January 14, 2013 - Wallingford-Swarthmore School District

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTSWALLINGFORD-SWARTHMORE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORSMonday, January 14, 2013Middle School Library 7:00 p.m.AT THE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING/ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION,THE BOARD CONDUCTED THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSMr. Vincent J. Marriott III, PresidentDr. Robert C. Reiger, Vice PresidentMs. Sally Morbeck, TreasurerMr. Blaise Santianni, Assistant SecretaryDr. Marylin HuffMs. Mary Gay ScanlonMr. Paul N. SchregelMs. Robin ShieldsDr. Richard C. SonntagAll Board members were present for the public session.STUDENT REPRESENTATIVEStudent representative David Ruffini provided a complete report on events andactivities at all district schools.SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTJack Hontz and other music faculty members were recognized for their efforts instaging the District 12 Orchestra Festival at SHHS this past weekend. Thank you’swere also extended to families who hosted the 112 student performers.The SHHS Home and School, with the extraordinary help of parent Colin Purrington,have installed a total of six student benches in the front courtyard. Special thanks tothe Fisher, Kohute, Dirienzi, and McCormick-Forbes families for their generousdonations.Meetings of the Board Policy Committee, and Ad Hoc Committees on StrategicPlanning and Summit School, will be convened in January.January is School Director Recognition Month. Members of the school board werethanked for their commitment of time and energy to serving our schools.Board Meeting Highlights - 1January 14, 2013

FOCUS TOPICSDr. Angela Tuck summarized SRS Goals for 2012-2013, and teacher Kathleen Spareprofiled the kindergarten level writer’s workshop. She was joined by several of herstudents. Faculty members Jen Conahan, Bryan Neuber, and Andrea Kooker sharedinformation on school meetings aimed at developing good character in students.Preliminary Proposed 2013-2014 WSSD BudgetRich Noonan and Lisa Palmer presented the Preliminary Proposed Budget for 2013-2014. The budget aims to provide continuity in current programs, class sizes, andextracurricular programs, while limiting the tax impact on residents. Principals anddirectors were required to develop budget proposals that are “flat” with currentbudget allocations. The state-mandated contributions to the state pension systemcalled for an additional $732,321 in district funds. The budget calls for a tax rateincrease of 2%, which is the second lowest school tax rate increase in eight years. Theproposal makes partial use of a PSERS Act 1 Index exception. With the Act 1 Indexallowing for a tax rate increase of 1.7%, partial use of the PSERS exception brings theoverall tax rate increase to 2%. The administration’s PowerPoint budget presentationis now posted on the district webpage.AUDIENCE RECOGNITION: RESPONSE TO TOPICS ON THE AGENDAMINUTESApproved the minutes of the December 17, 2012 Regular Meeting of the Board of SchoolDirectors.PERSONNELApproved the following leaves of absence and retirement:Kathleen Gemberling, Guidance Counselor, Swarthmore-Rutledge School, medical sabbatical,second semester, 2012-2013 school yearElizabeth Plummer, Guidance Counselor, Nether Providence Elementary School, medicalsabbatical, second semester, 2012-2013 school yearCatherine Latella, Teacher, Swarthmore-Rutledge School, paid FMLA leave (use of sick andemergency days), on January 3, 2013, through mid-day January 14, 2013; unpaid FMLA leave ofabsence, on mid-day January 14, 2013, through on or about, February 8, 2013Philip Ballak, Transportation Department, retirement, effective at the end of the day December31, 2012Board Meeting Highlights - 2January 14, 2013

Approved the following appointments:Mary Kate Peterson, Kindergarten Teacher, Swarthmore-Rutledge School, at the rate of $190.00per day, Short-Term Substitute, effective January 15, 2013 through on or about February 8, 2013;Lorie Sollenberger, Speech and Language Therapist, .6 Strath Haven High School and .4Swarthmore-Rutledge School, at the salary of $53,026 (prorated), Master’s, Step 4.0, going toStep 5.0, Professional Employee Contract, effective February 4, 2013.Michael Mercier, Instructional Support, Nether Providence Elementary School, at the rate of$11.50 per hour, 6.5 hours per day, Step 1.0, Long-Term Substitute, effective January 15, 2013.Approved the change of assignment, effective January 15, 2013, as listed:Name From ToAntoinette Kaczynski Substitute Bus Driver Bus Driver, replacingPhilip BallakApproved the extension of assignment, effective January 28, 2013, as listed:Name From ToNadine D’Angelo Long-Term Substitute, Long-Term Substitute,NPE, 8/27/2012 – NPE, 8/27/2012 –1/25/2013 6/19/2013, replacingElizabeth PlummerApproved the non-supplemental theater position for the 2013 spring musicals at Strath HavenHigh School and Strath Haven Middle School, as stipulated.Approved the addition to the 2012-2013 Activities Supplemental Appointment List, as stipulated.Approved the addition to the 2012-2013 school year conference requests, as stipulated.CURRICULUMApproved the Related Services Provider Contract for the 2012-2013 School Year.Approved the field trips, as stipulated.Approved the new 2013-2014 Strath Haven High School courses, as stipulated.Approved the appointment of an external consultant to the Science Vertical Team for the 2012-2013 school year, as stipulated.Board Meeting Highlights - 3January 14, 2013

FINANCEApproved the submission of the 2012-13 school year delinquent per capita taxes to BerkheimerTax Administrator, Incorporated, for tax collection.Approved the Nether Providence Elementary School PlanCon Part F Approval for Submission,as stipulated.Approved the Resolution approving the granting of a permanent easement from the schooldistrict over a portion of the Swarthmore-Rutledge School property to Swarthmore Borough.Approved the proposed property appraisal agreement with Coyle, Lynch & Company, for 606E. Baltimore Pike, folio #34-00-00098-00, assessment appeal.Approved to advertise the Board’s intention to adopt its Preliminary Budget at the Board’sregularly scheduled meeting to take place on February 11, 2013 and to make the ProposedPreliminary Budget available to the public at least twenty days prior to the adoption.FACILITIESApproved the following requests for use of school facilities:ORGANIZATIONGroup “B”Trinity Cooperative DayNurseryLOCATIONAMOUNT OFDAYS/WEEKSCOSTSHMS – King Field 1 day $150.00NPAA Baseball & Softball SHHS - Gym 9 days $270.00NPAA Soccer NPE - Gym 6 days $45.00Nether Providence Township SHMS – Upper Lot 1 day Fees WaivedWallingford SwarthmoreCommunity ClassesSHHS – Cafeteria, Gym,Classrooms19 days $1177.50Group “C”Ripkin BaseballSHHS – Auditorium,Cafeteria2 days $350.00Item for InformationNether Providence Elementary School Additions and Renovations Project – Status ReportBill McLaughlin of Reynolds Construction reported that the NPE Building Project, with allidentified construction alternates included, is within the allotted $16.5 million budget. Theproject will be going out to bid by the end of the month.Board Meeting Highlights - 4January 14, 2013

AUDIENCE RECOGNITION: RESPONSE TO TOPICS NOT ON THE AGENDAA SRS parent voiced dissatisfaction with the suspension of her son from school. In response,the board indicated that it regretted her voiced dissatisfaction, but found the administration’saction to be appropriate.OLD BUSINESSNEW BUSINESSADJOURNMENTBOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS ARE NOT OFFICIAL MINUTES OFTHE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS.Board Meeting Highlights - 5January 14, 2013