The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met on February 13, 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 8:15 p.m.

2.   Pledge of Allegiance

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

3.   Announcements

Mr. Stack announced an Executive Session was held prior to the Public Board Meeting to discuss personnel and negotiation issues.

4.   Educational Presentation

Information packet distributed to Board members at the meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board that Mr. Hoy, Science Department Chairperson, and the Solar Car Club members have been working on a solar car project for the last year and half.  Mr. Hoy and the following Solar Car Club members were present at the meeting:  Dan Dietz, Tim Dietz, Phil Halikias, Andrea Matla, Lauren Micir and Randy Wehrs. 

Mr. Hoy explained the students have volunteered to participate in the Solar Car Club, which is an extra-curricular activity.  He said the Science Department is looking for the students to assess the risks and benefits associated with the technology.  The solar car project dovetails perfectly with the high school Science Department’s objective.  It looks at the risks associated with transportation via the internal combustion engine.  Mr. Hoy noted a number of organizations have supported the club.  The Rotary Club and Lockheed Martin are two of those organization.  He stated Dr. Bowman has been most gracious and helpful in making the program happen.  Neshaminy’s Transportation Department, Mr. Blasch and company, have been very helpful. 

Mr. Hoy stated the club is showing there are alternative ways to provide transportation.  Gasoline is not the panacea the club would like to see.  The club’s car will be electrically powered and be refueled with direct solar power.  The Board viewed the club’s videotape “The Neshaminy Car Club”.  The students briefly reviewed the modifications made to the car.

In response to Board members’ questions, the students and Mr. Hoy advised the Board of the following:

·         Lockheed Martin employees donated their time by listening to students’ ideas and reviewing the students’ plan.

·         Donations of money, car parts and services would be appreciated.

·         The majority of the work is being performed in Neshaminy’s Transportation Department garage.  The Transportation Department employees have been very helpful.

·         “The Neshaminy Car Club” videotape was made by two students, prior to the implementation of the video program at the high school.  The cutting and splicing of the tape was done by club members.

·         The target date for completing the project is this summer.  If the program is not completed this summer, the project will be continued into the next school year.

5.   Items for Discussion

      a.  Transportation Efficiency/Options

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Mr. Blasch, Director of Transportation, was in attendance.  Mr. Paradise explained by making some changes, the Transportation Department can be made more efficient while providing better service and reducing hours, which would reduce costs.  At the same time, the buses would arrive at the schools closer to dismissal time.

Mr. Paradise reviewed the examples distributed to the Board members.  He pointed out the following:

Example 1

·         Eliminate two Neshaminy High School bus stops and two Neshaminy Middle School bus stops.

·         Bus stop reduction would result in buses arriving at the schools earlier than current arrival time, students arriving home sooner and run ending 10 minutes earlier.

·         Reducing run time by 10 minutes would result in cost savings.

Example 2

·         Neshaminy High School bus stops reduced from 18 to 13 bus stops.

·         Poquessing Middle School bus stops reduced from 20 to 16 bus stops.

Example 3

·         Conwell Egan/Technical Schools bus stops reduced from 29 to 19 bus stops.

·         Queen of Universe School bus stops reduced from 13 to 11 bus stops.

·         Our Lady of Grace School bus stops reduced from 19 to 18 bus stops.

·         Heckman School bus stops reduced from 10 to 8 stops.

Example 4

·         Currently five morning buses transport students to Our Lady of Grace School.

·         By eliminating a certain number of bus stops, the number of morning buses can be reduced from five to three buses.

Mr. Paradise pointed out the elimination of bus stops will make some people unhappy.  The changes would be well within the parameters of the Board Policy.  There would not be significant distances for the students to walk.  The only way to provide better service, be more efficient and reduce time is to eliminate bus stops.  The only way to be more efficient and provide better service without eliminating bus stops is to purchase more buses.

Mr. Blasch explained some of the bus stops that would be eliminated are as close as 500 feet to another bus stop and none are over a quarter of a mile.  He pointed out in some sections, students walked to elementary and middle school.  However, when they reach high school the students are picked up on the corner from their house rather than being required to walk to a central location.

Mrs. Butville indicated she was interested in eliminating bus stops as long as the changes do not jeopardize students by students being required to walk on dangerous roads, cross dangerous roads or walk a great distance.  Mr. Paradise stated this is the argument the Board members will hear from parents. 

Mr. Blasch explained the proposed changes will be well within the Board Policy.  Mr. Paradise noted if an elementary student lives within three quarters of a mile of school, the student walks to school.  If a student is allowed to walk three quarters of a mile to school, it is not unreasonable to have students walk two to three blocks to the bus stop.

Mr. Stack felt the bus stop changes, cost savings and improved service need to be communicated to the community.  Dr. Bowman suggested the proposal be advertised and a special meeting be held so the community can come out and voice their concerns about the proposed bus stop changes. This needs to be done in a timely fashion so the Board and administration are aware of the issues.  Dr. Frank recommended the data presented to the public include the state’s walking distance (one and a quarter miles) guideline.

There was Board consensus for the administration to proceed with preparing the bus stop elimination proposal.

      b.  House Policy Committee Public Hearing on Property Taxation on March 7, 2001 - Neshaminy

           High School Auditorium

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board that Representative Wright has requested the use of the Neshaminy High School auditorium for the House Republican Policy Committee’s public hearing on the property taxation issue, which is scheduled for March 7, 10:00 a.m.  Representative Wright has invited Neshaminy to testify at the hearing, and Chairman Roy Cornell has been advised Neshaminy’s representatives will testify at the hearing. Neshaminy’s representatives would be the first to testify. Those testifying would be representing the Neshaminy School District.  Usually, those testifying are asked to put their comments in writing.  Approximately 15 minutes is usually allocated for testimony.  The structure of the hearing requires that those wishing to testify must sign up in advance and must be representing a group.  It will not be for individuals to comment and make a statement.  Dr. Bowman inquired if one of the Board members would like to testify at the hearing.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board he had the opportunity to testify in front of the Senate Education Committee on February 12. 

Mr. Schoenstadt stated he has already discussed his ideas with Representative Wright.  Mr. Schoenstadt indicated he would like to have his ideas presented at the hearing.  He would be willing to present his ideas or have someone else present them.  Ms. Drioli stated her concern is the taxation of senior citizens and the freezing of taxes for senior citizens at a certain level. She noted another tax issue is the amusement tax.   She inquired how the lottery helps senior citizens. 

Mr. Schoenstadt explained as a result of his discussion with Representative Wright, he learned the committee is interested in alternate ways to fund education.  He said if a recommendation were made to freeze real estate taxes at the level that exists when the new plan is implemented, possibly alternate funding could be obtained from state income taxes for any increases in the cost of education from that point on.  The current cost of education in Pennsylvania is $15 billion.  If the state income tax were increased 2.6 percent, it would generate $7.5 billion .  This would allow the state to fund any additional costs at the district level at double the current level and still have revenue left to triple the special education budget.  Since the state income tax is calculated on earned income, it would provide tax relief for senior citizens. 

Mr. Stack, Mr. Schoenstadt and Mrs. Butville indicated they were interested in testifying at the March 7 hearing. Mr. Stack will be the lead person.  Mr. Stack stated those testifying will share with the Board what they plan to present to the hearing committee.  He stated he would like to involve some of the individuals who served on the Tax Advisory Committee.  Dr. Bowman stated the report prepared by the Tax Advisory Committee would be an appropriate document to submit to the hearing committee.  It could be one of the handouts.  Board members can share their ideas by e-mailing Mr. Stack or Dr. Bowman. 

      c.  Educational/Financial Impact Study of Facility Use Options

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman commended the members of the Cabinet for their work on the Educational/Financial Impact Study of Facility Use Options Report.  Dr. Bowman noted there are two components to the report, educational and financial impact.  Dr. Bowman briefly reviewed the student enrollment charts distributed to the Board members.  He noted at the elementary level, there is a projected 1,000 student decline between 1993 and 2008.  A decline of 1,000 students is equivalent to at least two elementary schools.  Eventually, the decline in the elementary school population will move into the middle school level.  A significant drop in enrollment is not projected at the high school level.  The major changes are occurring at the elementary level and that impact will flow into the middle school level.  The enrollments reflected on the charts are as of October 1. 

Dr. Bowman reviewed the structure of the Educational Impact Report.  He noted the advantages and disadvantages as recognized by the committee are listed in italics.  The advantages and disadvantages noted by the administrative team are listed in normal type.  The advantages and disadvantages noted by the administrative team are those perceived by the principals and administrators at that particular level.  A research summary is listed for each option.  The asterisk listed in the repeated responses column means that comment was repeated several times by several people.  Dr. Bowman said the teams reviewed the options as though they were a third party and tried to do their best to provide objective data.  He noted the data is preliminary information.  At some point, the number of options need to be reduced significantly.  Questions regarding the report may be directed to Dr. Bowman or the following individuals:

                      Elementary                      Mr. Marotto

                      Secondary                       Mr. Wyatt

                      Special Education            Mr. Wilson

                      Curriculum Issues            Dr. Boccuti

Dr. Bowman briefly reviewed the Preliminary Cost/Savings Data Report, which was prepared by Mr. Paradise and his staff.  The report identifies major issues related to each option.  The final page of the report is an overall financial summary of all the options.  Dr. Bowman stated at this point in time he is reluctant to release any of this information since the Board is working with it.

Mr. Stack noted the Board has received a great deal of information over the last year regarding this issue and it must all be taken into account.  The options need to be reviewed to determine which options can be eliminated.  Mr. Stack recommended the following options be given serious consideration:  option 5 (close one middle school and keep the current 6 to 9 grade configurations in the remaining middle schools), option 2 and option 3 (close one or two elementary schools while keeping four middle schools open).  He said in deciding to close any facilities, the ramifications and impact on the community must be taken into consideration.  Any of the options would require some redistricting.  The elementary school boundaries should be reviewed to make sure the boundaries are appropriate for the longer term.  If a decision is made to close a middle school, the issue of timing must be given careful consideration.  Due to enrollments, the closing of a middle school probably would not be possible in the next year or two unless other accommodations can be made.  In the case of a middle and elementary school located on the same campus (i.e., Ferderbar Elementary and Poquessing Middle Schools and Schweitzer Elementary and Sandburg Middle Schools), it may be possible to utilize a portion of the elementary school as a extension of the middle school.  He requested this option be reviewed further.  Mr. Stack stated if a decision were made to close one of the middle schools, consideration must be given to the impact on the other middle schools, including the educational impact.  The Board now needs to review scenarios and the impact of those scenarios.  Ms. Drioli stated any utilization decisions need to be reached by an informed consensus. 

Mrs. Butville inquired if a school is closed, what are the alternate uses for the facility.  She inquired if a portion of a closed school is used for an educational activity, would the building have to be brought up to code when it is reopened as a school.  What are the usage options for a closed school, which would not necessitate bringing the facility up to code when it is reopened as a school?  Ms. Drioli stated when deciding on restructuring of facilities, the Board should also consider the alternate use of any facilities that may be closed.  She noted the closing of a school and subsequent renting of the facility  may result in the community losing the use of athletic fields.  Mr. Eccles said if a school is closed, he does not want to see another educational entity come in and try to grab it.  This could have an adverse affect on the District.  He said the Board needs to have a clear vision of where it is going on this issue. 

Dr. Bowman pointed out that 1,100 middle school students are housed in the Maple Point School, which is almost unheard of across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  However, the building was designed to accommodate the large student population.  He advised the Board the optimum size for schools in America is as follows:

                      Elementary Level        500 students

                      Middle School Level   750 students

                      High School Level   1,000 to 1,100 students

Dr. Bowman cautioned the Board to be careful in making facility decisions and consider how the students will be housed, how many students will be placed in each school and what are the benefits. 

Mrs. Butville suggested consideration be given to moving the ninth grade students to the high school.  Dr. Bowman explained currently there is not sufficient space available to accommodate the ninth graders in the high school.  Possibly space would be available for such a change in 2008 or 2010.  Dr. Bowman explained the ideal high school capacity, with 90 percent utilization, is 2,300 to 2,350.  The next few years enrollment will increase to 2,500.  The facility will be able to accommodate the increased enrollment, because more than 90 percent of the classrooms will be utilized.  By the year 2008, the enrollment will only have decreased to 2,300.  At one time, there had been discussion of a ten room addition at the high school.  However, a decision was made to not proceed with the addition, because of the other capital projects needed in the District.  Mr. Stack noted in 1975-76 there were over 4,000 students attending Neshaminy High School.  Dr. Bowman pointed out over the years the programs have changed.  The program capacity of the high school must be taken into consideration when reviewing high school enrollment. 

Mr. Schoenstadt stated if the Board were to change the renovation project focus and plan to add classrooms to the high school in two years or so, it could redirect its resources over the next two years from a middle school to the high school.  Dr. Bowman estimated to accommodate the ninth graders at the high school, approximately 30 additional classrooms will be needed. 

Mr. Stack pointed out if a school is targeted for closing, plans must be made for the impact upon the other schools.  It may be necessary to renovate other facilities or add additional space to accommodate students.  Any major renovations would involve the Plancon process.  Mr. Stack explained Mr. Paradise had indicated in a conversation with him, that it would not be possible to do major renovations in one of the secondary schools and have it completed by September 2002.  Mr. Stack felt a target date of no later than September 2002 should be set to close a facility.  However, the District is not able to do any type of major renovations in some schools to prepare for it. 

Dr. Bowman suggested next month or soon thereafter the Board reach a consensus as to two or three options the administration should fine tune.  Once the options are narrowed down, the administration and Board can review the impact issues, i.e. renovations, timing, potential costs, space for students, redistricting, etc. 

Mr. Stack indicated he supports option 5 (close one middle school and keep the current 6 to 9 grade configuration in the remaining middle schools), because he supports the existing grade configuration.  He recommended the administration review option 5 (close one middle school and keep the current 6 to 9 grade configuration in the remaining middle schools) in more detail.  Mrs. Bostwick felt educationally, physically and behaviorally sixth graders are not ready to go up against ninth graders.  She indicated she would prefer that the sixth and ninth graders be separated.  Mr. Schoenstadt suggested an option 5A be established, which would include all aspects of option 5 (close one middle school and keep the current 6 to 9 grade configuration in the remaining middle schools) and placing ninth graders in the high school.  Mr. Eccles indicated he was interested in reviewing further options 2 and 3 (close one or two elementary schools while keeping four middle schools open). 

In response to Mrs. Butville’s question regarding option 8 (institute full-day kindergarten and eliminate pre-first), Dr. Bowman stated since there are so many things currently impacting on the District, the budget will be very difficult.  He said he is a proponent for full-day kindergarten, but also a proponent of providing full-day kindergarten when the District can afford to do it the right way.  A study of full-day kindergarten needs to be conducted and visits made to school districts that offer full-day kindergarten.  He recommended the full-day kindergarten issue be studied next year.  He pointed out as a part of his testimony before the state Senate Committee, he stated he would rather have the charter school funds spent on a full-day kindergarten program. 

After further discussion, there was Board consensus for the administration to review options 5 (close one middle school and keep the current 6 to 9 grade configuration in the remaining middle schools), 2 and 3 (close one or two elementary schools while keeping four middle schools open) in more detail. 

6.   Items for Approval

      a.  Tax Collector Salaries

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Real estate equity proposal charts distributed at the meeting.  Mr. Stack reviewed the rate charts distributed at the meeting.  He noted the chart entitled “five year real estate equity proposal w/ .75 per capita rate” includes a specific per cap rate that would be in effect for five years.  The real estate tax compensation could be addressed in two years rather than five years.  If addressed in two years, more money would be paid out earlier.  He recommended the Board focus on the initial five year real estate equity proposal and the five year real estate equity proposal with the .75 per capita rate.  By paying a little more for per cap compensation early on but not paying the higher rate in the last couple years, will save the District money in the long term.  He noted the inequity was greatest in Middletown Township and Lower Southampton Township. 

In response to a question raised by Ms. Drioli, Mr. Paradise explained the District bills the six municipalities for one-half the cost of printing and postage.  The District does all the printing.  Ms. Drioli said it is her understanding the District could bill the municipalities one-third of the amount collected from the tax collectors.  Mr. Paradise stated the District could make a case to do that.  However, he was concerned whether the municipalities would be willing to pay it.  Mr. Stack stated other than the cost of printing and postage, there is labor involved on the part of the District related to the tax bills.  He noted the additional labor cost is not being shared with the municipalities.  Mr. Stack directed Mr. Paradise to pursue the issue of compensation from the municipalities for costs incurred by the District.

Mr. Stack pointed out the Board would be acting on two motions.  One motion is to set the salary compensation for the 2001-2002 fiscal year for the collection of personal and per capita taxes.  The second motion is to set the compensation for the collection of real estate and per capita taxes for the years 2002 to 2005.  Mr. Eccles stated he is not in favor of expending any more money out of the District’s pockets.  Mrs. Butville stated she did not like the idea of taking money directly out of taxpayers’ pockets, putting it directly into someone else’s pocket and totally bypassing any educational benefits to the students.  She said she understands the tax collectors need to be compensated fairly for the service they provide.  She indicated she preferred spreading the increase over the longest term possible. 

Motion:  Tax Collectors’ Salaries - 2001-2002 Personal and Per Capita Taxes

Mr. Stack presented the following motion:

The Board of School Directors will set the salary compensation for the collection of personal and per capita taxes for the 2001-2002 fiscal year.

The salary for the Lower Southampton Township Tax Collector and the Middletown Township Tax Collector shall be based on $.75 per tax bill and the number of bills shall be based on the completed 1999-2000 fiscal year.

Number           Per Unit Per Capita Tax

Municipality of Bills Cost Collection Salary

Lower Southampton Township 14,328 $0.75 $10,746.00

Middletown Township 31,471 $0.75 $23,603.25

Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with five ayes and three nays, Mrs. Bostwick, Mrs. Butville and Mr. Eccles.

Motion:  Tax Collectors’ Salaries

Mr. Stack presented the following motion:

A. Compensation schedule for the collection of Real Estate and Per Capita Taxes

                                                          2002                  2003              2004            2005

Municipality                                     Year 1                Year 2            Year 3          Year 4

Hulmeville Borough                         $  4,132            $  4,235          $  4,341           $  4,450

Langhorne Borough                        $  4,179             $  4,283         $  4,390           $  4,502

Langhorne Manor Borough              $  4,132            $  4,235          $  4,341           $  4,450

Lower Southampton                       $21,550             $22,296          $23,392           $25,184

Middletown Township                     $42,364             $46,040         $49,717           $53,394

Penndel Borough                           $  5,852             $  5,998          $  6,151           $  6,304

B.  Compensation for the collection of Real Estate Taxes only

                                                          2002                    2003          2004                 2005

Municipality                                     Year 1                  Year 2         Year 3             Year 4

Hulmeville Borough                          $  2,080               $  2,132        $  2,185           $  2,240

Langhorne Borough                          $  2,266               $  2,281        $  2,299           $  2,322

Langhorne Manor Borough                $  2,080               $  2,132        $  2,185           $  2,240

Lower Southampton                         $10,804              $11,550         $12,646           $14,438  

Middletown Township                       $18,761              $22,437         $26,115           $29,791

Penndel Borough                             $  2,644             $  2,710       $  2,783          $  2,856

C.  Other Aspects

1.  Bonds

a.  The School District or other taxing entity shall solicit quotations for tax

collector bonds in accordance with the School Code and other applicable regulations.

b.  Bonds may be placed by the tax collector with a broker of his/her choice.

c.  The premium paid by the School District shall be no greater than the lowest

 price obtainable by either the School District or the tax collector.

d.  Tax collector will be responsible for the difference in cost should bond be

 placed for a higher premium.

2.  Salary Payments Schedule

     a.  Salary paid by School District is actually effective July 1, 2002, as that is when

responsibilities begin for School District tax collection.

b.  70 percent of the salary payable will be paid in the first quarter of the fiscal

year (July, August, September). 

c.  Remaining 30 percent is payable in the last three quarters (October to

June 30).

3.  The salary is based for all four years on the collection of appropriate real estate

and per capita tax duplicates.

4.  Should the Board of School Directors eliminate the personal and per capita taxes,

the salary will be in accordance with the reduced number of bills for each municipality as indicated by the salary schedule.

5.  Remittance and Reconciliation

     a.  Remittance to the School District shall be in accordance with the schedule

provided by the Business Administrator, or designee as permitted by the code.  During periods of heavy tax collections, the District will request daily deposits.

b.  Reconciliation shall be provided monthly on forms supplied by the School

District.

6.  It is understood that the School District shall prepare the original tax bills and tax

duplicates and forward same to the tax collector.  It is the tax collector’s responsibility to ensure that final notices are mailed to each taxpayer who has not paid his/her real estate or per capita tax before the final date for payment.

7.  In accordance with past practices, the Business Administrator may issue

additional rules and regulations concerning remittance, reconciliation, issuance of tax notices and auditing of tax collectors records.

8.  The continued payment of the tax collector’s salary is based on compliance with

all aspects of this program as well as any and all other rules and regulations issued by the Neshaminy Business Office.

Ms. Drioli seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with six ayes and two nays, Mrs. Bostwick and Mr. Eccles.

      b.  Overnight Trips

           Information distributed prior to meeting self-explanatory.

           i)  Neshaminy Middle School/National Music Competition/Adjudication - May 5-6, 2001-

               Virginia

          ii)  Neshaminy High School/State Debate Tournament - March 22-24, 2001 - Susquehanna

               University

Mr. Dengler explained he was opposed to the Neshaminy Middle School students attending the National Music Competition/Adjudication, which is an overnight trip.

In response to Mrs. Butville’s question about the cost to the District for the State Debate Tournament, Dr. Bowman explained the cost incurred is for the substitute teachers’ salaries and cost of two certified staff members attending the debate tournament

There was Board consensus for the two overnight trips.  Mr. Dengler was opposed to the Neshaminy Middle School National Music Competition/Adjudication trip.

      c.  Appointment to the Lower Bucks County Neshaminy School Authority

Mr. Paradise advised the Board the Authority appointment expired in January.  The term of the Authority position is five years.  Appointment to the Lower Bucks County Neshaminy School Authority will be an agenda item at the February 27 Public Board Meeting.

      d.  Appointment to the Technical School Authority

Mr. Paradise advised the Board the Authority appointment expired in January.  The term of the Technical School Authority position is five years.  Appointment to the Technical School Authority will be an agenda item at the February 27 Public Board Meeting.

      e.  Waiver to Expulsion Hearing

Dr. Bowman advised the Board the individual who planned and is responsible for the recent incident at Neshaminy High School is being expelled.  The expulsion hearing is being waived.  If the contract is signed by the February 27 Public Board Meeting, it will be presented to the Board for approval at the meeting.

      f.  Approval of Bids and Budget Transfers

Mr. Paradise advised the Board Budget Transfer Report No. 01-4 (working copy), which has ten transactions and subtransactions, will be presented for approval at the February 27 Public Board Meeting.  Board members who have questions about the budget transfers should contact Mr. Paradise prior to the meeting.

Mr. Paradise reviewed the following bids:

Bid No. 01-20 - Bituminous Concrete Paving, Resurfacing and Repair

Award Amount:  $115,177.50

The bid is for repair of damaged and deteriorating paving at Carl Sandburg Middle School and Pearl Buck Elementary School.

Bid No. 02-01 - General School Supplies

Award Amount:  $182,453.13

The bid is for various classroom and office supplies for use throughout the District for the school year 2001-2002.

The Budget Transfer Report and bids will be agenda items at the February 27, 2001 Public Board Meeting.

7.   Public Comment

      No public comment was presented.

8.   Items for Information

      a.  Election of Members to the Bucks County Schools Intermediate Unit Board of Directors

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Ballots for the election of members to the Bucks County Schools Intermediate Unit Board of Directors were distributed at the meeting.  All ballots are to be returned to Mrs. Calvello.

      b.  Today Inc. Alternative to Suspension Program

Dr. Bowman advised the Board the Today Alternative School Program, which is very successful, is being moved to a new location in the Levittown area.  The new location will be a better educational facility. 

      c.  Transportation Subsidy

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman pointed out the memorandum distributed to the Board members answers the question raised by Mr. Eccles regarding the District receiving transportation reimbursement for contracted carriers.  The District is reimbursed in the same manner for contracted carriers as it is for  regular transportation.

      d.  Steinway Piano Restoration

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman explained after being repaired, the value of the piano will be $80,000.  The estimated cost of repairing the piano is $21,500.  Mr. Dengler said some time between 1978 and 1980 the piano underwent a major renovation.  He requested the Board be advised of the cost of the renovation.  The renovation work was performed by Mr. Forsyth, Feasterville.  Mr. Dengler said after the internal work was completed, the Maple Point Music Boosters paid to have the outside of the piano refinished.  He expressed concern about spending the funds to renovate the piano again and the piano deteriorating again.  The Board indicated they were interested in having the administration continue to pursue the issue.  Dr. Bowman stated funds could be budgeted for the renovation work over two or three years. 

      e.  Middletown Township Skate Park Facility

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board that Mr. Schmidt has reviewed Middletown Township’s proposal, and he is willing to work with the township in the planning of the facility.  Dr. Bowman questioned if the Board wanted to have a skate park on District property.  Mrs. Butville indicated she was opposed to the skate park being located on District property.  She suggested the skate park be constructed in one of the area parks. 

After further discussion, there was Board consensus for Dr. Bowman to send a letter to Mr. Burke, Township Manager, advising him the Board does not want the skate park located on District property for a variety of reasons.  However, Mr. Schmidt would be willing to help the township design the park. 

9.   Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Bowman advised the Board members to contact him if they are interested in Gym Night tickets.  He reported Mr. Paradise has been recertified as a Pennsylvania Registered School Business Administrator. 

10. Committee Reports

      a.  Educational Development Committee

Mr. Boccuti reported the committee is scheduled to meet on March 6.

      b.  Educational Foundation

Mrs. Bostwick reported the Foundation has presented awards totaling $13,420.  The next fund raising activity will involve commemorative tiles.  Dr. Bowman stated he will discuss with Dr. Marrington the commemorative tile fund raising activity because it will involve a District facility. 

      c.  Finance Committee

Mr. Stack requested the Finance Committee review the renovation issue. 

Dr. Bowman advised the Board the administration will present to the Board a budget less capital projects and capital projects will be presented as a separate list.

      d.  Intermediate Unit Board

           No report presented.

      e.  Intermediate Unit Legislative Committee

           No report presented 

      f.   Board Policies Committee

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Mrs. Butville reported the committee has revised the high school diploma policy to include the graduation project requirement.  A draft of the revised policy with the changes underlined was distributed to the Board members prior to the meeting.  This policy will be presented for approval at the February 27 Public Board Meeting.

Mrs. Butville also reported the committee has been reviewing the policy pertaining to smoking and tobacco use.  She explained due to a new law passed in December, smoking is not allowed anywhere on School District property unless the Board Policy is changed to include the designation of smoking areas.  The designated area must be at least 50 feet from buildings, stadiums, bleachers and organized student activities. Previously, just the inside of school buildings and facilities were smoke free, but non-student adults were allowed to smoke outside.  The Board must decide whether the District’s facilities (buildings and property) should be totally smoke free or allow smoking 50 feet from buildings, stadiums, bleachers and organized student activities.  As of December 2000, the District is totally smoke free.  Until a policy change is made, the current policy must be enforced.  Students are not permitted to smoke under any circumstances.  Ms. Drioli stated even though she is a nonsmoker, she favors designating smoking areas, because she does not want to infringe on smokers’ rights.

After further discussion, it was determined the administration will survey the staff on the issue.  Dr. Bowman felt the staff will favor permitting smoking in designated areas. 

      g.  Technical School Board

Mr. Dengler reported the Technical School is registering students for the 2001-2002 school year.  The enrollment for the incoming classes is what was expected. 

In response to Mr. Schoenstadt’s question about special education students, Mrs. Butville explained she met with Mr. Snyder regarding the issue.  Mr. Snyder will be providing special education data so the percentage of special education students accepted at the Technical School can be determined.  Mrs. Butville said the smaller school districts’ number of applicants to the Technical School is more than double their allotment.  Dr. Bowman noted since the ninth graders attend Neshaminy’s middle schools, they want to complete their program in the middle schools.  Last year he made a pitch for more spaces being allotted for Neshaminy students in tenth grade. 

Mr. Dengler advised the Board on Thursdays the special education class runs the lunch salad bar,  Mondays the seniors in the restaurant program prepare lunch and on Friday the bakery is open to the public.  The lunches are open to the public and are very inexpensive.

      h.  Technology Committee

Mr. Stack reported the Technology Committee will meet in March.  A survey form will be distributed to the Board members so they can indicate their preferences for future technology expenses. 

11. Future Topics

      No future topics were discussed.

12. Agenda Development for the February 27, 2001 Public Meeting

      Mr. Stack and Dr. Bowman reviewed the agenda for the February Public Board Meeting.

13. Correspondence

Dr. Bowman noted a letter was received from the attorney representing the Heckman School student who utilizes a wheelchair.  He advised the Board he has been reviewing the issue of installing an elevator at the Heckman Elementary School.  A contractor has been contacted who has said he could install a small elevator/lift for a cost of approximately $50,000.  The $50,000 estimate does not include the cost of architecture fees, structural changes, utilities, etc.  The contractor and engineer from the architectural firm will be visiting the site and will provide a more accurate estimate.  Mr. Paradise explained the devise is a lift and would only be large enough to accommodate a wheelchair.

Dr. Bowman said other possible options are as follows:

·         When the student is ready to attend fourth grade (presently located on the second floor), the fourth grade classroom could be moved downstairs for that year.  At the end of the school year, the fourth grade classroom could be moved back upstairs and the fifth grade classroom moved downstairs.  It is not known how receptive all parents will be to having their child relocate to the first floor for grades four and five.

·         The library cannot be relocated to the modular classrooms because the space is not proper to handle the library services for a school. 

·         Possible library options include:

*         Scheduling the library period the same day as another elementary school’s program and busing the child to the other elementary school for the library experience.

*         Contact Pennwood Library to determine if the student could go to the Pennwood Library with an aide during her library period.  The Pennwood Library is located close to the Heckman School. 

Dr. Bowman said the administration is trying to make the best good faith effort to provide reasonable accommodations.  The administration has even looked into the availability of wheelchairs that could go up steps.  There are some wheelchairs that can go up steps, but only three or four steps at a time.  The wheelchairs cannot go up an entire flight of steps.  Another possible option is to transfer the student to another school to provide reasonable accommodations. 

Ms. Drioli inquired if the student is transferred to another school, could the student’s sibling also be transferred so both children would be attending the same school.  Dr. Bowman stated that is a possibility.  Ms. Drioli expressed concern about the District altering the Heckman School to accommodate the student’s needs and the parent then moving out of the area. 

Ms. Drioli suggested the student be provided with a laptop computer to make her book selections.  Mr. Wilson explained the parent’s objection is when instruction is provided by the librarian to the entire class, the student misses the instruction.  Mr. Schoenstadt suggested when the librarian is providing instruction to the class, it be televised to the student on the first floor. 

Dr. Bowman explained if the situation results in a hearing, the administration will submit a list of all the options offered to the student to show that a good faith effort was made.  Televising the library class would be one of the items on the list.  He advised the Board that Dateline has been calling for the last three weeks about interviewing him on the issue.  He has declined to be interviewed. 

14. Other Board Business

Mr. Eccles advised the Board that John Wagner, District employee, recently passed away.  Dr. Bowman explained prior to being employed by the District, Mr. Wagner was a Middletown Township police officer and county detective.  He was on staff at Neshaminy High School for two years.

Mr. Schoenstadt moved the meeting be adjourned and Mrs. Butville seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved the motion.  Mr. Stack adjourned the meeting at 10:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol A. Calvello
Board Secretary

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