2011-09-09 Board Minutes - New Hope-Solebury School District

NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY SCHOOL DISTRICTSeptember 19, 2011A meeting of the New Hope-Solebury School District Board of Directors was heldin the District Conference Room on Monday, September 19, 2011. Mr. Fieber,President, called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. and announced the meeting wasbeing audio taped. Mrs. Atkinson led members and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.The Secretary then called roll.Members present: Mrs. Elefante, Mr. Fieber, Mrs. Hefty, Dr. Kaufman,Mrs. Panzica, Mr. Vaughn, Mrs. WahlgrenMembers absent: Mrs. Malamis, Mr. NallyAdministrators present: Dr. Boccuti, Mr. Hogg, Mrs. Lang, Mr. Malone,Ms. Mundy, Mr. Radaszkiewicz, Mr. VeitzMr. Fieber led a moment of silence in honor of Ethan Toohey.An Executive Session was also held prior to the meeting to discuss personnelmatters and after the meeting to discuss legal matters.Board MinutesUpon a motion made by Mrs. Wahlgren, seconded by Mrs. Panzica, the Boardvoted to approve the minutes of the August 15, 2011 Regular Meeting of the Board ofSchool Directors. Mr. Band requested a change to the minutes in that he stated it waseasy to find good teachers and superintendents to work at the district.Action ItemUpon a motion made by Mrs. Hefty, seconded by Mrs. Elefante, the Board votedto approve an overnight trip for members of the Girls Soccer Team to attend a teambuilding activity at Frost Valley YMCA from October 29-30, 2011.Superintendent’s ReportDr. Boccuti presented his Superintendent’s Report which is attached to theminutes.

2011-09-19 Board MinutesPage 2Old BusinessBoard Committee ReportsMrs. Panzica reported the first meeting of the Communications Committee isscheduled for September 20, 2011.Mr. Vaughn reported on the next Facilities Committee. Dr. Boccuti reported onthe Facilities Committee meeting that was held on September 14, 2011. He reported onthe flooding, donation of trees, update on lighting project, update on fields, quotes forsound systems, art collection, one room school house, high school/middle schoolwalkway. He also reported on planning for 2012-2013 and an update on the Comvergeelectricity management.Dr. Kaufman reported that the next Policy Committee meeting is scheduled forOctober 12, 2011.Mrs. Hefty reported on the Student Activities Committee. The Committeediscussed Policy 123 on Extra Curricular Activities. She also reported they discussedthe process of adding new clubs and sports.Board Liaison ReportsUnit.Mr. Fieber reported on the regular meeting of the Bucks County IntermediateDr. Kaufman reported on Middle Bucks Institute of Technology. The VocationalSupervisor reported that 790 students are enrolled at MBIT, which represents a 7.3%increase over last school year. Also, attendance on Friday, Sept. 9 th , when all 4 districtswere in session, was 99.7% with only 3 students absent. Dr. Kaufman reported that theAdministrative Director provided an overview of the 2011-12 Goals and Objectivesincluding:-Implement Weatherization Inspection training program leading to industrycertification for adults and students-Explore the option of adding a Veterinarian Assistant program-Continue pursuing the solar energy project-Develop a 3-year budgetDr. Kaufman also pointed out that, in light of recent storms and their effects onour lives, we have an even greater appreciation for those trades people with technicalskills, which are learned at MBIT, such as those people who help us deal with issuesrelated to roads, flooding, electricity, plumbing, trees, and bridges.Mr. Fieber reported on the New Hope-Solebury Education Fund.Mrs. Elefante reported on PSBA and that there will be a meeting on cost savings.She also reported on the PSBA/PASA Leadership Conference being held in Hershey inOctober.

2011-09-19 Board MinutesPage 3New BusinessDiscussion/Information ItemsMr. Hogg reported on the revised budget schedule and possible changes to theSchool Board Meeting Calendar. He reported that due to an earlier primary election,the Act 1 budget dates needed to be changed.Board Discussion – Agenda ItemsMrs. Elefante questioned wording in the Farmer’s Market contract regarding whatcan be sold.Mr. Fieber congratulated the school district staff and administration for how theflooding situation was handled.Mr. Hogg reported that Mr. Nally would be holding a Finance Committee meetingin November to explain the budget process to the new board members.Mrs. Elefante recommended a change to the recommendation for instructionalassistants.Public Discussion – Agenda ItemsMr. Band questioned security for the Farmer’s Market; stated the security officersshould be here for the students.Dr. Boccuti responded that the market is just part of what they do.Action ItemsFinanceUpon a motion made by Mrs. Panzica, seconded by Mrs. Wahlgren, the Boardvoted to:1. It is recommended that the Board of School Directors approve and ratify thefollowing list of bills totaling $1,003,816.74. *2010-2011 General Fund Checks Between Meetings for RatificationCheck Numbers –10031085 to 10031091Totaling - $115,981.59

2011-09-19 Board MinutesPage 4Personnel2011-2012 General Fund Checks Between Meetings for RatificationCheck Numbers – 10031092 to10031120Totaling - $83,777.062011-2012 Capital Reserve Checks for ApprovalCheck Number – 1001155Totaling - $62,415.002011-2012 Officials Checks for ApprovalCheck Numbers – 10031124 to 10031152Totaling - $2,073.002010-2011 General Fund Checks for ApprovalCheck Numbers – 10031121 to 10031123Totaling - $185,980.172011-2012 General Fund Checks for ApprovalCheck Numbers – 10031153 to 10031380Totaling - $553,589.92Upon a motion made by Mrs. Kaufman, seconded by Mrs. Elefante, the Boardvoted to:1. Approve the following actions:- Accept the resignation of Joyce A. Mundy, Assistant to the Superintendentfor Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development, effectiveSeptember 30, 2011, with the agreement of the Centennial School Districtfor Ms. Mundy to return for commitments and transition until her position isfilled.- Accept the resignation of Wynn Topley, Health Aide, effective August 31,2011.- Extend child rearing leave of Kristin Vath, Spanish/French Teacher,through the 2011-2012 school year.- Terminate the employment of Maria Paolini, Guidance Secretary,effective August 31, 2011, due to expiration of uncompensated leave.- Rescind appointment of Carolyn Popovic, long-term substitute FrenchTeacher (accepted alternate employment), effective August 25, 2011.- Rescind appointment of Jeffrey Mashbitz, long-term substitute MathTeacher (accepted alternate employment), effective August 25, 2011.- Reassign Christine Demore from long-term substitute Grade 5 Teacher tocontracted Grade 3 Teacher, at the same salary/benefits, effective August25, 2011.- Reassign Dr. Emilia Lengyel from .5 Reading Specialist at the High Schoolto full-time Grade 5 Teacher, with full time salary and benefits, effectiveAugust 25, 2011.

2011-09-19 Board MinutesPage 52. Ratify/appoint the following individuals, contingent upon meeting allrequirements of law and district policy:Name Classification EmployeeReplaced/ReasonLevin, ElizabethMahoney, John.5 French TeacherHigh School/Middle SchoolLong-term SubstituteMathematics TeacherHigh SchoolLong-term SubstituteGriesel, Kimberly Reading Specialist - .5High SchoolLong-term SubstituteBehlert, Victoria A.Brussock, SusanCurry, DavidPrincipal’s SecretaryHigh School GuidanceOfficeClassification changedfrom AdministrativeAssistant II.Non-Instructional Assistant-4 hr.Long-term SubstituteUpper Elementary SchoolCustodianSubstituteEffectiveDateLeave – Vath 8/25/11-6/14/12Leave – Shade 8/25/11-11/21/11Reassignment –LengyelTermination –Paolini8/29/11-6/14/12Leave – Toohey 9/1/11-1/20/12Salary$54,140/yr.(prorated .5)MastersStep 1$48,973/yr.(prorated)BachelorsStep 1$50,418/yr.(prorated .5)Bachelors+24Step 0BenefitsYes(prorated)Yes9/1/11 $44,638/yr. Yes$9,628/yr.(prorated)Year 0Yes(prorated)NoAs needed. 9/12/11 $15.47/hr. No3. Approve the following list of EDR contracts for the 2011-2012 school year:Name EDR Activity StipendRescind Curriculum LiaisonKim Klicka (Rissinger) MS Math $2061District MentorsJune Gomez Mentor-Griesel $656Michelle Hamill Mentor-Chuma $328Brian Loving Mentor-Mahoney $328Marisol Owtsharuk Mentor-Tzemintimpi $656Jennifer Pavlik Mentor-Flanagan $656Christine Procaccino Mentor-Paternostro $656Ryan Sorensen Mentor-Macdonald $656High SchoolKevin Elvey Environmental Club $1532Kevin Elvey Ski Club $770.50Kerilyn Walker Blue/Gold $285

2011-09-19 Board MinutesPage 6AthleticsRescindJohn Calpin JV Football $3776AppointJames Abelson JV Football $3776Katy Gray Girls JV Soccer $3195Tom Saunders Boys Blue Soccer $1620Brian Chambers Boys Gold Soccer $1482Yona Rose Girls JV Field Hockey $2236.50Kim Rissinger Girls JV Field Hockey $958.50Jessica Roos Blue Field Hockey $16204. Approve an Agreement for In-School Nursing Services with Bayada Nursesfor the 2011-2012 school year.5. Approve a position of Instructional Assistant-4 hour for the first semester ofthe 2011-2012 school, at an annual salary of $9,653 (prorated).6. It is recommended that the Board of School Directors recognize that thefollowing teachers have earned tenure, effective August 31, 2011:Claudia HalseyKatherine KuehneJennifer PavlickChristine Procaccino7. It is recommended that the Board of School Directors approve the posting ofthe Seniority Lists for the 2011-2012 school year for members of theTeachers’ Collective Bargaining Unit and for members of the New Hope-Solebury Local 180 PSEA-NEA.8. It is recommended that the Board of School Directors approve aMemorandum of Understanding with New Hope-Solebury Local 180 PSEA-NEA relative to elimination of the Health Aide-8 hour and creation of a newposition of Nurse-4 hour.Policy & Programto:Upon a motion made by Mrs. Panzica, seconded by Mrs. Hefty, the Board voted1. Accept a $2000 grant from the Target Corporation for the “Write Like a Rock Star”Program.

2011-09-19 Board MinutesPage 7Plant & EquipmentUpon a motion made by Mrs. Elefante, seconded by Mrs. Wahlgren, the Boardvoted to:1. Ratify the License Agreement with Susan Pierson for use of facilities for afarmer’s market.Board DiscussionMrs. Hefty thanked Dr. Boccuti for working with other superintendent’s to movethe NHS-Morrisville game to Centennial School District.Mr. Fieber thanked Dr. Boccuti for handling of an on field situation and workingwith other superintendent’s.Mrs. Elefante reported on the survey on students exiting the school district andstated that the participation is low. She asked what could be done to increase theresponse rate.Mrs. Elefante asked about a listserv on cuts in girls volleyball and asked if therewas a way to get all the students to participate.Dr. Boccuti thanked his colleagues at the Centennial School District.Dr. Boccuti reported that we are setting up an on-line survey and that parentswere being asked to complete it.Dr. Boccuti stated that he would discuss the volleyball situation with Mr.Harrington.Public DiscussionMr. & Mrs. Witte reported that they have properties on North Main and that theflooding is getting worse and they believe the water is coming from the swamp alongHardy Bush Way; she believes the run off to the swamp from school district propertyadds to the problem; they explained the problem and asked that it be resolved.Mr. Fieber reported that the administration would be directed to look into thewater situation.Mr. Band made statements on games being eliminated from fields; reported thathe believes there are only twenty games played on the stadium field; suggested playingJV games on the field; suggested decreasing the number of varsity games on schoolnights and have them during the day.Ms. Alison Kingsley commented on the Witte’s situation; stated that there is alsoa mosquito problem; asked the district to get more involved.

2011-09-19 Board MinutesPage 8Dr. Boccuti stated that it is Mr. Harrington’s decision on when games arescheduled.AdjournmentUpon a motion made by Mrs. Elefante, seconded by Mrs. Panzica, the Board ofSchool Directors voted to adjourn at 7:30 p.m.Respectfully submitted,.Gregory HoggBoard Secretary