McGUFFEY SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the McGuffey School District was held on Thursday,, at the McGuffey High School Large Group Instruction Room, Claysville, PA. Vice President, Doug Teagarden, called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Roll Call of Board Members was taken. A quorum was established. Vice President Teagarden led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL - Present: ADAMS, HARDEN, LEASURE, RICHEY, SHRIVER, TEAGARDEN Absent: GROUP, KNESTRICK, SZYGENDA Also present were Mr. Joseph Stefka, Superintendent; Mrs. Beverly Arbore, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent; Mr. Scott Burchill, Business Administrator, and Solicitor, Christina Lane. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES - None PRESENTATIONS Mrs. Beverly Arbore, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent gave a power point presentation AYP [Adequate Yearly Progress] 7:10 p.m. Mr. Szygenda arrived RECOGNITION None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Background Information: The minutes of the August 11 (special meeting of the school board) and August 21, 2008, board meeting are submitted for approval. Shriver moved, seconded by Szygenda, administrative recommendation to approve the minutes of the August 11 (special meeting of the board) and August 21, 2008, school board meeting as submitted. SCHEDULE OF BILLS Background Information: The Schedule of Bills is presented for approval. Shriver moved, seconded by Szygenda, administrative recommendation to approve the Schedule of Bills from August 15, 2008 September 19, 2008 (checks #00041973 00042266), as submitted in the amount of $648,949.22 and an additional bill list (checks #00042308 00042315) in the amount of $17,069.67. 1
TREASURER S REPORT Background Information: The Treasurer s Report is presented for approval. Harden moved, seconded by Shriver, administrative recommendation to approve the August 2008 Treasurer s Report as submitted. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - agenda items *Laura Lovett, Morris Township questioned what is being done for the average child Mrs. Arbore responded - teachers use differentiated instruction to address the needs of all the ability levels COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION(S) Leasure moved, seconded by Szygenda, to authorize administration to post and advertise for game site managers to facilitate the McGuffey sporting events at a cost of $30 stipend for 2 hours maximum with $15 for each additional hour for Middle School and JV events. Varsity events will have a stipend of $50 for 3 hours maximum with $16.50 for each additional hour. Questions from the Board Amend Motion advertise if needed Leasure moved, seconded by Szygenda, to authorize administration to post and advertise if needed, for game site managers to facilitate the McGuffey sporting events at a cost of $30 stipend for 2 hours maximum with $15 for each additional hour for Middle School and JV events. Varsity events will have a stipend of $50 for 3 hours maximum with $16.50 for each additional hour. (MOTION AMENDED) Szygenda moved, seconded by Harden, authorize administration to hire the game site managers pending Board approval. 2
Shriver moved, seconded by Harden, administrative recommendation to approve Jeannie Jones as kindergarten chairperson for the 2008 2009 school year (Term of office July 1, 2008 June 30, 2009) Leasure moved, seconded by Szygenda, approval to donate $250 to the Claysville Volunteer Fire Department. ROLL CALL - 6 YES (ADAMS, HARDEN, LEASURE, RICHEY, SZYGENDA, TEAGARDEN) 1 NO (SHRIVER) Szygenda moved, seconded by Harden, approval to change the reorganization meeting from Thursday, December 4, 2008, to Tuesday, December 2, 2008, and authorize administration to re-advertise. Leasure moved, seconded by Szygenda, approval for the high school stadium restrooms to be painted to designate male and female. OLD BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS 3
SUPERINTENDENT S REPORT 1. Background Information: Dr. Jennifer D Abarno requests homebound instruction for Student A, grade 12, for medical reasons. Szygenda moved, seconded by Harden, administrative recommendation to approve Application for Homebound Instruction for Student A, grade 12, for medical reasons. 2. Background Information: McGuffey School District has been awarded the 2008-2009 Safe Schools Grant by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Adams moved, seconded by Harden, administrative recommendation to accept the Safe Schools Grant in the amount of $28,994.00 for the 2008-2009. 3. Background Information: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and McGuffey School District will maintain a cooperative relationship in the delivery of Student Assistance related services. Shriver moved, seconded by Harden, administrative recommendation to approve the Letter of Agreement Concerning Student Assistance between Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and McGuffey School District for the period of November 1, 2008, through October 31, 2009. (see attachment) 4. Background Information: On Friday, October 3, 2008, Dr. Robert Greenleaf will present to the McGuffey faculty, tutors, instructional aides, and administrators on topics related to the latest findings in cutting-edge learning and brain research. The goal of this professional development opportunity is to provide information, applications, and practical strategies based on research to enhance student recall, learning, and the successful performance of all students in the McGuffey School District. Shriver moved, seconded by Szygenda, administrative recommendation to approve the contract between McGuffey School District and Robert Greenleaf, for professional development presentations at a cost of $1800.00 plus $600.00 for travel and lodging expenses (Total expenses: $2400.00 [approximate fee per attendee is $13.26]). (see attachment) 4
5. Background Information: Renee Dickson, high school junior class/prom advisor, is requesting permission to apply (and accept if awarded) the Community ATOD Prevention Mini-Grant. The monies from the $2,000.00 mini-grant will be used to offset the cost of the After Prom in an effort to eliminate alcohol, tobacco, and drug use by prom attendees. The After Prom program participants will be bused to PNC Park for an extended evening of drug/alcohol free festivities. Szygenda moved, seconded by Richey, administrative recommendation to approve Renee Dickson to apply (and accept) the Community ATOD Prevention Mini-Grant to help offset the cost of the After Prom program held at PNC Park. 6. Background Information: The varsity and junior varsity softball teams are requesting permission to travel to Hickory, NC to play a total of six pre-season games. They would leave after school on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, and return home on Sunday, March 29, 2009. The cost of the trip will be paid by the softball boosters, players, and parents. Richey moved, seconded by Shriver, administrative recommendation to approve the request by the McGuffey varsity and junior varsity softball teams to travel to Hickory, NC from March 25, 2009, to March 29, 2009, to play a total of six pre-season games. SUPERINTENDENT S REPORT: For Your Information: 1. Fitness Center Update 2. Facilities Use EXECUTIVE SESSION Shriver moved, seconded by Szygenda, to hold an executive session to discuss the following: Personnel Litigation Contract negotiations Executive Session 7:53 p.m. 8:31 p.m. Adams moved, seconded by Shriver, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between McGuffey School District and MEA for the Classroom for the Future Grant. (see attachment) 5
PERSONNEL 1. Background Information: Jessica Moose Taylor, high school Spanish teacher, has submitted her letter of resignation from McGuffey School District, effective August 22, 2008. Szygenda moved, seconded by Shriver, administrative recommendation to accept, with regret, the resignation of Jessica Moose Taylor, effective August 22, 2008. 2. Background Information: The interview process for the math teaching position at the high school has been completed. Shriver moved, seconded by Harden, administrative recommendation to hire Eric Cunningham as math teacher at Bachelors - Step 2 ($34,420), subject to assignment and per the terms and conditions of the Agreement between McGuffey Board of Directors and McGuffey Education Association July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2009, and pending all required clearances and medical exams, effective September 8, 2008. NOTE: Agenda Items #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8 Personnel are listed below as a combined motion 3. Background Information: The interview process for a tutor position at Claysville Elementary has been completed. 4. Background Information: The interview process for a tutor position at Claysville Elementary has been completed. 5. Background Information: The interview process for a tutor position at Joe Walker Elementary has been completed. 6. Background Information: The interview process for a math tutor at the middle school has been completed. 7. Background Information: The interview process for a reading tutor at the middle school has been completed. 8. Background Information: The interview process for a math tutor at the high school has been completed. Shriver moved, seconded by Richey, administrative recommendation to approve the above agenda items: 6
3. Hire Natalie Kennedy as elementary tutor at Claysville Elementary, effective September 8, 2008. 4. Hire Jonnie Swarow as elementary tutor at Claysville Elementary, effective September 8,2008. 5. Hire Nicole Bull as elementary tutor at Joe Walker Elementary, effective September 8, 2008. 6. Hire Ashley Collett as math tutor at the middle school, effective September 8, 2008. 7. Hire Lori Walters as reading tutor at the middle school, effective September 8, 2008. 8. Hire Deborah McNeal as a math tutor at the high school, effective September 8, 2008. (Agenda Items #3, #4, #6, #7, #8) 6 YES (Agenda Item #5) 1 ABSTENTION (LEASURE Agenda Item #5 see attachment) 9. Background Information: The interview process for a reading tutor at the high school has been completed. Shriver moved, seconded by Adams, administrative recommendation to hire Rebecca Brooks as a reading tutor at the high school, effective September 19, 2008, pending all required clearances and medical exams. 10. Background Information: Matthew Gasper has submitted a letter of resignation as assistant football coach for the fall 2008 season. Adams moved, seconded by Harden, administrative recommendation to accept, with regret, the resignation of Matthew Gasper as assistant football coach for the fall 2008 season. 6 YES 1 NO (RICHEY) 11. Background Information: Due to a resignation, a vacancy exists for an assistant football coach for the fall 2008 season. Harden moved, seconded by Szygenda, administrative recommendation to hire Jed Hamberger as assistant football coach at Step C-1 for the fall 2008 season. 7
12. Background Information: Christine Shymchyk is being recommended as French Club sponsor for the 2008-2009 school year. This is a paid position. Shriver moved, seconded by Harden, administrative recommendation to approve Christine Shymchyk as French Club sponsor for the 2008-2009 school year. 13. Background Information: Kelley McGuier is being recommended as Spanish Club sponsor for the 2008-2009 school year. This is a paid position. Leasure moved, seconded by Richey, administrative recommendation to approve Kelley McGuier as Spanish Club sponsor for the 2008-2009 school year. 14. Background Information: Laura Jacob, high school English teacher, is requesting permission to attend the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference, February 8-11, 2009, in Hershey, PA. Ms. Jacob has been invited to speak at the conference highlighting the successful technology practices at McGuffey School District. The cost to the District will be $230 for registration; $360 for lodging; $240 for substitute days; and $275 for mileage. Estimated District cost: $1,105. (Title II Part A funds) Szygenda moved, seconded by Shriver, administrative recommendation to approve Laura Jacob to attend the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference, February 8-11, 2009, in Hershey, PA. 15. Background Information: Recommend Jed Hamberger, half-time kindergarten teacher, to be placed on the substitute teacher list for the 2008-2009 school year. (afternoons only) Leasure moved, seconded by Harden, administrative recommendation to approve Jed Hamberger for placement on the 2008-2009 substitute teacher list in the area of Elementary K-6. 16. Background Information: Michelle Dawes is currently on the substitute cafeteria list and would also like to be placed on the substitute aide list. Szygenda moved, seconded by Leasure, administrative recommendation to approve Michelle Dawes for placement on the substitute aide list for the 2008-2009 school year. 8
BUSINESS 1. Background Information: In order to proceed with the installation of air conditioning at Joe Walker Elementary, engineering services are required for the design and bidding of the project. Leasure moved, seconded by Szygenda, administrative recommendation to authorize the administration to obtain Request For Proposal (RFP) for air conditioning engineering and design services for Joe Walker Elementary. Discussion followed amongst Board members. Question from the Public Holly Doak, Morris Township expressed the need for air conditioning at Joe Walker. ROLL CALL - 5 YES (HARDEN, LEASURE, SHRIVER, SZYGENDA, TEAGARDEN) 2 NO (RICHEY, ADAMS) (MOTION PASSES) 2. Background Information: Gateway Engineers, Inc. is completing the civil engineering services, providing construction inspection and administration of the slip repairs at the high school campus lower parking lot per the work authorization dated April 18, 2008. The invoice is for professional services from July 28, 2008, to August 23, 2008. Harden moved, seconded by Shriver, administrative recommendation to approve payment of Invoice No. 144839 to Gateway Engineers, Inc. in the amount of $11,505.25 for civil engineering services, providing construction inspection and administration of the slip repairs at the high school campus lower parking lot per the work authorization dated April 18, 2008 (Paid through the 2008-2009 General Fund. The expenditure was not budgeted.) 3. Background Information: Gateway Engineering, Inc. is requesting payment for additional engineering services rendered for the landslide repair at the stadium including preliminary cost estimates for repair and coordination with Soil Nail Launcher, Inc., preparation of contract documents for bidding, bid opening, and bid summary. Professional services work was from July 28, 2008, to August 23, 2008. Harden moved, seconded by Shriver, administrative recommendation to approve payment of Invoice No. 144840 to Gateway Engineers, Inc. in the amount of $2,444.75 for additional engineering services rendered for the landslide repair at the stadium (Paid through the General Fund. This expenditure was not budgeted.) 9
4. Background Information: Gateway Engineers, Inc. has submitted Contractors Application for Payment (No. 1) for Macson Corporation in the amount of $162,715.12 for work conducted June 15 thru September 7, 2008, for the high school campus lower parking lot slip repair. A 2% retainage in the amount of $3,302.72 is being withheld until completion of the final punch list. Shriver moved, seconded by Szygenda, administrative recommendation to approve payment of Contractors Application for Payment (No. 1) to Macson Corporation in the amount of $162,715.12 ($157,662 to be paid through the 2004 Construction Fund and $5,053.12 paid through the General Fund. The $5,053.12 expenditure was not budgeted). 5. Background Information: Gateway Engineers, Inc. has submitted Contractors Application for Payment (No. 1 & Final) for Soil Nail Launcher, Inc. in the amount of $82,600.00 for the period August 25 to August 29, 2008, for the stadium slip repair. Harden moved, seconded by Adams, administrative recommendation to approve payment of Contractors Application for Payment (No. 1 & Final) to Soil Nail Launcher, Inc. in the amount of $82,600.00 (paid through the General Fund - this expenditure was not budgeted). 6. Background Information: Due to an increase in fuel cost, an addendum to the Contract for the Transportation of School Pupils between McGuffey School District and Swart School Buses is submitted for approval. Adams moved, seconded by Harden, administrative recommendation to approve the Addendum to the Swart Contract for Transportation of School Pupils for the 2008-2009 school year, as presented. 5 YES 1 NO (SHRIVER) 1 ABSTENTION (LEASURE) (MOTION PASSES) 7. Background Information: Due to the purchase of a new band trailer in the 2008-2009 school year, the 1995 Haulmark Trailer is no longer needed. The trailer was used to haul band equipment. Also, authorization is necessary to receive sealed bids for the sale of the trailer. Discussion amongst Board members to declare the 1995 Haulmark Trailer as unused and unnecessary and donate the trailer to a local fire department if interested (see motion s below). 10
Adams moved, seconded by Szygenda, administrative recommendation to declare the 1995 Haulmark Trailer as unused and unnecessary. Adams moved, seconded by Leasure, to approve administration to contact the local fire departments serving McGuffey, to determine if they are interested in the 1995 Haulmark Trailer. The fire department will be chosen by lottery. 8. Background Information: Andrews & Price have submitted invoices with the Billing Date: August 31, 2008, and Balance Due: $7,803. Adams moved, seconded by Harden, administrative recommendation to approve payment to Andrews & Price for invoices submitted with the Billing Date: August 31, 2008, totaling $7,803. BUSINESS For Your Information: 1. Budget Expenditure Report SOLICITOR S REPORT - None BOARD REPORTS Western Area Career & Technology Center - Rich Shriver Changes were made and everything looks good Citizens Library Representative - Ron Richey Ron presided over the Tuesday meeting - uninformative meeting 11
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (agenda and non-agenda items) - None ADJOURNMENT Harden moved, seconded by Szygenda, that the regular session meeting of, be adjourned at 9:05 p.m. by a unanimous vote. The next Board meeting will be the regular meeting, which will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2008, at the McGuffey High School Large Group Instruction Room. Recorded by Recording School Board Secretary, Sandra S. Bedillion Scott P. Burchill, School Board Secretary Douglas Teagarden, School Board Vice President 12