The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on February 23, 2000 at the Poquessing Middle School. 
The following persons were in attendance:

Prior to the meeting, the Poquessing Middle School Jazz Band, under the direction of Dr. Croom, performed several selections.  Dr. Bowman noted samples of the Ferderbar Elementary School students and Poquessing ninth grade art majors’ artwork were on display.

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

National Anthem - The Poquessing Middle School Jazz Choir, under the direction of Ms. Defeo, sang the national anthem.

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

·         Gym Night will be held March 3 and 4.

·         The musical “Guys and Dolls” was a great success.

·         The wrestling team won the sectional title.  The team only lost one match.  Seven wrestlers will be competing in the districts competition.

·         On February 24 Floyd Cochran, former member of neo-Nazi group, will be a guest speaker at the high school.  He will speak on peace and the adverse affects of hatred.

·         The junior prom will be held on March 25.

·         The sophomore dance will be held on March 31.

Public Comment - There was a three minute time limit per speaker.  Mr. Peters, Lower Southampton, noted parents of the fourth grade Lower Southampton Elementary School students had previously expressed concerns about class size.  He thanked the Board for reviewing the parents’ concerns.  He noted the fourth grade now has a third group for Math and the classes have had projects assigned.  He stated the parents are very happy about the changes.

Mrs. Kirk, Ferderbar School and Poquessing School parent, referred to the proposed revision to the school calendar and questioned why it is necessary to use two school holidays as make-up days.  She stated it was her understanding that the students are required to attend school 180 days and the school hours must total 900 (elementary) and 990 (secondary).  She said according to the District’s 1999-2000 school calendar, there are 186 school days.  She stated she enjoys spending time with her children and would prefer the two holidays not be used as make-up days.

Mrs. Cummings, Langhorne, stated it has been one year since she spoke before the Board regarding the condition of the Poquessing Middle School.  Initially, work was performed at the Poquessing Middle School, and it has not gone unnoticed.  The parents appreciate the work that was done.  This work was done to repair some of the deteriorating conditions, and these were only band-aids.  Numerous upgrades are needed to bring the Poquessing Middle School up to the same standards of the three other middle schools.  She noted BASCO conducted a study last summer to establish the level of renovations to be done at Neshaminy High School and Poquessing Middle School.  To date the parents have not been made aware of the Board and administration’s decision regarding the BASCO study.  Will the Board consider the recommendations outlined in the BASCO Report, renovations and a bond issue?

Mrs. Cummings explained she has visited all the middle schools.  While the other three middle schools may not be in perfect condition, they are in very good condition.  The Poquessing parents are asking for the same conditions for the Poquessing Middle School that exist at the other three middle schools.  She stated for too many years the Poquessing Middle School has been neglected. It is time to focus on the Poquessing Middle School and bring it up to the standards of the other three middle schools.

Mrs. D’Andrea, Langhorne, thanked the Board for the recent repairs at the Poquessing Middle School, i.e., new tile floors at the entrance and gym hall, new lighting, shades, exterior panels, locker rooms, self-cooling water fountains and carpeting in the auditorium.  She said the improvements are appreciated.  They were long over due.

Mrs. D’Andrea noted several Board members toured the Poquessing Middle School prior to the meeting and saw firsthand how much work is still needed.  She said hopefully, in the near future, the Board will follow the recommendations listed in the new BASCO Report and continue with renovations in the Neshaminy School District.  This, of course, would include the Poquessing Middle School.  She stated the children deserve a school that is equitable to the District’s other middle schools.  She requested any Board members, who did not tour the school prior to the meeting, to please review the condition of the second floor.

Mrs. Wiegner, Feasterville, thanked the Board for the changes made at the Lower Southampton Elementary School fourth grade level and the recent renovations at the Poquessing Middle School.  She explained the other schools’ students have labeled the Poquessing Middle School and students as “Poorquessing.”  When the middle schools compete against each other, the Poquessing students are humiliated, harassed and called “Poorquessing.”  She said no one in the Poquessing School or District is poor at heart.  She urged the Board to unite all the Neshaminy schools as one.

Mrs. Coia, Feasterville, advised the Board there is a security problem in the Poquessing Middle School.  She said there probably are security problems in every school.  It is very disappointing when four children, who attend the Poquessing Middle School, are arrested and there is very little done to protect the students.  She explained her son was a victim in the September incident, and she has been working with Mr. Stanford, Poquessing Middle School principal.  She is still waiting for an answer from Mr. Wyatt regarding an additional aide being placed in the building for two hours a day. She noted a study conducted by the District indicated the school should have more building aides.  She said security is very scarce in the school, and things can be done to make the Poquessing School a safer school. 

Mrs. Coia stated the Poquessing Middle School upgrades are lovely at this point, but a lot more needs to be done.  She explained the seventh grade basketball team has only one uniform.  They do not have different uniforms for home and away games.  When they played a team last week, the players had to wear green vests to be able to distinguish one team’s players from the other team’s players.  She said the students should have at least a uniform and school they can be proud of.  The Poquessing students are entitled to the same in whatever the other middle schools have in the District.

Ms. Drioli thanked the Poquessing parents for addressing the Board.  She said two women, Mrs. Cummings and Mrs. D’Andrea, have been championing the Poquessing School’s cause for the past two years.  They have made the Board aware of the Poquessing School’s needs and have not let the Board forget the Poquessing School’s situation.

In order to allow everyone an opportunity to enjoy the refreshments provided at the meeting by the Poquessing Middle School Home and School Association, Mr. Stack recessed the meeting at 8:25 p.m.  Mr. Stack reconvened the meeting at 8:45 p.m.  Mr. Stack thanked the Poquessing Middle School Home and School Association for providing the refreshments at the meeting.

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

·         A program is being presented tonight (February 23) at Neshaminy High School by Mr. Floyd Cochran.  The program addresses the issue of anti-violence and anti-hate in the community.  The program has been organized through the efforts of the Langhorne-Middletown Ministerium and Bucks County Peace Center in cooperation with the Bucks County Courier Times and the Neshaminy School District.  Tomorrow morning Mr. Cochran will address high school and middle school students, and speak at the Langhorne Rotary Club tomorrow afternoon.  At 3:30 p.m. he will speak to District administrators, guidance counselors and student assistant team members.  Board members are invited to attend to the 3:30 p.m. meeting on February 24.

·         On February 7, 71 members of Neshaminy High School’s Future Business Leaders Club competed against ten other Bucks County high schools.  Fifty-four Neshaminy students placed in the competition’s events.  Twenty-eight students placed top honors and qualified to advance to the state competition.  The District had twelve first place winners, fifteen second place winners, fourteen third place winners, eight fourth place winners and five fifth place winners.

·         Approximately 50 percent of the schools selected across the nation for Blue Ribbon consideration by the state have been identified for visitations.  Neshaminy Middle School’s visitation is scheduled for March 20 and 21.  Board members are requested to meet with the individual visiting the Neshaminy Middle School on Monday evening, March 20.  The curriculum and program is consistent across the District for all four middle schools.  In essence, this is tremendous District recognition.  After completing the paperwork process, any one of the District’s middle schools would be eligible for this recognition, because the major emphasis is the educational program for students.

Approval of Minutes - Mr. Schoenstadt moved the minutes of the January 26, 2000 Public Meeting be approved and Mr. Eccles seconded the motion.  The Board approved the minutes with seven ayes. 

Treasurer’s Report - Mr. Farmer presented for approval the January 31, 2000 Treasurer’s Report.  Mr. Mecleary moved the Treasurer’s Report be approved, subject to audit.  Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.  The Board approved the January 31, 2000 Treasurer’s Report with seven 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:

·         January 2000 bills for payment

·         Budget Transfer Report No. 00-4 (working copy) with four transactions

·         Exonerations of Personal and Per Capita Tax totaling 1,237 for January 2000

Ms. Drioli moved the January bills for payment, Budget Transfer Report No. 00-4 (working copy) and January exonerations of personal and per capita tax be approved and Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with seven ayes.

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

Bid No. 00-25 - Scrubbing and Refinishing Wood Floors

Award Amount:  $12,778.00

The bid is for work to be done on gym floors at Neshaminy High School (2), Neshaminy Middle School, Poquessing Middle School, Sandburg Middle School, Maple Point Middle School, Everitt, Miller and Ferderbar Elementary Schools.  The bid is within the parameters of the existing budget. 

Bid No. 00-26 - Irrigation System for Neshaminy High School Football Stadium

Award Amount:  $17,800.00

The bid is for installation of an irrigation system for the Neshaminy High School football field.  The project has been rebid at a considerable savings to the District.  The bid is within the parameters of the existing budget.

Bid No. 00-27 - Tennis Court Reconstruction

Award Amount:  $56,360.00

The bid is for the repair and resurfacing of the tennis courts at Neshaminy High School.  The bid is within the parameters of the existing budget.

Bid No. 00-28 - Bituminous Concrete Paving, Resurfacing and Repair

Award Amount:  $61,800.00

The bid is for the repair of damaged and deteriorating paving at the Poquessing Middle School and Heckman Elementary School.  The work will begin shortly after the last day of school.  The bid is within the parameters of the existing budget. 

Bid No. 01-01 - General School Supplies

Award Amount:  $180,221.71

The bid is for various classroom and office supplies for use throughout the District for the school year 2000‑2001.  This is an annual bid. 

Ms. Drioli moved the five bids be approved and Mr. Mecleary seconded the motion.

Mr. Schoenstadt referred to bid no. 00-28 (bituminous concrete paving, resurfacing and repair) and questioned why the bid submitted for $25,393, which was the lowest bid, was not selected.  Mr. Paradise explained the vendor of the $25,393 bid submitted a request for withdrawal of the bid due to a mathematical error.  According to state law, a vendor has 48 hours to withdraw a bid. 

The Board approved the five bids with seven 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-9 and addendum pages H-1a and H-4a. 

Dr. Bowman noted item no. 2 on page H-3 pertained to an individual not fulfilling their complete certification requirements.  Therefore, the individual is resigning. 

Mr. Eccles moved the certified and support personnel actions be approved and Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the motion.

Mr. Eccles referred to item no. 2 on page H-3 and inquired how an individual could work in the District for nine days and then have to resign.  Mr. Jones explained the individual was hired as an elementary school long term substitute.  The individual was supposedly fully certified.  When the District investigated the situation further, it found that the individual was not fully certified.  A meeting was held with the individual, and the person was advised due to not being fully certified she would have to resign.  In order to be fully certified, teachers must take three tests.  This individual had not taken any of the three tests.  However, the individual does have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. 

The Board approved the personnel actions with seven ayes.

Exra-Curricular Staff and Salaries Report - Dr. Bowman presented for approval additional 1999-2000 extra-curricular staff and salaries as budgeted and provided for in the certified staff contract.  The report includes two positions at the Neshaminy Middle School and four positions at Neshaminy High School.  The total expenditure is $12,440. 

Mr. Dengler moved the 1999-2000 Recommended Extra-Curricular Staff and Salaries Report dated February 23, 2000 be approved and Mr. Mecleary seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with seven ayes. 

Motion:  Contract to Provide Educational Plan at TODAY, Inc. for 1998-1999 and 1999-2000

Ms. Drioli presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, TODAY, Inc., a private residential institution for the treatment of persons involved in drugs annually requests the Neshaminy School District to provide the educational program at the institution under Section 1306 of the School Laws of Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, to provide the program for 1998-99 and 1999-2000, a three part contract has been prepared among TODAY, Inc., who will receive the program, Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22, who will provide the program, and the Neshaminy School District who serves as the local education agency.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of School Directors approves the contracts for the 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 school years, upon the review and approval of the Solicitor; and authorizes the Board President to sign the contracts on behalf of the Neshaminy School District.

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

Motion:  Revision of the 1999-2000 School Calendar

Mr. Schoenstadt presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, inclement weather forced the closing of schools for three days, and

WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania School Code, Section 1504, requires that all students receive a minimum of 180 days of instruction.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the 1999-2000 school calendar be revised to reflect three additional school days:  Thursday, April 20; Monday, April 24; and Wednesday, June 14.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that June 13, 2000 is designated as the last student day and June 15, 2000 is designated as the last teacher day.

Mrs. Butville seconded the motion. 

Mr. Dengler explained he would not support the motion.  He stated he considers Thursday, April 20, to be a religious holiday, and the children will have had no days off from February 22 until April 21, except for Election Day.  This is a long time to go without having a break to renew yourself.  Mr. Dengler stated two schools and possibly a third school have already sent letters home to parents stating the calendar revision has already been approved.  He pointed out the calendar changes are not approved until the Board votes on them at a Board Meeting.  Therefore, the parents should not be notified of calendar changes prior to the Board approving the changes. 

Mrs. Butville stated although the District is required to have 180 school days, that is not the only number that must be met.  The Board has been trying to get more school days scheduled for the children.  The more education, the better.  Three days were lost due to weather conditions, and only two of the days will be made up by the students.  The teacher contract calls for the teachers to be paid for a certain number of days.  This is why the last day (June 15) will be a teacher day only so they can meet their contract.  She noted the Board has discussed if there is an additional snow day, not making up the day.  By making the calendar change now, parents will be able to adjust their calendars now rather than later in the year. 

Dr. Bowman explained the Pennsylvania School Code requires 180 student days, 990 hours of instruction for secondary students and 900 hours of instruction for elementary students.  The Pennsylvania School Code also provides for Act 80 Days, which is a day that can be counted as a day in the student calendar, but students do not need to be in school if the District conducts conferences, workshops, training for teachers, etc. on those days.  Neshaminy’s calendar includes 186 days.  However, five of those days are Act 80 Days.  June 14 is an Act 80 Day and students do not need to attend school.  If the District does not meet the hours of instruction requirement, there will be a subsidy penalty to the School District, which is a financial penalty from the Department of Education.  Currently, the District’s calendar meets the hours of instruction requirement.  However, with the school days lost due to weather conditions the hours are getting very close to the minimum requirement.  The calendar needed to be adjusted.  The options were to use the two April days as make-up days or add the days to the end of the year.  The Board discussed the value of adding the additional days to the end of the school year when the buildings could be very hot.  There is very little flexibility where days can be added within the school calendar.  The different employee groups receive certain paid holidays.  The Presidents holiday was a contract negotiated paid holiday for the support staff.  Therefore, school could not have been held on February 21 or 22 without costing the District a large sum of money. 

Ms. Drioli inquired in light of the calendar adjustment, will the students be attending school an excessive number of hours or days.  Dr. Bowman explained at the elementary level the hours are close to the 900 hour requirement.  There are more hours available at the high school level than at the elementary level, because at the elementary level there are more conferences for the parents to attend during the month of November.  At that time, classes are held at the high school.  If there is another snow day, it may not be possible to ignore making it up.  He pointed out at the end of the year, there are half days for final examinations.  At the end of the year there are three half days at the elementary level and the high school has even more half days.  The District can only count the instructional hours. 

Mr. Stack stated since serving on the School Board, two certified staff contracts have been negotiated.  With both certified staff contracts, an additional day of work was acquired.  This provides flexibility when faced with missed school days due to inclement weather.  He noted this is not the first time the Thursday and Monday of spring recess have been used as make-up days.  He recommended each year it be made very clear to parents that it is likely these two days will be used as make-up days. 

The Board approved the revision of the 1999-2000 school calendar motion with six ayes and one nay, Mr. Dengler.

Federal Programs - Dr. Bowman reported the total of $1,318,975 for federal grants consists of entitlement grants of $675,930 and competitive grants of $643,045.

Other Board Business - Ms. Drioli requested Mr. Paradise present to the Board the Lower Southampton parking lot proposal.  She noted there will be no cost to the District for the project.  Mr. Paradise explained he has shared the document with Mr. Minotti, Director of Facilities, to determine which of the four options the District would prefer.  The proposal will be presented to the Board at the next Work Session. 

Correspondence - There was no correspondence.

Public Comment - There was a two minute time limit per speaker.  Mrs. Gettis, District resident, stated most of the Poquessing parents in attendance at the meeting are alumni of the Poquessing School.  The parents think Poquessing is a good school and are working to do positive things at the school.  While the parents want the negative things addressed so that they are changed, there are a lot of positive things that happen in the Poquessing and Ferderbar Schools.  It is because the parents care so much for the school that they bring the things they would like changed to the Board’s attention. 

Mrs. Kirk, Ferderbar and Poquessing Schools parent, inquired if the teacher workshops could be held during the summer months to eliminate students missing instructional time due to teachers attending workshops. Mrs. Kirk questioned with a 186 day school calendar, why the two snow days needed to be made up this year.

Board Comment - Mr. Schoenstadt stated, personally, if it were feasible he would like to see the children attend school 365 days a year.  Obviously, this is not feasible.  The more opportunities the students have to learn, the better off they will be as students, the better off their long-term education will be and the District will be better off.  Currently, the District is scheduling the minimum number of  days.  The Board chose to add the make-up days prior to end of the school year.  All of the District’s buildings are not air conditioned, and the buildings can become very hot in June.  The Board’s action allows the community to plan ahead.  The community must understand the calendar revision is being done to create an efficient plan for the rest of the school year.   

Dr. Bowman explained if the District uses Act 80 Days, students are not required to attend school 180 days as long as the 900/990 hour requirement is met.  Act 80 Days are used for teacher workshops and parent conference days in November.  If the District were to get in a bind due to snow, it could rely on the Act 80 Days to meet the 180 day requirement.  However, the District must meet the 900/990 hours of instruction requirement.  He noted most school districts in the county use some form of Act 80 Days.  Teachers need training and time is taken out during the year to provide the training.

Ms. Drioli said she believes the community wants the teachers to receive additional training.  Particularly in light of safe schools, ADA situations, etc.  The teachers’ formal education has not included these types of issues.  The training is essential for the teachers.

Mr. Stack stated from a budgetary prospective, the Board must deal with a fairly significant deficit.  In a variety of different ways, the Board is making efforts to subsidize the deficit with other revenue, i.e., corporate sponsorships, soda deal, etc.  If in the coming months the Board is able to solidify some of these opportunities, the Board will be more receptive at that time to consider a bond issue.  The Board is very much aware of the financial issues in the District.  There is a potential for a tax increase, and as such the Board would like to minimize it as much as possible. The Board is very much aware of the District’s building needs and it is a priority.  Hopefully, the Board will be able to address some of the building needs in the District.

Ms. Drioli moved the meeting be adjourned and Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with seven ayes.  Mr. Stack adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol A. Calvello
Board Secretary