. They are writing curriculum for the Anti-Bullying

program, developing lessons for grades K-2; 3-5; 6-8; and 9-12. They will

turn over those lessons to the principals in May so they can prepare it for staff

development in June.

F. LEGISLATIVE: Mrs. Barry reported:

The legislators will be back in session on April 28.

Governor Corbett has signed three child protection bills into law the child

protection definitions law, clarification and penalties, and the whistle blower.


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Bills still sitting on the Governors desk are bills for AED in school buildings,

and educational trips for a valid excuse for school absence.

There is more than $779 million available for statewide property tax relief.

The average property tax reduction for each household is expected to be about

$200. Final figures will be provided in May.

PSBA is holding a webcast on pension reform.

G. SUPERINTENDENT: Dr. Smith reported:

We have been very busy hiring new staff to fill vacancies due to retirements

and moving forward on projects for the summer and addressing the budget for

2014-15. Shed like to give an update of the budget but we are missing a

critical piece from the state level. She will present the budget at the first

meeting in May. She is hoping to hear some discussion from the state level so

we can make an estimated guess as to where the money is going to land in the

budget from a grant or general subsidy or any collar put on PSERS. The

expenditure side is in place, but we just need the state numbers before any

formal presentation.

There was work being done on the high school tennis court project. It is

hoped to bring this project to completion by the end of the week.

A pre-bid meeting for the field house project was held last week. Bids will be

opened the end of the month and brought to the board the first week in May.

The Lower Dauphin Falcon Foundation golf tournament is Thursday,

April 24, 2014.

VII. ITEMS FOR BOARD ACTION

By notice of the President, the following action items suggest a roll call vote. You will be

recorded as voting in the affirmative for the motion unless you say "nay" or "I abstain".

Board Members are further advised that they must publicly announce and disclose the

nature of any conflict of interest before the vote on the matter is taken and file the

appropriate form with the Secretary of the Board.

A. CONSENT CALENDAR

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Copies of the minutes of the regular meeting held March 17, 2014, the

record of the work session held April 7, 2014 were forwarded in advance

to all members of the Board of Directors.

2. FISCAL ITEMS

a. BILLS

The bills for March which were presented for Board approval are

chargeable against the funds and accounts indicated. The list of

bills recommended was provided prior to the regular meeting.


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(1) General Fund Acct. $ 3,953,454.08

including two payrolls amounting to $1,373,003.53

a quarterly wire to PSERS in the amount of $1,041,170.88

and four Highmark medical wires totaling $381,712.90

(2) Activity Account $ 83,569.74

(3) Athletic Account $ 5,640.88

(4) Cafeteria Account $ 131,470.07

(5) Construction Account $ 0.00

(6) Capital Reserve Account $ 0.00

(7) Capital Contingency Account $ 0.00

3. SUPERINTENDENT'S RECOMMENDATIONS ON PERSONNEL

ISSUES:

a. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE PROFESSIONAL

SUBSTITUTE LIST

We are recommending the following individuals:

PROFESSIONAL

ADDITIONS:

Dillan Enck Social Studies

Michaiah Emenheiser Early Childhood PreK-4

Kristin Gibbs Elementary K-6

Laura G roff Early Childhood PreK-4

Christopher Kockinsky Grade 4-8, All subjects 4-6, Science and Social Studies 7-8

Joshua Leitzell Social Studies

Victoria Masse Elementary Ed 4-8, all subjects 4-6, Mathematics 7-8

Diane Patch Grades 4-8, all subjects 4-6, Mathematics 7-8

Michele Rankin Early Childhood PreK-4

Courtney Royer Early Childhood PreK-4

Anthony Shipkowski Elementary K-6, Mid-Level Mathematics 7-9

Scott Stine

Citizenship 7-12, SS 7-12, Mathematics 7-12, Bus-

Computer Info Tech K-12


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EMERGENCY CERTIFIED

Barbara McGarady Emergency Certified

Amy Rafalko RN, Emergency Certified School Nurse

DELETION

Heidi Hershey

b. EMPLOYMENT - SUPPLEMENTAL

a. Sharon Colpo Outdoor Ed Nye $564.00

b. April Kricher Outdoor Ed Londonderry $282.00

4. POLICY AND PROGRAM ISSUES

a. HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION

It was recommended that homebound instruction be provided for

two students based on medical certification.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

Motion: Mrs. Barry and Mrs. Reichert moved to approve the consent

calendar as recommended.


B. FISCAL

1. TREASURER'S REPORT

It was recommended that the Board approve the treasurer's report for the

month of March. The treasurer's report was provided prior to the regular

meeting.

Motion: Mrs. Reichert and Mr. Samples moved to approve the

treasurer's report for the period of March 1, 2014 to March 31, 2014 as

presented.



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2. MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT EXTENSION (HS ROOF)

The additional cost to provide a 12 year maintenance agreement with

Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. is $15,733. This extension includes

the auditorium, small cafeteria, shop area, and 1000 wing.

Motion: Mrs. Reichert and Ms. Macut moved to approve the

Maintenance Agreement Extension as presented.


3. FOOD SERVICE CONTRACT

The Department of Education requires that food service management

services be put out for bid every five years, therefore a bid is required for

the 2014-15 school year. The district advertised for bids and sent out

requests to six different food management companies. The following

company is recommended for approval:

Compass Group/Chartwells

Motion: Mrs. Reichert and Mrs. Myers moved to approve the food

service contract as presented.


4. PERMISSION TO SELL USED EQUIPMENT

The following items will be for sale between April 22, 2014 through

April 28, 2014:

Items for Sale Price (or best offer)

Four (4) Sections of Wooden Bleachers $50.00 Each

Motion: Mrs. Reichert and Mr. Samples moved to approve the sale

of the used equipment as presented.



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C. PERSONNEL

1. RETIREMENT CLASSIFIED

a. Nicholas Loranzo, Custodian, Nye Elementary School. Effective:

June 30, 2014.


retirement of the individual as presented.


2. RETIREMENT CLASSIFIED HOURLY

a. Mary E. Mader, Life Skills Aide, Middle School. Effective: End

of the 2013-14 school year.

Motion: Mrs. Reichert and Mrs. Barry moved to approve the

retirement of the individual as presented.


3. EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONAL

a. Danielle Pfeffer, English Teacher, Middle School. Effective:

August 14, 2014. Salary: $44,701

b. Kari M. Potts, Long-term Substitute, Grade 6 Teacher, Middle

School. Effective: March 31, 2014 through the end of the 2013-14

school year. Salary: $43,008 prorated.

c. Stephanie D. Rodgers, Music Teacher, Londonderry/Conewago

Elementary Schools. Effective: August 20, 2014. Salary: $43,932.

d. Brandon R. Swords, Mathematics Teacher, High School.

Effective: August 14, 2014. Salary: $51,126.

Motion: Mrs. Reichert and Mrs. Myers moved to approve the

employment of the individuals as presented.



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4. EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFIED HOURLY

a. Jenna M. Adams, Instructional/Recess Aide, East Hanover

Elementary School. Effective: April 8, 2014. Hourly rate: $9.45.


employment of the individual as presented.


D. POLICY AND PROGRAM ISSUES

1. REVISED 2013-2014 SCHOOL CALENDAR

The revised 2013-14 school calendar was attached. It includes the

addition of two Act 80 days (June 9 and 10, 2014) at the end of the school

year.

Motion: Ms. Macut and Mrs. Reichert moved to approve the revised

2013-14 school calendar as presented.


2. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING DAUPHIN COUNTY

CONSORTIUM

The Memorandum of Understanding to form a consortium with other

Dauphin County schools was attached.


Memorandum of Understanding as presented.


3. POLICY REVISIONS FIRST READING

a. 901 Public Relations Objectives

b. 902 Publications Program

c. 903 Public Participation in Board Meetings

d. 904 Public Attendance at School Events

e. 905 Citizen Advisory Committees


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f. 906 Public Complaints

g. 907 School Visitors

Motion: Mr. Busher and Mrs. Reichert moved to approve the first

reading of the policies as presented.


4. TEXTBOOK RECOMMENDATIONS (Information Only)

A list of recommended textbooks to be used for the first time in the 2014-15

school year will be on display for 30 days before adoption in May.

E. OTHER

VIII. INFORMATION ITEMS

A. DATES FOR BOARD MEMBERS' CALENDARS

May 5, 2014 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting/Work Session

Middle School

May 19, 2014 7:00 p.m. Regular Board Meeting

B. ADVISEMENTS

C. DISTRIBUTIONS

IX. ADJOURNMENT

Motion: Mr. Busher and Mrs. Reichert moved to adjourn at 7:55 p.m.


An executive session followed this meeting for the purpose of continuing discussion of Act 93.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon K. Hagy

Board Secretary

april 21, 2014 lower dauphin school board regular meeting minutes

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