03-17-08 School Board Minutes - Daniel Boone Area School District

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March 17, 2008
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:
Andrew Basile, Richard C. Fidler, Margaret M. Fiset, Grant A. Gagnon,
Jo Ann M. Hartzell, Kevin F. McCullough, Walter P. Sheehan, Michael D. Sheerer,
Alan D. Ross.
Also present were: David H. Robbins, Superintendent; Ann Marie Traynor, Assistant to the
Superintendent; Robert P. Bruchak, Business Manager; Brian Subers, Solicitor, Philip
Repko, Assistant High School Principal; Robert Hurley, Assistant Middle School Principal;
Michael Jacobs, Educational Technology Director; Shelly Mieczkowski, Special Education
Director; Melanie Hefter, Elementary Principal; Raymond Smith, Clerk of the Works;
Kenneth Smith, Buildings and Grounds Supervisor; Linda L. Neiman, Recording
Secretary; David Barr, Larry Barr, Lauri Barr, Mike Kane, Dennis Neiman, Kristy Risell,
Thomas Schadt, Sue Yanos.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call of Members
Present – Mr. Basile, Mr. Fidler, Mrs. Fiset, Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell,
Mr. McCullough, Mr. Ross, Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer.
4. Announcements
Mr. McCullough announced that the Board will meet in Executive Session immediately
following this meeting to discuss Personnel – Administrative and Litigation.
5. Procedures for Public Participation
6. Presentations by Public on Agenda Items
None.
7. Recognition for March
Mr. Robbins asked Mrs. Traynor to do the honors of introducing Mr. David Barr, a
sophomore at Daniel Boone who recently attained his Eagle Scout award. David gave a
short synopsis of his project which involved the reorganizing of an area at the Boone
Library. David shared his booklet which detailed his project and thanked his family for
their support. Mr. McCullough and Mr. Robbins congratulated David on his achievement
and presented him with a Certificate of Recognition.

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8. Routine Approvals
A. It was moved by Mr. Sheerer, seconded by Mr. Ross that the Board of Directors
approve the minutes of the February 11, 2008 Voting Meeting and the February 25,
2008 School Board Meeting.
Ayes: Mr. Basile, 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. Fidler, seconded by Mr. Gagnon 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: Mr. Fidler, Mrs. Fiset, Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. Ross,
Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Basile, Mr. McCullough.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
C. It was moved by Mr. Fidler, seconded by Mr. Gagnon that the Board of Directors
approve Payment of Bills for the month of March, as listed in the financial packet.
Ayes: Mrs. Fiset, Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. Ross, Mr. Sheehan,
Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Basile, Mr. Fidler, Mr. McCullough.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
9. Presentations by Board Members
Secretary’s Correspondence – No correspondence.
Berks County Intermediate Unit – No report.
Berks Career and Technology Center – Mr. Sheerer reported that the JOC met on
February 27, 2008 and voted on routine approvals including the 2008-09 Operating
Budget, Safe Schools, and a trip to Las Vegas where students from the East Campus
will attend a Heavy Equipment Competition. (two students are from Daniel Boone)
Student Government – (reports in January and May)
Legislative Report – Mr. Gagnon informed Board members that the State Education
Board will be meeting in the next week.

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Other Reports – Mr. Fidler shared information from the last Finance Committee meeting.
He spoke about AMBAC and the amount of interest we pay on a Variable 2000 Bond -
weekly payment (7.9%) and if we would pay daily the percentage would be (2.2%).
Mr. Fidler, along with the Finance Committee, wanted to recommend that the Board
take action this evening to change from a weekly payment to a daily payment. After
discussion the Board agreed to the recommendation and will vote later in the meeting.
Mr. Sheehan shared information from Mrs. Connie Taylor/Odyssey of the Mind Teams.
She wanted the Board to be informed that this past weekend Daniel Boone attended a
competition at Manheim with 11 teams (three from Birdsboro Elementary Center, four
from Amity Intermediate Center, and four from the Middle School.) Three of the teams
moved onto the next competition. Mr. Sheehan said that the competition was excellent
and most enjoyable. Mrs. Taylor wanted to thank Mr. Jan Lopuski for his continued
involvement with Odyssey and special thanks to the Custodial Staff at the Birdsboro
Elementary Center for their patience and assistance while the teams practiced for their
competitions.
10. Buildings and Grounds
Mr. Robbins announced that the district received final approval from Union Township for
occupancy in the High School annex. He gave a special thank you to Mr. Ken Smith and
his crew for the many hours of extra work to paint, clean and prepare these renovated
rooms for occupancy.
The School Board set the date of April 28, 2008 (6:30 p.m.) for a walkthrough of the High
School Annex Energy project.
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:
2007-08
1) David Bodolus – University of Scranton
- ECUI 516 Group Processes in Classrooms, $1,155.00, 3 graduate credits. (B,G)
2) Nancy Centrella – Berks County Intermediate Unit
- Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, $301.00, 2 in-service
credits. (C,D)
3) Beverly Dengler – Alvernia College
- COR510-S3 Moral Leadership, $1,470.00, 3 graduate credits. (B,C,D,F)
- MED-518-60 Quantitative Research Methods, $778.00 reimbursable, 3 graduate
credits. (B,C,D,F)

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4) Kristine Endy – West Chester University
- PWP-513-04 Writing and Children’s Literature K-8, $1.144.00, 3 graduate
credits. (C,D)
Alvernia College
- COR510/C/S3 Moral Leadership, $1,356.00 reimbursable, 3 graduate credits.
(C,D,G)
5) Michelle Gibble – Reading Area Community College
- 121-3371 English Comp, $330.00, 3 undergraduate credits. (A,D)
6) Michelle Harwood – Gratz College
- A5289 Styles of Teaching: Personality in the Classroom, $835.00, 3 graduate
credits. (D)
7) Keith Hausman – Drexel University/Wilkes University
- WED555 Classroom Management: Orchestrating a Community of Learners,
$755.00, 3 graduate credits. (D)
8) David Lugar – Penn State University
- EDLDR551 Education Curriculum: Theory and Practice, $1,743.00, 3 graduate
credits. (B,C,D,E,F,G)
9) Allen Reed – Gratz College
- A5229 Teaching for Success in the Multicultural Classroom, $835.00, 3
graduate credits. (B,C,G)
10) Kristy Risell – West Chester University
- 558 English 20 th C American Writers: Southern Women and the Struggle of
Authorship, $1,035.00, 3 graduate credits. (B,D,G)
- Reading and Literature Institute: Beowulf, Virginia Woolf, and the Big Bad
Wolf: Reading for Life, $1,145.00 reimbursable, 6 graduate credits. ( B,D,G)
11) Jennifer Schutz – Cabrini College
- EDG 511 Learning and Cognition, no reimbursement, 3 graduate credits. (B,G)
- EDG531 Human Development, no reimbursement, 3 graduate credits. (B,G)
12) Todd Sherman – Berks County Intermediate Unit
- Integrating Technology into the Classroom, $468.00, 3 in-service credits. (D)
- Integrating Student Multimedia projects into the 4-12 classroom, $468.00, 3
inservice credits. (D)
13) Barbara Young – Drake University
- EDEX237 Best Practices in Classroom Management, $455.00, 3 graduate
credits. (C)
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 Change Order GC-8 from Lobar, Inc. in the
amount of a credit of $26,276.01 for the new Monocacy Elementary Center project.
C. That the Board of Directors approve payment to David Blackmore
& Associates, Inc., (invoice #3034) in the amount of $5,847.00.00 for the new
Monocacy Elementary Center project.

D. That the Board of Directors approve payment to Integrity Mechanical Inc.,
(application #16) in the amount of $98,154.00 for the new Monocacy Elementary
Center project.
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E. That the Board of Directors approve payment to A.N. Lynch Co. Inc., (application
#16) in the amount of $91,812.75 for the new Monocacy Elementary Center project.
F. That the Board of Directors approve payment to Lobar Inc. (application #17) in the
amount of $325,949.60 for the new Monocacy Elementary Center project.
G. That the Board of Directors approve payment to Guy M. Cooper, Inc. (application
#17) in the amount of $53,238.00 for the new Monocacy Elementary Center project.
H. That the Board of Directors approve payment to KCB Architects (invoice 0003451)
in the amount of $12,142.04 for the new Monocacy Elementary Center project.
I. That the Board of Directors approve payment to KCB Architects (invoice
0003192/August 1-31, 2007) in the amount of $12,325.88 for the new Monocacy
Elementary Center project.
J. That the Board of Directors approve payment to TRANE (application #06) in the
amount of $765,000.00 for the High School Annex energy project.
K. That the Board of Directors approve the substitution of alternative material for pavers
for the Monocacy Elementary Center Project. The alternate material will be installed
and then inspected by LTL (Township Engineers) in two years. If they deem the
materials do not provide stabilization as in the specifications, the district will replace
with original materials.
L. That the Board of Directors approve annual stipends to 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 $150
and Southern Berks Paramedics
M. That the Board of Directors approve going out to bid for a Food Service Management
company for the 2008-09 school year.
N. That the Board of Directors approve going out to bid for the refinishing of the High
School gymnasium floor.
O. That the Board of Directors approve the opening of the new Monocacy Elementary
Center (Grades K-5) on August 1, 2008.
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P. That the Board of Directors approve authorizing Wachovia Bank, Fox, Rothschild
and the District Administration to take all actions necessary to convert the 2000
Variable Rate Bond from a weekly rate to a daily rate.
Ayes: Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. Ross, Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Basile,
Mr. Fidler, Mrs. Fiset, Mr. McCullough.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Q. It was moved by Mr. Ross, seconded by Mrs. Fiset that the Board of Directors
approve the 2008-09 Berks County Intermediate Unit Mandated Services Budget at
$1,941,758.00, with Daniel Boone’s share at $37,080.29. (two votes)
Board Vote:
Ayes: Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. Ross, Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Basile, Mr. Fidler,
Mrs. Fiset, Mr. McCullough.
Nays: Mr. Gagnon. Motion carried 8-1.
Individual Vote:
Ayes: Mr. Ross, Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Basile, Mr. Fidler, Mrs. Fiset,
Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. McCullough.
Nays: Mr. Gagnon. Motion carried 8-1.
12. Personnel Approvals
A. It was moved by Mr. Gagnon, seconded by Mr. Sheehan that the Board of Directors
approve/accept the following Retirements/Resignations:
1) Professional Staff
a. Frank Corvaia, Grade 7 Mathematics Teacher, Middle School, retirement
effective at the end of the 2007-08 school year.
Under the same motion:
B. That the Board of Directors approve the following Leaves:
1) Professional Staff
a. Susan Snyder, Music Teacher, Middle School, extended Child Bearing/Child
Rearing Leave of Absence to the end of the 2007-08 school year.
C. That the Board of Directors approve the following Appointments:
1) Professional Staff
a. Marie Levins, Long Term Substitute Grade 4 Teacher, Amity Intermediate
Center, at $39,156.00 pro-rated, effective March 3, 2008. (for K. Lamothe)
b. Preferred Substitutes from April 1, 2008 until the end of the 2007-08 school
year:
APC- Justine Kulp, Jodi Stapler
AIC- Sharon Gombar, Meagan Fitzsimmons
BEC- Dolores Levengood, Tonya Frank, Angela Owens, Ann Swisher
M.S.- Cheryl Clothier, Steve Shore, Angela Snyder
H.S.- Adam Ebling, Belinda Lukens, Sandy Thomas
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2) Classified Staff
a. Barb Johnson, Level I Cafeteria employee, High School, 4 hours per day, 178
days per year at $10.48 per hour, effective March 18, 2008. (replaces M.
Fulmer)
b. Lisa Thompson, Level II Special Education One-on-One Aide, Middle
School, 7 hours per day, 183 days per year, at $11.30 per hour, effective
March 18, 2008. (new position)
3) Extra-Curricular Staff
a. James Munda, Volunteer Varsity/J.V. Soccer Coach for the 2007-08 school
year.
b. Christy Bohn, Head Varsity Field Hockey Coach for the 2008-09 school year
at $3,582.64. (replaces L. Wilson)
c. Keith Kopicki, Volunteer Boys Assistant Volleyball Coach for the 2007-08
school year.
4) Substitute Staff
a. Barbara Dick – Building Aide
b. Charlene Bailey – Elementary K-6 Teacher
c. Bethany Wolfgang – Elementary K-6 Teacher
D. That the Board of Directors approve the following revised job descriptions:
1) District Office Confidential Secretary
2) Secretary to Assistant to the Superintendent
3) Secretary to the Superintendent
4) ACCESS Coordinator
5) Special Education Secretary
Ayes: Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Basile, 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 Mrs. Hartzell that the Board of Directors
approve the 8 th Grade Band and Chorus to New Jersey to perform at Great
Adventure/Music in the Parks on May 9, 2008, (119 students)
Ayes: Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Basile, Mr. Fidler, Mrs. Fiset, Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell,
Mr. Ross, Mr. Sheehan, Mr. McCullough.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
14. Policy
None.
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15. Transportation
None.
16. Old Business
None.
17. New Business
Mrs. Fiset asked the Board to consider donating $50.00 to the DBYEA Fund for the
construction of a school in the Dominican Republic. All Board members voiced a yes
vote.
Mr. Robbins shared and reviewed three documents with Board members: enrollment for
the 2008-09 school year, staffing recommendations from November 2007 and staffing
recommendations dated March 17, 2008. He asked to post new positions in April.
18. Presentations by Public on Issues
Thomas Schadt, Birdsboro – asked the status of the Superintendent Search.
19. At 8:14 p.m. Mr. Gagnon moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Sheehan
and approved by all directors present.
Attest:
Margaret M. Fiset, Secretary