The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on April 10, 2001 in the Board Room of the District Offices, Maple Point Middle School.  The following persons were in attendance:

1.   Call to Order

      Mr. Stack called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m.

2.   Pledge of Allegiance

      Mr. Stack requested that those in attendance join in the salute to the flag.

3.   Announcements

Dr. Bowman noted that the Queen of Universe School roof was torn off during the April 9 thunderstorm.  Approximately 170 students may need to be educated at the Conwell School until repairs can be made to the school.  The administration will do its best to work with the school�s administration.  Mr. Eccles stated no official decisions have been made yet.  Queen of the Universe is trying to keep all the students together.  Dr. Bowman will call the Queen of Universe School principal tomorrow (April 11).

4.   Education Presentation - www.neshaminy.k12.pa.us

Mr. Paradise made a PowerPoint presentation of the District�s web site, www.neshaminy.k12.pa.us.  He noted there is an incredible amount of information on Neshaminy�s web site.  He explained Mike Lehahan has developed and expanded the web site.  He also oversees it.  Mr. Paradise briefly reviewed the web site and pointed out the following:

�         There are 25 major sections.

�         Each school has its own web site.

�         Various departments have their own web site (i.e., Food Services, Transportation, etc.).

�         Web site�s front page includes several hot links and the latest information.

�         The web page is constantly updated with the latest information.

�         The various departments and the schools maintain their own calendar/schedule information that is available on
their web pages.

�         The site records the number of hits. 

�         The possibility of implementing trend reports is being reviewed.

�         Question and answer sites are being developed.

�         Members of the public can e-mail the postmaster on any subject, and the postmaster forwards the e-mail to the appropriate person.  The individual�s question is answered within a day or two.

�         The administration is working on reducing printing costs through use of the web page.

5.   Items for Discussion

      a.  2001-2002 Budget Expenditure Review

The 2001-2002 Working Draft Expenditure Summary dated April 10, 2001 distributed at the meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board it will be necessary to depend on the fund balance to address the budget needs.  Many of the state subsidies have been identified.  However, the subsidies are dependent upon the final adoption of the state budget.  There is a move to increase special education funding. 

Dr. Bowman reviewed the 2001-2002 budget preparation calendar listed on pages 25 and 26 of the budget booklet.  He reviewed the 30-10-20 rule, which is as follows:

·         Thirty days prior to the adoption of the budget, the budget must be printed in the state format.

·         Ten days prior to adopting the budget, the public must be notified of the Board’s intent to do so.

·         Twenty days prior to the adoption of the budget, the budget must be made available for public review.

Dr. Bowman noted Neshaminy’s budget will be made available for public review 21 days prior to the adoption of the budget.  The budget will be presented for approval on June 12, 2001.  Initially, the June Public Meeting was scheduled for June 19. Therefore, this is a change in the Board meeting calendar.  He recognized Mr. Paradise, Ms. Glennie, Mrs. Donovan and Mrs. Donovan’s staff for their work on the budget.

Dr. Bowman briefly reviewed the staffing information listed on pages 18 through 21 for 1999-2000 and 2000-2001.  The staffing for 2001-2002 has not been completed.  Kindergarten registration has been completed.  The course selection process has been completed and meetings are being held with each principal as to their staffing needs.  At this time, the budget is built around the staff currently employed in the District.

Mr. Paradise noted some of the previous year’s budget information and audit report are available on the District’s web site.  When the Board approves a proposed budget and it is made public, it will be available on the District’s web site. 

Mr. Paradise reviewed the content and format of the 2001-2002 Working Draft Expenditure Summary.  He noted the following:

·         Of every dollar, $.93 goes directly toward instructional programs or programs which support the instructional programs (page 29).

·         Less than 5 percent of the general funds go toward long term debt (page 29).

·         Only 1.4 percent of the funds go toward site or building improvements (page 29).

·         The regular instruction budget is 67 percent of the budget (page 33).

·         Special education instruction equals 20 percent of the instruction budget (page 33).

·         The budget reflects a $406,622 reduction in the other purchased service account.  The reduction is the result of Neshaminy’s Technical School contribution being reduced (page 33).

·         The instructional programs budget has increased 4 percent over the current year.

·         Approximately 16 percent of the students are in the special education program.

·         Dr. Bowman noted there are discussions in Washington, D.C. regarding funding special education in accordance with the law established in 1975.  A 25 percent increase in IDEA funds is anticipated.

·         The charter school expenditure has doubled since last year (1999-2000) to 2001-02 (page 37).

Ms. Drioli said at a recent conference, she heard the comment that charter schools are the best way to guarantee that public education is no longer equal.  Mr. Schoenstadt stated a recent Courier Times article reported that charter schools’ scores are significantly below those of the schools in Pennsylvania.  Dr. Bowman noted at a previous Board Meeting, the question was raised about the amount of transportation reimbursement received for transporting the charter school students.  The District will receive for this year a charter school transportation reimbursement of $4,200.  Mr. Blasch explained the District received a transportation reimbursement of approximately 50 percent for the charter schools, which is lower than that received for private and parochial school transportation reimbursement.  Mr. Eccles inquired if the District could charge a transportation fee to recoup the difference in the charter school transportation reimbursement.  Dr. Bowman indicated he would look into the charter school transportation reimbursement issue.

Mr. Paradise highlighted the following regarding the expenditure budget:

·         Increases in custodial, plant maintenance and transportation are due to repaving in certain areas and fuel oil costs. 

·         Fuel oil costs:  1999-2000  $.44 per gallon

                              2000-2001  $.67 per gallon

                              2001-2002  $.79 per gallon

·         Budgeted custodial and plant maintenance projects are listed on pages  95 through 97.  Over the next several weeks the projects will be reviewed further for possible reductions. 

·         The student activities and community service programs are listed on pages 118 and 119.  The Aquatic Program is self-supporting, but the expenditures are listed in this category.  The expenditure for the school crossing guards is also included in this category.  The crossing guards are township and municipal employees and the District must pay one-half of the crossing guard cost.

·         The building improvement services listing on page 139 includes the costs for the roofing work scheduled for 2001-02. 

Dr. Bowman stated it is hoped that these projects will be addressed with Authority funds. If the Authority funds the projects, they would be removed from the District’s budget. 

·         The District’s debt service and budgetary reserve are listed on pages 140 and 141.  This expense has decreased by 2 percent.  $500,000 is budgeted for the budgetary reserve. 

·         The budget increase is $5.6 million or 4.95 percent.  The bulk of the increase is in the area of salary and benefits (pages 28 and 29). 

·         The health insurance cost increase is projected to be $1.15 million or 10.4 percent.

·         Neshaminy’s contribution to social security tax is $5.3 million.  The District has no control of this expenditure.

·         Due to the PSDLAF fund and stock market, the District has realized savings over the last several years.  Two years ago the contribution was over $3 million. The proposed budget reflects only $222,000. 

·         The $429,400 budgeted for textbooks is for the Language Arts Program (page 43).  The total cost of the program is $600,000.  It will be phased in over a two year period. 

Ms. Drioli inquired if the information included in textbooks can be accessed through the Internet.  If the information can be accessed over the Internet, possibly the textbook expenditure could be reduced.  Dr. Bowman explained some small school districts in Texas are using electronic textbooks.  Every child has a reader along with the appropriate disk, which is used as their textbook. Essentially each child is given a computer.  Once the equipment is in place, an electronic curriculum update would be less expensive than updating hard copy items (textbooks). 

Mr. Mecleary left the meeting at 9:20 p.m.

Mr. Stack felt it would be beneficial if the textbook information were available to students on the Internet.  Mrs. Bostwick said this assumes that every student has access to a computer.  She inquired what percentage of the student population has access to a computer at home.  Mr. Stack suggested a survey be conducted to determine how many Neshaminy students have access to a computer at home.  Mr. Eccles noted the norm is 70 percent of the households in the United States have a computer.  Dr. Bowman said some small school districts provide two sets of textbooks, one for home and one for school. 

 Unreserved Fund Balance Analysis

Dr. Bowman distributed and reviewed the unreserved fund balance analysis sheet dated April, 2001.  He noted the actual audited fund balance as of June 30, 2000 was $7,531,522.  When approving the budget last year, $4,200,000 of the fund balance was allocated to help balance the budget.  If the entire $4,200,000 is used, the remaining fund balance will be $3,332,522.  It is estimated there will be $1,500,000 remaining from the current fiscal year, which will result in a 2001-02 fund balance of approximately $4,832,522.  The fund balance prior to 2000 was $9,000,000.  As the Board continues to use the fund balance to reduce taxes, it must be mindful how much the fund balance is diminished each year.  A good rule of thumb is to use only half of the fund balance and allow the other half to remain for the following year.  Mr. Paradise explained in recent years the Board has used 50 to 60 percent of the fund balance. 

In response to a question raised by Mr. Schoenstadt, Dr. Bowman explained the expenditure of funds has been frozen for the current year except for educational needs for the remainder of the year.  Every purchase order is being carefully examined.

Mr. Schoenstadt noted if a bond issue is used to fund some of the District’s projects, the expenditures will be reduced and additional revenue will be available.  Mr. Paradise explained the only area that expenditures may be reduced is roofing repairs.  It is anticipated that the Authority will assume this expenditure and reduce the budget expenditure by $900,000 to $1,000,000.  However, the budget does not currently reflect this possible reduction.  There are items included on the five-year plan that have not been included in the budget.  The items were requested this year and removed from the budget for consideration under a bond issue.  Therefore, funding of these items through a bond issue will not affect the budget.

Mr. Stack inquired why there is a difference in the amount of year end expenditure reported in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and budget document.  Mr. Paradise explained the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report includes everything, federal funds, special grants, etc., no matter how it is funded.  The budget document includes purely general fund expenditures.  The budget document includes those expenditures that are funded through the local taxpayers through the tax rates.  Mr. Stack noted there is a difference in the fund balance on the two documents.  Mr. Paradise stated the unreserved fund balance available to the Board for use is $7.5 million.  The reserved fund balance listed in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report includes inventory, supplies and carryover purchase orders.  The comprehensive fund balance includes reserves.  The additional reserve funds are not available for expenditure because they are already encumbered.  The budget document reserved fund balance is not encumbered in any way and is available for future use. 

      b.  Proposed School Bus Stop Changes for next September, 2001

Information previously distributed.  Dr. Bowman recommended the administration proceed with consolidating bus stops but only at the secondary level.  Dr. Bowman briefly reviewed the proposed school bus stop changes for  September, 2001 information sheets.  The consolidation of bus stops would affect Neshaminy, private and parochial school students.  Mr. Paradise noted the information is available on the web site.  He recommended the information be broadcast on the District’s cable station and an informational meeting be scheduled.  Dr. Bowman noted the students would be notified of their new bus stops when they receive their bus schedule postcards prior to the beginning of the new school year.  Mr. Stack felt it is important to notify those affected by the changes before the changes take place.  Dr. Bowman stated the changes will involve approximately 300 students and postage costs would be approximately $100 to notify the affected students. 

In response to Mrs. Butville’s question, Mr. Blasch estimated most bus routes will only have three or four bus stops affected by the changes.

Mr. Paradise pointed out the recommendation approaches the bus stop changes from a secondary level as opposed to the elementary level.  If it is approached from a more modest level, its success level can be measured and perhaps in the future further changes could be made.  Due to concern about public reaction to the change, the administration did not want to make a huge change. 

In response to Mr. Eccles’ comments regarding the increased walking distance, Mr. Paradise explained the District’s walking  policy states any student within a mile or a mile and quarter, depending on the level of school, must walk to school.  If a student lives a mile from school and  must walk to school, why can’t a student walk a half mile to the bus stop?  Dr. Frank pointed out the state transportation regulations are even more stringent than Neshaminy’s regulations. 

Mr. Blasch, Transportation Director, explained over the years bus stops have been added due to pressure from the public.  One additional stop can mushroom into adding 15 minutes to a morning.  The objective is to reduce the number of bus stops to make the runs more efficient and arrive at the schools on time, primarily in the afternoon.  The elimination of bus stops will be for morning and afternoon runs, but it primarily will help the buses to arrive at the schools on time in the afternoon.   Every additional bus stop adds more time to a run and may result in the need to hire another driver or purchase another bus.

Dr. Bowman felt at the high school level there will be less opposition to the bus stop changes than there will be at the middle school level.  The issue will be more intense at the elementary level.  The changes will affect 192 high school students and 105 middle school students.  Mr. Paradise explained the students total walking distance is calculated on the computer from the house furthest from the bus stop. 

Mr. Stack suggested when advising the parents of the bus stop changes, they also be advised of the state regulation and the District’s policy.  Ms. Drioli said the only objection she would have to any bus stop changes would be if the students had to walk in heavy traffic areas or along a dangerous route.  Mr. Paradise stated most of the areas are in safe walking areas. 

Dr. Bowman recommended the administration review the bus stop changes and how they relate to the safety issue.  He also recommended a letter be sent to the households that will be affected by the changes and ask the parents to advise the administration of any concerns.  There was Board consensus to have the administration proceed with the letter to parents. 

      c.  Home Schooling and Co-Curricular Participation

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  A Pennsylvania School Boards Journal article relating to the issue was distributed to the Board members.  Dr. Bowman explained a resident of the community, Mr. Schneider, has met with the administration, addressed the Board and has requested home-schooled students be allowed to participate in co-curricular activities.  He noted the following statement is included in Board Policy No. 533 - Home Education Program:

“A pupil in an approved home learning program shall not participate in extra curricular school activities or shall they earn a Neshaminy diploma.”

Dr. Bowman noted the Board Policy No. 533 was developed and approved in 1991.  He said if the Board would like to have the resident’s request considered, the Board needs to direct the issue to the Board Policies Committee for review and discussion.

Mr. Stack inquired what is being done across the Commonwealth.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board he will direct Mr. Wilson to obtain information as to how Bucks County school districts and Lancaster County school districts are handling the situation.  Mrs. Butville also requested information be obtained on how the State College area schools handle the situation.  Dr. Bowman noted one of the issues is  PIAA eligibility and not having double standards.  Ms. Drioli inquired if the District were to allow home-schooled students to participate in co-curricular activities, could the charter and parochial schools challenge the policy. 

Mr. Schneider explained his son will be 14 years old in May and will be attending eighth grade again next year.  He currently participates in Our Lady of Grace School activities, and he will continue to participate in some of those activities next year. 

There was Board consensus to refer the issue to the Board Policies Committee for review and discussion.

Dr. Frank left the meeting at 9:45 p.m.  Mr. Stack advised the Board that Dr. Frank  had brought back various materials from the National School Boards Association Convention for the Board members’ review.

      d.  Enrollment/Facilities - Criteria Questions and Timeline

Information distributed prior to the meeting and additional information distributed at the meeting.  Dr. Bowman briefly reviewed the school closing timeline and criteria questions for closing schools information sheets distributed to the Board members.  Dr. Bowman cautioned the Board in reference to making a timely decision and when the decision is released so there will be a productive, useful school year.  He noted the public knows enrollment is declining and expects the Board to take some action.  The Board’s decision will also affect attendance boundaries.  There will be an opportunity to balance enrollment in the buildings.  Currently, some buildings are utilized at the 90 percent level and others at the 60 percent level.  All the buildings should be utilized at the same level so there are the same kinds of demands on the facilities in one part of the District as there are in another part of the District. 

Mr. Eccles questioned if delaying the school closing announcement until May, would affect the entire school year throughout the whole School District by everyone wondering which school or schools would be closed.  Possibly it would be beneficial to make the announcement sooner rather than later.  He felt this is an issue that needs to be reviewed further. 

Dr. Bowman noted the Maple Point facility was closed without any public input and that was not right.  The closing of the Eisenhower and Hoover facilities was announced fairly early.  Mr. Dengler pointed out the way the Maple Point facility closing was handled was very demoralizing.  He noted of the seven/eight facilities closed in the District, the Maple Point facility closing was the only one that caused a problem in the District.  When the other facilities were closed there were no problems, because the situation was handled properly.  He felt if the Board proceeds appropriately, it will not encounter problems with the closing of a facility.  By allowing public input and keeping the public informed, the Board will be able to avoid problems.

Ms. Drioli pointed out the closing of a facility also involves the displacement of personnel.  She felt if the decision is made to open an alternative school, the displaced teachers should have an opportunity to be placed in the alternative school.  She indicated she favored announcing any decision early so the students, teachers and parents could be involved in the process.  Dr. Bowman said the Board needs to discuss and decide on what type of approach it wants to take on the school closing issue and review the ramifications of the approach. 

Mrs. Butville suggested the Board continue the process rather than waiting until November to begin the review and discussions again.  Dr. Bowman explained he will be providing the Board with correspondence on the issue as a result of the administration’s internal review.  The administration has been reviewing numerous scenarios and the impact on enrollment, attendance boundaries, etc.  He recommended not providing the various scenario review information to the public at this time, but rather wait until there is a sense of reality.  Mrs. Butville felt the Board needs to thoroughly investigate each situation/scenario to ensure the Board selects the right situation/scenario.  Dr. Bowman stated there are not that many final options. 

Mr. Stack noted the Board started the process in September and a wealth of information has been collected.  An elementary school could have been closed last year.  Dr. Bowman stated a school could be closed for September 2001.  Mr. Stack felt if a likely scenario were to close a middle school, the preparation time would be greater than that for an elementary school.  If the Board delays making a decision on closing a elementary school for a year, the Board will have lost an opportunity that the Board could have acted on today.  If an elementary school is going to be closed, the time to close the school is September 2001.  Mr. Stack stated the Board has already raised some level of anxiety in the District. 

Mr. Schoenstadt felt at any time, the Board could review the analysis of options 2, 3 and 5 with input from the administration.  Mr. Stack recommended the following: 

·         Building Utilization Committee meet this month and review the various scenarios.

·         In May the Board identify the candidate facilities and option feedback from the committee.

Mr. Stack said the Board needs to face the issue and make a decision.  Dr. Bowman said the Board’s job is to provide quality educational opportunities for all of the children in the most cost effective way possible.  The District has too many facilities at this point in time.  Dr. Bowman reviewed the following school closing issues:

·         If a middle school is closed and the students are placed in the three remaining middle schools, the remaining schools will have enrollments of 900 to 1,600 students.  This would result in too many students in one building.  Dr. Bowman explained he is very concerned about and opposed to having huge middle schools.

·         If a middle school is closed and the sixth graders are placed in the elementary schools, all the middle school education issues (training, scheduling, programs, instruction) worked on the last nine years would be given up.  Research states sixth graders are more like seventh graders than they are fifth graders.  School districts across the country are going to the middle school structure. 

·         Closing an elementary school early would allow funds to be saved as early as possible.  Closing an elementary school would require redistricting.  This option would protect the integrity of the educational programs.  It would allow the District to maintain four middle schools with enrollments that can be managed and addressed properly.  An elementary school that the Board believes it can market should be selected.  Possibly a middle school can be closed in five years.

Dr. Bowman stated by closing an elementary school, $1,000,000 to $1,200,000 could be saved.  More money could be saved by closing a middle school, but major compromises would have to be made in educational programs.  He stated he could not recommend closing a middle school. 

In response to Mr. Stack’s question regarding providing a middle school program for the sixth graders in the elementary schools, Dr. Bowman explained such a program could be provided.  It would involve asking the teachers to team and expanding the co-curricular/intramural program.  In the middle schools, the sixth graders have models which they would not have in the elementary schools.  He explained according to research, the brain has rapid growth the first five to seven years of life and during the early adolescent years.  The middle schools provide exploratory experiences for all middle school students.  Sixth graders make the middle schools more whole and complete.  Meeting the sixth graders’ individual needs might be a greater challenge in the elementary schools.  The District has spent a lot of money making the change to the middle school program.  Ms. Drioli felt the sixth graders could be more nurtured and coddled in the elementary schools.

Dr. Bowman explained he is opposed to grades six to seven schools and grades eight to nine schools, because it takes more than two years for the group to come together.  The progressive schools are keeping the same group of teachers with the students for three or four years.  Currently, Neshaminy’s sixth graders are in the same middle school building for four years.  A team of four core curriculum teachers are with the students the entire school year.  If the sixth graders were relocated to the elementary schools, the District could not afford to provide the same team of four teachers working with the sixth graders at each elementary school.  Dr. Bowman recommended the Board use good, solid, common sense, educational research in school best practices as it makes these considerations.  

Mr. Schoenstadt stated there are numerous studies that show sixth graders’ test scores have a significant drop, 12 to 18 percent, when they move out of an elementary environment and into another environment.  The results are the same when ninth graders move into another environment.  When the sixth graders are retained at the elementary level, there is no drop in their test scores.  He felt the study information reflects that moving a student from an elementary school environment to a middle school environment has a negative impact on the student.  The sixth graders’ emotional involvement needs to be recognized.  He felt a grades K-6 school provides a healthy environment for children. 

Mr. Stack recommended the Building Utilization Committee begin reviewing the issue in earnest next week.  There was Board consensus for Mr. Stack’s recommendation.  The Building Utilization Committee will meet on Wednesday, April 18, at 6 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Offices.

6.   Items for Approval

      a.  Overnight Trip

Self-explanatory information distributed prior to the meeting.  Mr. Wyatt presented the following trip for approval:

·         Future Problem Solving Teams from Neshaminy High School and Maple Point Middle School to Penn State for state level of competition - May 4-5, 2001

There was Board consensus for the trip.

      b.  Technical School Budget

Mr. Dengler reported Neshaminy’s budget contribution will be $400,000 less than last year’s contribution.  The budget will be presented for formal approval on May 10 at 6:00 p.m.  After the budget is approved, there will be a formal dedication of the facility.  A reception will follow the dedication.  Mr. Dengler said it is imperative that all Board members attend the May 10 meeting. 

      c.  Strategic Plan

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman reported the Strategic Planning Committee met last week and all of the action team leaders made their presentations.  Dr. Bowman recommended the Strategic Plan be approved at the April 24 Public Meeting 

Ms. Drioli expressed concern about the cost of some of the goals outlined in the Strategic Plan.  She recommended the word “will” be changed to “will attempt to achieve”.  Mr. Schoenstadt explained the Strategic Plan is necessary to meet the requirement of the state.  The aspects of the Strategic Plan that are practical will be implemented.  In response to Ms. Drioli’s comments about changing the wording, Mr. Schoenstadt explained if the wording is tentative, it is not an action plan.  It lists the actions that are in the ultimate best interests of the School District.  The costs may preclude the Board from implementing some of the actions.

Dr. Boccuti noted each action plan includes a cost-benefit analysis.  The Board will be approving the action plan.  The cost-benefit analysis information provides an estimate of what the action would cost at the present time.  The financial aspect is always subject to Board approval.  Dr. Bowman explained the Strategic Plan is the Board’s vision for the District.  It provides direction, a blueprint.  It is not legally binding.  Due to cost factors, the Board may not be able to implement some of the actions.  The District will implement the actions as it can afford to do so.  Dr. Bowman said it is the Superintendent’s job to implement the action plans based upon the resources provided in the budget. The Board is required to submit an action plan to the Department of Education.

Approval of the Strategic Plan and recognition of the action team leaders will be an agenda item at the April 24 Public Meeting.

      d.  Summit Trace Open Space Parcels Tax Forgiveness

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Mr. Paradise explained the taxes, which total $120,996, on the Summit Trace property have not been paid since 1991.  Middletown Township has requested the District’s forgiveness on this property’s outstanding taxes.  Mr. Paradise recommended the Board not forgive the real estate taxes.  He noted eventually the District will receive the money, because the property will be sold.

There was Board consensus to not approve the request for tax forgiveness. 

      e.  Approval of Board Policies No. 232, 332, 432, 532 - Restrictions Upon Possession, Smoking

          and Tobacco Use

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Mr. Wyatt explained the four policies are identical in content.  The policies state the District would be designated as a non-smoking, smoke-free school district.  He noted all vehicles owned by the District would be smoke free to anyone using or riding in the vehicles.  All buildings and grounds of the School District would be smoke free.  The state law permits the District to designate a smoking area 50 feet from a building or activity. 

Mrs. Butville noted since no action has been taken on a policy since the new law (House Bill 819) went into effect, the District is totally smoke free.  To allow smoking, the policy would have to designate a smoking area 50 feet away from District facilities and student activity areas.  By not taking any action, the state law prevails.  A survey of union representatives indicated the certified and support staff were split on the issue.  The administration supports having a smoke-free school district.

Ms. Drioli indicated she was opposed to the District being a totally smoke-free environment.  She noted she is a non-smoker.  She felt the policy would be infringing on another person’s rights.  She said people who want to smoke have a right to smoke.  The policy will not make anyone quit smoking.  However, teachers, coaches and parents attending functions will be leaving the District’s facilities as soon as possible after school, an event, etc. so they can go home and smoke.  Ms. Drioli stated she cannot support the recommended policy. 

Mrs. Butville pointed out a designated smoking area must be located 50 feet away from the building and student activity areas.  It will be very difficult to enforce a policy that allows smoking 50 feet away from the building and student activity areas.  One possible solution would be to designate a specific area away from all buildings and activities.  The committee’s recommendation was to present the proposed policy to the full Board for input and have the policy presented for approval at the April 24 Public Meeting. 

In response to a question raised by Mrs. Butville, Mr. Wyatt explained the four Restrictions Upon Possession, Smoking and Tobacco Use Board Policies, which say the same thing, are necessary.  One policy is for each section of the Board Policies Book. The policy needs to be addressed in each section of the book.

After further discussion, it was determined the Restrictions Upon Possession, Smoking and Tobacco Use Board Policies will be an agenda item at the April 24 Public Meeting.

       f.  Approval of Budget Transfers/Bids

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Mr. Paradise advised the Board Budget Transfer Report No. 01-6 (working copy), which includes four transactions and subtransactions, will be presented for approval at the April 24 Public Meeting.

Mr. Paradise briefly reviewed the following bids:

Bid No. 01-22 - Scrubbing and Refinishing Wood Floors

Award Amount:   $18,585.00

The bid is for work to be done on gym floors at Neshaminy High School, Neshaminy Middle, Poquessing Middle, Sandburg Middle, Maple Point Middle, Everitt, Miller and Ferderbar Elementary Schools.  Also, stage floors at Neshaminy Middle, Samuel Everitt, Walter Miller and Maple Point Middle.  This is a routine bid.  Last year’s bid for this work is not comparable because the Sandburg School’s floor was not refinished.  The floor was flooded last year and had to be replaced.  This year the bid includes the refinishing of stage floors for four schools and last year the  stages were not included in the bid.  The refinishing of the Maple Point Middle School stage floor will improve the situation.  However, to solve the problem it would cost approximately $40,000.  Mr. Stack recommended the Maple Point Middle School stage floor be considered for possible replacement in the future. 

Bid No. 01-23 - Emergency Generators for Neshaminy High School and Hoover Elementary School

Award Amount:   $64,615.00

The bid is for the delivery, including installation, of two emergency generators.  This is a current year budgeted item. 

Bid No. 02-05 -Medical Supplies

Award Amount:   $14,386.07

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

Bid No. 02-07 - Science Supplies

Award Amount:   $12,567.07

The bid is for various supplies for the instruction of the science curricula district wide.  This is an annual bid.

The Budget Transfer Report and bids will be agenda items at the April 24 Public Meeting.

7.   Public Comment

There was a two minute time limit per speaker.  Mr. Marucci, Middletown Township, stated smoking is a habit acquired by adults.  He questioned how the District is going to prevent District employees from smoking in District owned vehicles. 

Mr. Spitz, Middletown Township, recommended if the Board proceeds with any plans to close a school for the 2001-2002 school year, the public should be advised and involved in the process as soon as possible.  If the public feels they are not involved in the issue, there will be problems. 

In response to Mr. Spitz’s comments, Ms. Drioli stated the public has been notified.  The committee that reviewed the utilization issue included members of the public who are actively involved in particular their schools.  There is no intention to not involve the public.  She pointed out the Board does not have a particular school in mind at the current time.  Mr. Stack noted the Building Utilization Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, April 18, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room.  The community is invited to attend the meeting.  Dr. Bowman stated he will send a letter to the individuals who served on the previous committee advising them of the April 18 Building Utilization Committee Meeting. 

8.   Items for Information

      a.  NESACC/Neshaminy Kids Club Lease Renewal

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board that NESACC has requested a three year as it has in the past.  He noted each year the Board has renewed the lease for one year.  He recommended the Board once again renew the lease for one year.

Mr. Eccles noted last year the Board had decided it would review, on a yearly basis, the fee charged NESACC.  Mr. Paradise stated agreeing to renew the lease would not preclude the Board from reviewing the fee charged to NESACC.  Mr. Eccles stated he believed it was determined last year that charging NESACC a fee would be beneficial to NESACC obtaining grant funds.

The Board indicated it was in favor of renewing the lease for one year, but Mr. Paradise is to discuss the fee issue with Mr. McPartlin, Director of NESACC.

      b.  Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

Report distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman said Mrs. Donovan has done a wonderful job developing the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which is a quality report. 

Mr. Stack commented the Board has discussed the issue of an earned income in the past, but it has not been a current subject of discussion.  Therefore, the information should be addressed accordingly.

      c.  Neshaminy School District Annual Report 2000

Report distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman thanked Dr. Costanzo for her work on the quality report.  He noted Mrs. Butville has also spent time working on the report.  The report will be submitted to the PSBA for publication award consideration.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board, at Mrs. Butville’s suggestion,  the distribution of the report has been expanded. 

9.  Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Bowman reported Verizon has awarded a $15,000 grant to Neshaminy High School.  The grant is part of the Verizon Corporation’s Growth Initiatives for Teachers (GIFT) Program.  The award winners are Diane McCollick, mathematics teacher, and Joseph Bodri, science teacher.  The award will be presented to the two teachers in Washington, D.C. in June.  The two Neshaminy teachers are part of a group of 55 teacher-teams from 40 states receiving grants totaling $825,000. 

10. Committee Reports

      a.  Educational Development Committee

Dr. Boccuti reported at the last committee meeting, the committee was updated on the Reading Language Arts adoption process.  The final recommendation will be presented to the committee in May.  A presentation was made on the Neshaminy High School video course.  The committee indicated their approval of a grade 9 architectural and design course and an advanced video course for the high school students.

      b.  Education Foundation

Mr. Dengler reported the Foundation is working on the wall of honor, which will be located in the Neshaminy High School auditorium.  The funds raised through the wall of honor project will benefit the endowment fund.  The committee hopes to sell the tiles for $125.00 each. 

      c.  Finance Committee

Mr. Eccles reported the committee discussed a tax amnesty program and will obtain additional information on the program.  The committee briefly reviewed improvements needed in the District. 

      d.  Intermediate Unit Board

Ms. Drioli explained the Intermediate Unit has a program which involves prisoners transcribing books, articles, etc. into Braille for blind students.  The Intermediate Unit Board will be visiting the prison where the Braille work is done. 

      e.  Board Policies Committee

Mrs. Butville inquired if the Board was interested in having a policy developed pertaining to not voting on issues under other board business.  Dr. Bowman stated such a policy could create a problem.  Sometimes information is received from the state that must be voted on and the only place to take the action is under other board business.  Mr. Stack said the agenda can be amended at the beginning of the meeting to add any last minute items.  Mr. Paradise pointed out if Board members wanted to present an action under other board business, they could vote to change the policy at the same meeting they want to present the item for approval.  Mr. Stack suggested not voting on an issue under other board business be listed as an intended practice.  Dr. Bowman said any such policy would have to allow for unique situations.  At Mr. Stack’s suggestion, the administration will obtain information from the PSBA about the issue.

      f.  Technical School Board

           Information provided earlier in the meeting under agenda item 6b (Technical School Budget).

      g.  Technology Committee

Mr. Stack reported the committee discussed some salary inequities within the District.  The technology coordinator’s salary is not in kind with what is being paid in other Bucks County school districts, i.e., range of $66,000 to $83,000.  The compensation being provided by Neshaminy is under $50,000.  A request has been made that the salary be increased to $66,000 over a three year period of time.

Mr. Stack explained the District has four technology support positions.  A request has been made to provide lead status to two of the positions.  By providing lead status, there would be a $.20 per hour increase, which would equal $835 annually.  Mr. Stack stated he supported both recommendations.  The Board requested additional information on the salary issues.  Salary modification sheets will be provided to the Board members. 

Mr. Stack reported the District is 60 percent on its way to being a true MAN (Metropolitan Area Network).  This September there will be a pilot program between the Neshaminy Middle School and Maple Point Middle School to provide a distance learning event.  There will be some costs involved to equip the individual school buildings, which will need to be reviewed. 

Mr. Stack noted a list of projects was distributed to the Board members.  Additional information has been requested on the high school TV production lab and technology component of the high school graduation project.  An additional $90,000 is being requested to fund the TV production lab.  He indicated he would favor the students producing a news program.  Mr. Stack said he has some concerns about what is being produced and the future plans for the program.  Dr. Bowman stated the studio cost is $12,000 and there is a $7,000 expenditure to expand the classroom.  It could be done in two phases. 

Mr. Stack said he understands equipment would be purchased for students to fulfill the technology component of the high school graduation project.  He inquired where will the students work with the equipment and what type of supervision will be required.  Will additional costs be incurred for the supervision of equipment use? 

Mr. Stack explained an issue that needs to be decided is what should be done long term in the elementary schools.  Should the computers in the labs, which are nine years old, be replaced or should Internet access be provided in the classrooms?  It appears the administration would prefer to address the issue of the elementary computer labs.  The computer labs do not have Internet access and cannot support the available software.  He suggested the Board be provided with a listing of advantages and disadvantages of the two options.  Mr. Stack suggested bond funds be considered  for updating the elementary schools’ computer labs.  Mr. Paradise explained nine years ago, a four or five year note was used to purchase the elementary level computers.  Mr. Stack pointed out Neshaminy has not had bonds in excess of many millions of dollars, as some of the other local school districts have, for computers.  Ms. Drioli recommended some of the District’s capital improvements be funded through a bond issue.  This would allow funds to be available for the purchase of computer equipment. 

11. Future Topics

Ms. Drioli recommended the Board consider allocating funds for a full-time grant writer and a full-time public relations person.  Ms. Drioli stated while at the PSBA Convention, she learned Gateway provides a free anti-bullying program.  The District would only have to pay for the training aspect of the program.  The materials are free.  Mrs. Butville explained the name of the program is “Don’t Laugh At Me”.  The program is designed to have students become sensitive to each other’s feelings and to eliminate bullying in the schools.  Ms. Drioli recommended consideration be given to the program.

Ms. Drioli referred to a letter from Mrs. Donovan regarding a letter to one of the tax collectors pertaining to a notice about his late monthly reports and inadequate financial reporting of taxes collected each month.  Under a new law, tax collectors are required to complete monthly reports and submit the reports to the District by the tenth of the following month.  Mr. Paradise explained under the law, the Board has the right to assess a fine for failure to comply with the District’s requirements.  Since the District can be cited for not ensuring that the tax collectors are following the law, there was Board consensus to present at the April 24 Public Meeting a motion to assess a fine on any tax collector that is late in filing their reports.

Mr. Eccles expressed concern that there is very little interest in the actions of  the Board throughout the year unless an issue directly affects a group of individual at a particular point in time.  He also expressed concern about misinformation, false accusations, etc. circulating in the community.  He proposed a once a month, one hour radio show be used as a forum to relay the Board’s message to the public.  He recommended the radio show be held before one of the Board’s meetings and provide the public with an opportunity to call in and speak with Board members.  Two or three Board members at a time could participate in the program.  The cost would be approximately $300.00 per month.  He felt the radio program will keep the flurry running and will allow the Board in a free atmosphere to explain the Board’s actions and considerations.  He said it seems the Board members are never able to reach out and explain exactly how they feel about the various issues.  The Board does not always know how the public feels about issues until it is too late. 

Dr. Bowman inquired if the Board would consider a television program.  Dr. Bowman stated he would rather provide a monthly, quality television program.  The television program could be broadcast live and then replayed.  Mr. Eccles felt if the Board broadcasts a television program, it would be like a infomerical because it will be staged.  Mr. Eccles noted the District’s web site provides a great deal of information.  He questioned whether people use the Internet to access the information.  He questioned how many people will watch the District’s cable access station for several hours.  Mrs. Bostwick recommended the Board start with a 15-minute radio show.  Mrs. Butville questioned if the Board could obtain a sponsor to underwrite the cost of the radio show.  Mrs. Butville suggested the callers be screened.  Mrs. Bostwick recommended there be a ten second delay for language. 

There was Board support for Mr. Eccles to obtain more information on the Board providing a monthly radio show.

13. Correspondence

      There was no correspondence reviewed.

14. Other Board Business

Mr. Stack suggested the Board consider using the television media to communicate the school closing issue. 

Dr. Bowman announced the Technical School’s graduation will be  held on June 12, 7:00 p.m., in Gym 3 of Neshaminy High  School, which is the same day as the Board’s Public Meeting.

Mrs. Bostwick moved the meeting be adjourned and Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved the motion.  Mr. Stack adjourned the meeting at 11:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,


Carol A. Calvello
Board Secretary

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