hazleton area school district - hasdk12.org

Regular Board Meeting Minutes (6/24/2021)

Hazleton Area Board of Education

Regular Monthly School Board Meeting Minutes

Hazleton Area School District

PUBLIC MEETING

Hazleton Area Career Center – Large Group Instruction Room

6:00 P.M., Thursday, June 24, 2021

A. Call to Order by Board President DeCosmo 6:18 P.M.

B. Pledge of Allegiance & Moment of Silence

C. Attendance Roll Call

School Director Present Absent

Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X (Zoom)

Yuhas X

Administrator Present Absent

Brian Uplinger X

Anthony Ryba X

Robert Krizansky X

Atty. Chris Slusser X

Patrick Patte X

Danny Rodgers X

Carley Krizansky – Student Representative X

D. Announcement of Executive Sessions held as follows:

June 10, 2021 started at 5:07 P.M. and ended at 6:10 P.M. – Regarding Personnel,

Property, Negotiations and Tax Appeals with the following Board members present:

Anthony Bonomo, Linda DeCosmo, Gerald Feissner, Robert Fiume (arrived at 5:41

P.M.), Ellen McBride (Zoom), Robert Mehalick (Zoom), Jaculin Scarcella, Edward

Shemansky, Alex van Hoekelen (Zoom), Wister Yuhas, Jr., Robert Krizansky, Anthony

Ryba, Brian Uplinger, Patrick Patte, Dan Rodgers, Attorney Slusser, Anthony, Lamanna,

Fred Barletta (Negotiations Only)

June 17, 2021 started at 5:56 P.M. and ended at 7:31 P.M. – Regarding Personnel and

Budget, with the following Board members present: Anthony Bonomo, Linda DeCosmo,

Robert Fiume (left at 6:59 P.M.), Ellen McBride, Robert Mehalick, Jaculin Scarcella,

Edward Shemansky, Alex van Hoekelen, Wister Yuhas, Jr., Robert Krizansky, Anthony

Ryba, Brian Uplinger, Dan Rodgers, Patrick Patte, Anthony Lamanna

June 24, 2021 started at 5:06 P.M. and ended at 6:12 P.M. – Regarding Personnel,

Contract Negotiations, and Student Safety with the following Board members present:

Anthony Bonomo, Linda DeCosmo, Robert Fiume (arrived at 5:19 P.M.), Ellen McBride,

Robert Mehalick (arrived at 5:14 P.M.), Jaculin Scarcella, Edward Shemansky, Alex van

Hoekelen (Zoom), Wister Yuhas, Jr., Robert Krizansky, Anthony Ryba, Brian Uplinger,

Dan Rodgers, Anthony Lamanna, Attorney Slusser, Joseph Clifford (HARP) –

Negotiations Only, David Minnick (HARP) – Negotiations Only, James Clement

(HARP) – Negotiations Only, Angel Zola (HARP) – Negotiations Only, Gerard

DeAngelo (HARP) – Negotiations Only, Norm Gill (HARP) – Negotiations Only, Fred

Barletta (Negotiations Only)


E. Student Representative – Carley Krizansky:

• There was nothing to report this month. She will make her final presentation at the July

School Board Meeting.

F. Public Comment Directed to the Board on Agenda Items Only:

• There were no interested parties for public comment at this time.

G. Approve Board Meeting Minutes:

• Regular School Board Meeting Minutes

May 20, 2021 (APPROVED)

• Special Board Meeting Minutes:

May 27, 2021 (APPROVED)

• Special Board Meeting Minutes

June 10, 2021 (APPROVED)

The following vote includes agenda item(s): G

Motion: Bonomo

Second: Fiume

Vote: Voice

School Director “Yes” Votes “No” Votes Abstain Absent

Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

H. Treasurer Report for May, 2021 (APPROVED)

The following vote includes agenda item(s): H

Motion: Bonomo

Second: Mehalick

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

Curriculum and Instruction

Approve Items 1-7 With One Motion (APPROVED)

1 – Recommend Board approve the following college students for observations: (APPROVED)

a. Samantha Melusky Wilkes University 15 Hours


b. Sean McMonagle Wilkes University 20 Hours

2 – Recommend Board approve the following list of student teachers for Fall 2021:

(APPROVED)

a. Melanie Galan Bloomsburg University

b. Katie Anderson Bloomsburg University

c. Jennifer Boone Bloomsburg University

3 – Recommend Board approve the administration of the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS)

for students in the 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grades. The survey helps to assess a student

prospective on student attitudes and behaviors related to alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and

violence, school environment, and mental health. The survey is being conducted by the PA

Department of Education, PA Department of Drugs and Alcohol Programs, and the PA

Commission on Crime & Delinquency. The survey is voluntary and all responses will

remain anonymous. There will be no cost to the District. (APPROVED)

4 – Recommend Board approve the Articulation Agreement between the Hazleton Area Career

Center Cosmetology program and Jolie Beauty Academy. (Approved by Slusser Law Firm)

(APPROVED)

5 – Recommend Board approve the Nurse Assistant Articulation Agreement between

Lackawanna College and Hazleton Area Career Center. (Approved by Slusser Law Firm)

(APPROVED)

6 – Recommend Board approve the School/Community Based Probation Agreement between

Luzerne County Juvenile Probation and Hazleton Area School District. (Approved by

Slusser Law Firm) (APPROVED)

7 – Recommend Board approve the continued participation of the Technical Assistance Program

(TAP) for the 2021-2021 school year. The program is offered to career and technical centers

from PDE and offers various professional development activities as well as financial

assistance for student assessment materials. (APPROVED)

The following vote includes agenda item(s): 1 - 7

Motion: Bonomo

Second: Scarcella

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

Special Education


8 – Recommend Board approve the Intergovernmental Agreement between the Hazleton Area

School District and the Luzerne Intermediate Unit No. 18 to provide the HASD Special

Education and Early Intervention Departments with professional services and programs for

the 2021 - 2022 school year. (Renewal) Approved by Attorney Evans. (APPROVED)

9 – Recommend Board approve Holly Cohen to conduct Independent Educational Evaluations at


a cost of $4,000.00 - $5,000.00 per evaluation. (APPROVED)

10 – Recommend Board approve the following list of personnel for the Special Education

Extended School Year (ESY). All candidates must have proper clearances as per HASD

policy. Funding through LIU 18 for the 2020 - 2021 ESY Program: (APPROVED)

Teachers:

a. Angela Avillion

b. Erica Berta

c. Raffael Billet

d. JoAnn Burger

e. Janene Cain

f. Jeanne Cannon

g. Julianne Caputo

h. Alyssa Cipriano

i. Roxanne Dixon

j. Aaron Eichhorst

k. Christina Flaherty

l. Roxanne Floryshak

m. Cynthia Gocek

n. Cara Goughenour

o. Ross Graham

p. Robert Hudak

q. Christine Katsock

r. Marina Martin

s. Gino Molino

t. Noelle Perchak

u. Melinda Rhoads

v. Heather Rosato-Racek

w. Diana Synoski

x. Caitlin Wood

Paraprofessionals:

a. Audra Bayzick

b. Melissa Budgeon

c. Daniela Domin

d. Amelia Duksta

e. Karina Hernandez

f. Donna Iacurci

g. Kathy Middleton

h. Kelly Perkosky

i. Kathleen Sienkiewicz

j. Kathy Tomcheck

k. Heather Yurista

l. Wendy Zubick

11 – Recommend Board approve the Summer Preschool Early Intervention program at the

Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children at a cost of $2,000.00 per student.

(APPROVED)

12 – Recommend Board approve the following list of personnel for the Early Intervention

Summer Program. All candidates must have proper clearances as per HASD policy.

Funded by State Early Intervention: (APPROVED)

Teachers:

a. Bridget Fitzsimmons

b. Jessica Rittinger

c. Gina Yocum

d. Dannon Tihansky


e. Emily Stish

Paraprofessionals:

a. Barb Wilson

b. Dana Schneider

13 – Recommend Board approve the following list of renewal contracts for Early Intervention

for the 2021-2022 school year: (Pending Attorney Evans approval) (APPROVED)

Contracting Party: Description:

a. Back Mountain Music Music Therapy

b. Behavior Therapy Association Behavior Modification

c. Campbell Avila, Danielle ESL Interpreter

d. Chase, Sharon Speech Therapy

e. Church of Christ Uniting Classroom Rental

f. Comcast Internet Service Provider

g. Excellence Janitorial Cleaning Srv. Cleaning Services

h. Hands of Wyoming County Cleaning/Snow Services

i. Helping Hands Preschool Services

j. John Heinz (Allied Services) PT/OT/Speech Programs

k. John Heinz Institute Classroom Rental

l. Kulsa, Jeff Stipend for completing ACCESS

Eligibility Forms

m. Leader Services IEP

n. Luzerne County Head Start Professional Services

o. Luzerne County Head Start Classroom Rental

p. Luz. Co. IU 18 Vision & Speech Services & Rental

q. Major, Savannah Occupational Therapy

r. Misericordia University Speech Clinic

s. Nilon, Kelly Summer Contracted

t. Penn Tele Data Internet Service Provider

u. Service Electric Cable Internet Service Provider

v. St. Paul's Church Classroom Rental

w. Step By Step Autism Classroom Support

x. Staying in Motion, LLC Physical Therapy

y. United Therapy Speech OT/PT Services

z. Wyoming Valley Children's Assn. Preschool Programs

aa. Wyoming Valley Children's Assn. Classroom Rental

bb. Zaborny, Anne Speech

14 – Recommend Board accept Early Intervention allocation of IDEA 619 K-5 Pass Through

Funds in the amount of $34,692.00 for the 2021-2022 school year. (APPROVED)

15 – Recommend Board approve the purchase of exterior doors for St. Jerome Regional School

in the amount of $10,800.00. To be paid from the Early Intervention GEERS Grant.

(APPROVED)

16 – Recommend Board approve the Agreement of Lease between Hazleton Area School District

and Hanover Area School District in the amount of $20,000 for the Early Intervention Class

at Lyndwood Elementary. Paid by EI State funds. (Pending approval by Slusser Law Firm)

(APPROVED)


Motion: Yuhas

Second: Bonomo

Vote: Voice



Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

English Language Development (ELD)

17 – Recommend Board approve the following ELD Teachers for the Summer ELD Learning

Program. The program will run from July 6, 2021 through August 12, 2021, from 9:00 A.M.

- 12:00 P.M, Monday - Thursday. Teachers will be paid from 8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M., per

the HAEA Contract. All costs paid through ESSER Federal Funding. A Bilingual Liaison

will be present to assist with parents and families: (APPROVED)

a. Reina Alberto

b. Melissa Cheslock

c. Jessica Darraugh

d. Melissa Davis

e. Marilyn DiCello

f. Ryan Elmy

g. Kelly Fedullo

h. Carinne Karlick

i. Meredith O'Donnell

j. Kelly Randazzo

k. Brenda Sterenchock

l. Kim Valentine

m. Joleen Astorino

n. Austin Smith

o. Nicole Lear

p. Diane Zecker

The following vote includes agenda item(s): 17

Motion: Bonomo

Second: Scarcella

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

Nutrition

18 – Recommend Board approve the cafeteria transfers/new hires as listed below. These are all

open positions. Rates based on the HAESPA contract. Salaries paid out of the Cafeteria

Fund. Effective August 1, 2021: (APPROVED)

a. Michele Solonoski, HAHS, 6.5 Hours

b. Sheila Scott, HAAS, 6.5 Hours



Motion: Bonomo

Second: Scarcella

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

FYI

The District received 3 Grants from GenYouth, Inc. In the amount of $2,000 each for HTELC,

ASES, HTEMS

Security

19 – Recommend Board approve payment of a bill for $14,872 to Competitive Edge Software.

This is a recurring yearly bill for the licensing of the Report Exec report writing software

utilized by the Security department. This payment is budgeted and will be paid from the

2021-22 budget. (APPROVED)


Motion: Fiume

Second: McBride

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

Technology


20 – Recommend Board approve the purchase of CloudReady Education Site License at a cost

not to exceed $11,616.00. The license is for 12 months. The vendor is Neverware. Funded

from CARES Grant. (APPROVED)

21 – Recommend Board approve the purchase of a 5-year license for CrowdStrike's Endpoint

Detection and Response solution. This will provide antivirus protection along with

protection against data breaches. The total cost is $218,028.50, pricing as per PEPPM 2018

Catalog Agreement (PEPPM2018). The vendor is CDW-G. Funded through CARES grant.

(APPROVED)


22 – Recommend Board approve the purchase of ClearTouch 75" Interactive Panels for the

below listed schools. Funded through CARES grant. Vendor is SAGE Technology

Solutions. Pricing as per PEPPM contract: (APPROVED)

School Quantity Total Cost

HAHS 82 $255,840

HACC 20 $ 62,400

HAAS 20 $ 62,400

Admin 4 $ 12,480

Clear Touch Certified Trainer Class (15 attendees) $ 4,950

Mounting, installation, and configuration for all rooms $ 49,896


Motion: Bonomo

Second: Mehalick

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

Finance

23 – Recommend Board approve the 2021-2022 General Fund Final Budget. (APPROVED)


Motion: Bonomo

Second: Yuhas

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

24 – Recommend Board approve a Tax Resolution for year 2021-2022. (APPROVED)


Motion: Mehalick

Second: Bonomo

Vote: Voice



Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

25 – Recommend Board approve a Homestead Resolution for year 2021-2022.

(APPROVED)


Motion: Yuhas

Second: Bonomo

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X


26 – Recommend Board approve the Property Tax Refunds. (APPROVED)

27 – Recommend Board approve the lowest responsible bidders for the bids that will be received

until 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, June 22, 2021, for the following: (See bid tabulations)

(APPROVED)

a. Cleaning Equipment (Bid)

b. Early Learning Center Parking Lot Improvements (Bid) – REBID

c. Liquid Propane (Bid)

28 – Recommend Board approve the final version of the Bluecup Ventures LERTA Resolution.

(Reviewed and approved by the Slusser Law Firm) (APPROVED)

29 – Recommend Board approve the following award/donation: (APPROVED)

a. Independence Toyota – Hazleton Area Career Center – Donation to purchase a Tire

Pressure Monitoring System – Check No. 56339 – $1,113.11

b. Johns Hopkins University – Hazleton Area School District – PBS Learning Media Pilot Program – Check No. 2006529667 – $1,000.00

30 – Recommend Board approve the renewal of the service agreement with CPC Systems

Corporation in the amount of $188.00 for each timestamp machine from 7/15/2021 to

7/14/2022: (APPROVED)

a. Widmer Model T-3 timestamp machine #256925 in the Business Office

b. Widmer Model T-3 timestamp machine #268718 in the Superintendent’s Office


31 – Recommend Board approve the student accident insurance renewal for the Hazleton Area

School District from AssuredPartners Northeastern Pennsylvania in the annual premium

amount of $34,803.00 (7/1/2021 – 7/1/2022). Carrier is AG Administrators LLC.

(APPROVED)

32 – Recommend Board approve the insurance renewal with AssuredPartners Northeastern

Pennsylvania as follows: (From July 1, 2021 to July 1, 2022) through (Carrier: Liberty

Mutual Insurance) (APPROVED)

Line of Coverage

• Property

• Flood Coverage

• Earthquake Coverage

• Boiler & Machinery

• Inland Marine

• General Liability

• Employee Benefits Liability

• Educators Legal Liability

• Employment Practice Liability

• Law Enforcement (Includes $1M/$3M occurrence/aggregate limits for

Armed and Unarmed guards)

• Automobile

• $10M Excess Liability (Umbrella)

• Policy/Agency Fees

TOTAL PREMIUM $431,595.00


Motion: Bonomo

Second: Scarcella

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X


Pennsylvania as follows: (From July 1, 2021 to July 1, 2022) (APPROVED)

Line of Coverage

a. Smart Cyber Insurance

o Includes Cyber Extortion Loss (Ransomware) $1,000,000 and Penetration Testing



Motion: Bonomo

Second: Yuhas

Vote: Voice



Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X


Pennsylvania as follows: (From July 1, 2021 to July 1, 2022) through (Carrier: Indian

Harbor Insurance Company) (APPROVED)

b. Active Shooter Policy

o Policy provides $1,000,000 Aggregate Limit



Motion: Scarcella

Second: Bonomo

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

35 – Bills (APPROVED)

a. Alfred Benesch & Company – Professional Services – Early Learning Center Parking Lot

Improvements – Project No. 00030205.21 – Invoice No. 182568 – $2,599.22 (Fund 38,

GOB 2018)

b. Schrader Group Architecture, LLC – Professional Services – HASD Freeland E/M

School Boiler Replacement – Project 21-006 – Invoice No. 0004404 – $14,497.76

(General Fund) – HASD McAdoo E/M HVAC Renovations – Project No. 21-007 –

Invoice No. 0004405 – $19,297.76 (General Fund)

c. Law Offices of Angela Evans – Professional Services – Invoice No. 1461 – $36.00 –

Invoice No. 1462 – $594.00 – Invoice No. 1463 – $270.00 – Invoice No. 1465 – $18.00

d. Sebco Books – Library Trust – Invoice No. 202671 – $172.76 (Fund 74)

e. Sebco Books – HASD Library Trust – Invoice No. 202945 – $350.14 (Fund 74)

f. General Fund – Activities – $12,828.10 – Athletics – $21,131.07 – Cafeteria –

$15,988.85 – Tax Refunds – $148,665.04 – Weekly – $1,866,836.03 – Monthly –

$490,766.19


Motion: McBride

Second: Fiume

Vote: Voice



Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

FYI

Treasurer Report

Investment Report

Outstanding Rental Balances

Rental Requests

Student Activities

Budget Reports

a. Revenue Report

b. Expenditure Report

c. Expense Report by Object

Superintendent of Schools


36 – Recommend Board approve the attached substitute request list. (APPROVED)

37 – Recommend Board approve the attached conference request list. (APPROVED)

38 – Recommend Board approve the resignation of Michelle Weaver, Teacher, HAHS, effective

July 1, 2021. (APPROVED)

39 – Recommend Board approve the resignation of Amy Bonomo, Full Time General Secretary,

Special Education, effective June 24, 2021. (APPROVED)


Motion: Fiume

Second: Bonomo

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

Approve Items 40-50 With One Motion (APPROVED - EXCEPT ITEM #46 WAS

TABLED)

40 – Recommend Board revise motion #4 of the Special Board Meeting held on May 27, 2021 to

the following: Recommend Board appoint Karina Hernandez to the position of 6.5 hours


Bilingual Paraprofessional, MKEMS, effective June 1, 2021, as per HAESPA Agreement.

(Replacement and Budgeted position) (APPROVED)

41 – Recommend Board approve the renewal of Edgenuity Services for the 2021-2022 school

year in the amount of $35,545.95. The renewal includes the following programs to be

utilized by the Hazleton Area Virtual Academy: MyPath Reading and Math Site License,

Digital Libraries 6-12 Comprehensive All Site License (excludes Sophia, eDynamic

Learning and Purpose Prep) & Digital Libraries Enhanced CTE Add-on Site License.

(APPROVED)

42 – Recommend Board allow Tara Orefice, doctoral student at Gwynedd Mercy University, to

conduct a research study with the secondary school administrators as a part of her

dissertation. The research study will look to identify whether there is a relationship between

principal leadership style and gender, job satisfaction and gender, and bias experienced

specifically as secondary school principals. The study will consist of an online survey that

will take approximately twenty minutes. (APPROVED)

43 – Recommend Board approve the placement of CAN DO Community Christmas collection

boxes at District schools. The boxes would be placed in the schools from September 1-

October 21,2021. (APPROVED)

44 – Recommend Board approve to retire the District Health and Safety Plan, effective June 30,

2021. (APPROVED)

45 – Recommend Board adopt the ARP ESSER Health and Safety Plan effective July 1, 2021.

(APPROVED)

46 – Recommend Board approve the Service Agreement between Hazleton Area School District

and Chester County Intermediate Unit for Child Accounting administration support

services. (Approved by Slusser Law Firm) (TABLED)

47 – Recommend Board approve a medical leave for WAL017, TEAM, effective June 9, 2021. It

is understood this leave will consist of the use of sick and vacation time. (APPROVED)

48 – Recommend Board approve a medical leave for MUR004, ESPA, effective June 1, 2021. It

is understood this leave will consist of the use of sick time. (APPROVED)

49 – Recommend Board approve a medical leave for MAL010, ESPA, effective June 9, 2021. It

is understood this leave will consist of the use of sick time. (APPROVED)

50 – Recommend Board approve a medical leave for BEC001, TEAM, effective June 21, 2021.

It is understood this leave will consist of the use of sick, vacation and FMLA time.

(APPROVED)

The following vote includes agenda item(s): Motion to Table #46

Motion: Bonomo

Second: DeCosmo

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X


The following vote includes agenda item(s): 40 – 50 (EXCLUDE #46)

Motion: Shemansky

Second: Yuhas

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X


51 – Recommend Board approve a medical leave for BRE009, HAEA, effective September 7,

2021. It is understood this leave will consist of the use of sick, personal and FMLA time.

(APPROVED)

52 – Recommend Board appoint Melissa Budgeon to 6.5 hours Special Education

Paraprofessional life skills at HAHS (replacement and budgeted.) (APPROVED)

53 – Recommend Board appoint Christine Senick to 5.5 hours Special Education

Paraprofessional learning support at HAHS (replacement and budgeted.) (APPROVED)

54 – Recommend Board appoint Anita Keselicka to 6.5 hours Special Education

Paraprofessional learning support at HAHS (replacement and budgeted.) (APPROVED)

55 – Recommend Board appoint Jenna Rees-Morgan to 6.5 hours Special Education

Paraprofessional autistic support at DEMS (replacement and budgeted.) (APPROVED)

56 – Recommend Board appoint Jennifer Graaf to 6.5 hours Special Education Paraprofessional

learning support at FEMS (replacement and budgeted.) (APPROVED)

57 – Recommend Board appoint Ashley Marino to 6.5 hours Special Education Paraprofessional

emotional support at FEMS (replacement and budgeted.) (APPROVED)

58 – Recommend Board appoint Melissa Perchansky to 6.5 hours Special Education

Paraprofessional learning support at HTEMS (replacement and budgeted.) (APPROVED)

59 – Recommend Board appoint Mary Oswald to 6.5 hours Special Education Paraprofessional

learning support at VEMS (replacement and budgeted.)

(APPROVED)

60 – Recommend Board appoint Tara Chipeleski to 6.5 hours Special Education

Paraprofessional learning support at VEMS (replacement and budgeted.) (APPROVED)

61 – Recommend Board appoint Gail Miller to 6.5 hours Special Education Paraprofessional

learning support at VEMS (replacement and budgeted.) (APPROVED)

62 – Recommend Board appoint Dominic Antonelli to 6.5 hours Special Education

Paraprofessional learning support at WHEMS (replacement and budgeted.) (APPROVED)

63 – Recommend Board appoint Cheryl Karmonick to 6.5 hours Special Education

Paraprofessional learning support at WHEMS (replacement and budgeted.) (APPROVED)

64 – Recommend Board appoint Kelly Perkosky to 6.5 hours Regular Education

Paraprofessional at HAHS (replacement and budgeted.) (APPROVED)



Motion: Bonomo

Second: Mehalick

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X


65 – Recommend Board appoint Jean Kokiko to 5.5 hours Regular Education Paraprofessional at

HTEMS (replacement and budgeted.) (APPROVED)

66 – Recommend Board approve the Hazleton Area High School A-TSI - non-Title I School

Plan for the 2021-2022 school year. (APPROVED)

67 – Recommend Board approve the Agreement of Sale to purchase the GANS property.

(APPROVED)

68 – Recommend Board approve the following tenure list: (APPROVED)

Name Certification Location Effective Date

Ryan Elmy Grades 4-8, English as WHEMS August 3, 2020

a Second Language Pk-12

Jocelyn Frye Music Pk-12 MMEMS September 28, 2020

Kathryn Wasickanin Grades 4-8, English as WHEMS November 21, 2020

a Second Language Pk-12


Motion: Bonomo

Second: Scarcella

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

ADDENDUM



1 – Recommend Board approve the creation, job description, and posting of the Supervisor of

Pre-K and Early Intervention. (APPROVED)

2 – Recommend Board approve the revised MKEMS ATSI Plan for the 2021-2022 school year.

(APPROVED)

3 – Recommend Board approve the revised FEMS CSI Plan for the 2021-2022 school year.

(APPROVED)

4 – Recommend Board approve a medical leave for GAL004, ADMIN, effective July 6, 2021. It

is understood this leave will consist of the use of sick and FMLA time. (APPROVED)

5 – Recommend Board approve a medical leave for STO008, HAEA, effective September 1,

2021. It is understood this leave will consist of the use of sick and FMLA time.

(APPROVED)

6 – Recommend Board approve a medical sabbatical leave for RIT005, HAEA, DEMS, effective

for the 2021-2022 school year. (APPROVED)

7 – Recommend the Board approve Hope Schirmer to the position of Elementary ELD Teacher

for the 2021-2022 school year, pending all clearances and paperwork. Salary and benefits as

per HAEA Agreement. (replacement and budgeted) (APPROVED)

The following vote includes agenda item(s): Addendum 1- 7

Motion: Bonomo

Second: Scarcella

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X


8 – Recommend Board appoint Jamie Atherton to the position of Speech Therapist for 2021-

2022 school year. Salary and benefits as per the HAEA Agreement. (APPROVED)

9 – Recommend Board appoint Chad Bogansky to the position of Health and Physical teacher for

2021-2022 school year. Salary and benefits as per the HAEA Agreement. (APPROVED)

10 – Recommend Board appoint Yazan Mahmoud to the position of Health and Physical teacher

2021-2022 school year. Salary and benefits as per the HAEA Agreement.

(APPROVED)

11 – Recommend Board appoint Chelsea Malloy to the position of Guidance Counselor for

2021-2022 school year. Salary and benefits as per the HAEA Agreement. (APPROVED)

12 – Recommend Board appoint Nicole McCormick to the position of Elementary teacher for

2021- 2022 school year. Salary and benefits as per the HAEA Agreement. (APPROVED)

13 – Recommend Board appoint Nicole Bereznak to the position of Elementary teacher for 2021-



14 – Recommend Board appoint Kayla Guydish to the position of Elementary teacher for 2021-


15 – Recommend Board appoint Gabriella Smith to the position of Elementary teacher for 2021-


16 – Recommend Board appoint Melissa Meyers to the position of Elementary teacher for 2021-


17 – Recommend Board appoint Jaymi Norris to the position of ELA teacher for 2021-2022

school year. Salary and benefits as per the HAEA Agreement. (APPROVED)

18 – Recommend Board appoint Nicole Luchetta Rump to the position of Math teacher for 2021-


19 – Recommend Board appoint Annya Surace to the position of Math teacher for 2021-2022


The following vote includes agenda item(s): Addendum 8 -19

Motion: Fiume

Second: Mehalick

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X


20 – Recommend Board appoint Shawn Yachera to the position of Auto Body Instructor for


21 – Recommend Board appoint Jeff Weed to the position of Assistant Director of Special

Education. Salary and benefits per Act 93 Agreement. (APPROVED)

22 – Recommend Board appoint Wister P. Yuhas Jr. to the position of Attendance Officer for


23 – Recommend Board appoint Patrick Brogan to the position of Social Studies teacher for


24 – Recommend Board appoint Zachary Capparell to the position of Social Studies teacher for


25 – Recommend Board appoint Heather Warner to the position of School Nurse for 2021-2022


26 – Recommend Board appoint Melinda Rhodes to the position of Special Education teacher for

2021-2022 school year. Salary and benefits as per the HAEA. (APPROVED)

27 – Recommend Board approve the following Elementary/Middle School and Secondary

Assistant Principals. Salary and benefits as per the Act 93 Agreement: (APPROVED)

a. Jeffrey Rush - Secondary


b. James Hudock - Secondary

c. James Hearne - Secondary

d. Allison Yourechko - Elementary/Middle

e. Susan Platek - Elementary/Middle

f. Nicholas Flaim - Elementary/Middle

g. Heather Zazycki - Elementary/Middle

h. Matthew Scarcella – Elementary/Middle

The following vote includes agenda item(s): Addendum 20 - 27

Motion: Fiume

Second: Bonomo

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X X (#27 h)

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X X (#22)

Approve Items 28-35 With One Motion (APPROVED - EXCEPT ITEM #30 WAS

REMOVED)

28 – Recommend Board approve the Settlement Agreement regarding Luzerne County Court of

Common Pleas Docket Number 2010-16524 and authorize the execution of the Settlement

Agreement by Raymond P. Wendolowski, Esquire. (APPROVED)

29 – Recommend Board approve the following: (APPROVED)

a. GenYouth, Inc. – COVID-19 Emergency School Nutrition Funding grant –

Heights Terrace E/M School – Arthur Street Elementary School – Hazle

Township Early Learning Center – Check No. 23178 - $6,000.00 ($2,000.00

per school)

b. Penn State – Building Incentive Program – Hazleton Area School District –

Check No. 1000083192 - $1,750.00

30 – Recommend Board approve the purchase of credit recovery courses through K-12

Management Inc., Keystone Credit Recovery. We would be purchasing 1,290 courses for

High School students at $116.00 per course. The approximate cost would be $149,640.00

and funded through the ESSER Grant. (REMOVED ITEM FROM AGENDA)

31 – Recommend Board approve the purchase of credit recovery courses through K-12

Management Inc., Keystone Credit Recovery. We would be purchasing 1,290 additional

courses for High School and Middle School students at $116.00 per course. The

approximate cost would be $149,640.00 and funded through the ESSER Grant.

(APPROVED)

32 – Recommend Board approve the appointment of Kelly Peak to the position of Full-Time,

General Secretary, Special Education, effective June 28, 2021, salary and benefits as per the

HAESPA Agreement. (APPROVED)

33 – Recommend Board approve the appointment of Michele Nicholas to the position of Student

Registration Coordinator, effective June 28, 2021, salary and benefits as per the HAESPA

Agreement. (APPROVED)

34 – Recommend Board approve the Non-Classified employee salary schedule, effective June

28, 2021. (APPROVED)


35 – Recommend Board approve to the increase of hours for the following cafeteria employees.

These are all open positions and rates are based on the HAESPA contract. Salaries paid out

of the Food Service Fund. Effective 8-1-21: (APPROVED)

SCHOOL NAME HOURS

HAHS Samantha Dubesky 6.5 Hours

HTEMS Christina Cusatis 6.5 Hours

HTELC Joanne Mamourian 5.0 Hours

VEMS Lori Solanick 5.5 Hours

VEMS Lisa Yurcho 5.0 Hours

HACC April Hoffman 6.5 Hours

The following vote includes agenda item(s): Addendum Items 28 – 35 – EXCLUDE ITEM

#30)

Motion: Bonomo

Second: Mehalick

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X X (#28)

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

NEW MOTION

36 – Recommend Board approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Hazleton

Area School District and Hazleton Area Education Association for the period of September

1, 2021 through August 31, 2026. (APPROVED)

The following vote includes agenda item(s): New Motion #36

Motion: Yuhas

Second: Fiume

Vote: Voice

PUBLIC COMMENT ON NEW MOTION

• There were no interested parties for public comment on the new motion.


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

PUBLIC COMMENT ON ANY ITEM

• Janet Korinchock – commented on Critical Race Theory (CRT) – Is the School Board

open to this which institutes racism.


Motion to Adjourn (APPROVED)

The following vote includes agenda item(s): Adjournment at 6:39 P.M.

Motion: Mehalick

Second: Scarcella

Vote: Voice


Bonomo X

DeCosmo X

Fiume X

McBride X

Mehalick X

Scarcella X

Shemansky X

van Hoekelen X

Yuhas X

___________________________

SECRETARY

hazleton area school district - hasdk12.org

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