Notes from Monday evening Octorara School Board work session, misspellings and misquotes included.

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

WORK SESSION

February 13, 2012 – 7:30 p.m.

Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room

DISCUSSION GUIDE

1. Lord’s Prayer

2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

3. Roll Call

All board members present

4. Presentations

A. Budget

• Update on the governor’s budget and what it means
• The Governors budget now combines the Basic Education, Social Security and two transportation subsidies (Public & Non-public) into what is now called the “Student Achievement Education Block Grant”  The combined total for these items in the State Budget is $7,559,146.  Our Preliminary Budget had a combined total of $7,617,169.  A difference of $58K.
• This move raises oversight questions and increases the possibility 1) the funding might never increase and 2) some of all of this money will go away down the road.
• The budget will change as we get towards June although I don’t expect much change this year
• Board member Ganow asked about the impact of the Federal budget, but since it was just released today its too early to know for sure what the impact on Octorara will be

• Board President Lisa Bowman asked if there a deadline for reimbursement. Dan Carsley answered he wasn’t aware of a deadline.  Board Member Nelson Stolzfus followed up noting the state can simply skip a payment for good.
• Budget presentations will continue for the next several months.

5. Visitors’ Comments – Agenda Items Only

No visitor comments

6. Information Items:

7. Presentation of Agenda Items for the February 20, 2012 Regular Monthly Public Meeting:

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following addition to the Octorara Area Sr. High School Program of Studies for the 2012-2013 school year: REMEDIATION OPPORTUNITIES – Students who demonstrate below proficient ability on state or local benchmark assessments, (reading and/or math), may mandatorily be placed in a remediation course that will target student needs and assist students in working towards proficiency.

No Board comments

B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the lease agreement between the Octorara Area School District and B & S Construction LLC for facilities garage parking lot rental.

No Board comments

Resignation Approvals:

C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Mr. Frank Wasco’s resignation as a Vo-Ag teacher at the Octorara Area Sr. High School for the purpose of retirement effective June 30, 2012. (Hired September 1, 1979)

No Board comments

Hiring Approvals:

D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Tammy Anthony as a long term substitute third grade teacher at the Octorara Elementary School effective approximately February 7, 2012 through June 8, 2012. Ms. Anthony’s rate will be $140 per day. (Replacing Erika Lynch who is on child rearing leave.)

No Board comments

E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Barbara Whitworth-Roy as an instructional assistant in the Alternative Education Program at the Octorara Area Sr. High School effective January 17, 2012 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Whitworth-Roy’s rate will be $11.65 per hour. (Replacing Eva Karen Gallagher who resigned.)

No Board comments

F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve changing Ms. Kimberly Domblesky’s rate to $9.72 per hour. Ms. Domblesky is a playground/cafeteria aide at the Octorara Elementary School.

Superintendent Newcome stated this position should have been approved some years back but for reason it never made it to the board for approval.  This motion brings us up to date.

Board member Sam asks for further clarification.  Dr. Newcome responded, this is the rate she should be paid at this time.  She is owed back pay and an addition will be made to the motion next week

G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Mr. Christian Taylor as an assistant track coach at the Octorara Area Sr. High School for the 2010-2011 school year for six points at $570 each totaling $3,420.

Dr. Newcome noted this is for the 2011 school year.

H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teacher for the 2011-2012 school year:

• Robyn Frye (Elementary)

I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following supplemental contracts for the 2011-2012 school year:

J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following change orders:

• 404-06 Clinger/Perrini – Replace exit sign/repair fire alarm $1,461.00
• 405-01 Guy M. Cooper – Credit for damage to fire alarm and remaining allowances ($5,508.46)
• 407-03 DeGol – Floor patch for crawl space & room E112 $2,111.02

K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the funding of the Summer Literacy Program at a cost not to exceed $160,000.

Dr. Newcome chimed in.  As we’ve talked about for several months there is approx $80,000 going to be part of the special education budget to fund the extended school year.  That leaves $80,000 in the general budget to fund the balance of the program.  He recommends the school board leave the $80,000 in the budget.  The fee rate for non special ed students participating in the program would be $100 per week.  We did the analysis of what summer camps in the area cost and our estimated fees of $100 per week are low.  We need to move on this to buy material and get people registered.

Board member Ganow asked if the program was discussed on the Education Committee.  What was their recommendation?  Board President Lisa Bowman stated the education committee recommends the district move ahead.  Board member Sheri Melton spoke up and states there was overwhelming support for the program by the committee.

8. Facilities Committee Report

• The Committee met this evening
• We are trying to wrap up change orders in the HS renovation project
• The district has $3Million left in our bank account after all the change order
• The money can’t be put back into the budget but must be spent on building projects.
• This building needs new pumps to pump the heat around the building – $100K
• Carpet and flooring in PLC needs to be replaced – 6 labs and 30 classroom 120K, some of the classrooms were replaced in 2006.  Those areas may not need new carpeting.
• We have replaced sections of Intermediate School roof, more need to be done. Estimates come in at  $825,000 to $885,000 to do remaining section
• A lot of brick work is needed in the intermediate building.  The mortar is not holding up.  Not sure why.  Patch the worst spots – Estimate of $125,000,
• We are looking at field development, track replacement, high school wall extension, signage
• HS wall extension, to extend the walls in 7-8 classrooms all the way to the roof for noise abatement, no estimates yet.
• We still have a water issue in the Intermediate School.  We thought we had it fixed, the contractor is looking at it.  And trying to fix it
• We had another partial real estate foreclosure in Parkesburg that went on the market.  The owners had not paid taxes in 5 years, the property recently sold at auction for $1,000; we will get some of that money
• Local electric service contractors will be storing equipment on at the district’s garage on weekend.  We are in the process of finalizing that contract
• A storage shed will be put up out back for the art dept

Education Committee Report

• Board Member Brian Norris
• We had our initial meeting last month, refreshing to sit around and toss around ideas
• Literacy Camp – unanimous support for the reading summer camp
• Summer reading requirements being developed for ALL children
• After school reading enrichment program grades 3-6 to help struggling kids is being developed
• Discussed criteria for senior privileges

9. Other Items/Concerns

Board member Sam Ganow asked about the information on Charter Schools included in this week’s Board packet.  Mr. Ganow suggested Dr. Newcome send the material to state legislators and senators, even meet with them individually if possible.  Board member Sheri Melton asked for some clarification around the charter school info.  Asked if any money is received from the state to pay for charter school education?  None.  A discussion ensued about the wasteful nature of charter school spending.

10. Visitors’ Comments – General

Donna Edwards – OAEA representing. 
Ms. Edwards spoke eloquently from a prepared text for several minutes.
Thanked the board for your dedication and service in this volunteer position.
No one has anything good to say about public education, teachers take it on the chin.
One thing when it comes from national and state commentators, another when it comes from local leaders
When it comes from local sources, I can’t take it.
Someone said recently it was time to clean house
Through the good times and bad the teachers have served the children of the district.
The job of the teacher changes yearly.  There are times when I don’t recognize it. 
The less known actions done by the Octorara teachers
Help classes offered weekly
Spend hours before and after school in their class
Work through their lunch working with student
Provide assistance with fund raising
Provided need clothing including coats, gloves, pants, even prom dresses
Provided used computers to students
Organizing cross building activities
Attended out of school activities such as concerts, award ceremonies and even funerals
Run after school clubs, student government
Helped parents find doctors and social service
Paid for lunches, trips, bought cup cakes, valentine cards
Provided book bags
Gone into homes to set up homework sites, and hold parent-teacher conferences and visit sick children
Purchased books for classroom libraries
Written thousands of letters of recommendation
Raised money for the parents of children who lost a parent
Paid bills, repaired roofs and windows all to help students and their families
I do NOT believe teachers are failing kids
Teachers DO care
Many students stay in our hearts and minds nightly
These economic times are not insurmountable

11. Administrator Comments/Announcements

Ms. Lisa McNamara, Principal of the Primary Learning Center, talked about Crazy for Reading program sponsored by the Reading Phillies

In March Dr. Newcome will provide a recommendation about how the district should move for the next Fall sports season.  We do have a committee, we have a positive direction, their help is not going to help us next fall.  His recommendation to the board is Option 2, that the district keep one sport on the field (soccer), delay one football game until the end of soccer season and schedule the remaining ‘home’ football games at an alternative to be determined field.  

12. Board Comments

Lisa Bowman responded to Donna Edwards’ statement by saying the board is composed on nine individual, we are individuals until we vote.  A comment by one board member does not indicate the preference or leanings of the board.

Board member Bob Hume stated he may be the reason we have everyone here.  Reads a statement.  Those statements I made have to do with public schools.  I asked Senator Pileggi not to vote for Senate Bill 1 but he did anyway.  The bill is now in front of the house.  We have to do something to stop this.  The funding will go to a charter school.  I can’t understand why anyone would want to go to a charter school.  We may have the best school in this area.  I hope we will all contact our legislators and encourage them to vote against the house bill.  That is why I said what I said.  The legislators are ruining the public schools.

Sheri Melton appreciated Edwards’ comments.  Teachers are the unsung hero of our day.

Leon Lapp. Thank the teachers for their hard work that goes into teaching kids.  There are horror stories of kids home lives.  Kids come here with all these issues. 

John McCartney – all the news shows are aware of the issues between religion and what religious institutions are required to provide.  Talk to your legislators.  They are called public servants.  It can have very positive results if another

Sam Ganow we are public servants as well and notes the people at tonight’s meeting are talking to US.  We need to listen to what they are saying just like the legislators need to listen to us.

Board vice president Brian Norris noted recent public discussion around how education shifting away from teaching core subject and moving toward values instruction.  I think this is a ridiculous premise.  As evidenced by Ms. Edwards premise.  It takes a village.  In many cases we are that village.  We provide our students with an education and life lessons.  I love the statue and would welcome the use of public money to pay for the statue.  The student body has bought into the Brave statue and the values it represents.  Last year’s graduation Principal Rohrer stated this is a good place. The Brave statue and the memorial alcove make it a good place.

Lisa Bowman recognizes the work of teachers, its not getting any easier, there is a lot that is not in our control.  There is frustration on both sides of the table.  Throwing more money at it doesn’t help.  Having to reduce great programs is frustrating.  We can only focus on what we are tasked with.  As much as it is good to talk to legislators, it is not what we are tasked with.  We have decisions to make at this table.  Be knowledgeable of our task, what do we have to solve for.  That’s what we have to do.

13. Adjournment

• Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, February 13, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

• Executive Session for personnel – Monday, February 13, 2012 – Following the Work Session in the District Office Conference Room

• Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, February 20, 2012 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

• Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, February 20, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

• Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, February 20, 2012– 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room