June 2012 Board Notes - Hampton Township School District

Board Approves Budget Without Tax Increase
Board members approved a final 2012-2013 Operating Budget at the June 11 meeting which reflects no tax increase for
residents.
The $43.03 million budget has revenues of $42.59 million and expenditures of $43.03 million. The $436,070 difference
between revenues and expenditures is being funded with $151,000 from Year 2 of the PSERS (Public School Employees’
Retirement System) Stabilization Fund, and $285,070 from the Unassigned Fund Balance.
Board members discussed options for making up the $436,070 difference between revenues and expenditures – including
a tax increase – but ultimately decided against that option.
“I’m really very glad that we’re able to achieve a budget this year without a tax increase,” said Board President David
Gurwin, Esq.
The 2012-2013 budget reflects a 3.53 percent increase over the current fiscal year. Approximately 56 percent of the
increase, or $833,000, is due to the increases in District contributions to PSERS. The District’s mandatory contribution
rate to PSERS will rise from 8.65 percent of payroll in 2011-2012 to 12.36 percent of payroll in 2012-2013.
The majority of the revenue for the 2012-2013 Operating Budget comes from local revenue sources, at $31.22 million.
Another $10.73 million is from state revenue sources and $645,000 from federal sources. One mill of real estate tax is
equal to $1.246 million in real estate tax revenue for the District. The current millage rate is 21.35.
A complete copy of the budget can be found on the District website at ht-sd.org/District/Admin.
BYOD Pilot Year A Success
BOARD NOTES
A summary of the Hampton Township School Board Meetings
Hampton Township School District June 2012
4591 School Drive, Allison Park, PA 15101 412-486-6000 Option 8 www.ht-sd.org
Mr. Andrew Halter, the High School’s CFF Coach, presented a PowerPoint
update on the “Bring Your Own Device” policy to Board members at the June 4
meeting. Mr. Halter said the data he presented were collected from two surveys
conducted at the beginning of the year and at the end of the year. Both
students and teachers were polled.
“Over half of teachers were using devices in their classes on a weekly basis,”
said Mr. Halter. “I think that’s impressive.”
The most popular use, as indicated by students, was as a “personal response”
device to look up information on the internet required for classroom assignments. Of the 230 students polled, 192 said
they bring their own personal electronic devices to school on a daily basis. Smart phones were the most popular PED,
followed by devices such as laptops and tablets. Ninety-four percent of teachers polled said the policy had a positive
effect on classroom learning. “I am proud of the work our teachers have been doing,” Mr. Halter said.
A complete copy of the presentation can be found on the District website under the High School’s “Don’t Forget” section.

BOARD NOTES --2-- JUNE 2012
Personnel
During the June 11 Voting Meeting, Board members took the following action:
• Approved a change in status for Mrs. Catherine Spencer, Elementary Teacher at Central Elementary, from .50
FTE, to 1.0 FTE effective 8-22-2012.
• Approved a change in status for Ms. Julia Walls, Elementary Teacher at Central Elementary, from 1.0 FTE to .50
FTE, effective 8-22-2012.
• Approved Mr. Timothy Allen as a Casual Substitute Speech Language Teacher, from May 28, 2012 through the
remainder of the 2011-2012 School Year. Salary is $100 per-day.
• Approved the following as substitute secretary/paraprofessionals for the District: Ms. Christina Conte, effective
May 15, 2012 and Ms. Lori Nicklas, effective May 23, 2012.
• Approved Mr. Justin Pacini, a college student from Duquesne University, for technology support for the 2011-
2012 School Year, effective April 15, 2012. Salary is $12.00 per-hour (utilizing Title II funds).
• Approved the following Non-Bargaining Unit Salaries for the 2012-2013 School Year (2.5% increase):
NAME
POSITION
SALARY FOR 2012-2013
SCHOOL YEAR
Margaret Caruso Confidential Secretary $52,132
Pamela
Nehnevajsa
Confidential Secretary $46,699
Alan Smith Network Administrator $49,535
Aaron Mesnar Computer Technician $46,159
Lauren Susko Applications Administrator $47,284
Eric Coffield Computer Technician $46,159
Elizabeth Burns Health Office Nurse $16.33 per hour
Patricia Hurd Health Office Nurse $16.33 per hour
• Approved the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Hampton Township School District and the
Hampton Cafeteria Employees’ Association, effective July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2016.
• Approved the Building and Coaching Supplemental positions for the 2012-2013 School Year as listed on the
agenda.
• Approved the amended contract for Mr. Jeffrey Kline, to continue as the Director of Administrative Services of
the Hampton Township School District, for a term of five-years, commencing July 1, 2012 through June 30,
2017.
First Reading of Background Check Policy For School Volunteers Approved
Board members approved the first reading of Policy No. 916: Background Checks for School
Volunteers.
The policy is designed to require clearances for athletic volunteers who regularly assist
coaches, as well as overnight or out-of-town trip chaperones. Only volunteers working under
the direct supervision of school staff would be exempt from the policy.
Required clearances include the Act 34 Pennsylvania Criminal Records Check, Act 151 Pennsylvania Child Abuse History
Clearance and the Act 114 Federal Criminal History Background Check. Under the policy, volunteers are responsible for
obtaining the clearances at a cost of roughly $60 total.
Some Board members expressed concerns over the rigidity of the wording in portions of the policy. Administration agreed
to review the concerns and tweak the wording of the policy prior to its second reading in August.

BOARD NOTES --3-- JUNE 2012
Facilities
Under the Facilities Agenda, the Board took the following actions:
Work on the new High School Baseball Fields was nearing
completion in late May. Workers finished outfield fencing, first
base and baseline fencing, backstop fencing and the installation
of bleachers at the site. Allegheny County officials inspected the
site on June 5.
• Approved the purchase of a new Fridley Field scoreboard in the amount of $24,950. The score board is made by
Daktronics and the cost includes installation.
• Awarded VEBH Architects, PC, the contract for architectural services for the Wyland Elementary School Roofing
Project, at a cost of $12,700.
• Awarded the project for fine-grading, top dressing and seeding for the Band Practice Field to Anthony Glasso, in
the amount of $8,450. Work on the project will begin on Oct. 29 with scheduled completion for Dec. 3.
In other business, Board members also appointed Mr. Robert Shages as Board Treasurer for a period of one year,
commencing July 1, 2012 and ending June 30, 2013, at an annual stipend of $1,200.
Handbooks for the Middle School and elementary schools also were approved. Some language in the Middle School
Handbook was changed after several Board members requested the change. At the elementary level, the Student
Handbook includes a Positive Behavior Support Plan, which was created by Dr. Jay Thornton, School Psychologist, in
consultation with a committee of elementary teachers and principals.
Additionally, Ms. Laurie Heinricher, Curriculum Director, provided an overview of the curriculum endeavors for the 2011-
2012 school year. An announcement also was made by Mr. Ed McKaveney, Technology Director, concerning a $20,000
STEAM Grant the District has received. Through the augmentation of the current Middle School Technology Education
program and classrooms, a mini “fab lab” and makerspace will be created as a resource for enhanced curriculum, project
development and instruction in classes that currently use the space. The grant will allow the District to partner with PPG
and Carnegie Mellon University.
Student Awards
A number of students were recognized at the June 4 and 11 Board meetings
for their academic and athletic accomplishments. Among those recognized
were the Hampton Crew Team, the Boys’ Tennis Team, students who were
designated as Trib Total Media “Outstanding Young Citizens” and the Boys’
Ultimate Frisbee Team. The Boys’ Lacrosse Team also was recognized for
earning its fourth WPIAL championship.
Congratulations to all our students!

BOARD NOTES --4-- JUNE 2012
June 19: Kennywood Day
June 25: Board Special Meeting (if necessary)
August 6: Board Work Session, 7 p.m., HMS Library
August 13: Board Voting Meeting, 7:30 p.m., HMS Library
August 20: First Day of School for Teachers (Professional Education Day)
August 23: First Day of School for Students
August 27: Board Special Meeting (if necessary)
Notice: There will be no Board Meetings in the month of July unless otherwise noted. Should a Board Meeting become
necessary, a notice will be posted on the District website.
During the June 11 meeting, the following District teachers were recognized for obtaining tenure:
• Mrs. Devon Byrne, English Teacher at Hampton High School
• Mrs. Wendi Hunter, Enrichment Facilitator at Wyland Elementary School
• Ms. Elizabeth Farrell, Elementary Art Teacher at Poff Elementary School
• Ms. Megan Brower, Physical Education Teacher at Hampton Middle School
• Ms. Emily Onik, Physical Education Teacher at Hampton High School
• Ms. Amy Baumann, Learning Support Teacher at Hampton High School
• Ms. Jessica Heranic, World Language Teacher at Hampton High School
• Ms. Holly Chrostowski, Speech & Language Teacher at Poff Elementary School
• Ms. Janeen Bentz, Reading Teacher at Hampton Middle School
• Mrs. Amy Leya, Math Teacher at Hampton High School
• Ms. Carrie Sims, Academic Support Teacher at Hampton High School
Congratulations and best wishes for continued success!
Have a Safe and Enjoyable Summer Break!
Board Notes is compiled by Shari Berg, Public Relations Specialist, The Communication Solutions Group. Board Notes
is not intended to be an official record of Board meetings, but rather a synopsis of discussions at the work session and
during the voting meeting. Official Board minutes will be posted following the next voting meeting.