The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on April 25, 2000 at the Neshaminy High School.  The following persons were in attendance:

Prior to the meeting, the Neshaminy High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Ms. Magrann, performed several selections.  Miss Candice Clymer, accompanied by the Neshaminy High School Jazz Band, sang two songs. 

Dr. Bowman advised the Board the Neshaminy High School Jazz Band recently participated in the Lakewood, New Jersey Jazz Festival.  In a recent San Diego, California, competition the jazz band received first place with superior ratings.  The band will be performing concerts on May 25 along with the Alumni Jazz Band and May 30 at the District Jazz Festival.  Dr. Bowman thanked the students for their tremendous commitment to excelling in their gift and sharing their gift with the community.

National Anthem - The Neshaminy High School Jazz Band played the national anthem.

Call to Order - Mr. Stack called the meeting to order at 8:25 p.m.  Mr. Stack thanked the Neshaminy High School Jazz Band for an exceptional performance. 

Announcements - Mr. Stack announced due to undergoing surgery today, Mrs. Bostwick was not in attendance at the meeting.  She is doing well.  He noted despite the scheduled surgery, Mrs. Bostwick attended the April Work Session and was at a School Board activity as late as last night (April 24).  He said she has demonstrated an element of effort and dedication.  He said the Board prays for her convalescence.

Student Report - Miss Getz, student representative, presented the following report:

·         The “Walk Without Fear” fund raiser will be held on April 29, 9:00 a.m., at Neshaminy High School.  The event is sponsored by the World Affairs Club.

·         The March of Dimes WalkAmerica will be held on April 30 at Core Creek Park.  The goal is to raise $10,000.

·         On April 26 there will be an art trip to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. 

·         Four Neshaminy Business Education Department students placed in the state competition and will compete at the national level this summer.

·         The Neshaminy High School Art Festival will be held May 18 through May 20.

·         Neshaminy High School placed first in the Bucks County Earth Day competition.  Over six tons of waste was removed from surrounding campus areas.  This is in addition to the school’s continued recycling efforts.

Public Comment - There was a three minute time limit per speaker.  Mrs. Hageman, Langhorne, explained she is a member of the Neshaminy Swimming Board Boosters.  She expressed concern about the Finance Committee’s proposal to raise revenue through the Aquatic Program, and how the increase in fees will adversely affect the swimming program, specifically CORE.  Information on CORE outlined in memorandum provided to Board members at the meeting (see attachment I).  She explained an aquatic fee increase will be passed on to students who participate in the CORE Program. She noted 19 other schools participate in the Suburban Aquatic League, which provides similar programs. She requested an opportunity to meet with the Finance Committee to ascertain what other options are available. She also requested any further aquatic fee decisions be delayed until the issue can be discussed further. 

Mrs. Brace, Feasterville, expressed concern about the class size of next year’s Lower Southampton Elementary School’s fourth grade classes.  She noted next year a third fourth grade class cannot be opened, because the two current third grade classes are under the maximum class size limit by a few students.  She pointed out research and common sense suggests smaller classes will offer teachers the chance to devote more time to each student; and thereby, improve learning.  Overall, the pattern of the research results points clearly to the beneficial effects of reducing class size.  Therefore, adding more students to fourth grade classes will not be beneficial to the students.  She referred to a 1978 analysis of the results of 77 studies, which pertained to class size, and noted the following findings:

·         Small classes are associated with higher achievement at all grade levels.

·         Mutual benefits of reducing class size occurred when the number of students in the class were fewer than 20 students.  Mrs. Brace noted now there are 20 students in each third grade class and the classes will be increased by ten students next year.

·         Class size reduction in the early grades leads to higher student achievement.  Significant effects of class size reduction on student achievement appear when class size is reduced to a point between 15 and 20 students.

·         If class size is reduced substantially below 20 students, the related increase in student achievement for the average student is from the 50 percentile to above the 60 percentile.

·         Smaller class size has a positive effect on the quality of classroom activities.

Mrs. Brace urged the Board to establish a third Lower Southampton Elementary School fourth grade class for the 2000-2001 school year even though the numbers will be short by a few.

Superintendent’s Report - Dr. Bowman reported the following:

Bomb Threats - Last week there were two bomb threats at the Poquessing Middle School.  One day a student had scribbled on a piece of paper,  bomb at 1:30 p.m.  The next day another note was found about a bomb threat.  On both days the school was evacuated, police were called in and the building was searched.  The building was found to be safe.  It was believed from the beginning that it was a hoax, but it was taken seriously.  On April 24 and April 25 there was a similar situation at the Neshaminy Middle School.  In both instances the school was found to be safe. 

A Poquessing Middle School student has been apprehended, charged by the police and will appear before a judge.  Consideration is being given to expelling the student for the balance of the school year.  This is a serious issue with very severe consequences.  Students who make bomb threats are breaking the law.  The administration has the name of a student in regard to  the second Poquessing Middle School bomb threat.  The Neshaminy Middle School bomb threat issue is being investigated. 

An assembly has been conducted at the Poquessing Middle School and an assembly will be conducted at the Neshaminy Middle School on April 26.  Mr. Wyatt and the police will be part of the assembly to let students know that bomb threats are a very serious issue and there are severe consequences.  The students need to become more responsible in their actions. 

Budget - A snapshot of the working draft of the budget as of April 12 has been presented to the Board.  The budget must be passed by the Board by the end of June.  Prior to the working draft of the budget being presented to the Board, $2,200,000 in budget requests was removed from the budget.  Since being presented to the Board, the following revisions have been made to the budget:

·         As a result of the Vocational-Technical School completing their budget review, $285,000 was removed from Neshaminy’s budget.

·         Based upon historical data, $633,000 in requests was removed from the budget.

·         Initially $1.00 per gallon was budgeted for oil and diesel fuel.  As a result of receiving bids, which were for 67 cents per gallon, $334,000 was removed from the budget.  The new bid price is double the amount the District is currently paying for fuel.

·         Building allocations (discretionary funds) have been reduced by $80,000. 

·         New Alternative School Program established in conjunction with TODAY, Inc. has resulted in a $64,000 savings.

·         Roof bid received is $35,000 under the budget estimate.

·         As a result of the various reductions, $1,480,000 or slightly over 8 mills has been removed from the budget.  A mill is equal to $177,000. 

·         A $500,000 revenue increase is anticipated, which would be equivalent to almost 3 mills.

·         The insurance quotes are due to be received May 1.  It is anticipated there will be a savings of several hundred thousand dollars. 

·         Since the Vocational-Technical School will be a comprehensive school next year, it is anticipated there will be seven fewer teaching positions next year at Neshaminy High School. 

·         Across the District (grades K-12), a reduction of 12 teaching positions is anticipated.  Such a reduction in staffing could result in a savings of $750,000.

·         The administration has not reduced, altered or changed programs for students.  All the programs in place for the current year are still in place in the budget as of today.  The goal is to get the budget as low as possible before discussing program issues. 

Dr. Bowman pointed out the artwork on display in the lobby was produced by the Neshaminy High School Fine Arts Department students under the leadership of Mr. Robb.  The seniors’ artwork will be on display on May 3, 6:30 p.m.  The Fine Arts Festival will be held at Neshaminy High School on May 16, 17 and 18 and will include artwork displays in gym I and the high school lobby.  Performances by vocal and instrumental groups will be held in the auditorium.

Dr. Bowman thanked Mr. Collins, Neshaminy High School principal, for hosting the meeting, and the custodial staff for preparing the facility for the meeting.  He noted the Family Living students prepared the refreshments for the meeting.  He introduced Dr. Coe, Intermediate Unit Executive Director. 

In order to allow everyone an opportunity to enjoy the refreshments provided by the Family Living students, Mr. Stack recessed the meeting at 8:45 p.m.  Mr. Stack reconvened the meeting at 9:10 p.m.

Approval of Minutes - Mr. Eccles moved the minutes of  March 28, 2000 be approved and Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.  The Board approved the minutes with eight ayes.

Treasurer’s Report - Mr. Paradise presented for approval the March 31, 2000 Treasurer’s Report.  Mr. Dengler moved the Treasurer’s Report be approved, subject to audit.  Dr. Frank seconded the motion.  The Board approved the March 31, 2000 Treasurer’s Report with eight ayes, subject to audit.

Approval of Bills for Payment, Budget Transfers and Exonerations of Personal and Per Capita Tax - Mr. Paradise presented the following for approval:

·         March 2000 bills for payment

·         Budget Transfer Report No. 00-6 (working copy) with six transactions and subtransactions

·         Exonerations of Personal and Per Capita Tax totaling 43 for March 2000

Mr. Schoenstadt moved the March bills for payment, Budget Transfer Report No. 00-06 (working copy) and March exonerations of personal and per capita tax be approved and Mrs. Butville seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.

Approval of Bids - Mr. Paradise presented the following bid for approval:

Bid No. 01-09 - Emergency Generator

Amount Awarded:  $22,890.00

The bid is for the delivery and installation of a permanent standby power generating system for Neshaminy Middle School and a temporary unit to serve until successful installation.

Mr. Mecleary moved bid no. 01-09 be approved and Ms. Drioli seconded the motion.  The Board approved the bid with eight ayes. 

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

·         Elections - Certified Personnel 

·         Resignations and Leaves of Absence - Certified Personnel

·         Elections and Changes of Classification - Support Personnel

·         Resignations and Leaves of Absence - Support Personnel

·         Sabbatical Leaves of Absence - Certified Staff (For Information Only)

Personnel information appears on pages H-1 through H-6 and addendum page H-2a, which was distributed at the meeting.

Dr. Bowman advised the Board to delete item no. 2 from the resignations and leaves of absence listing for certified personnel, because the individual is listed on addendum page H-2a.  He also advised the Board the individuals listed under the sabbatical leaves of absence section of the report have met the Pennsylvania School Code conditions for a sabbatical leave. 

Dr. Frank moved the certified and support personnel actions be approved and Mr. Eccles seconded the motion.  The Board approved the personnel actions with eight ayes.

Motion:  Placement in an Alternative School

Mr. Eccles presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, certain 510 violations result in Board expulsion hearings; in lieu of the aforementioned,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of School Directors accepts a waiver agreement to place the students in an alternative school for the remainder of the current school year.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, following this action, the students shall be named with the board secretary, and an appropriate review of the students’ progress duly take place prior to August 1, 2000.

Ms. Drioli seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.

Motion:  Approval of Bucks County Vocational-Technical School 2000-2001 Budget

Mr. Dengler presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, in order to provide vocational-technical education for students, six Lower Bucks County School Districts cooperatively established the Bucks County Vocational-Technical School; and

WHEREAS, each participating school district must annually approve the Vocational-Technical School’s annual budget.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors approves the 2000-2001 Bucks County Vocational-Technical School budget in the amount of $13,810,433, with the Neshaminy School District 2000-2001 net fiscal payment to be $3,148,599. 

Mr. Mecleary seconded the motion.

Mr. Dengler stated the action taken by the Board tonight will affirm the Neshaminy School Board’s approval of the budget.  However, the important budget approval vote will be taken on May 11 at the convention.  Approval of the budget by twenty-eight votes and four school districts is needed. He urged all the Board members to attend the May 11 convention meeting.

Mr. Mecleary explained it is believed nine Board members from two of the school districts will not vote for approval of the budget.  In order for the Vocational-Technical School budget to be approved, it is imperative that every Neshaminy Board member and the Board members of every other remaining District attend the convention.  Board members cannot vote by proxy.  In order to vote, Board members must attend the convention on May 11.  Ms. Drioli suggested Dr. Bowman’s secretary call all the Board members a day or two ahead of time to remind the Board members of the May 11 convention. 

Mrs. Butville stated in 1995 when the six sending school districts decided to change the Vocational-Technical School to a comprehensive school, the baby was conceived.  Now the baby is delivered and needs to be paid for.  She noted the Vocational-Technical School budget reflects a large increase.  Basically the school districts are financing a brand new school.  She urged all Board members to support the Vocational-Technical School budget.

The Board approved the approval of Bucks County Vocational-Technical School 2000-2001 budget motion with eight ayes.

Federal Programs - Dr. Bowman reported entitlement grants total $802,429 and competitive grants total $588,667, which is a total of $1,391,096 in grants.

Other Board Business - Ms. Drioli noted at the April Work Session, a resident had recommended food services and other services in the District be contracted to outside vendors.  She referred to the Food Service Department February/March profit and loss statement included in the Board Meeting booklet, and noted the Food Service Department had a $32,0000 profit for February/March.  She stated the Food Service Department is unto itself a private enterprise.  It is self-supporting and self-contained.

Mr. Schoenstadt explained at a Finance Committee Meeting he had made a proposal, which Dr. Bowman further developed conceptually for future consideration.  The proposal included the restructuring of the District’s schools as follows:

·         Elementary Grades K-6

·         Middle Grades 7-9

·         High School Grades 10-12

Mr. Schoenstadt stated under his proposal, the restructuring of the elementary and middle schools would entail closing a middle school.  Due to its location and the administration being housed in the building, the Maple Point Middle School would be the ideal facility to close.  The Poquessing Middle School is located at one end of the District, the Sandburg Middle School is at the other end of the District and the Neshaminy Middle School (a Blue Ribbon School) is located in the middle of the District.  Under the proposal, the Maple Point Middle School would be converted to an alternative educational facility.  There would be some staff reduction, but a large portion of the Maple Point Middle School staff would be redistributed back to the other middle schools. 

Mr. Schoenstadt stated the grade restructuring could also be used to reduce the class size at the elementary schools by at least three students.    He stated a super skilled teacher has no difficulty handling a large class.  However, not all the teachers are super skilled.  Many of the teachers are extremely competent.  Due to the nature of society, a classroom with a large number of students becomes difficult for even a very skilled teacher.  Reduced class size would entitle the District to apply for grants available at the state and federal levels for enacting programs and taking action to directly reduce class size at the elementary level. 

Mr. Schoenstadt noted at the last Work Session, Ms. Drioli pointed out a lot of times proposals are made and ideas are conceived but no action is taken.  He recommended the Board charge the administration with the responsibility for enacting his proposal by September, 2000.  He also recommended the Board provide approval for the administration to take action and allow the administration to micromanage the details.  He said if you are an administrator, the decision to implement the proposal is probably a very difficult one.  The proposal will impact a significant number of administrative positions at the middle school level and more so than the certified staff positions.  Implementation of the proposal will result in immediate cost savings.  He said he would like to see the Board use the same good judgment that it has used in the past and recognize the point has been reached where the Board cannot continue to burden the taxpayers.  The Board must take action now.  If the Board does not take action this year, it will end up with the same basic problem next year.  He called on the Board members to act on the proposal.  (See attachment II for copy of Mr. Schoenstadt’s proposal.) 

Mr. Dengler explained it has been the policy of the Board to not bring up such things at a Public Meeting under other board business.  He noted a number of years ago, the Maple Point School was closed under other board business.  The District regretted the action, and it cost millions of dollars to reopen the school.  He felt the proposal should have been brought up at a Work Session.  Dr. Frank indicated she concurred with Mr. Dengler’s comments.

Ms. Drioli pointed out Mr. Schoenstadt was not a Board member when the policy of not bringing up such issues at a Public Meeting under other board business was established nor was Mr. Schoenstadt aware of the policy.  She pointed out Mr. Schoenstadt did not suggest a vote be taken on the proposal at this time.  Mr. Schoenstadt said he is not asking the Board to do anything more now than consider the proposal.  He said the longer the Board procrastinates, the bigger the problem is going to get. He urged the Board members to examine the proposal, discuss it in great detail at a Work Session and use their judgment as to whether they can vote for it.  He felt it is only fair to give the administration an opportunity to review the proposal and respond to the Board. 

Mrs. Butville inquired if all of the District’s various insurances are being reviewed and bids requested.  Mr. Paradise explained none of the insurances are “bid”.  All of the non-employee insurances have always been competitively quoted and will continue to be competitively quoted.  At this point, the administration is trying to get some competition into the employee portion of the insurances.  Mrs. Butville indicated she favored obtaining competitive quotes for all of the Districts various types of insurance. 

Ms. Drioli stated she also favors competitive quotes being received for all types of insurance.  She explained she has received inquiries from Lower Southampton Township businesses as to how they can submit quotes to the District.  She said if the businesses can competitively compete, she would like to see them have the opportunity to submit quotes.

Mr. Stack stated he embraces the concept that the Board should not pass a motion unless it is one that the Board has agreed, at the outset, to put on the agenda as a motion.  Mr. Stack explained Mr. Schoenstadt had contacted him today (April 25) and briefly discussed his proposal.  Generally, ideas are presented under other board business and there is not much discussion at that time.  The ideas are generally discussed at a Work Session.  He said he is mindful of the fact that the last couple of Work Sessions have run until midnight.  He noted this was an opportunity to flush out some ideas.  He felt it was important for the Board to provide the administration with direction.  He pointed out there are only two more Work Sessions scheduled before the Board must take action on  the final budget.  He said if there is Board consensus for further discussion of Mr. Schoenstadt’s proposal at a Work Session, the Board should indicate so. 

Mr. Stack noted all the Board members received a list of 39 non-mandated programs.  He requested the Board members return the list to him by the end of the meeting so the Board members’ responses can be collated, and Dr. Bowman provided with a list of any other 2000-2001 budget areas of interest that the Board would like to discuss at the Work Sessions.  He stated at this time, the Board needs to focus on those things that can be in place for the 2000-2001 budget year. 

Dr. Bowman stated he was not aware of Mr. Schoenstadt’s proposal prior to it being presented under other board business.  He reminded the Board members that the District’s Strategic Plan is due to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on September 30, 2000.  The Strategic Plan process involves a cross section of the community.  It is a wonderful opportunity for the School Board to engage all segments of the community in the development of the District’s Strategic Plan.  Mr. Schoenstadt’s proposal is a major shift.  By developing the Strategic Plan, the District will be inventing/creating its future and not just letting it happen.  In May, a Strategic Plan timetable is to be presented to the Board.  The Board and administration has an opportunity to write into the Strategic Plan the long term utilization of District facilities, which accommodate the District’s projected enrollments.  At the last Work Session the Board was advised the Pennsylvania Economy League was going to be contacted to conduct an enrollment study for the District.  The issue has been discussed with the Pennsylvania Economy League several times, the proposal has been received and an enrollment study draft will be completed in August.  The draft will be updated based upon the number of students enrolled in school as of October 1. 

Dr. Bowman referred to an article from CNN News, which was distributed to Board members, that stated for the first time in ten years the live birth rates have increased, 4 percent.  In the next five years, this will impact upon the schools.  He encouraged the Board to engage in the planning process and involve the community in developing the Strategic Plan, which sets the educational path of the School District for the next three to five years.  Part of the plan should be the District’s facilities.  If enrollment trends continue, there will be space available in the elementary and middle schools.  A determination needs to be made as to how to most effectively use the space and economize on the facilities.  This information cannot be studied and prepared by the next Board Meeting.  A long term enrollment study needs to be conducted and the District needs a plan to take it into the future.  The plan will impact upon how District facilities will be used.  Dr. Bowman commended Mr. Schoenstadt for having the vision to say we need to do something about this in the future.  He stated the plan needs to be based upon projections and the impact of moving students into another level. 

Dr. Bowman noted in 1984 five Board members voted, under other board business, to close the Maple Point facility, and it turned the community upside down for a while.  The Maple Point facility was closed, but was later reopened.  In 1986 an elementary school was opened at a sizable cost to the District.  If there would have been a Strategic Plan at that time, decisions would have been based on good information and knowledge.  Dr. Bowman felt the administration and Board needs to get the Strategic Plan in place and a process to implement the Strategic Plan.  He indicated he would prefer to make facility decisions based on a more methodical process and engage the community.  Dr. Bowman stated a plan should be in place that has been thoroughly researched, discussed and has a consensus.  Then the Board should make the difficult decisions.  He indicated he anticipates difficult facility decisions will have to be made.  He recommended the issues of enrollment and facilities be included as a part of the Strategic Plan.

Ms. Drioli recommended when reviewing enrollment data, facilities and the Strategic Plan, the issue of charter schools be kept in mind.

Mrs. Calvello thanked the Board members for the floral arrangement she received for Secretaries Week.

Dr. Bowman reminded the Board members that this meeting is the last Public Board Meeting that Mrs. Lafferty has been a part of, and she will retire on May 12.  Dr. Bowman said Mrs. Lafferty is a wonderful human being.  She has spent 33 years in the Neshaminy School District, and she will be missed.  She has been a great employee and asset to the District.

Correspondence - There was no correspondence.

Public Comment - There was a two minute time limit per speaker.  Mrs. Geddes, Feasterville/ Ferderbar Elementary School parent, referred to the bomb threat situation at the Poquessing Middle School and stated the administration and staff handled the situation extremely well.  She noted the day of the first bomb threat the principal was not in the building, and the situation was handled as well as it possibly could have been handled.  The second day, when the principal was back in the building, things were handled very well.  Mrs. Geddes suggested since the students at the Ferderbar Elementary School were affected by the Poquessing Middle School bomb threat, the Ferderbar students be included in the bomb threat information session and the parents also be informed.

Mrs. Geddes referred to Mr. Schoenstadt’s proposal and stated there are some merits to the proposal, but she could not imagine it taking place by September.  It would be a major undertaking.  She urged the Board to not act in haste and do something that will not hurt the students in the future.

Board Comment - Mrs. Butville felt it would be wise to include all the middle school students, even those who have not been affected by the bomb threats, in the bomb threat information session. 

Ms. Drioli stated she supports the efforts of the administration regarding the bomb threat situations.  The situations have been handled directly.  She commended the administration for the manner in which the situations were handled.

Ms. Drioli moved the meeting be adjourned and Dr. Frank seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.  Mr. Stack adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, 

Carol A. Calvello
Board Secretary