Minutes 8-11-05 - Quakertown Community School District

QUAKERTOWN COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Quakertown Community Senior High School
600 Park Avenue, Quakertown, PA 18951
Minutes of the Thursday, August 11, 2005, Regular Meeting
I. CALL TO ORDER: 7:30 PM
President Philip S. Abramson called the meeting to order in the Senior High School
Cafeteria with a quorum present as indicated under the roll call below. He announced that
there was an executive session after the July 27, 2005 regular meeting and an executive
session was held tonight after the work session.
II.
III.
FLAG SALUTE
ROLL CALL:
Late
Board of School Directors Present Absent Arrival
(Time)
Mr. Philip S. Abramson, President
X
Mr. John S. Kerdock, Vice President X
Mrs. Jo Ann V. Cosgrove
X
Dr. Julie M. Fagan
X
Mr. David A. Holland
X
Mr. William R. Laboski
X
Mrs. Linda A. Martin
X
Mrs. Nancy B. Tirjan
X
Mrs. Kelly L. Van Valkenburgh
X
Dr. James R. Scanlon, Superintendent (Non-voting Member)
Mrs. Alice K. Bishop, Non-Member Secretary
Others Present
Dr. James R. Newcomer, Assistant Superintendent
Ms. Nancianne Edwards, Director of Human Resources
Ms. Sylvia C. Lenz, CPA, Business Administrator/Board Treasurer
IV.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May I (as Board President) have a motion to approve the minutes of the July 27, 2005,
meetings of the Board of School Directors of the Quakertown Community School
District.
Motion:
Second:
Result:
John S. Kerdock
Nancy B. Tirjan
Motion Passed Unanimously

V. RECOGNITION OF GUESTS OR SCHEDULED SPEAKERS
So that the secretary might record the names of all citizens who appear before the Board,
as well as their topic of discussion, the Board asks that all visitors who address the Board
please state their first and last name and the name of the township or borough in which
they reside.
No one addressed the board.
VI.
REPORTS
A. BUCKS COUNTY INTERMEDIATE UNIT
Dr. Julie M. Fagan reported on the July 19, 2005 board meeting at the Bucks
County Intermediate Unit. The next meeting of the BCIU will be held on
September 20, 2005 at 7:00 PM.
B. SECONDARY EDUCATION/PUPIL SERVICES
Dr. James R. Newcomer reported on Alternative Education for 2004-2005. 44
students attended alternative schools involving 8 different schools. The cost for
the 2004-05 Alternative Education program was $357,000. Our goal is to return
all these students to our classrooms. Mr. Andy Scappaticci serves the district as
Crisis Counselor for these students. We have seen some measures of success of
alternative schools by improved grade point average and increased attendance.
91% of the students improved behavior as a result of this program.
The decision to place students back into the regular classroom is made by the
building administrator, Mrs. Martin, Special Ed Supervisor and Dr. Newcomer.
C. SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
New Teachers Academy
Dr. James R. Scanlon reported that Monday, August 15, is the first day of the
New Teachers Academy. Dr. Karen Beerer will be taking the new teachers on a
bus tour of the school district as well as other planned activities to prepare for
approximately 5500 students on opening day.
Enrollment Figures
The next two weeks will be the busiest for new enrollment registrations. Dr.
Scanlon reported that our current enrollment numbers are fairly close to our
projections. Our overall total enrollment projection was 5474 and we are currently
at 5430. There is an increase of 10 special education students. Official data for
enrollment is October 1 st of each year.

VII.
ITEMS FOR BOARD ACTION
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.”
A. FISCAL
1. BILLS
The bills presented for Board approval are chargeable against the funds
and the accounts indicated. The list of bills we are recommending for
approval has been made available for your review prior to the meeting.
May I have a motion to approve payment of the bills chargeable against the funds
and accounts indicated in the amount of $ 7,252,064.91.
Motion:
Second:
Result:
William Laboski
Nancy B. Tirjan
Motion Passed Unanimously
2. APPROVAL OF 2005-2006 BUS ROUTES
The Business Services Department is recommending that the Board approve
the bus routes, which have been established for the 2005-2006 school year.
Although the Board would be approving the routes existing at the present
time, the Board hereby authorizes modifications to the established routes
should changes be warranted.
May I have a motion to approve the 2005-2006 bus routes as presented and authorize
changes to said routes, as may be required during the 2005-2006 school year.
Motion:
Second:
Discussion:
Result:
John S. Kerdock
Jo Ann V. Cosgrove
Sylvia explained that there was only one additional
bus this year. Levy Bus Company worked hard to
keep the increases down.
Motion Passed Unanimously
3. RENEWAL OF NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION
CONTRACTS
We are recommending the Board renew the bus transportation contracts
with the following non-public schools at the per student costs indicated for
the 2005-06 school year:
Non-public School
Daily Cost for
2004-05
Daily Cost for
2005-06
Annual Cost

Upper Bucks Christian School
754 East Rockhill Rd.
Sellersville, PA 18960
Plumstead Christian School
5765 Old Easton Rd.
Plumsteadville, PA 18949
$3.36 $3.52 $ 633.60
$5.46 $5.68 $1,022.40
May I have a motion to approve the bus transportation contracts for the 2005-06
school year with the Upper Bucks Christian School at a per student, per day cost
of $3.52, and with the Plumstead Christian School at a per student, per day cost of
$5.68 as presented.
Motion:
Second:
Discussion:
Result:
Nancy B. Tirjan
Kelly L. Van Valkenburgh
Sylvia C. Lenz explained that the increase in nonpublic
transportation costs is in line with CPI. Gas
prices do not impact these bus costs. We purchase
fuel separately through a Co-Op. We are obligated
to provide transportation to all students that live
within 10 miles of the outskirts of our district. The
cost for non-public transportation for the 2004-05
school year is $772,000.
Motion Passed Unanimously
4. APPROVAL OF PLANCON H, PROJECT FINANCING
PlanCon H, Project Financing, as required by the Pennsylvania
Department of Education (PDE), must be approved for each borrowing
and for each project, where applicable. Therefore, the following PlanCon
H form, prepared by our financial advisor, is submitted for board
approval:
Bond, Series of 2003, Pfaff Elementary School, Project No. 2977
May I have a motion to approve the above PlanCon H form and authorize its
submission to PDE.
Motion:
Second:
Discussion:
Result:
Linda A. Martin
John S. Kerdock
PlanCon H forms must be approved for each
borrowing and the forms are prepared by our
architects and financial advisors.
Motion Passed Unanimously
5. LAND DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR PFAFF ELEMENTARY

Business Services is recommending approval of Land Development Plans
and legal description for Pfaff Elementary as prepared by Schlosser &
Clauss Consulting Engineers, Inc.
May I have a motion to approve the Land Development Plans for Pfaff
Elementary.
Motion:
Second:
Discussion:
Result:
Nancy B. Tirjan
William Laboski
The land development plans include the legal
description and drawing of the entire plan.
Motion Passed Unanimously
B. PERSONNEL
1. REQUEST FOR UNPAID MEDICAL LEAVE
Cheryl Tice – Teacher – Request for Unpaid Medical Leave – Effective:
For the 2005-2006 School Year Only
2. TRANSFERS
a. Deborah Clemens – Transfer from a Part-time Category A Library
Secretary to a Part-time Category B Library Secretary – Effective:
August 31, 2005
b. Sharon Snyder – Transfer from a Part-time Category B Library
Secretary to a Part-time Category A Library Secretary – Effective:
August 31, 2005
c. Florence Rosanelli – Transfer from a Part-time Category B Aide to
a Part-time Category A Aide – Effective: August 31, 2005
3. EMPLOYMENTS
Temporary Professional Employees
a. Adam Gumble – Teacher – Effective: 2005-2006 School Year –
Education: West Chester University – Home: Tobyhanna – Salary:
$40,414
b. Julie K. Saab – Teacher – Effective: 2005-2006 School Year –
Education: Villanova University and University of Edinburgh –
Home: Easton – Salary: $40,414
c. Corinne M. Lee – Teacher – Effective: 2005-2006 School Year –
Education: Pennsylvania State University and Holy Family
University – Home: Feasterville – Salary: $52,722
Long Term Substitute Employee

a. Holly Liebl – Long Term Substitute Teacher – Effective: For the
First Semester 2005-2006 School Year Only – Education:
DeSales University – Home: Center Valley – Salary: $31,000
prorated
b. Gerri Hammond – Long Term Substitute Teacher – Effective: For
the 2005-2006 School Year Only – Education: St. Mary’s College
of Maryland – Home: Leonardtown, MD – Salary: $31,000
Classified Employees
a. Linda P. Connor – Part-time Category A Aide – Effective: August
31, 2005 – Rate of Pay: $10.55
b. Sharon Butler – Part-time Category B Aide – Effective: August 31,
2005 – Rate of Pay: $10.05
c. Buket Hilliard – Part-time Category B Aide – Effective: August
31, 2005 – Rate of Pay: $10.30
d. Emma Tetley – R.N. Assistant – Effective: August 31, 2005 –
Rate of Pay: $20.72
e. Susan Baskett – Part-time Category A Aide – Effective: August
31, 2005 – Rate of Pay: $10.05
f. Roxanne Brandis – Part-time Category B Library Secretary –
Effective: August 31 2005 – Rate of Pay: $13.04
g. Heather Shimp – Secretary – Effective: August 4, 2005 - Rate of
Pay: $13.32
h. Yolanda Torres-Santiago – Part-time Category A Aide – Effective:
August 31, 2005 – Rate of Pay: $10.55
i. Kathleen Crouthamel – Part-time Category B Aide – Effective:
August 31, 2005 – Rate of Pay: $10.55
j. Susan Shelly – Part-time Category B Aide – Effective: August 31,
2005 – Rate of Pay: $10.05
k. Kelly J. Peron – Part-time Category B Aide – Effective: August
31, 2005 – Rate of Pay: $10.05
l. Susan Gwilliam – Part-time Category B Library Secretary –
Effective: August 31, 2005 – Rate of Pay: $14.93
m. Mary Lou Siegel – Part-time Category A Aide – Effective: August
31, 2005 – Rate of Pay: $10.05

n. Marybeth Lewandoski – Part-time Category B Aide – Effective:
August 31, 2005 – Rate of Pay: $10.55
4. ADDITION TO FOOD SERVICE WORKER SUBSTITUTE LIST
Susan Poulton
5. ADDITION TO THE 2005-2006 PROFESSIONAL TEACHER
SUBSTITUTE LIST
Marybeth Lewandoski - Elementary
6. RESIGNATIONS
a. Rebecca Edsall – Part-time Instructional Support Teacher –
Effective: August 1, 2005
b. Nancy Merritt - Secretary – Effective: August 11, 2005
RESOLVED THAT, subject to the terms and conditions of any applicable
agreements which are ratified or affirmed herewith, the Quakertown Community
School District approves the personnel items as presented. May I have a motion
to adopt the above resolution and approve the personnel items as recommended.
Motion:
Second:
Discussion:
Result:
Kelly L. Van Valkenburgh
Julie M. Fagan
Ms. Edwards introduced and welcomed the new
teachers who were at the meeting: Adam Gumble,
Music teacher at Tohickon Valley, Julie K. Saab,
English teacher at the Senior High School and
Holly Liebl, Social Studies teacher at the Senior
High School.
Motion Passed Unanimously
C. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENT
We are requesting the Board approve an agreement prepared by our solicitor for a
special education student (student number 14499).
May I have a motion to approve the agreement as presented.
Motion:
Second:
Result:
Linda A. Martin
Kelly L. Van Valkenburgh
Motion Passed Unanimously
D. OTHER BUSINESS

President, Philip S. Abramson asked if any members of the audience wished to
address the Board.
No one addressed the board.
VIII.
INFORMATION ITEMS
A. DATES FOR BOARD MEMBERS’ CALENDARS
Thursday, August 25, 2005 7:30 p.m. Regular Board Meeting
Senior High School
Thursday, September 8, 2005 7:30 p.m. Regular Board Meeting
Senior High School
B. DISTRIBUTIONS
The “Distributions Folder” will be given to you on the night of the Board
meeting.
IX.
ADJOURNMENT
May I have a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion:
Second:
Result:
John S. Kerdock
William Laboski
Motion passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at
8:05 PM.
__________________________________
Philip S. Abramson, President
______________________________
Alice K. Bishop, Board Secretary