The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on April 23, 2002 in the Auditorium of the Ferderbar Elementary School.  The following persons were in attendance:

Prior to the Public Meeting, an Executive Session was held.

Prior to the meeting, the students from the District Elementary Music Festival under the direction of Ms. Amy O�Neill performed three (3) patriotic selections. 

Dr. Bowman pointed out that the students of Ferderbar Elementary School would like to invite the audience to a preview of their annual art show, which opens to the public on Wednesday evening, April 24, 2002.  The projects that are on display are from each student in kindergarten through fifth grade.  The varied results were accomplished during weekly art classes under the direction of Mrs. Louanne Lemke, Art Teacher.  Dr. Bowman further advised that the students are especially proud of the clay projects that were made with the use of the new kiln.

Call to Order � Dr. Bowman called the meeting to order at 8:20 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance- Dr. Bowman requested those in attendance join in the salute to the flag.  

Announcements

Mr. Schoenstadt advised that the Board had a special motion to be presented:

Motion:  Designation of Superintendent Emeritus

Mrs. Drioli presented the following motion:

                WHEREAS, Dr. Gary L. Bowman has faithfully served the Neshaminy School District 
                since l975, including serving for the past ten years as its District Superintendent; and

                WHEREAS, Dr. Bowman has served well the children of the Neshaminy School District; and

                WHEREAS, Dr. Bowman has been honored by election into organizations in the educational
                field, among them:  American Association of School Administrators, Association for 
                supervision and Curriculum Development, Elementary and Secondary Association for School 
                Principals, National and State Middle School Association, Pennsylvania Association of School 
                Administrators, New Jersey Association of School Administrators, Pennsylvania School Business
                Officials, Phil Delta Kappa, American Management Association; and

                 WHEREAS, Dr. Bowman has distinguished himself and the Neshaminy School District with the receipt      of many educational awards; and

                 WHEREAS, Dr. Bowman has served the community through his work in Rotary, the Chamber of  
     Commerce, School Works!, United Way of Bucks County, Operation Helping Hand, Boy Scouts of
     American, Bucks County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., and the Feasterville
     Business Association.

                 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors on this 23rd day 
     of April, 2002 do hereby express its sincere appreciation and thanks for the leadership and dedication he
     has provided to the students, staff, and the many publics that make up the Neshaminy School District. 
     Be it further resolved that he be designated Superintendent Emeritus following his retirement from the
     Neshaminy School District.

Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.

Dr. Bowman expressed his sincere appreciation for this distinguished honor and advised that he was aware of most things occurring in the district; however, this was a complete surprise.  Dr. Bowman advised that he was deeply touched by this great designation of Superintendent Emeritus, and also the scholarship fund that has been established.  Dr. Bowman thanked the Board members for this wonderful recognition.

Ms. Nancy Doster announced that on Tuesday, May 14^th at 7:30 p.m., through the Fulbright exchange program, a pianist from Hungary would be presenting a program for the public. Everyone was cordially invited to attend a wonderful evening of fine music.

Student Representative Report – Miss Foster and Miss Ziemer, student representatives, reported the following:

·         To celebrate World Languages Month – a pop star from Argentina, Justo Lamas, attended Neshaminy High School.  Of the 750 in attendance 220 were Spanish III and IV students from Neshaminy.  Six other school districts were in attendance.

·         Advanced Placement testing begins in early May.  Cost of the exam is $78.  If a student gets a 3 or higher, it could save the students up to $3,000 due to the cost of a college course.

·         Cartoonist, Rob Armstrong, visited Neshaminy for an inspiring talk on March l9.  Mr. Armstrong used unique devices, such as cartoons, to motivate Neshaminy students.

·         The Rotary Students of the Month are Terry Robinson, Lindsay Jenkins and Matt Sandheim.

·         Carrie Duke was chosen to be the “2002 Champion of Caring.”

·         FBLA winners who took part at the State Conference, April 8-10 are:

·         Ken Birk – 9^th in Economics

·         Kyle Elfstrom – 4^th in Business Law

·         Cecelia Olmo – 2^nd in Computer Applications – going to Nationals in Tennessee

·         Nick Orrison – 7^th in Computer Applications

·         Neil Harner & Eric Goldner – 3^rd in Website design

·         Greater Philadelphia is hosting its first annual Car and Motorcycle Show that will be held at Neshaminy High School on May 11^th, rain date May 18^th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  All proceeds go to the March of Dimes and Eagles Fly for Leukemia.

·         Environmental Club had a clean up activity sponsored by the Silver Lake Nature Center and Wheelabrator, Inc.  which was held on April 20^th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Styers Orchards.  This was a contest between schools in Bucks County.  Neshaminy also sponsored a variety of activities in honor of Earth Week.

·         On April 19^th the Sophomore Dinner Dance was held in Gym 3.  This year’s theme was “Midnight Paradise”.  It was a very successful dance and the gym looked beautiful.

·         Wednesday, May 1^st will be the Jazz Bands first performance of many to be held this month.  It will be held at Attleboro in Langhorne.

·         Reviewed the status of the sports teams.  Congratulations to all athletic members who made the Courier Times Winter Golden teams.

·         Baseball is 4-l

·         Tennis is 4-2

·         Softball is 7-l

·         Track team is 13-0, still leading the undefeated season from last year.  Today, they defeated Council Rock

Public Comment – There was a two-minute time limit per speaker.  Mr. Phil Schieber, Langhorne, advised the Board that previously he had made comment that the District Business Manager was performing the duties of the Treasurer.  Recently, it has come to his attention, that the board may be considering an additional Fifty-Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollar position for a public relations specialist for the school district.  Mr. Schieber questioned why this would be necessary, and if the district was not happy with the services of Dr. Costanzo. Mr. Schieber urged the Board to look very hard at the up-coming budget.

Mrs. D’Andrea, Langhorne, President of the Home and School Association advised that much time has been spent improving the facilities and the image of the school.  Mrs. D’Andrea voiced concern over a recent Courier Times article regarding two (2) drug dealers that raised much confusion among parents.  The article failed to be clear in stating that the incidents occurred nearly five (5) years ago.  Mrs. D’Andrea has received many calls from concerned parents regarding this article, and a clarification should occur.

Mr. Mark Geist, Oakford, employee of Neshaminy School District, works at Maple Point Middle School, spoke regarding the public being involved in the budget process.  Mr. Geist suggested that the budget be brought to vote by the public at a primary election.  Further, it could be publicized in the newspaper and on the radio that the budget would be voted upon.

Mrs. Rita Geddes, Lower Southampton, wished to advise the Board of some positive comments.  Her child’s private flute instructor praised the quality of instruction that her child had received through the Neshaminy music program.  The support from the staff in the music curriculum is amazing.  Mrs. Geddes further advised that the staff at Ferderbar Elementary should be commended in teaching the entire student body regarding compassion.  A student with cancer was so very well accepted by the entire student body due to the fact that the staff had taken the time, at every grade level, to prepare the student body for just this type of situation.

Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Bowman advised that the Courier Times article was regarding an investigation that took place several years ago, and the school district did not have anything to do with the writing of the article.   The good news was that two (2) persons were arrested.  The Neshaminy School District has always taken a proactive approach to the prevention of drugs.  Presently, the district is using drug-sniffing dogs to help combat this problem.

Dr. Bowman advised that this evening he was pleased to be able to speak to nearly 700 people at the Neshaminy High School auditorium for the National Honor Society induction ceremony.  There were l64 students that met the high standards required to be inducted into the National Honor Society.  Three (3) Neshaminy students are National Merit Finalists, scoring a perfect l600 on the SATs. 

Dr. Bowman announced that on May 7^th at 6:30 p.m. at the Maple Point Middle School the district would be presenting service awards to staff members in recognition of special achievements and accomplishments.

Dr. Bowman announced that Maple Point Middle School was one of two schools to receive the “2002 Violence Free Youth Challenge” recognition.  The school will receive Five Thousand ($5,000.00) Dollars from the Department of Health.

Mrs. Butville commented that this up-coming budget would certainly be a difficult budget, however, the board was not looking for a public relations person and would not put Fifty Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars towards a public relations position.

Mrs. Drioli commented that she would attend the next Home and School meeting in order to discuss the issue regarding the Courier Times article involving the drugs.

Approval of Minutes – Upon motion of Mrs. Butville, seconded by Mr. Eccles, the Board approved the minutes of the March 26, 2002 and April 10, 2002 Public Meetings with eight ayes.

 Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills for Payment, Investments, Budget Transfers and Exonerations of Personal and Per Capita Tax – Mr. Paradise presented the following for approval:

·         March 31, 2002 Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit

·         Bills for payment for March, 2002

·         Three Investment Funds and Two Escrow Funds

·         Budget Transfer Report No. 02-6 (working copy), which includes three transactions

·         Personal and per capita tax exonerations for March 2002 totaling 98 exonerations

Mr. Eccles moved the March 3l, 2002 Treasurer’s Report be approved, subject to audit, the March 2002 bills for payment, Budget Transfer Report No. 02-6 and March, 2002 personal and per capita tax exonerations be approved.  Mrs. Drioli seconded the motion.

The Board approved the Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit, bills for payment, budget transfers and exonerations of personal and per capita tax with eight ayes. 

Bids – Mr. Paradise presented the following bids for approval:

Bid No. 02-20 – Boiler Replacement at Lower Southampton Elementary School

Bid Amount:  $288,998.00

The bid is for the replacement of the original boiler at Lower Southampton Elementary School.  The Neshaminy School District budget charge is $l63,998.00.  The amount of $l25,000.00 is from the Lower Bucks County School Authority. 

Bid No. 02-22 - Emergency Generator for Neshaminy High School Bus Garage

Bid Amount:  $22,578.00

The bid is for one 50 Kw Emergency Power Generator for the Neshaminy High School Bus Garage.

Bid No. 02-23 – Refinishing Wood Floors

Bid Amount:  $17,031.00

The bid is for work to be done on gym floors at Neshaminy High (2), Neshaminy Middle, Poquessing Middle, Sandburg, Middle, Maple Point Middle, Everitt, and Ferderbar Elementary Schools.  Also, stage floors at Maple Point Middle, Heckman, Hoover, Lower Southampton, and Walter Miller Elementary Schools. 

Bid No. 03-10 – Medical Supplies

Bid Amount:  $11,303.10

The bid is for various supplies for school nurses and co-curricular athletics.

Bid No. 03-11 – School Agendas

Bid Amount:  $27,246.15

The bid is for agendas, teacher planners, lesson plans, and record charts for all secondary schools.

Ms. Drioli moved the five bids be approved and Mrs. Butville seconded the motion.

Mrs. Butville questioned why Neshaminy High School appeared twice on the budget charge for medical supplies, Bid No. 03-10 and three Middle schools were listed.  Mr. Paradise responded that all the middle schools and all the elementary schools would be receiving supplies if they made a request for items. 

Dr. Spitz commented regarding Bid No. 03-11 – School Agendas and inquired as to why the Maple Point Middle School was so much higher then the other middle schools.  Dr. Bowman advised that the agendas are developed according to each school.  Basic information is the same for every school; however, each school may create some parts of the agenda to be unique to their particular school.

The Board approved the five bids with eight ayes. 

Certified and Support Personnel Actions – Dr. Bowman presented the following for approval:

·         Elections – Certified Staff

·         Resignations and Leaves of Absence – Certified Staff

·         Elections and Changes of Classification – Support Staff

·         Resignations and Leaves of Absence – Support Staff

The personnel information appears on pages H-1 through H-7 and Addendum of Elections of Support Personnel.  Dr. Bowman recommended the approval of the personnel report for certified and support personnel as presented.

Mr. Mecleary moved the personnel actions listed on pages H-1 through H-7 and Addendum of Elections of Support Personnel be approved.  Mrs. Butville seconded the motion.

Mr. Schoenstadt inquired as to whether the number of retirements was at thirty-six (36).   Mr. Jones confirmed that number and advised that the number was still changing.

Dr. Spitz inquired as to the long-term substitutes and will they be replacing any of the persons that will be retiring.  Mr. Jones responded that long-term substitutes would be replacing contract employees who are on sick leave, maternity leave or sabbatical leave.   These contract employees will be returning to the district after there specific leaves are finished.

 The Board approved the personnel actions with seven ayes.  Mrs. Jowett abstained.

Motion:  2002-2003 Proposed School Calendar

Mr. Dengler presented the following motion:

                WHEREAS, each year the Board of School Directors must establish an official school calendar for
                the coming year; and

                WHEREAS, the six participating school districts of the Bucks County Technical School

                strive to establish a common school calendar; and         

                WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors reviewed the proposed calendar at the April
                10, 2002, Board Public Meeting; and

                WHEREAS, the proposed calendar was forwarded for comments to each of the employee
                bargaining groups.

                NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors
                adopt the attached school calendar for the 2002-2003 school year.

Mr. Eccles seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.

Motion:  Participation in PA Joint Purchasing Council

Mr. Eccles presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, the District participates in cooperative purchasing agreements with entities under the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1996; and

WHEREAS, these agreements have financially assisted the District by increasing its purchasing power through joint purchasing with other municipalities and other governmental units; and

WHEREAS, PA Joint Purchasing Council has been authorized to bid roofing and certain other building maintenance materials on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Business Administrator be authorized to participate in purchase contracts with the PA Joint Purchasing Council when it is financially advantageous to the District to order and purchase such materials, supplies and equipment when needed by the District.

Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.

Dr. Bowman introduced Mr. William Gretzula who will be the new principal at Lower Southampton Elementary School and Ms. Dawn Kelly who will be the acting principal at Everitt Elementary School.  Dr. Bowman wished both individuals well in their new positions.

Federal Programs – Dr. Bowman noted the federal programs/grant information was included in the board meeting booklet.  Entitlements total $852,733 and other grants total $840,294.50 for a total of $l,693,027.50.   Dr. Bowman pointed out the amount of $10,000.00 for Summer P.A.S.S. I & II Programs, Job Coach and transportation and career exploratory experiences.  Dr. Bowman thanked Dr. Costanzo for taking care of the grant program.

Dr. Bowman recognized Lois Gretzinger’s, Supervisor, Special Education, Intermediate Unit No. 22, attendance at the Board Meeting.

Other Board Business –   Mrs. Butville advised that the revised 2002 School Board Committee sheet does not include the Ad Hoc Committee.

Dr. Spitz inquired as to when there would be further discussion regarding the budget.  Dr. Bowman advised that a bill was put forth in the Senate and the house and was awaiting the governor’s signature.  The district was in the process of taking into account all the retirements, and updated information regarding the budget, which would be available at the work session scheduled for Tuesday, May 7^th.  Dr. Bowman is convinced that the budget is going in the right downward direction.  A full update will be provided at the May meeting with new calculations.  The approval of the preliminary budget will take place at the May public meeting. 

Dr. Spitz expressed concern that the board would not have sufficient input and would not be able to present their ideas regarding the budget. Dr. Spitz suggested not waiting until the May meeting for the board to make comments.   Dr. Bowman advised that the Board would have adequate time in May and June to provide input.  Dr. Bowman advised that the agenda would be limited for the next work session in order to devote adequate time to the budget.  The time frame being used for this budget is the same as the one used for the past ten (l0) years.  Dr. Bowman encouraged board members who had any questions regarding the budget or input to the budget to meet with the administration.  The administration and Mr. Paradise are available daily to discuss the budget.  The budget is an ongoing process and dialogue is encouraged between board members and administration. 

Mrs. Butville inquired whether the new budget numbers will be available in the board packages or whether they will only be available the evening of the meeting.   Mr. Paradise advised that the budget is worked on every single day and continuously is an ongoing project. 

Mr. Eccles commented on an article recently in the Courier Times regarding the earned income tax.  Mr. Eccles commented that since Middletown Township recently sold the water and sewer system for $40 million dollars would Neshaminy School District be entitled to some of those funds in order to balance the budget.

Correspondence – There was no correspondence.

Public Comment – No public comment.

Board Comment –  No board comment.

Mr. Eccles moved the meeting be adjourned and Mrs. Butville seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.  Mr. Schoenstadt adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.

Respectively submitted,

Anita E. Walls
Board Secretary

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