Spring-Ford Area School District - 04-18-2005
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Directors of the Spring-Ford Area School District was called to order
at 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of the Spring-Ford High School with the
following in
attendance:
Region I: Bernard F. Pettit and Raymond J.
Rocchio, Jr.
Region II: Ammon Morgan, Jr., Janet A. Stokes,
and Donna Williams
Region III: Ed Cummins, and Richard J. Schroeder
Presiding Officer: Michael V. Masciandaro
Solicitor: Marc Dave, Esq.
Mr. Masciandaro called the meeting to order.
I. DISTRICT GOALS
Mr. Masciandaro asked about the graduation rate data and Dr. Coale said
that
she preferred that Dr. Hurda provide that information upon her return.
Mr.
Schroeder asked about the graduation information and Mr. Masciandaro
clarified that he was seeking target data and not actual data.
II. PUBLIC TO BE HEARD
There was none.
III. PRESENTATION
A. Farewell to the current student representative to the school
board, Danielle Quinn. Introduction of new student representative to
the
school board, Kiley Morsch.
Mr. Masciandaro said that the board was bidding good-bye to Danielle
Quinn,
the present student representative. He praised her for presenting the
student perspective very well. Mr. Masciandaro read a statement about
Kiley
Morsch, the student representative for next year, who will be starting
at
the May 2005 meeting. Kiley is the older of two children, maintains a
high
GPA and ranks in the top 4% of her class. She is president of the
Spanish
Club, Service Club and will be co-editor of the yearbook. Kiley plans
to
major in architectural engineering and business in college. Some day,
she
would like to own her own construction company. Mr. Schroeder asked
about
Danielle's plans. Danielle said that she has a full scholarship at
St. John'
s University and will pursue her doctorate in pharmacy. Mrs. Williams
requested that student representatives contribute a report on a monthly
basis. Mr. Masciandaro invited Kiley to provide reports on a monthly
basis.
IV. ACTION ITEM
Mr. Pettit made a motion to approve Item A. Mr. Rocchio seconded it. It
was
approved 8-0.
A. The board approved of the Spring-Ford Middle School 8th
Grade
Center Science Olympiad Team to participate in the 2005 State Final
Competition of the Pennsylvania Science Olympiad. This State
competition
will be held at Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA on April 29, 2005.
This
request includes transportation to and from Juniata College, leaving at
noon
on Thursday, April 28, 2005 and returning between 10:00 p.m. - 12:00
a.m. on
Friday, April 29, 2005. The Science Olympiad Team consists of 17
students
and 2 teachers. The estimated cost, including transportation, lodging,
and
meals, is one thousand twenty-nine ($1,029.00) dollars. Funding will
come
from the General Fund.
V. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was none.
VI. BOARD AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Contract-Grievance Richard Schroeder
As
needed
Community Relations Joe Ciresi
1st Wed. 7 p.m.
Curriculum Ray Rocchio, Jr.
1st
Tues., 7 p.m.
Extracurricular Ed Cummins
1st Thurs. 7 p.m.
Finance Mike Masciandaro
2nd
Thurs., 7 p.m.
Policy Bern Pettit
2nd Mon., 7 p.m.
Property Janet Stokes
2nd Wed., 7 p.m.
Technology
As needed
WCTS Schroeder, Ciresi
1st
Mon., 7:30 p.m.
Stokes
MCIU-Legislative Joe Ciresi
3rd
Wed., 7:30 p.m.
Richard Schroeder,
Alternate
MCIU Board Ed Cummins
4th Wed., 7:45 p.m.
PSBA Ray Rocchio, Jr.
Liaison for PDE Rick Schroeder
Community Facilities Dr. Genevieve D. Coale
Community Safety Dr. Genevieve D. Coale
Community Healthy Choices Dr. Marsha R. Hurda
Student Representative Report Danielle Quinn
Contract Grievance - no report
Community Relations - Mr. Morgan reported that the committee met and
Fred
Schiffner, poet and author of a children's book, read from his book.
The
committee reviewed the sponsorship policy and discussed the position of
grant writer.
Curriculum Committee - Mr. Rocchio said he'd give his report next
week.
Extracurricular Committee - Mr. Cummins said the committee met and
discussed
ongoing field issues, received a recommendation for a field consultant
and
discussed the transition to the 9th grade center. The committee also
discussed advertising to generate revenues and recommended raising the
entry
fees to athletic events by $1.
Finance Committee - Mr. Masciandaro said the committee met and
reviewed the
capital plan and Act 72. There will be a special finance committee
meeting
this Thursday to discuss the preliminary budget. Property values cited
in
the budget book have compared favorably to surrounding districts. Mr.
Rocchio asked about day to day dollar spending and Mr. Anspach said he
would
provide that data.
Policy Committee - Mr. Pettit said the committee met and reviewed the
list
of policies from 2004-05. Dr. Coale reported that only three more
policies
need changes to meet No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) regulations. Mr.
Pettit
congratulated Dr. Coale in dealing with the NCLB and keeping the
district in
compliance. The committee discussed the sponsorship policy. The
committee
recommended that the policy move forward first and that there be a
second
reading in May. Mr. Pettit reported that at the meeting, Mr. Ciresi
presented his views in partnerships/sponsorships. Mr. Anspach also
attended
the meeting and provided input regarding charter students and the use
of
school facilities policies. Mr. Anspach recommended that the use of
electricity be monitored to control costs. Mr. Pettit said that the
committee recommended that Policies #218 and #143 regarding dangerous
schools and victims of violent crime to be reviewed in May to comply
with
the NCLB. Mr. Schroeder asked about charter and cyberschools access to
extracurricular activities. Dr. Coale said that cyber and charter
schools
are considered public schools and those students would be eligible to
participate in Spring-Ford's extracurricular activities while
homeschooled
students would not.
Property Committee - Mrs. Stokes said that the committee met and Walt
Gadzicki from the Spring City American Legion attended to discuss
installation of the fence around the field. There is a motion on the
agenda
to approve this. Mr. Cooper has a sketch of where the fence will be
installed. He discussed the building of a pole barn in the football
area for
storage of football equipment. There was a continuation of a discussion
of
what to do with the district office and the five-year plan to improve
buildings and energy. The district went out to bid for Brooke's roof
and
will begin replacement in June. There was an update on the 9th grade
center
and there is a deduct on the agenda. There was also an update on the
Winnies
project, and the district is awaiting a critical action plan from the
Department of Environmental Protection. The committee recommended
adding a
motion to next week's agenda to go out for bid following final review
of bid
documents. The sign near the traffic light, which currently says middle
school will be corrected to say 9th grade center. Mr. Cooper will
discuss
construction and graduation with Mr. Nugent. Mrs. Williams asked
whether the
district has gotten all the approvals for the Winnies project and Mrs.
Stokes said that all permits have been approved with the exception of
one,
which has a verbal approval.
Mrs. Williams asked about the district office and Mrs. Stokes said it
was
put on the back burner because so many other projects are in the works.
She
reviewed the committee's progress where the Bechtel Dairy was thought
to be
ideal, then the Pennsylvania Department of Education said a formula had
to
be met with a minimal number of employees. Mrs. Stokes said that in the
course of discussing replacement of the district office's boiler, the
possibility of an addition was discussed. However, the full board would
have
to discuss this issue, she added. Mrs. Williams asked about the
Pennsylvania
Department of Education reimbursement for a standalone or addition. The
estimate for a standalone district office was $2 million as estimated
by Art
Altemose and was not feasible. To add a wing to the high school,
Pennsylvania Department of Education said that there was a minimal
number
of employees required, which Spring-Ford did not meet. Mr. Schroeder
added
that $1 to $3 million projects were discussed by the committee. Mrs.
Williams asked when the addition to the district office was discussed
and
Mr. Schroeder said it was done casually at the conclusion of the
meeting.
WCTS - Mr. Schroeder said the committee met and the bulk of the
meeting
comprised of the preliminary budget. In addition, the following was
discussed: technology, fuel costs, new personnel, textbooks and vans to
transport students and errands. There is no formal process to review
textbooks and that may be added. The committee asked Mrs. Jakubczyk to
establish a protocol.
MCIU - No report
PSBA - No report
Pennsylvania Department of Education Liaison - No report
Community Relations - No report
Healthy Choices - No report
Student Report - Danielle Quinn said that her term of service as
student
representative gave her an appreciation for the hard work required to
run a
school district. She thanked the board for its support. Said she would
miss
the board meeting since she'd be on the senior class trip. She
thanked the
board for supporting the initiative that allowed the seniors to go. Mr.
Masciandaro thanked her for her service.
VII. PERSONNEL
Mr. Masciandaro said that the talk of the extended school
year
broke the misconception that schooling goes on for only 9 months when
it
really goes on in the summer.
H. Administration recommends approval of the 2005 Extended
School
Year (ESY) Program and positions as identified below to be held at
Upper
Providence Elementary School, Limerick Elementary School, 5/6
Intermediate
School and Senior High School, Summer Camp at Spring Valley YMCA, &
Camp Joy
in Schwenksville. The regular program dates will be from July 1, 2005
to
August 8, 2005 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for a general program total
of
156 hours. Specific work dates and schedules may vary depending upon
the
needs of each special education student. Funding for these positions
will
be provided through the IDEA budget and will include FICA & Retirement
payments.
1. Sixteen (16) Special Education Teachers at a rate of $30 per hour.
2. Two and one-half (2.5) certified Speech Clinicians at a rate of $30
per
hour.
3. One (1) certified school nurse at a rate of $30.00 per hour.
4. One (1) LPN- Licensed Practical Nurse at the rate of $16.50 per
hour.
5. Thirty-one (31) Instructional Assistants. The rates will vary
between
$12.10 and $13.10 per hour depending on experience.
VIII. FINANCE
Regarding Item E, Mr. Morgan asked about the check sent to Sweet and
Tucker.
Dr. Coale said that the firm is used for the high school of the 21st
century. Mr. Morgan said it was for the withdrawal from the WCTS. Mr.
Morgan
asked whether payment has been made to Schwartz and Campbell regarding
litigation. A bill had not yet been received by the district.
E. Checks:
1. Weekly Checks prior to Work Session
Check No. 102877-103178
$824,786.78
Check No. $
2. Weekly Checks prior to Board Meeting
Check No.
3. Board Checks held for approval
Check No. $
4. Plotts Checks
Check No. $
5. Scott Foresman Checks
Check No. $
6. Athletic Fund- February
Check No. 296969-297080
$17,955.28
Regarding Item F, Mrs. Williams asked whether the board could get rates
charged to parents and Mr. Anspach agreed to provide that information
by
Friday.
F. The Phoenixville Area YMCA will accept the rental
rate
for YMCA Latchkey program before and after school partnership of
$400.00
month per building. The agreement will be in effect for 3 years and
rental
rate will increased as following: 2005/2006 $400.00, 2006/2007 $425.00,
2007/2008 $450.00. The current per month rate is $375.00 per building.
Administration is recommending accepting the proposal.
Regarding Item L, Mrs. Stokes asked whether the upgrade to the phone
system
was part of the budget. Mr. Spohn said not specifically but the budget
does
cover upgrades. She asked why it was being done late in the school year
and
he responded that it was actually early to avoid the summer crunch of
upgrades. Mrs. Williams asked whether being four or five versions
behind
would harm the district and Mr. Spohn said no. He said upgrades occur
in
stages. Mr. Morgan said that the switch prices were actually
reasonable.
L. Administration recommends approval to go out for bid to
upgrade the existing Avaya telephone system. The phone system has not
had
any major hardware upgrades since it was installed in 1999 and it has
had
only a couple of minor software upgrades. Currently, the software is
4-5
versions behind. The proposed upgrade will replace some of the core
hardware components and make the operating system current. The upgrade
will
also provide the necessary capability to operate voice over IP
telephony in
Winnies Elementary School and throughout the district as technology
continues to converge. Based on discussions with several vendors, the
estimated cost including installation should be in the $80,000 -
$85,000
range.
Regarding Item T, Mr. Rocchio asked whether the new booklet being
produced
by the high school should be included in the publication bid.
T. Administration is requesting authorization to seek bids
for
"Publications" (4 issues-Newsletter, Activity Calendars, Student
Handbooks,
Crisis Prevention/Intervention/Postvention Plan Flip Chart) for the
2005/2006 school year. The cost for Publications for the 2004/2005 was
$38,622.00.
IX. PROPERTY
Regarding Item A, Mr. Morgan asked if sprinklers are needed, would the
district still qualify for insurance? Mr. Cooper said yes.
A. Change Order GC-2: Administration is recommending
approval at
the 9th G C for a deduct change order to eliminate the sprinkler system
above the roof that is not needed as per the fire marshal but was shown
on
the drawings for a total deduction of $8,124.24.
Regarding Item B, Mr. Masciandaro asked for a scaled down diagram of
fence.
Says fence impedes traffic flow. Mr. Schroeder said it's supposed to.
Mr.
Cummins said fences keep out kids riding ATVs from destroying the
fields.
B. Administration is recommending approval to allow the Spring
City
American Baseball Legion to install a fence at the RAM's Stadium to cut
down
on trespassing and vandalism to the field. This fence will also
include
gates as needed. There will be no costs to the school district.
X. PROGRAMMING
Regarding Item J, Mr. Morgan asked if the foreign language program
would use
additional classes. Dr. Coale said they would use the present
classrooms.
Mrs. Williams asked the cost of the program. Dr. Coale said she would
research the question.
J. Administration recommends approval for the SFASD to enter
into
an agreement with Montgomery County Community College to offer an
after-school foreign language program. The district would provide MCCC
classroom space in each elementary school and the Intermediate 5/6
Center in
order to conduct after-school foreign language classes to students in
grades
K-6, beginning with the 2005-2006 school year.
Regarding Item K, Mrs. Williams asked whether the program would be
limited
to district residents. Dr. Coale asked the solicitor to research the
question.
K. Administration recommends approval for Camp Invention, a
hands-on, creativity and science summer camp for elementary students to
be
held at Limerick Elementary School June 27-July 1, 2005 and July 11-15,
2005
and at Royersford Elementary School July 25-29, 2005. This program
will be
run at no cost to the district.
Mr. Rocchio asked about ownership of the software and the period of
time.
Mr. Anspach said that the district had rights to use the software for
three
years.
N. Administration recommends approval to enter into a three
(3)
year Lease with Option to Purchase Agreement with CompassLearning, Inc.
This agreement would provide an upgrade of all CompassLearning software
district-wide. The total cost of this interest-free Lease Purchase
Agreement is not to exceed two hundred sixty-three thousand one hundred
sixty dollars and fifty-five cents ($263,160.55). The terms of the
agreement
are as follows: Downpayment of $84,386.85 is due May 1, 2005. The first
payment of $10,000 is due July 15, 2005; the second payment of
$84,386.85 is
due July 15, 2006; and the final payment of $84,386.85 is due July 15,
2007
XI. OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Masciandaro said that he received a letter from Voter Services
regarding
use of schools for polling places on Election Day. The teachers lounge
would
be used at Brooke along with the hallway. Dr. Coale requested
clarification
of which schools would be used by May. Mr. Morgan suggested closing
school
for Election Day for student safety. Mrs. Stokes said the district
shouldn't
close entirely since only two schools were being used for polling.
Various
locations were discussed including the vo-tech school with Mr. Cummins
saying adults entering the school wasn't a safety issue for older
students.
Mr. Rocchio and Mr. Pettit requested that a diagram be provided to the
board
showing the proposed polling places and Dr. Coale asked for further
clarification and then agreed to provide diagrams of the 5-7 building,
Brooke, and Upper Providence.
Mrs. Williams asked about campaign signs on school property. Mr.
Masciandaro
said the issue could be discussed at the end of the meeting.
XII. SOLICITOR REPORT
The solicitor said the board asked him to approach Upper Providence
Township
regarding the release of escrow funds and he offered to discuss his
findings
at an executive session before next week's board meeting. Mr.
Masciandaro
agreed and announced that there would be an executive session next week
to
discuss this issue.
XIII. PUBLIC TO BE HEARD
There was none.
XIV. ACTION REVIEW
Mr. Masciandaro added a follow-up to District Goal #5 - Graduation
rate, Mr.
Rocchio's curriculum committee report, and the Guidance
Department's
booklets. Mr. Rocchio expressed a concern that high school students
might
need more than what they're getting from the guidance department. He
said
that an additional guidance counselor had been added to the department.
Mr.
Masciandaro expressed agreement with Mr. Pettit who said that guidance
should be strengthened. Mr. Schroeder said that there was a revised
plan as
to how to coordinate services and have guidance counselors spend more
time
with students.
Mr. Morgan requested kindergarten enrollment figures for the 2005-06
school
year.
Mrs. Williams questioned why two or three district properties had
political
signs and asked if they would be removed. Discussion ensued where board
members questioned what Policy #321 covered with the solicitor finally
suggesting that the candidates of said signs be contacted and asked to
remove them.
Mr. Masciandaro mentioned adding a motion under Property to go out to
bid.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Schroeder made a motion to adjourn. Mrs. Stokes seconded it. The
board
adjourned at 9:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Dillon
Board Secretary