SOUTHERN TIOGA SCHOOL DISTRICT
241 MAIN STREET
BLOSSBURG, PA 16912
MINUTES: BOARD OF EDUCATION– January 12, 2004
The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order by President, Jeffrey Rush, with the following members present: Kathleen Halstead, Terry Osborne, Susan Jaquish, William Miller, Barbara Shull, Roxanne Landis, Dan Berguson and Francine Wunderlich.
Also present were Messrs: Kalata, Rakoski, Sikorski, Lindner, Mrs. Crowell, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Sargent, Mrs. Drabick and Mrs. Sick and interested teachers and citizens.
Mr. Kalata presented certificates of appreciation to all Board members in honor of School Board Recognition Month.
The Minutes of the meeting held on December 3, 2003 were read by the Board. On motion of Mrs. Halstead and second of Mr. Miller the Board voted 9 to 0 to approve the minutes as amended to reflect Dan Berguson, not Daniel Berguson.
The Financial Summary was presented and showed a balance in the General Fund Checking Account of $68.19, $950,298.91 in the Cash Management Account, and $4,037,539.25 in PLGIT. The report also included statements regarding the Student Activity Funds, Student Athletic Funds, Capital Reserve Funds, and Bank Notes. On motion of Mrs. Landis and second of Mr. Osborne the Board voted 9 to 0 to approve the Financial Summary as presented. (EXHIBIT)
The Board studied the Bill List for the General Fund. On motion of Mrs. Halstead and second of Ms. Shull the Board voted 9 to 0 to approve paid bills in the amount of $1,885,262.64 and bills to be paid in the amount of $40,315.50. (EXHIBIT)
Mr. Rakoski presented the Food Service Report indicating a profit of $292.10 in the breakfast program and a loss of $1,150.58 in the lunch program, for the month of November. On motion of Mr. Miller and second of Mrs. Landis the Board voted 9 to 0 to approve the food service report as presented. (EXHIBIT)
On motion of Mrs. Halstead and second of Ms. Shull the Board voted 9 to 0 to accept the following resignations and retirements:
On motion of Mr. Osborne and second of Mrs. Wunderlich the Board voted 9 to 0 to approve the Facility Use Permits as presented. (EXHIBIT)
On motion of Mr. Osborne and second of Mr. Berguson the Board voted 9 to 0 to approve Field Trip and Conference Requests as presented. (EXHIBIT)
Mr. Kalata and Mr. Rakoski presented the annual “State of the District Report” showing positive curriculum and financial results for the previous school and fiscal year.
Mr. Kalata also informed the Board of two weather related damage incidents to buildings from the freezing of pipes, one at Blossburg Elementary School and the second at Mansfield High School. He complimented Leon Putnam, district maintenance, and William Walls, head custodian, Mansfield High School in addition to the principals for their actions during the emergencies.
Student Representative, Renee Norman reported on student activities throughout the district.
Thomas Wierbowski, Mayor of Mansfield, informed the Board of the centennial anniversary of the organization of Tioga County and encouraged all municipalities and schools to recognize March 26th. He further commented on the need for additional cindering and plowing of the parking lots and roadways surrounding the Mansfield schools during weather events.
Julie Bescensany, Mansfield, echoed Mr. Wierbowski’s concern for safety and asked whether the district had a small games of chance license. Mr. Kalata responded that he did not believe that we had a license, but would check on it.
George Kump, Sullivan Township, questioned potential conflict of interest regarding negotiations. Mr. Kalata stated that the Board will follow the State Ethics Committee opinion and that Board members with spouses employed by the District would not participate nor receive information regarding professional staff negotiations.
The Administration recommended Board approval of the following:
On Motion of Ms. Shull and second of Mrs. Halstead the Board voted 9 to 0, by roll call, to approve the above recommendations.
The Administration recommended Board approval of a pupil transportation contract with Daniel Baker in the amount of .36 cents per mile to transport a student from the Mansfield Area to an educational program in the Blossburg area. On motion of Mrs. Landis and second of Mr. Osborne the Board voted 9 to 0, by roll call, to approve the recommendation.
The Administration recommended Board approval of the following:
A request from Amy DeCamp, English teacher, North Penn High School, to extend her Family Medical Leave through January 16, 2004.
A request from Samuel Kneller, Assistant Principal at Blossburg and Liberty Elementary Schools, for a sabbatical for restoration of health from May 25, 2004, through November 25, 2004.
Extending the employment of Elizabeth Dillman as 3/5 pre-arranged short-term substitute English teacher at North Penn High School, through January 22, 2004. Ms. Dillman will be employed at a daily rate of $72.00 as defined by the Substitute Professional Employees Conditions of Employment.
Extending the employment of Jeff Wynne as 2/5 pre-arranged short-term substitute English teacher at North Penn High School, through January 22, 2004. Mr. Wynne will be employed at a daily rate of $48.00 as defined by the Substitute Professional Employees Conditions of Employment.
The employment of Eleanor Farrington as pre-arranged short-term substitute elementary teacher at W.L. Miller Elementary school effective January 12, 2004, for six weeks. Mrs. Farrington will be employed at a daily rate of $120.00 as defined by the Substitute Professional Employees Conditions of Employment.
The employment of Christine King as pre-arranged short-term substitute reading teacher at Blossburg Elementary School effective January 5, 2004, through February 27, 2004. Ms. King will be employed at a daily rate of $120.00 as defined by the Substitute Professional Employees Conditions of Employment.
The employment of Belinda Houghtalen as a temporary professional employee with initial assignment as Spanish/English teacher at Mansfield and Liberty High Schools, effective January 22, 2004, pending receipt of appropriate certification. Ms. Houghtalen will be employed at Step 1 of the Bachelor’s salary column, $33,500, to be pro-rated for the 2003/2004 school year, plus benefits as defined by the STSD/STEA Employment Contract.
The employment of Jocelyn Brion as Secretary to the Coordinator of Instructional Services and Grants at the Boyanowski Administration Building, effective January 12, 2004. Ms. Brion will be employed at an annual salary of $18,000, to be pro-rated for the 2003/04 school year, plus benefits as defined by the Conditions of Employment for Classified Employees.
The employment of Stacey Foote as cashier at Blossburg Elementary School, effective December 11, 2003. Ms. Foote will be employed at an hourly rate of $6.50 as per the Hourly Employees Conditions of Employment.
A request from Cara Wehler-Bloom, Guidance Counselor at Liberty and Blossburg Elementary Schools, to take a Family Medical Leave for 12 weeks, effective January 21, 2004.
Additions to the 2003/2004 substitute employee list. (EXHIBIT)
On motion of Mr. Miller and second of Mrs. Jaquish the Board voted 9 to 0, by roll call, to approve the above recommendations.
The Administration recommended Board approval for a supplemental contract for David Kriner, assistant wrestling coach, Mansfield High School for $2,400 for the 2003/04 school year. On motion of Mrs. Halstead and second of Mrs. Landis the Board voted 9 to 0, by roll call, to approve the above recommendation.
The Administration recommended adding Jamie Painting, North Penn High School girl’s basketball program volunteer to the approved volunteer’s list for the 2003/2004 school year. On motion of Mrs. Halstead and second of Mrs. Landis theBoard voted 9 to 0, by roll call, to approve the above recommendation.
The Administration recommended Board approval of the following new courses to begin in the 2004/05 school year:
On motion of Mr. Osborne and second of Mrs. Wunderlich the Board voted 9 to 0, to approve the above recommendations.
The Administration recommended Board approval of a “Settlement and Release Agreement” with Black Ash Services and EHC Associates, Inc. On motion of Mr. Miller and second of Mr. Osborne the Board voted 9 to 0, to approve the above recommendation.
The Administration recommended Board approval for homebound instruction for a Liberty High School student. On motion of Mrs. Halstead and second of Ms. Shull the Board voted 9 to 0, to approve the recommendation.
Board President Rush made the following announcements:
6:30 p.m., Mansfield High School Library, Mansfield
Monday, February 2, 2004
6:30 p.m., Boyanowski Administration Building Conference Room,
Blossburg
Negotiations Committee
Thursday, January 15, 2004
5:00 p.m., Boyanowski Administration Building Conference Room, Blossburg
RE: Labor
Negotiations Committee
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
4:00 p.m., North Penn High School Library, Blossburg
RE: Labor
Negotiations Committee
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
4:00 p.m., North Penn High School Library, Blossburg
RE: Labor
On motion of Mr. Osborne and second of Mrs. Landis the Board voted 9 to 0
to adjourn the meeting.
Respectfully Submitted
_____________________
James J. Rakoski, Board Secretary