The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on December 3, 2001 in the Board Room of the District Offices, Maple Point Middle School.  The following persons were in attendance:

Call to Order – Mr. Stack called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance – Mr. Stack requested those in attendance join in the salute to the flag.

Board Recognition – Dr. Bowman explained Amanda Kloiber, Maple Point Middle School student, has expressed her feelings about the September 11 tragedy in New York City in the form of a poem.  Her poem has been published in the “Medical Crossfire Journal.”  Dr. Bowman said we are proud that a Neshaminy student was creative enough and moved spiritually to write the poem.  Amanda Kloiber read her piece of poetry at the meeting (see attachment I).

Mr. Stack presented a Certificate of Recognition to Amanda Kloiber.  Mr. Stack said he was very touched by Amanda’s poem and recommended the firemen and policemen of New York City receive a copy of the poem.  Dr. Bowman stated several Neshaminy employees will be traveling to New York City to volunteer their time at Nino’s Restaurant to serve the policemen, firemen and construction workers working at the site.  Dr. Bowman will take to New York City copies of the poem, as well as a letter he has written for inclusion in the scrapbook being compiled by Nino’s Restaurant.  Copies of the poem will also be made available at the restaurant. 

Public Comment – There was a three minute time limit per speaker.  Ms. Lanhan, Trevose, referred to a negative comment made by a gentleman at the November 27 Public Meeting regarding alternative school students.  She noted the comment was quoted at the end of the November 27 Public Meeting, in the newspaper the next day and also in the newspaper’s editorial a few days later.  She said we at Tawanka want the Board to know that person was not speaking on our behalf at all.  He is not a Tawanka parent and the Tawanka parents do not share his opinion.  Although there have been emotional statements made by parents and staff members, the Tawanka staff and parents have worked very hard to share their feelings with respect for all Board members and the process.  She asked the Board to not judge the Tawanka School’s parents and staff members by the comment made by the area resident 

Board Comment – Ms. Drioli said she never thought the gentleman’s alternative school student comment was typical of the Tawanka School’s parents and staff members.  Mr. Stack noted at the November Public Meeting, Ms. Drioli had said she was very appreciative of how respectfully the people of Tawanka had responded to the issue.  He said the closure of the Tawanka School was a very difficult decision for the Board.

Mrs. Butville stated the Board views Ms. Lanhan as much more typical of the Tawanka parents.  The parents have been very respectful.  The Board understands the parents’ feelings and appreciates those feelings.

Ms. Drioli stated prior to the meeting, she attended the Poquessing Middle School’s music concert, which was outstanding.  There was standing room only at the concert.  She noted 90 percent of the sixth grade students are involved in the program.

Dr. Bowman said it has been a wonderful year for the Neshaminy School District.  He noted banquets for the various activities will be held throughout December and the Neshaminy High School holiday concert will be held on December 4.  The football team will be competing in the state football (PIAA Class AAAA) championship game on Saturday, December 8.  Just to have the opportunity to play in the state championship game is a tremendous achievement for the team, coaches and community.

Dr. Bowman noted he is retiring and the Board will be naming a new Superintendent early in the year 2002.  He reviewed some of the District’s achievements, which include the following:  increase in state test scores, District recognized as one of the best school districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, another potential Blue Ribbon School, Neshaminy teacher named Milken Teacher of the Year and an outstanding Music Program.  Dr. Bowman announced Neshaminy’s Music Program students will be performing at the December 5 Feasterville Business Association Meeting.  Dr. Bowman said the Neshaminy School District is an excellent school district with a tremendous commitment from the community and Board of School Directors.

Dr. Bowman noted Dr. Frank and Mr. Stack are retiring from the Board.  He thanked Dr. Frank and Mr. Stack for their tremendous service to the District and doing what each of them believed needed to be done in the best interest of the children and community.  Dr. Bowman noted he has worked with the Board President, Mr. Stack, the past two years.  He thanked Mr. Stack for working closely with him.  He said Dr. Frank is a very unique individual who brings a special prospective to the School Board with her experience and wisdom.  When Dr. Frank speaks, people stop and listen.  Dr. Frank’s wisdom and insight will be missed.  He thanked Dr. Frank for being a friend of the children and community.

Dr. Bowman reported the administration is developing the 2002-2003 budget.  In 2002 there will be a good, orderly transition to the new leadership, Superintendent.  He said Neshaminy will continue to be a world class school district, and probably set higher levels for achievement and excellence than currently exist.  He thanked the Board for the wonderful opportunity to serve as Superintendent of the Neshaminy School District.

Reorganization of the Neshaminy Board of School Directors – In accordance with the State Code, the Board held its reorganization meeting.

Reading of Certificates of Election – Mrs. Calvello read the certificates of election for Mrs. June Bostwick, Ms. Carol Drioli, Mrs. Kimberly Jowett and Dr. William Spitz.

Loyalty Oaths – The loyalty oath of office was administered to Mrs. June Bostwick, Ms. Carol Drioli, Mrs. Kimberly Jowett and Dr. William Spitz by District Justice Susan McEwen.

Election of Temporary President – Mr. Stack requested nominations be presented for Temporary President for the reorganization of the Neshaminy Board of School Directors.  Mr. Mecleary nominated Mr. Schoenstadt.  There was no second to the nomination.  Mr. Schoenstadt nominated Mrs. Butville and Ms. Drioli seconded the nomination.  There were no other nominations.  Mr. Mecleary moved the nominations for Temporary President of the Neshaminy Board of School Directors be closed and Dr. Spitz seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.  Mrs. Butville was elected Temporary President of the Neshaminy Board of School Directors with eight ayes.  (Mr. Dengler was absent from the meeting.)

Election of President – Mrs. Butville requested nominations be presented for President of the Neshaminy Board of School Directors.  Mrs. Bostwick nominated Mr. Schoenstadt and Ms. Drioli seconded the nomination.  Mr. Eccles nominated Mr. Mecleary.  Mr. Mecleary declined the nomination.  There were no other nominations.  Ms. Drioli moved the nominations for President of the Neshaminy Board of School Directors be closed and Mrs. Jowett seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion to close nominations with eight ayes.  Mr. Schoenstadt was elected President of the Neshaminy Board of School Directors with seven ayes and one nay, Mr. Eccles.  (Mr. Dengler was absent from the meeting.)

Election of Vice President – Mr. Schoenstadt requested nominations be presented for Vice President of the Neshaminy Board of School Directors.  Ms. Drioli nominated Mrs. Bostwick and Mrs. Butville seconded the motion.  Mr. Eccles nominated Mr. Mecleary.  Mr. Mecleary declined the nomination.  There were no other nominations.  Mrs. Butville moved the nominations for Vice President of the Neshaminy Board of School Directors be closed and Ms. Drioli seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion to close nominations with eight ayes.  Mrs. Bostwick was elected Vice President of the Neshaminy Board of School Directors with seven ayes and one nay, Mr. Eccles.  (Mr. Dengler was absent from the meeting.)

Motion:  Appointment of Solicitor

Mr. Schoenstadt presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, the School Board Policy No. 100 requires during the month of December that the Board of School Directors appoint a solicitor for a one year term.

 THEREFORE, BE IT RSOLVED the Board of School Directors reappoint the law firm of Robert R. Fleck, Esquire as Solicitor of the Neshaminy School District, effective this date.  The firm of Robert R. Fleck, Esquire is to be responsible for all legal issues relating to this District, including tax assessment appeals, and further to have the authority to retain other legal counsel when he believes it to be in the best interest of the School District after providing notice to the President of the School Board and receiving authorization to proceed.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the annual fee arrangement will be in two parts:  there will be a monthly retainer of $2,500 per month and an hourly fee of $120 per hour for those issues not covered by the retainer.  The terms and conditions of the retainer and the hourly agreement are as per the proposal submitted on November 30, 2001 by the law firm of Robert R. Fleck, Esquire. 

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

Motion:  Approval of Board Meeting Calendar

Mr. Schoenstadt presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors must adopt and publish a schedule of Public Meetings for 2002.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the attached 2002 School Board Meeting calendar be adopted by the Neshaminy Board of School Directors.  (See attachment II)

Dr. Spitz seconded the motion.

Ms. Drioli inquired if the decision regarding the Maple Point Middle School being named a Blue Ribbon School will be made by May.   Dr. Bowman stated if the same schedule that was followed for the Neshaminy Middle School’s designation as a Blue Ribbon School, the designation will be made by May.

The Board approved the Board Meeting calendar motion with eight ayes.

Other Board Business – Ms. Drioli inquired if a celebration is being planned for the football team following the state championship football game.  Dr. Bowman explained the N Club is actively involved in the process.  There will be an appropriate celebration.  He advised the Board the football banquet has been rescheduled for January.

Dr. Bowman presented to Mrs. Jowett and Dr. Spitz their official Pennsylvania School Boards Association membership cards and  a packet of information.

Dr. Bowman presented to Dr. Frank a plaque recognizing her outstanding service and dedication to the children of the Neshaminy School District.  School Board member from 1993 to 2001.  Dr. Frank said this finishes 50 years of my education career.  I am very grateful you gave me the chance the last eight years to serve on the Board.  It was meaningful to me.  I started in 1951 at the Tullytown School, which was a two-room school.  It is a very meaningful thing to be in education.  It is evident year after year no matter what end of the education process you are involved with.  She explained she went through the Pennsbury School District, Temple University, the Community College and is now finishing her career at Neshaminy.  She said now that I’m about to be eighty and a great-grandmother, I think it is alright for me to retire.

Dr. Bowman presented Mr. Stack with a plaque recognizing his outstanding service and dedication to the children of the Neshaminy School District.  School Board member from 1993 to 2001, Board President 2000 and 2001.  Mr. Stack said thank you for the opportunity to serve on the Board and do good.  I tried my best to meet two objectives – improve the educational program in Neshaminy and do it as efficiently as possible.  This was a very special run for me.  It was an opportunity for me to actually be involved in a school system.  I trained as a teacher and had an opportunity to teach for two years.  I was not able to follow through on it, because of experiences that take place in life.  I recognize the importance of education.  This was an opportunity to do something about it personally and for that I am very grateful.  I am grateful for having known all of you, members of the Board, administration, community and a whole number of people, and having your support.  The support has been meaningful to me.  He said I will be an active community member and you can call upon me for support.

Dr. Bowman distributed to the Board members “The Key Word of School Boards” guidebook from the National School Boards Association.  Dr. Bowman thanked District Justice McEwen for attending the Board Meeting and administering the loyalty oaths of office to the newly elected Board members.  Dr. Bowman introduced Mrs. Hennelly, Mr. Paradise’s secretary, who was in attendance at the meeting to administer the loyalty oaths of office in the event District Justice McEwen was delayed.

Correspondence – There was  no correspondence.

Public Comment – No public comment was presented.

Board Comment – Ms. Drioli said Dr. Frank and Mr. Stack will be missed.  Mr. Spitz thanked all the people currently on the Board who helped him along.  He said Dr. Frank and Mr. Stack’s shoes will be tough to fill.  I hope that I can do half as good a job as both of them have done. 

Mrs. Butville welcomed Mrs. Jowett and Dr. Spitz to the Board and Mrs. Bostwick and Ms. Drioli back onto the Board.  She said she will miss Mr. Stack and Dr. Frank’s leadership.

Mr. Schoenstadt said Dr. Frank has provided a great deal of moral leadership to the Board.  She was a beacon for educational involvement.  She created on the Board an advocacy for education.  This gave the Board members a sense of reality and brought the Board back to the main focus, education of the children.  Everyone benefited from it.

Mr. Eccles welcomed Mrs. Jowett and Dr. Spitz onto the Board.  He said he will also miss Dr. Frank and Mr. Stack.  Mr. Eccles stated at the November 27 Board Meeting some Board members voted to close the Tawanka School, and he was disheartened.  He pointed out $8,000 to $10,000 will be spent on Board members’ attendance at the National School Boards Association Conference, which will be held in New Orleans.  He said if the Board closes a school, it should not be sending people to a conference at a cost of $8,000 to $10,000.  He requested the conference expenditure be included as an agenda item for review at a Board Meeting.

Dr. Bowman introduced Ms. Gretzinger, Intermediate Unit representative, who was in attendance at the Board Meeting.

Upon motion of Mrs. Butville, seconded by Mrs. Bostwick, the Board approved the adjournment of the meeting with eight ayes.  Mr. Schoenstadt adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol A. Calvello
Board Secretary

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