january 20, 2014 lower dauphin school board regular meeting minutes

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LOWER DAUPHIN SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS

Regular Meeting Minutes

Monday, January 20, 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; Mrs. Melanie Shaver-Durham, Director of

Elementary Education; Mr. David Marshall, Supervisor of Operations & Maintenance;

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

Neuhard, High School Principal; Mr. Dan Berra, Middle School Principal; Mr. Edward

Gnall, Mr. Justin Hanula, Dr. Michael Lausch, Mr. Gary Messinger and Dr. Douglas

Winner, Elementary Principals.

Also in attendance was a press representative from The Patriot, The Press & Journal, 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 agenda was submitted for the Board's approval.

Dr. Smith announced there was an executive session held prior to this meeting to discuss

two personnel items.

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

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

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V. RECOGNITION OF GUESTS AND SCHEDULED SPEAKERS

Dr. Smith welcomed all the student athletes and coaches who were invited to the board

meeting in honor of their outstanding seasons. She first introduced Cross Country Coach,

John Butler who presented the four senior members from the team who won the District

III championship. Each shared their future plans and was presented a certificate, followed

by photos. Explaining that Coach Klock was unable to be at the meeting, Coach Greg

Kratzer introduced the football team coaching staff and the senior players who were able

to attend. The team also won Districts and played in the state quarter finals. The players

stated their plans for the future before a photo was taken. Dr. Smith extended her thanks

to all the athletes and coaches for their fine leadership.

Dr. Smith also welcomed Boy Scouts, Peter and Christian Gingrich and their mother.

VI. REPORTS

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

They did not have a quorum at their December Joint Board meeting. There is

a ballot at each member’s seat to complete and return to Sharon.

They had a presentation of the preliminary budget and approved the

comprehensive plan.

In January, they reviewed the future technology needs and looked the summer

school policy. They plan to use CAOLA for summer school.

They are considering going to a four day work week over the summer.

They had discussion on replacing the 1996 Lumina. He suggested purchasing

a used state vehicle at auction.

B. HARRISBURG AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE: No report.

C. CAPITAL AREA INTERMEDIATE UNIT: Mrs. Reichert stated they have a

meeting in the coming week. The search committee found an Assistant Executive

Director who won’t formally start until the end of the school year. In either

February or March, we will have the CAIU budget for approval. That is the only

one of 55 budgets at the CAIU that we vote on. She will gather information to

help the new members understand the complexity of the CAIU.

D. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES:

Ashley Simpson reported:

Being Board Appreciation Month, she thanked the Board for everything they

do and is happy to be a part of the Board.

Mr. Pirtle is the tenth LD teacher to receive his National Board Certification.

Practice for the musical, “Singing In the Rain”, has begun. It will be

performed on March 6-8, 2014.

Algebra Keystone retakes were recently completed.

The second marking period ends January 22nd

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Parent orientation for next year’s freshmen is January 22.

Jeff Groh, playing piano, and Kelsy Kindle, singing, were accepted into the

PEMA District 7 Jazz Festival.

Thirty three students were accepted into the DCMEA County Orchestra

Festival; fifteen were accepted into the Band Festival; and three into the

chorus.

James McDonough reported:

He thanked the Board for being so supportive of the students and faculty of

Lower Dauphin. He said it is wonderful to see that we have a board that

supports us in all of our endeavors whether it is academics, arts, athletics, or

just day by day.

It is mid-season for winter sports. Boys’ swimming is 7-2, but undefeated in

the Keystone Division; girls’ swimming is 6-3; boys’ basketball is 11-3; girls’

basketball is 9-3; and wrestling is 12-3.

E. CURRICULUM: Dr. Schultz reported:

They had an in-service day today where they gave an update to the staff as to

where we are with our Safe and Supportive Schools initiative. This committee

came out of the comprehensive planning process where concerns have been

identified in the survey where they thought they needed to look at some

programs to address bullying. They developed a survey specific to that topic

and developed focus groups to follow up with the students at the elementary,

middle, and high school. From that information, the committee came up with

three actions items: 1) Create an effective reporting system for students. 2)

Provide more supervision in unstructured areas. 3) Create, educate, and

implement an effective district wide program. The plan is to continue

developing that program in the spring and do some training with the staff in

the summer and roll out the program in the fall.

F. LEGISLATIVE: Mrs. Barry reported:

The general assembly returned to Harrisburg on January 7, 2014.

Governor Corbett will present the 2014-15 state budget on February 4, 2014.

On February 5, at 2:00 p.m. Acting Secretary of Education, Carolyn Dumaresq

will present an overview at the PBSA Conference Center. They will also have

a complimentary web conference on February 7, at noon.

Several house bills to watch include HB1734 limiting some of the extensive

athletic reporting required by Act 82 of 2012; HB1411 requires PDE to

implement a searchable website called SchoolWatch detailing various

expenditures of school district, vo-techs, and charter and cyber-charters

schools and comparing them to their student’s performance. Entities failing to

comply would be subject to penalties, including withholding of state funds.

Dr. Smith interjected the significance of this bill and the enormous amount of

time that will be required to comply with this bill in addition to the current


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PIMS reporting. Mrs. Barry continued HB1816 would allow educators to

receive continuing professional development credits by attending school board

approved site visits to manufacturing locations. SB1000 provides for a rural

regional community college program to provide education and work force

development in underserved areas.

G. SUPERINTENDENT: Dr. Smith reported:

The proposed 2014-15 school calendar was provided to board members. It

will be brought for approval in February. First day will be August 25, 2014

and end June 5, 2015.

The middle and high school roofing projects went out to bid. Last year, 2.25

million was reserved for these projects. It appears the preliminary numbers

are coming in under budget. The recommendations and more information will

be provided at the February board meeting.

Mr. Marshall and she met this past Monday with those involved with the high

school parking lot project – the engineers, architects, and Handwork to discuss

the work that needs to be completed which will be around March or April

when the weather breaks.

Three days of school have been cancelled already – January 3, 7, and 10 (1/2

day of school scheduled). We will make up on February 17 and April 16. The

teachers came in for an in-service on January 10, so that will become an Act

80 day and the students will not have to make it up.

They continue to discuss the possible move to a new athletic conference.

There have been many discussions with other districts as well as with Mid

Penn about some of the concerns they have. The deadline to make a final

decision to move forward or not has been agreed on as April 1, 2014.

Every five years, the lunch program goes out to bid and is due this year. Mrs.

Shuler will keep us informed of that process.

Mr. Hazen shared:

- There will be an Artist Reception held at the Hershey Medical Center. We

had nine high school art students have their work accepted to be on display

in the simulation center. It will be on January 22, 2014 from 5-7:00 pm.

We will also have a string quartet performing.

- February 1, 2014 is the sixth annual Blue and White Gala. The theme this

year is “Applause – LD on Stage.” The Honorary MC is Nicholas Poppy,

who is a Lower Dauphin graduate, Emmy award winner and son of retired

principal Wendell Poppy. This is one of the foundation’s major fund

raisers for the year and held at the Hollywood Casino. Registration is

available online.

In honor of Board Appreciation Month, Dr. Smith expressed her thanks and

appreciation to the school board stating she has been around long enough as a

Superintendent to know that the tone of a school district starts at a board level.

We have a ton of pride in this district with our students, staff and programs

that couldn’t happen without the nine individuals who volunteer their time to

dedicate to our students, programs, and staff. She said without that we cannot


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be what we are and they need to know that they are appreciated by the entire

staff and hopes the students and community understands and respects all the

time and energy the board gives.

Mr. Kreiser thanked Dr. Smith for the kind works and added that on behalf of

the Board, he thinks it starts with the leadership at the top. Everything that

she puts into the job along with the staff and faculty and the job that they do,

makes their job appear so much easier and enjoyable in the boardroom.

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 December 16, 2013

were forwarded in advance to all members of the Board of Directors.

2. FISCAL ITEMS

a. BILLS

The bills for December 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.

(1) General Fund Account $3,482,569.22

including two payrolls amounting to $1,318,079.53

a quarterly wire to PSERS in the amount of $789,398.46

and four Highmark medical wires totaling $461,911.27

(2) Activity Account $12,318.15

(3) Athletic Account $5,977.90

(4) Cafeteria Account $147,263.24

(4) Construction Account $38,333.00

(5) Capital Reserve Account $0.00

(6) Capital Contingency Account $0.00


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b. TAX EXONERATIONS

Real Per Capita

Municipality Estate 511 & 679 Occup. 511

Conewago $ 152.89 $ 80.00 $ 18,750.00

East Hanover $ 6,519.90 $ 110.00 $ 35,000.00

Hummelstown $ 0.00 $ 190.00 $ 36,000.00

Londonderry $ 2,541.96 $ 130.00 $ 31,500.00

South Hanover $ 5,351.01 $ 310.00 $ 46,500.00

TOTAL $ 14,565.76 $ 820.00 $ 167,750.00

3. SUPERINTENDENT'S RECOMMENDATIONS ON PERSONNEL

ISSUES:

a. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE PROFESSIONAL

SUBSTITUTE LIST

The following individuals were recommended:

PROFESSIONAL

ADDITIONS:

Shannon Bradley Early Childhood

Katelynn Kulig Early Childhood, Special Education

John Scipione RN

Dwight Weaver Music

Lucas Zampelli Social Studies

DELETION

Trent Baker

b. EMPLOYMENT - SUPPLEMENTAL

1. Jason Kane Wrestling Asst., JrH $1,827

2. Michael Brandt Indoor Coordinator $3,758

3. James Hagan Indoor Music Coach $1,766

4. James Hagan Asst. Percussion Coach $764

5. James Koulik Indoor Music Coach - 1/2 $693

6. Erica Laufer Indoor Music Coach - 1/2 $693


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7. Greg Lee Asst. Indoor Music Coach $1,374

8. Tom Rife Indoor Music Coach – ½ $693

9. Justin Smith Indoor Music Coach $1,963

10. George Wenrich Indoor Drill Coach $2,689

11. Lucas Zampelli Indoor Music Coach - 1/2 $693

4. POLICY AND PROGRAM ISSUES

a. HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION

It was recommended that homebound instruction be provided for

one student based on medical certification.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

Motion: Mrs. Myers and Mr. Samples 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 December. The treasurer's report was provided prior to the

regular meeting.

Motion: Mrs. Barry and Ms. Macut moved to approve the treasurer's

report for the period of December 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 as

presented.


2. RESOLUTION #2014-01, PROPERTY TAX LIMITED TO INDEX

a. Resolution #2014-01 was attached. This resolution limits the tax

increase to the index of 2.5% set by the Pennsylvania Department

of Education.


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

Resolution #2014.01 as presented.


C. PERSONNEL

1. RESIGNATION – PROFESSIONAL

a. Glen Lightner, Classroom Teacher, Londonderry Elementary

School. Effective: January 10, 2014. Reason: Personal.

Motion: Mrs. Myers and Ms. Macut moved to accept the resignation

of the individual as presented.


2. RESIGNATION WITH AGREEMENT – PROFESSIONAL

a. Mollie Bering, Classroom Teacher, Londonderry Elementary


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

resignation of the individual as presented.


3. RESIGNATION – CLASSIFIED

a. Keri A. Hahn, Special Education Paraeducator, Londonderry

Elementary School. Effective: January 6, 2014. Reason: Personal.

b. Jennifer L. Wooten, Instructional/Recess Aide, Nye Elementary


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

resignation of the individuals as presented.



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4. CHILD REARING LEAVE – PROFESSIONAL

a. Robyn A. Cox, Classroom Teacher, Londonderry Elementary

School. Effective: Approximately six weeks after March 8, 2014

through the end of the 2013-14 school year.

b. Ashley K. Edwards, Reading Specialist, East Hanover Elementary

School. Effective: Approximately six weeks after May 5, 2014

through the end of the 1st marking period of the 2014-15 school year.

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

rearing leave of the individuals as presented.


5. EXTENSION OF CHILD REARING LEAVE – PROFESSIONAL

a. Nina M. Gilroy, English Teacher, Middle School. Effective:

through the end of the 2013-14 school year.

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

rearing leave extension as presented.


6. EMPLOYMENT – PROFESSIONAL

a. Alyssa L. Mizak, Long-term Substitute, Classroom Teacher,

Londonderry Elementary School. Effective: January 21, 2014

through the end of the 2013-14 school year. Salary: $43,008 prorated.

b. Danielle Pfeffer, Long-term Substitute, English Teacher, Middle

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

school year. Salary: $43,008 prorated.

c. Carrie J. Twaddell, Long-term Substitute, Classroom Teacher,

Londonderry Elementary School. Effective: January 21, 2014

through the end of the 2013-14 school year. Salary: $43,008 prorated.

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

employment of the individuals as presented.



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7. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT – EDUCATORS OF

LOWER DAUPHIN

Motion: Mrs. Barry and Mr. Samples moved to approve the Collective

Bargaining Agreement effective July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2017 as

negotiated with the Educators of Lower Dauphin and discussed in prior

executive sessions.

Vote: All nine members approved the motion.

D. POLICY AND PROGRAM ISSUES

1. REVISIONS TO THE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM OF STUDIES

FOR THE 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR

Mr. Neuhard reviewed the changes to the program of studies.

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

revisions to the high school program of studies as presented.


E. OTHER

VIII. INFORMATION ITEMS

A. DATES FOR BOARD MEMBERS' CALENDARS

February 3, 2014 7:00 p.m. Work Session

February 17, 2014 7:00 p.m. Regular Board Meeting

B. DISTRIBUTIONS

IX. ADJOURNMENT

Motion: Mrs. Myers and Mr. Samples moved to adjourn at 8:10 p.m.



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An executive session followed this meeting for the purpose of a personnel issue and a land

acquisition.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon K. Hagy

Board Secretary

january 20, 2014 lower dauphin school board regular meeting minutes

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