01-28-08 School Board Minutes - Daniel Boone Area School District

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January 28, 2008
Birdsboro, PA 19508
1. The regular voting meeting of the Daniel Boone Board of School Directors was called to
order by President Kevin D. 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, Alan D. Ross, Walter P. Sheehan,
Michael D. Sheerer.
Also present were: David H. Robbins, Superintendent; Robert P. Bruchak, Business
Manager; Brian Subers, Solicitor, Philip Repko, Assistant High School Principal; Thomas
Hankel, Middle School Principal; Edward Smith, Elementary Principal; Melanie Hefter,
Elementary Principal; Marybeth Torchia, Elementary Principal; Raymond Smith, Clerk of
the Works; Michael Jacobs, Technology Education Director; Ken Smith, Buildings and
Grounds Supervisor; Linda L. Neiman, Recording Secretary; Melody Asbury, Brad Gross,
Vicki Hiser, Shane Kochel, Beth Marvel, Sally Rice, Sam Schmehl, Cheryll Schraska, Erin
Siegle, Jason Smaglinski, Perry Templin, Sharon Templin, Ann Wegelin, James Wegelin,
Press.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call of Members
Present – Mr. Basile (arrived at 7:32 p.m.), Mr. Fidler (arrived at 7:52 p.m.), Mrs. Fiset,
Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. McCullough, Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer,
Mr. Ross.
4. Announcements
Mr. McCullough announced that the Board will meet in Executive Session immediately
following this meeting to discuss Personnel – Administrative.
5. Presentation by Public on Agenda Items
None.
6. Recognition for January
Mr. Robbins spoke briefly about January as School Board Recognition Month. He thanked
the Board Members for their continuing time and efforts on behalf of all of the students
from the community. Mrs. Traynor and Mr. Robbins presented Board members with a pen
and tablet set. The Monocacy Kindergarten Center staff (under the direction of Mrs.
Kilareski & Nice Dog) presented Board members with a fruit basket – presenting each
piece of fruit with a catchy phrase. This is the Monocacy Kindergarten Building’s last
presentation to the Board – the facility will close this June. Amity Primary Center
presented the Board with a collage of handprints from the children of that building.

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Amity Intermediate Center presented a photography collage of students from their building.
Mr. Gross presented a $100 check from the Daniel Boone Education Association to the
DBYEA Scholarship on behalf of the School Board. The Birdsboro Elementary Center
under the direction of Mrs. Hefter had students share a power point presentation of great
happenings at their building. The students were morning announcers from their television
studio WBEC. The Middle School presented each Board member with a stadium blanket
with the Middle School name monogrammed on the blanket. The High School Student
Council presented a gift bag to each Board member. Each group took the time to thank the
School Board for offering their expertise and personal time to make Daniel Boone a great
place to learn and grow.
7. Routine Approvals
A. It was moved by Mr. Sheerer, seconded by Mr. Ross that the Board of Directors
approve the minutes of the December 3, 2007 Reorganization Meeting and the
December 17, 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 January, except for check # 15277, 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.

D. It was moved by Mr. Gagnon, seconded by Mr. Ross that the Board of Directors
approve Payment of Check # 15277.
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Ayes: Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. Ross, Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Basile,
Mr. Fidler, Mr. McCullough.
Abstained: Mrs. Fiset.
Nays: None. Motion carried. 8-1-0.
8. Presentations by Board Members
Secretary’s Correspondence – Mrs. Fiset noted a thank you letter from Mr. Phil Rabena
was received in reference to his recent stay as Acting Principal of the Amity Primary
Center.
Berks County Intermediate Unit – Mrs. Hartzell reported that Dr. Nancy Allmon has
submitted her letter of intent to retire in September of 2008. If Board members have
any questions after reading the latest edition of the Emphasis Newsletter or What
Happened at the BCIU, please give Mrs. Hartzell a call.
Berks Career and Technology Center – Mr. Sheerer reported on two recent meetings.
The JOC Committee seated five new members and continued with routine approvals
including revised policies, appointment of Herbein & Company as local auditors,
ratified contract for student built house, appointment of a new East Campus
supervisor, and a lease agreement with Bob Fisher Cheverolet.
Student Government – (reports in January and May) – None.
Legislative Report – Mr. Gagnon touched on House Bill #1841 in regards to Statewide
Healthcare.
Other Reports – Mr. Sheerer announced that the Facilities Committee met recently and
visited the High School Annex energy project. The group was impressed with the
progress. Mr. Robbins shared with the Board that approximately 20 rooms will need
to have asbestos removed costing approximately $76,000 for abatement and
replacement floors. Additionally, the framework over the newly replaced doors needs
to be replaced. Our staff is doing this project at a greatly reduced cost as compared to
the estimate from what the present contractors could perform. The last item that
would affect the Annex is the replacement of approximately 4-6 valves. After
discussion, the Board would like to have these three projects completed along with
the energy project and have the Annex completely refurbished. Mr. Robbins will
return to the Board with estimates.
9. Buildings and Grounds
None.

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10. 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) Kerry Armstrong – Berks County Intermediate Unit
- Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), $301.00, 2 inservice
credits. (C,D)
2) Beth Baisch – Berks County Intermediate Unit
- Instructional Uses of the Internet, $379.00 reimbursable, 3 in-service credits.
(C,D)
3) David Bodolus – University of Scranton
- ECUI 506 Curriculum Theory and Development, $1,155.00, 3 graduate credits.
(G)
4) Robert Bruchak – Wilkes University
- SBL-503 Financial Operations of School Districts, $1,035.00, 3 graduate
credits. (G)
5) Anne Brueck – Alvernia College
- MED 545 Classroom Management for the Inclusive Classroom, $1,102.50, 3
graduate credits. (G)
6) Jennifer Dawson – Cabrini College
- EDG 506 Teacher Research, $925.00 reimbursable, 3 graduate credits.
(B,D,E,F,G)
7) Andrea Eckenroad – Cabrini College
- EDG 522 Creating a Community of Readers & EDG 526 Literature for Children
and Youth, $2,500.00 reimbursable, 6 graduate credits. (F,G)
8) Joanne Emerich – Berks County Intermediate Unit
- Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, $301.00, 2 in-service
credits. (C)
9) Jamie Fasnacht – Kutztown University
- 577.401 Leadership for Reading Educators, $1,035.00, 3 graduate credits.
(B,F,G)
10) Michelle Harwood – Berks County Intermediate Unit
- Teambuilding: Creating a Positive Classroom Environment, $451.00, 3 inservice
credits. (D)
- Parent Involvement in Education, $451.00, 3 in-service credits. (D)
11) Amy Hicks – Kutztown University
- EDU552 Teaching Reading in the Content Area, $1,035.00, 3 graduate credits.
(C,D,F,G)
12) Kelly Hillman – Kutztown University
- EDU 523 Assessment, $1,035.00, 3 graduate credits. (C,G)
13) Joan Hilovsky – Berks County Intermediate Unit
- Teambuilding: Creating a Positive Classroom Environment, $451.00, 3 inservice
credits. (D)
14) Judith Horn – Berks County Intermediate Unit
- Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, $301.00, 2 in-service
credits. (A)

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15) Johanna Latimer – Berks County Intermediate Unit
- Instructional Uses of the Internet, $379.00 reimbursable, 3 in-service credits.
(C,D)
- Impact of Child Abuse, Neglect and Risk Factors of Youth, $451.00, 3 inservice
credits. (C,D)
16) Matthew Leiderman – Alvernia College
- MED518 Quantitative Research Methods, $1,470.00, 3 graduate credits.
(B,C,G)
17) Michelle Maynard – Reading Area Community College
- MAT 020 Basic College Math, $213.00, 3 undergraduate credits. (D)
- Com 121 English Composition, $213.00, 3 undergraduate credits. (D)
18) Shannon Mowrer – Alvernia College
- MED518 Quantitative Research Methods, $1,176.00, 3 graduate credits.
(B,C,G)
19) Beth Baisch – Berks County Intermediate Unit
- Impact of Child Abuse, Neglect & Risk Factors on Youth, 3 in-service credits.
(C,D)
20) David Mostow – Alvernia College
- MED518 Quantitative Research Methods, $1,190.70, 3 graduate credits. (G)
21) Jennifer Overley – Augustana College
- 653 Reaching Young Readers: Improving Reading Skills, $340.00, 3 graduate
credits. (D)
- 753 succeeding with the Struggling Student, $340.00, 3 graduate credits. (D)
22) Matthew Palmer – Kutztown University
- ENG 567 Seminar in American Literature, $1,035.00, 3 graduate credits. (G)
23) Peggy Reimels – Berks County Intermediate Unit
- Autism, $265.00, 2 in-service credits. (G)
Gratz College
- A5289 Styles of Teaching, no reimbursement, 3 graduate credits. (G)
- A5221 Teaching and Learning Through Multiple Intelligences, no
reimbursement, 3 graduate credits. (G)
24) Samantha Robitzer – Alvernia College
- MED 550 Introduction to Education Administration, $1,470.00, 3 graduate
credits. (B,D,F,G)
25) Sharon Rogers – Gratz College
- A5221 Teaching and Learning Through Multiple Intelligences, 835.00, 3
graduate credits. (G)
26) Meghann Scheetz – Gratz College
- A5221 Teaching and Learning Through Multiple Intelligences, 835.00, 3
graduate credits. (G)
27) Erin Siegle – West Chester University
- EDR509 Writing Development and Instruction, $1,035.00, 3 graduate credits.
(B,C,D,F,G)
28) Patricia Smith – Berks County Intermediate Unit
- Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, $301.00, 2 in-service
credits. (D)
29) Michele Weber – Berks County Intermediate Unit
- Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, $301.00, 2 in-service
credits. (C,D)

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30) Tim Ulrich – Kutztown University
- ARU570 Selected Topics in Art Education/Differentiated Instruction,
$1,035.00, 3 graduate credits. (B,C,D,G)
31) Teresa Zook – Gratz College
- A5221 Teaching and Learning Through Multiple Intelligences, $835.00, 3
graduate credits. (C,D)
2008-09
1) Michelle Harwood – Converse College
- MTE506 Algebra I Content Refresher for Teachers, $484.00, 3 graduate credits.
(D)
- MTE507 Algebra II Content Refresher for Teacher, $484.00, 3 graduate 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 payment to David Blackmore & Associates, Inc.,
(invoice #2964) in the amount of $6,856.00 for the new Monocacy Elementary
Center project.
C. That the Board of Directors approve payment to KCB Architects (invoice 0003347)
in the amount of $12,201.12 for the new Monocacy Elementary Center project.
E. That the Board of Directors approve payment to Integrity Mechanical Inc.,
(application #14) in the amount of $89,474.80 for the new Monocacy Elementary
Center project.
F. That the Board of Directors approve payment to A.N. Lynch Co. Inc., (application
#14) in the amount of $168,510.05 for the new Monocacy Elementary Center project.
G. That the Board of Directors approve payment to Lobar Inc. (application #15) in the
amount of $359,177.86 for the new Monocacy Elementary Center project.
H. That the Board of Directors approve payment to Guy M. Cooper, Inc. (application
#15) in the amount of $101,663.30 for the new Monocacy Elementary Center project.
H. That the Board of Directors approve payment to TRANE
(application #4) in the amount of $765,000.00 for the High School Annex Energy
project.
I. That the Board of Directors approve the BCIU Joint Purchasing
copy paper bid for the period of January 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008 in the amount
of $26,362.22.
J. That the Board of Directors approve the resolution relating the tax
exempt lease through M & T Bank as presented by the solicitor.

K. That the Board of Directors approve the reimbursement resolution related to the
Guaranteed Energy Savings contract per the solicitor.
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Ayes: Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. Ross, Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Basile, Mr. Fidler,
Mrs. Fiset, Mr. Gagnon, Mr. McCullough.
11. Personnel Approvals
A. It was moved by Mr. Gagnon, seconded by Mr. Ross that the Board of Directors
approve/accept the following Retirements/Resignations:
1) Professional Staff
a. Leslie Wilson, Guidance Counselor, High School, resignation effective
January 18, 2008.
b. Eric Taddei, Computer Applications Teacher, Middle School, resignation
effective sixty days.
2) Classified Staff
a. Jacqueline Hunsicker, Special Education Building Aide, Middle School,
resignation effective January 11, 2008.
3) Extra-Curricular Staff
a. Bryan Bossler, 8 th Grade Class Advisor, resignation effective November 29,
2007.
b. Jon Kalejta, Assistant High School Baseball Coach, resignation effective
January 8, 2008.
c. Kevin Keifrider, Head Coach Middle School Softball, resignation effective
December 15, 2007.
d. Leslie Wilson, Head Varsity Field Hockey Coach, resignation effective
January 18, 2008.
Under the same motion:
B. That the Board of Directors approve the following Leaves:
1) Professional Staff
a. Tara Durham, Grade 3 Teacher, Amity Intermediate Center, Child
Bearing/Child Rearing Leave of Absence beginning approximately May 29,
2008 until the end of the 2007-08 school year.
b. Amanda Bentz, 8 th Grade Learning Support Teacher, Middle School, extended
FMLA Leave of Absence until January 22, 2007.
c. Heather Preletz, 1 st Grade Teacher, Amity Primary Center, Child
Bearing/Child Rearing Leave of Absence, followed by an FMLA Leave of
Absence beginning approximately April 8, 2008 until the end of the 2007-08
school year.
2) Classified Staff
a. Manuela Werley, Special Education Aide, High School, Unpaid Leave of
Absence from December 5, 2007 until January 2, 2008.

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C. That the Board of Directors approve the following Appointments:
1) Professional Staff
a. John Porreca, Assistant Buildings and Grounds Supervisor at $64,000.00,
effective March 3, 2008. (new position)
b. Ashley Fry, Long Term Substitute Health and P.E. Teacher, Middle School, at
$39,156.00 pro-rated, effective approximately March 5, 2008. (for M. Wiest)
c. Preferred Substitutes for the period of January 1 to March 31, 2008:
Amity Intermediate Center – Marie Levins, Meagan Fitzsimmons
d. Melissa Holland, Guidance Counselor, High School, Masters +2 at
$43,700.00 pro-rated, effective January 29, 2008. (replaces L. Wilson)
e. Eileen Koller, Long Term Substitute Kindergarten Teacher, Amity Primary
Center, at $39,156.00 pro-rated, effective approximately February 22, 2008.
(for T. Zook)
f. Approval of an Administrative Salary Adjustment for the 2007-08 school
year, per the Act 93 Agreement, effective January 28, 2008.
2) Classified Staff
a. Stephen W. Liptak Jr., District Security, increase of hourly rate to $13.00 per
hour, effective January 29, 2008.
b. Irene Ruffe, Level II Part-Time Special Education Aide, Amity Intermediate
Center, 3.5 hours per day, 183 days per year, at $11.30 per hour, effective
January 29, 2008. (to be paid from Access Funds/new position)
3) Extra-Curricular Staff
a. John Reina, Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach for the 2007-08 school year at
$2,207.52. (replaces C. Christy)
b. John Cappellano, Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach for the 2007-08 school
year at $2,023.56.
4) Substitute Staff
a. Heather Sheckler – Food Service/Building Aide/Secretarial
b. Betty Seifrit – Building Aide
c. Marie Levins – Elementary K-6 and Special Ed N-12 Teacher
d. Lori Scioli – Science
e. Frank Cerra – Guest Teacher
d. Meagan Fitzsimmons – Elementary K-6 Teacher
e. Adrienne Latoskie – Art K-12 Teacher
f. David Hiser – Science Teacher
g. Joanne Franklin – Family/Consumer Science K-12
Ayes: Mr. Ross, Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Basile, Mr. Fidler, Mrs. Fiset,
Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. McCullough.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

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12. Programs
A. It was moved by Mrs. Fiset, seconded by Mr. Sheerer that the Board of Directors
approve Karen Rosenberger, Autistic Support Teacher, Amity Primary Center, trip to
New Jersey for CPI Instructor Certification Program from January 29 through
February 1, 2008.
Under the same motion:
B. That the Board of Directors approve the High School Ski Trip to Vermont on
February 15 (1/2 day) – 18, 2008.
C. That the Board of Directors approve the 2008-09 Daniel Boone Area School District
One-page school calendar.
Ayes: Mr. Sheehan, Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Basile, Mr. Fidler, Mrs. Fiset, Mr. Gagnon,
Mrs. Hartzell, Mr. Ross, Mr. McCullough.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
13. Policy
None.
14. Transportation
None.
15. Old Business
A. It was moved by Mr. Fidler, seconded by Mr. Ross that the Board of Directors
approve the following three standing School Board Committees for a one year period:
Finance Committee Facilities Committee Meet and Discuss
Richard Fidler* Andrew Basile Walter Sheehan*
Grant Gagnon Margaret Fiset Jo Ann Hartzell
Kevin McCullough Michael Sheerer* Margaret Fiset
Alan Ross Alan Ross Kevin McCullough
* Denotes chairperson.
Ayes: Mr. Sheerer, Mr. Basile, Mr. Fidler, Mrs. Fiset, Mr. Gagnon, Mrs. Hartzell,
Mr. Ross, Mr. Sheehan, Mr. McCullough.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

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16. New Business
Mr. Robbins discussed the High School recent broken pipe issue and the cost estimate to
replace lines with metal piping rather than PVC. This total project will be done by an
outside firm.
Mr. Robbins reviewed snow plowing at the school buildings and a problem with sledding
at the high school when plowing is being performed. Mr. Robbins asked for Board
approval to purchase swing gates to be closed while plowing is being performed and than
re-opened after plowing is completed. The Board agreed unaminously to purchase the
gates. They will be placed at the High School Complex (Garey Road and Chestnut
Street)
The School Board will be visiting the new Monocacy Elementary Project on February 11,
2008.
17. Presentations by Public on Issues
Ken Templin, Union Township – asked questions on PVC piping and valve issues at all
school buildings.
18. At 8:50 p.m. Mr. Gagnon moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Sheehan
and approved by all directors present.
Attest:
Margaret M. Fiset, Secretary