GREATER JOHNSTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT REGULAR COMMITTEE MEETING October 4, 2016 Minutes The of the Greater Johnstown Board of School Directors was held on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at the Administrative Office. The meeting was called to order by President, Richard Unger, at 6:05 p.m. Those present were: Ms. Cynthia Ahlborn, Mr. Vincent Arcurio (departed at 7:35 p.m.), Mr. John Berzinsky, Mr. Thomas Dadey, Mr. Edwin J. Mikesic, Mrs. Kimberly Murray, Mr. Eugene Pentz, Mr. Daniel Tomak, and Mr. Richard Unger. Others present were: Dr. James Cekada, Attorney John Kuzmiak, Amy Arcurio, David Trotz, Brian Bambino, Amie Lumadue, Raymond Arcurio, Douglas Henry, Kimberly Moore, Vicki Ryan, Robert Heinrich, Officer Donald Hess, Ronald Fisher, From the Tribune Democrat, and a representative from Our Town. PRESENTATIONS 1. High School Semicolon Project, Robert Heinrich and Eric Pfeil Mr. Pfeil introduced Cassidy Klein, a High School student, who briefly explained the Semicolon project. During the Advisement Period, discussion took place regarding suicide awareness. Cassidy stated that the semicolon represents a shortened life. A video was shown. A Certificate of Recognition was presented Cassidy, and also to those students who participated and contributed to the project. 2. Friends of Education Award Amy Arcurio Mrs. Arcurio stated that the John P. Murtha Friends of Education Award was established to recognize those individuals who are committed to the enhancement of education in the District. This year s recipient was Dr. Jackie Myers, from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. 3. East Side School Report Kim Moore Mrs. Moore reported the following: a. Trojan Hero Breakfast Walk City officials and students from the High School participated. A Powerpoint presentation was shown. b. School-wide Program This program was revamped this year, whereby students can receive tickets for positive behavior by any employee in the school. Tickets can be redeemed for various items/activities.
October 4, 2016 Page 2 c. Tales with Tails Program The above is a national reading enhancement program where students read to therapy dogs. Planning for the monthly program is taking place. d. Backpack Program Steelworkers from #2632 donated 250 backpacks, which were distributed to East Side and West Side Schools. e. Halloween Costumes A costume drive is currently being conducted so that every student will have a Halloween costume for the annual parade. 4. ALICE (Alert-Lockdown-Information-Counter-Evaluation) Training Officer Donald Hess Officer Hess stated that he and Officer Miller attended the Training Institute for the above. He explained aspects of the training program, which involves proactive strategies. 5. West Side School Report Ray Arcurio Mr. Arcurio reported the following: a. He and Mr. Conway are monitoring students and teachers in the classroom. Teachers are working hard and are on task. b. Kiwanis students are starting elections. c. A breakfast will be held on October 7 th, with teachers students, and parents in attendance. As well, vendors will be present. The breakfast will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Board Members were invited to attend. 6. Middle School Report Vicki Ryan Mrs. Ryan reported the following: a. Hero Walks The third annual national Walk to School Day will be held. b. The Avedum Club will held its first national project on Thursday, October 6 th. c. The Peer Mentoring program is in place.
October 4, 2016 Page 3 d. At the request of the IU08, the Schoolwide Positive event video will be entered into a national competition. The Meet the Trojans event activity to reward good behavior was a huge success, with more students participating than anticipated. e. Justin Zahorchak is reviewing a support program that proactively looks at student behavior. f. With funding through the QZAB funds, the Success Maker program has been instituted to improve student grades and performance. g. A video was shown with regard to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) initiative. 7. Johnstown High School Report Robert Heinrich and Jemal Gause Mr. Heinrich announced that that a Heroes Have Hope Night will be held during the October 7, 2016 Homecoming Football game. Jemal, Senior Class President, reported on activities and events occurring at the High School. Following the above, Mr. Unger announced that Mr. Rocco Reynolds, a PIAA Football Official, sent a letter to the District that complimented the Johnstown High School sideline, from the water boy to the head coach, and the team doctor, during a medical incident that involved him. EXECUTIVE SESSION Debra Crowder announced that an Executive Session was held from 6:55 to 7:45 p.m., for the following: 1. Review the credentials of candidates for the positions listed on the agenda 2. Personnel matter regarding a professional employee 3. Contractual matter regarding a sign language interpreter (Mr. Arcurio departed the meeting at 7:35 p.m., during the Executive Session.)
October 4, 2016 Page 4 HEARING OF CITIZENS At this time, Richard Unger announced the procedures for Hearing of Citizens. Individuals will have three (3) minutes to discuss their topic, no derogatory remarks shall be made against Board Members, Board Officials, and employees, or their remaining time will be forfeited, and no swearing. Also, if an individual needs additional time, they are to contact the Superintendent s Secretary to schedule an appointment. Mr. Unger asked if anyone had questions regarding the above. No one responded. 1. Joseph Taranto, 426 Park Avenue 15902 Mr. Taranto stated that upon the inspection of records in the District, he had issues with regard to District procedures #5 and #6: a. Procedure #5 Copying of a record by use of a cell phone, camera, or scanner. He reported that The Office of Open Records indicated the District s procedure may be problematic. b. Procedure #6 Prior permission to bring devices to copy records. The Office of Open Records indicated that the District s procedure was counter to that of previous ruling from the Office to an entity. 2. Robin Kmetz, 125 Spring Street 15906 Mrs. Kmetz requested information regarding how the $10 million, through the Cambria County Child Development Corp., is being spent. BUILDINGS AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Cynthia Ahlborn chaired this committee in the absence of Mr. Arcurio. EDUCATION COMMITTEE The following conferences requests were presented on an Agenda Addendum, included in Motion E-76-16: F. Gina Herrera, PASBO Transportation Conference (Mandatory) G. Courtney Kuncelman, Association of School Psychologists (Mandatory) H. Janelle McCoy, Association of School Psychologists (Mandatory)
October 4, 2016 Page 5 PERSONNEL AND NEGOTIATIONS COMMITTEE The following motion was presented on an Agenda Addendum, and placed on the subsequent Board Meeting Agenda:. Motion PN-104-16 Resignation of Katie Strong ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Debra A. Crowder Board Secretary Richard Unger, Board President Date Approved: