BELLE VERNON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT 270 CREST AVENUE BELLE VERNON, PA MINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2018

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1 BELLE VERNON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT 270 CREST AVENUE BELLE VERNON, PA MINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2018 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Belle Vernon Area School District Board of Education was called to 7:25 PM by Board President Lou Rood at the Belle Vernon Area Middle School. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE President Lou Rood led the Pledge of Allegiance. RECORDING OF ATTENDANCE Board Secretary, Michelle Callaway-Rodriguez, recorded the following in attendance. DIRECTORS: (Present) Callaway-Rodriguez, Forte, Grata, Rood, Sepesky, Whiteko, Yuschak (7) (Absent) Bialon, Nusser (2) SOLICITOR: Vic Kustra Weiss Burkardt Kramer, LLC STAFF: WIU REPRESENTATIVE MEDIA: Dr. Michele Dowell, Acting Superintendent James R. Dzurica, Business Manager Dr. Jason Boone Principal, BVA High School Cassandra Bozek, Director of Student Services/Asst. MES Toni-Jo Kunka, Exec. Secretary to the Superintendent Colleen Suchko not in attendance Kaylie M. Moore - The Mon Valley Independent Morgan Cushey Observer Reporter not in attendance Mark Soroka Herald Standard STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BOARD Kevin Baeza 1

2 RECOGNITION OF BVA CHARITABLE FUND GRANT WINNERS APPROVAL OF AGENDA FOR THIS MEETING COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS (RELATIVE TO THE AGENDA ONLY) APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Work Session Meeting (November 13, 2018) B. Agenda Meeting (November 19, 2018) C. Regular Meeting (November 19, 2018) The November meeting minutes were collectively approved on a motion made by Director Whiteko, seconded by Director Yuschak, and carried on a 7-0 vote: COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS INFORMATION ONLY A. MONTHLY DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS 1. Jennifer Godzak Curriculum & Instructional Report 2. Gregory Steeber Technology Department Report 3. Monte Maugle Food Services Report 4. Matt Humbert Athletic Director Report 5. David Bashada Truant Officer Report 6. David Bashada Transportation Department Report 7. Jason Zadrozny Buildings & Grounds Director Report 8. James R. Dzurica Business Department Report COMMUNICATIONS Information Only 1. Westmoreland Intermediate Unit Board Meeting Minutes & Executive Director s Report November 27, WIU Superintendents Meeting Oct. 11, Westmoreland County Board of Assessment Appeals Westmoreland County Board of Assessment Appeals Advisement certifying that the real property assessed value of the District s political subdivision for the year 2019 is $160,770,200 for Fayette County and $159,212,010 for Westmoreland County. 2

3 COMMUNICATIONS BOARD ACTION REQ D) 1. CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS 1.1 Pressley Ridge December 1, 2018 through June 30, Weiss Burkhardt Kramer, LLC Monthly Retainer Fee Increase for (2) Meetings/Month 1.3 Cheerleading Constitution Removed from Agenda 1.4 PSBA Superintendent Search for BVA 1.5 Approval of BVAESP, PSEA/NEA (Secretarial/Clerical Union) Collective Bargaining Agreement Removed from Agenda 1.6 Cost Sharing Agreement for School Resource Officer Rostraver Twp. 1.1 Pressley Ridge Board of Education approve the Pressley Ridge Agreement that includes the enhancement and achievement of troubled children and their families through effective programs that focus on all aspects of their environment. This agreement is effective December 1, 2018 through June 30, Weiss Burkhardt Kramer, LLC Board of Education approve the monthly retainer fee from $250/month to $500/month, which is the previous retainer fee paid for one (1) meeting per month, prior to No extra monthly meetings were charged to BVASD in Cheerleading Constitution It is recommended by the Administration that the Board of Education approve the Cheerleading Constitution , as set forth. 1.4 PSBA Superintendent Search for BVA Board of Education approve PSBA to assist the School Directors in developing a professional and ethical executive search leading to the appointment of a superintendent, at a cost of $5, Approval of BVAESP, PSEA/NEA (Secretarial/Clerical Union) Collective Bargaining Agreement Board of Education approve the BVAESP, PSEA/NEA (Secretarial/Clerical Union) Collective Bargaining Agreement for a four-year period, from July 1, 2018 through June 30, Cost Sharing Agreement for School Resource Officer Rostraver Twp. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve an Agreement with Rostraver Township to share the cost of the designated Police Officer who will serve as the School Districts s School Resource Officer for the school year. The School District shall be responsible for 50% of the costs associated with Rostraver Township s employment of the designated Police Officer. The Board approved Items 1.1 and 1.6 on a motion made by Director Grata, seconded by Director Whiteko and carried on a 7-0 vote: 3

4 The Board approved Item 1.2 on a motion made by Director Grata, seconded by Director Yuschak and carried on a roll call vote of 6-1: YES = Callaway-Rodriguez, Forte, Grata, Rood, Whiteko, Yuschak (6) NO = Sepesky (1) The Board approved Item 1.4 on a motion made by Director Sepesky, seconded by Director Whiteko, and carried on a 4-3 vote: YES = Grata, Rood, Sepesky, Whiteko, (4) NO = Callaway-Rodriguez, Forte, Yuschak (3) Director Yuschak commented on Item 1.4 PSBA Superintendent Search that she was questioning paying out $5,000 to search for another Superintendent when Michele Dowell has done an outstanding job. We have conducted outside searches two (2) times and did not find a fit for BVA. Dr. Dowell knows our goals here at BVA and knows our Administration. We could find a better use for that money, such as signs around the District, naming the different buildings on school property. Director Grata commented it s kind of parallel. Tom Cameron can reapply for the Girls Soccer Head Coach position the same as Dr. Dowell can reapply for the Superintendent position that will be my position. Some Board members wanted the search for the Superintendent opened as well as the Head Soccer Coach position. Dr. Dowell has done a great job and has done what we have asked her to do. 2. PERSONNEL 2.1 Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach Spring Musical Technical Director Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach It is recommended that the Board of Education open the Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach position for the school year. The Board approved Item 2.1 to open the Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach position for the school year on a motion made by Director Forte, seconded by Director Grata and carried on a 5-2 roll call vote: YES = Callaway-Rodriguez, Forte, Grata, Whiteko, Yuschak (5) NO = Rood, Sepesky (2) 4

5 President Rood commented that I coached in the District for a long time. I had people approach me one way or another on the decision to open up the Head Soccer Coach position. I believe the Head Coach deserves the chance to try to correct the problems. However, I understand I am one (1) vote and every Board member represents the District so at least respect the people who are making the decision. Director Sepesky asked when the formal complaint was made, was there an improvement plan put in place to follow? People get a second chance to improve the plan. 2.2 Spring Musical Technical Director Board of Education approve Ed Bittner as the Spring Musical Technical Director (replacing Mike Pappas), at a stipend of $1,630, pending receipt of all required testing and clearances. The Board approved Item 2.2 Spring Musical Technical Director on a motion made by Director Yuschak, seconded by Director Whiteko, and carried on a 7-0 vote: 3. RESOLUTIONS 3.1 Acknowledgment of Participation in School Resource Officer Grant Process 3.1 Acknowledgment of Participation in School Resource Officer Grant Process Board of Education acknowledges the Township of Rostraver s participation in the PA Dept. of Education Office of Safe Schools Targeted Grants for School Resource Officer Grant Process, and its intention to designate a police officer as a School Resource Officer via Resolution No. 1118, dated August 1, The School District shall be responsible for 50% of the costs associated with employment of the designated School Resource Officer. The Board approved Item 3.1 Acknowledgment of Participation in School Resource Officer Grant Process on a motion made by Director Grata, seconded by Director Yuschak, and carried on a 7-0 vote: 5

6 FACILITIES USAGE REQUESTS No Paid Facilities Requests FACILITIES USAGE REQUESTS FOR WHICH ALL REQUIRED FORMS ARE ON FILE IN THE ATHLETIC OFFICE: (All approved requests are subject to availability of requested facility, requesters having met all requirements under District Policy 707. All submitted schedules are subject to being altered based upon the District s needs.) FINANCIAL REPORTS Motion to collectively and/or for informational purposes only, approve all Financial Reports submitted for this meeting as listed below: A. Interim Financial Statements for the Month of November 2018 B. Reconciliation Report for the Month of November 2018 C. Report of Investments for the Month of November 2018 D. Procurement Card Activity for the Month of November 2018 E. Bills Presented for Payment: November 2018 $178, F. GOB Series 2017 (Presented for Payment) November 2018 $ 28, G. Bills for Fixed Charges November 2018 $493, H. Athletic Fund Financial Report November 2018 $ 72, I. Cafeteria Fund Report November 2018 $ 13, J. Student Activity Fund Reconciliations 1. BVA High School November 2018 $ 62, BVA Middle School November 2018 $ 49, K. Overview of Finances The Board of Education collectively approved the Financial Reports on a motion made by Director Yuschak, seconded by Director Whiteko, and carried on a 7-0 vote: NEW BUSINESS 6

7 REGULAR POLICIES (NEW AND/OR REVISED) 1. #005 Organization 1 st Reading 2. #105 Curriculum Adoption #005 Organization 1 st Reading The Board Members shall meet and organize annually during the first week of December. Notice of the time and place of the organization meeting shall be given to all Board members by mail at least five (5) days before the meeting by the Board Secretary. The organization meeting shall be a regular meeting. #105 Curriculum Adoption The purpose of this policy shall be defined as a series of planned instruction aligned with established academic standards in each subject that is coordinated, articulated and implemented in a manner designed to result in the achievement of academic standards of the proficient level by all students. The Board collectively approved the Regular Policies on a motion made by Director Yuschak, seconded by Director Grata, and carried on a 7-0 vote: EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONNEL - Consent Agenda 1. Subs a. Cortny Kennick teacher b. Alex Peterson - teacher c. Katherine Barcovtch teacher d. Kacie Kubitza - teacher 2. FMLA a. SL MES) b. AB RES) c. JS MES) d. VM HS) 3. Unpaid Leave a. LT High School) 4. Coaches a. Henry Mulholland Middle School Girls Volunteer Volleyball Coach b. Shane Yuhas Middle School Boys Head Baseball Coach 7

8 The Board of Education collectively approved the Employment of Personnel on a motion made by Director Yuschak, seconded by Director Callaway-Rodriguez, and carried on a 7-0 vote: Cortny Kennick Board of Education approve Cortny Kennick as a day-to-day substitute teacher, pending receipt of all required clearances and testing. Alex Peterson Board of Education approve Alex Peterson as a day-to-day substitute teacher, pending receipt of all required clearances and testing. Katherine Barcovtch Board of Education approve Katherine Barcovtch as a day-to-day substitute teacher, pending receipt of all required clearances and testing. Kacie Kubitza Board of Education approve Kacie Kubitza as a day-to-day substitute teacher, pending receipt of all required clearances and testing. SL MES) Board of Education approve a paid leave for SL MES) from late December to approximately the end of January AB RES) Board of Education approve a paid leave for AB RES) who will be on paid leave from January 9, 2019 for approximately 4 to 8 weeks. JS MES) Board of Education approve an intermittent Family Medical Leave (FMLA) for JS MES) through approximately January VM High School) Board of Education approve approximately eight (8) weeks of paid leave for VM High School) from December 17, 2018 through approximately February 15, LT High School) Board of Education approve 2 unpaid days for LT High School), for Dec. 14 and 17, Henry Mulholland Board of Education approve Henry Mulholland as Middle School Girls Volunteer Volleyball Coach, pending receipt of all required testing and clearances. 8

9 Shane Yuhas Board of Education approve Shane Yuhas as Middle School Boys Baseball Coach, pending receipt of all required testing and clearances, at a stipend of $4, COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Facilities, Grounds, Transportation Committee Chair = J. Whiteko J. Grata, M. Callaway-Rodriguez, K. Forte Director Whiteko: On Dec. 12 th, Kathy Forte and I attended the CWCTC dinner which was very nice - glad I went. B. Athletics & Activities Committee Chair = J. Nusser D. Sepesky, M. Callaway-Rodriguez, K. Forte Director Sepesky nothing to report. C. Governance, Finances, Operations Committee Board Officers: Co-Chair = L. Rood; Co-Chair = K. Forte J. Grata, M. Callaway-Rodriguez, A. Bialon D. Human Resources Committee Chair = G. Yuschak M. Callaway-Rodriguez, K. Forte Director Yuschak nothing new to report. E. Curriculum, Technology & Arts Committee Chair = J. Grata G. Yuschak, M. Callaway-Rodriguez, K. Forte Director Grata there s a tentative meeting scheduled in January. ANNOUNCEMENTS Dr. Dowell introduced School Resource Officer Christina Good from Washington Twp. who was in attendance at the meeting. She has given us great insight and ideas about security in our District buildings. COMMENTS FROM BOARD AND/OR ADMINISTRATION 9

10 COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS Jodie Winwood (Rostraver Twp.) Can you please ask Dan Sepesky to take down the sign that he has taped to the table up there? It is a distraction and some of us are trying to move on in this District from the previous Administration. Director Sepesky stated it s freedom of speech. John Habel (Washington Twp.) I would like to comment that the Middle School Christmas concert was very nice but we need a larger space. Can the Spring Concert be held at the High School? I believe we rented chairs for the Middle School for $4,200 maybe we could budget some new chairs needed down here. President Rood stated that the concert will be held at the High School next year. Mr. Habel also asked Director Sepesky if he had in fact missed the Exit Interviews for the Coaches as there would have been opportunity for you to say something at the meeting about the Coach s position, to which Director Sepesky answered I don t remember an Executive Session. I left the exit interviews to go to my son s basketball game. I already know the answer. I am just waiting for someone to say it. Ted Metrosky (Rostraver Twp.) Director Sepesky, you keep bringing up about a witch hunt for Wilkinson. They all left with footprints on their butt (meaning all Superintendents) from Gilmore on up. Let me ask you Dan, is it alright if my vehicle breaks down and can I take it down to the bus garage to get repaired? Director Sepesky said no and that was never proven. Mr. Metrosky stated I saw his vehicle down there Mr. Sepesky and his quad. They were indeed there and you are supporting him. Director Yuschak stated why then Dan was the vote 9-0 when John Wilkinson resigned why then wasn t the vote 8-1 if you thought that he was innocent? Director Sepesky stated I asked and supported the process. Vic Kustra, Solicitor, said I need to stop this conversation right now because of the resolution upon his resignation. Dan Kovatch (Rostraver Twp.) I applaud all points the Board has made and for Coach Cameron to reapply as well as Coach Corey. I do not believe in coaches being at parent level. I also would hope that Dr. Dowell would apply for the Superintendent s job. Katrina Rood (student Rostraver Twp.) You say Coach Cameron can reapply for the position but it just doesn t make any sense at all why don t you just leave him on the job? Why let him go in the first place? ADJOURNMENT The Regular Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:35 PM on a motion made by Director Callaway-Rodriguez, seconded by Director Whiteko, and carried on a 7-0 vote: 10

11 Daniel J. Sepesky Board Secretary /tjk 11