03-23-09 School Board Minutes - Daniel Boone Area School District

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March 23, 2009
Birdsboro, PA 19508
1. The regular voting meeting of the Daniel Boone Board of School Directors was called to
order by President Kevin F. McCullough at 7:30 p.m. with the following directors present:
Richard C. Fidler, Margaret M. Fiset, Grant A. Gagnon, Jo Ann M. Hartzell,
Kevin F. McCullough, Alan D. Ross, Walter P. Sheehan, Michael D. Sheerer.
Also present were: Dr. Gary L. Otto, Superintendent; Ann Marie Traynor, Assistant to the
Superintendent; Robert P. Bruchak, Business Manager; Brian Subers, Solicitor,
Robert Hurley, Middle School Assistant Principal; Mary Beth Kiesel, Assistant Elementary
Principal; Philip Repko, Assistant High School Principal; Michael Jacobs, Tech Ed
Director; Kenneth Smith, Buildings and Grounds Supervisor, Lauryn Blakesley, Jim Boyer,
Stephanie Conlon, Brett Gelband, Stacey Gelband, Brad Gross, Gina Penrose, Richard
Saylor, Thomas Schadt, Bob Smith, Perry Templin, Sharon Templin, Press.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call of Members
Present - Mr. Fidler, Mrs. Fiset, Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. McCullough,
Mr. Ross, Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer.
Absent - Mr. Basile.
4. Announcements
Mr. McCullough announced that an Executive Session will be held immediately following
this meeting to discuss Personnel – Administrative, Possible Litigation, Personnel –
Superintendent’s Evaluation.
5. Procedures for Public Participation
6. Presentations by Public on Agenda Items
None.
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7. Recognition for March
School Board Recognition – Dr. Otto introduced Zach Keeley a 2008-2009 All State
Football member and senior at Daniel Boone High School. Dr. Otto shared Zach’s
athletic accomplishments and Mr. McCullough and Dr. Otto congratulated Zach and
presented him with a Certificate of Recognition.
Mrs. Traynor distributed Junior Achievement year end reports and spoke about an area
in the report where our Daniel Boone students were involved.
Mrs. Traynor announced that March is Art month and our district art show was being
displayed this evening in the Board Room. The student artwork will continue to be
displayed at each building throughout the district this month.
Jim Boyer and Bob Smith from Amity A.C. presented a plague and thanked the School
Board for their continued approval of Use of Facilities for the utilization of district
gyms and fields for the A.C. sports programs.
8. Routine Approvals
A. It was moved by Mr. Ross, seconded by Mr. Sheerer that the Board of Directors
approve the minutes of the February 9, 2009 Voting Meeting and the February 23,
2009 School Board Meeting.
Ayes: Mr. Fidler, Mrs. Fiset, Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. Ross,
Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer, Mr. McCullough.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
B. It was moved by Mr. Ross, seconded by Mr. Sheehan that the Board of Directors
accept the following Financial Reports:
1) Cafeteria Statement
2) Treasurer’s Report
3) General Fund Statement
4) General Fund Budget Sheet
5) Student Activities
6) Capital Reserve Fund
7) Trial Balance
8) Construction Fund
Ayes: Mrs. Fiset, Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. Ross, Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer,
Mr. Fidler, Mr. McCullough.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
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C. It was moved by Mr. Ross, seconded by Mr. Sheehan that the Board of Directors
approve Payment of Bills for the month of March 2009, as listed in the financial
packet.
Ayes: Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. Ross, Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Fidler,
Mrs. Fiset, Mr. McCullough.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
9. Presentations by Board Members
Secretary’s Correspondence – No Report.
Berks County Intermediate Unit – Mrs. Hartzell reviewed highlights of the meeting on
March 19, 2009 explaining the Re-organization of the Intermediate Unit into Offices,
rather than departments and adding a new office titled Professional Development and
Curriculum. Mrs. Hartzell spoke briefly on “Freedom Calls” an opportunity for
families of service men and women deployed in the Middle East to reunite in a free
video conference call to loved ones on Saturday May 9, 2009. She also informed
Board members of the upcoming 39 th Annual Convention of Berks County School
Directors (more information will follow) at Schuylkill Valley School District.
Berks Career and Technology Center – Mr. Sheerer reported on the February 26, 2009
JOC Meeting which included the Proposed 2009-2010 Budget and a contract with SBA
Towers to install a communications tower at the West Campus. He announced BCTC
Daniel Boone student winners in recent State Competitions: East Campus – Tiffany
Kreamer – 1 st Place/Health Occupations/Nursing Assistant and West Campus – Jamie
Riegner – 1st/Place Robotics/Industrial Motor Control.
Student Government – (reports in January and May)
Legislative Report – Mr. Gagnon distributed handouts on Graduation Requirements with
more information to follow.
Other Reports – Mrs. Fiset noted that the recent High School musical Beauty and the
Beast and the Middle School Musical Cinderella were both successes and showcased
our student talent.
10. Buildings and Grounds
A. It was moved by Mr. Gagnon, seconded by Mr. Sheehan that the Board of Directors
approve the Asbestos Abatement bid from Power Component Systems for the Amity
Primary Center (JMSI #2009-06-03) at $17, 000.00, recommended by JMSI
Environmental Corp Consultants.
Under the same motion:
B. That the Board of Directors approve the Asbestos Abatement bid from Power
Component Systems for the High School Annex (JMSI #2009-06-04) at $19,475.00,
recommended by JMSI Environmental Corp Consultants.
Ayes: Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. Ross, Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Fidler, Mrs. Fiset,
Mr. Gagnon, Mr. McCullough.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
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11. Financial Approvals
A. It was moved by Mr. Gagnon seconded by Mr. Sheehan that the Board of Directors
approve the following course requests for tuition Reimbursement, salary step move
and/or advanced certification:
2008-09
1) Kerry Armstrong – Gratz College
- A5146 Differentiated Instruction, $895.00, 3 graduate credits. (B,C,D,E)
2) Bryan Bossler – Fresno Pacific University
- TEC923 Introduction to Computers for Teachers, $327.00, 3 graduate credits.
(C,D)
3) Tricia Blumenstock-Daub – Cabrini College
- EDG535 Differentiated Instruction, $1,260.00, 3 graduate credits. (G)
- EDG531 Human Development, $1,240.00 reimbursable, 3 graduate credits. (G)
4) Bradley Gross – University of Phoenix
- CED540 Presentation Pizzazz, $515.00, 3 graduate credits. (C,D)
5) Kelly Lee Held – RTC Gratz College
- A5726 Brain Based Teaching and Learning, $895.00, 3 graduate credits. (C)
6) Rae Hetrick – Gratz/RTC
- A5728 Dealing with AD/HD Behavior in the Classroom, $895.00, 3 graduate
credits. (D)
7) Joan Hilovsky – University of St. Thomas –Learner’s Edge
- #855 What Great Teacher’s Do, $330.00, 3 graduate credits. (D)
- #738 Gender Matters: How Boys and Girls Learn, $330.00, 3 graduate credits.
(D)
- #753 Succeeding with the Struggling Student, $330.00, 3 graduate credits. (D)
8) Charles Ed Key – West Chester University
- PWP599-01 Managing a Writing/Reading Classroom K-8, $1,184.00, 3
graduate credits. (C,D,G)
9) Amy Kochel – Canter/Indiana Wesleyan University
- Introduction to Teacher Leadership and
Teacher Leadership for Learning and Teaching, $990.00, 6 graduate credits.
(C,D)
10) Kathryn Lamothe – West Chester University
- PAWLP Summer Writing Institute, $2,142.00, 6 graduate credits. (C,D)
11) Danielle Lengemann – West Chester University
- EDR 514-31 Reading Content Area, $394.00 reimbursable, 3 graduate credits.
(B,G)
12) Sam Machemer – Berks County Intermediate Unit
- Making the Aquatic Connection, $155.00, 1 in-service credit. (D,H)
13) Kristy Risell – West Chester University
- ENG595 Teaching Composition, $395.00 reimbursable, 3 graduate credits.
(C,D,G)
- ENG579 History of Dialects in American English, $1,071.00, 3 graduate
credits. (C,D,G)
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14) Rosemarie Scoboria – Fresno Pacific University

- Lit 909 Fantasy Literature, $327.00, 3 graduate credits. (C,D)
15) Lorraine Stagg – Berks County IU
- Integrating Student Multimedia Project, $472.00, 3 In-service credits. (C,D)
16) Jana Styer – Berks County Intermediate Unit
- Instructional Uses of the Internet, $472.00, 3 In-service credits. (C,D)
- Integrating Technology into the Classroom, $472.00, 3 In-service credits. (C,D)
- An Educator’s Guide to ADHD, $455.00, 3 In-service credits. (C,D)
17) Nichole Woram – Wilkes University
- ED522 Curriculum and Instruction, $1,071.00, 3 inservice credits. (C,G)
18) Amy Zadlo – Berks County IU
- Integrating Student Multimedia Project into the 4-12 Classroom, $472.00,
3 in-service credits. (D)
CODE ( ) A-INSTRUCTIONAL I; B-INSTRUCTIONAL II; C-ACT 48 CREDITS;
D-PERSONAL ADVANCEMENT; E-MASTER'S EQUIVALENCY; F-ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION;
G-MASTER’S DEGREE
Under the same motion:
B. That the Board of Directors approve annual stipends to the following Local Fire
Companies, Ambulance and Paramedics:
1) Amity Fire Company $100
2) Birdsboro Fire Company $100
3) Geigertown Fire Company $100
4) Kulptown Fire Company $100
5) Monocacy Fire Company $100
6) Birdsboro American Legion
And Southern Berks Paramedics $150
C. That the Board of Directors approve the following capital
reserve items:
Amended to read due to Stimulus change: That the Board of Directors approve
the following projects:
1) Security System – Middle School $46,470.00
2) Hallway Lockers – High School Annex $126,350.00
3) Tile and Cove Base – High School Annex $21,000.00
4) Door Replacement – High School $80,000.00
5) White Boards – High School Annex $21,000.00
6) Projectors – High School Annex
& SVGA Cable $26,833.00
7) Physical Education Gym Equipment $20,378.00
8) Band Room Window Blinds – High School Annex $7,000.00
9) Acoustical Ceiling Tiles – High School Annex $15,000.00
10) Dry Erase Board – High School Art $3,222.00
11) Art Room Graphics Computer Lab – High School Annex $29,803.00
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D. That the Board of Directors approve the following capital reserve items:
Amended to read due to Stimulus change: That the Board of Directors approve

the following projects:
1) Tech Ed Emergency Generator $5,600.00
E. That the Board of Directors approve the following general fund items: Amended to
read due to Stimulus change: That the Board of Directors approve the following
projects:
1) Electrical Hand Dryers – High School $12,120.00
2) Electrical Supplies $2,925.77
Ayes: Mr. Ross, Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Fidler, Mrs. Fiset,
Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. McCullough.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
12. Personnel Approvals
A. It was moved by Mr. Gagnon, seconded by Mr. Ross that the Board of Directors
approve the following Retirements/Resignations:
1) Administration Staff
a. Robert Buchak, Business Manager, resignation (with regrets) effective 60
days from resignation notice of March 19, 2009.
b. Julie Berkley, Business Office Manager, retirement (with regrets) effective
June 6, 2009.
2) Professional Staff
a. Gail Corvaia, Grade 7 English Teacher, Middle School, retirement effective
the last day of the 2008-09 school year.
3) Extra-Curricular Staff
a. Danielle Mickletz, 7 th Grade Girls Basketball Coach, resignation effective
immediately.
Under the same motion:
B. That the Board of Directors approve the following Leaves:
1) Professional Staff
a. Linda Rotkiske, Grade 2 Teacher, Amity Primary Center, Unpaid Leave of
Absence on March 30 and 31, 2009.
b. Christina Greth, Special Education Teacher, Birdsboro Elementary Center,
Child Bearing/Child Rearing Leave of Absence, followed by an FMLA Leave
of Absence beginning May 8, 2009 until the end of the 2008-09 school year.
c. Kathryn Lamothe, Grade 4 Teacher, Amity Intermediate Center, Child
Bearing/Child Rearing Leave of Absence, followed by an FMLA Leave of
Absence beginning approximately September 20, 2009 until January 2010.
d. Christin Bagenstose, Learning Support Teacher, Birdsboro Elementary
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Center, Child Bearing/Child Rearing Leave of Absence beginning
approximately May 12, 2009 followed by an FMLA Leave of Absence until
the beginning of the third quarter of the 2009-2010 school year.
C. That the Board of Directors approve the following Appointments:
1) Professional Staff
a. Bethany Leisey, Long Term Substitute Kindergarten Teacher, Birdsboro
Elementary Center, $40,135.00 pro-rated, effective March 16, 2009.
(for E. Gilmore)
b. Krystle Bohn, Mentor for K. Weaver – Middle School, effective January –
June 2009 at $437.50.
c. Johanna Latimer – Mentor for M. Wildman – Monocacy Elementary Center,
effective February –June 2009 at $350.00.
d. Preferred Substitutes for the period of April 1 to the end of the 2008-09 school
year:
Amity Intermediate Center – Tina Berg, Daniela Burgui
Amity Primary Center – Krisann Selbst
Birdsboro Elementary Center – Dolores Levengood, Kimberly Owsiany,
Tanya Barndt
Monocacy Elementary Center – Danielle Hernandez, Lindsay Casciano
Middle School – Lori Scioli, Angela Snyder, Steve Webster
High School – LeRyan Dallas, Sandy Thomas
e. Sarah Pennypacker, Long Term Substitute Grade 6 Language Arts/Math
Teacher, Middle School, at $40,135.00 pro-rated effective approximately
April 24, 2009. (for V. Nigrini)
f. Melanie Hefter, Birdsboro and Monocacy Elementary Centers Principal,
transfer to Monocacy Elementary Center Principal beginning July 1, 2009.
g. Mary Beth Kiesel, Amity Primary Center Assistant Principal transfer to
Birdsboro Elementary Center Principal beginning July 1, 2009.
h. Daniela Burgui, Long Term Substitute Grade 3 Teacher, Amity Intermediate
Center, $40,135.00 pro-rated, effective April 8, 2009. (for E. Rowe)
i. LeRyan Dallas, Long Term Substitute Learning Support Teacher, High
School, $40,135.00 pro-rated, effective March 18, 2009. (for D. Magargal)
2) Extra-Curricular Staff
a. Nicholas Horvath, Volunteer High School Lacrosse Coach for the 2008-09
school year.
b. Bo Shappell, Head Middle School 7-8 Baseball Coach for the 2008-09 school
year at $2,168.44. (for J. Kupp)
c. Michael Creed, Volunteer Middle School Baseball Coach for the 2008-09
school year.
d. Jason McCord, Assistant 9-12 High School Baseball Coach for the 2008-09
school year at $2,828.40. (replaces J. Cappellano)
3) Substitute Staff
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a. Gail Myers – Building Aide
b. Theresa Yanonis – Building Aide, Secretarial
c. Krisann Selbst – Elementary K-6 Teacher
d. Jennifer Dixon – Elementary K-6 Teacher
e. Natalie Rabak – Building Aide, Secretarial
f. Nicholas Jacobs – Art K-12 Teacher
Ayes: Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Fidler, Mrs. Fiset, Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell,
Mr. Ross, Mr. McCullough.
Nays: None. Motion carried
13. Programs
A. It was moved by Mr. Ross, seconded by Mr. Gagnon that the Board of Directors
approve the 2009 Summer Curriculum Writing Projects.
Under the same motion:
B. That the Board of Directors approve the 2009-2010 District Curriculum Textbook
Budget.
Ayes: Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Fidler, Mrs. Fiset, Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. Ross,
Mr. Sheehan, Mr. McCullough
Nays: None. Motion carried.
14. Policy
15. Transportation
16. Old Business
17. New Business
After a request by Dr. Otto:
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A. It was moved by Mr. Ross, seconded by Mr. Sheehan that the Board of Directors
approve advertising anticipated positions for the 2009-2010 school year.
Ayes: Mr. Fidler, Mrs. Fiset, Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. Ross, Mr. Sheehan,
Mr. Sheerer, Mr. McCullough.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Mr. Fidler asked questions on possible construction grants and who would be in charge
of
those grants. Dr. Otto noted that he will be in charge of this area.
Mr. Fidler noted for Board members that the Trane ESCO Energy Project at Amity
Primary Center will have percentage discounts for billing paid early and the district
will take advantage of the discount periods.
18. Presentations by Public on Issues
Thomas Schadt – Birdsboro, asked questions on the amount of money being donated to
local fire companies/ambulance, time permitted for public comments at the end of
committee workshop meetings, the purpose of using time clocks. He thanked Mr.
Fidler for noting the President’s Stimulus package.
Perry Templin – Union Township, asked if the High School pipes were being
replaced.
Bob Smith – Amity Township, asked how the district knows what monetary allotment we
are getting from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and has the district had
more conversation on the stadium project.
19. At 8:12 p.m. Mr. Gagnon moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Sheehan
and approved by all directors present.
Attest:
Margaret M. Fiset, Secretary