The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on February 27, 2001 at the Neshaminy Middle School.  
The following persons were in attendance:

Prior to the meeting, the Neshaminy Middle School Jazz Lab, under the direction of Mr. Barber, and the Neshaminy Middle School Jazz Band, under the direction of Ms. Magrann, performed several selections.  Dr. Bowman thanked the Neshaminy Middle School Jazz Lab and Jazz Band members’ parents for their support.  He also thanked the students for their fine performance.

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

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

Motion to Table Appointment of Individuals to School Authorities Motion

Mr. Stack presented the following motion:

I move the Neshaminy Board of School Directors table the appointment of individuals to School Authorities motion.

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

Announcements - Dr. Bowman referred to the program at the Carl Sandburg Middle School which includes students viewing the movie “Schindler’s List”.  All parents have signed permission slips for the students to view the film.  So they can continue with their studies of the program, the administration will allow the students to view the film.  This portion of the curriculum will be reviewed for next year.

Dr. Bowman noted that the Neshaminy Middle School is a national Blue Ribbon School.  It has been recognized as one of the finest middle schools in America.

Dr. Bowman explained the student representatives, who usually attend the Board Meetings, are leaders and a part of Neshaminy’s Gym Night Program.  Since they were attending the Gym Night practice, they were not able to attend the meeting.

Mr. Stack announced prior to the Public Board Meeting, the Board met in an Executive Session to discuss negotiation issues.

Blue Ribbon School Update - Dr. Bowman introduced Ms. Wychock, Neshaminy Middle School assistant principal, and Dr. Daggett, Neshaminy Middle School principal, who provide the educational leadership at the Neshaminy Middle School.  Dr. Bowman noted they were part of the team that helped Neshaminy Middle School achieve national Blue Ribbon status.  Neshaminy Middle School has been recognized by the Commonwealth and a national panel as one of the best middle schools in America.  Representatives from Neshaminy Middle School will make a presentation on the National Blue Ribbon School Program at the Neshaminy Middle School at the National School Boards Association Conference.

A Power Point presentation entitled “The Learning Caring Place” was presented by Dr. Daggett.  Highlights of the presentation were as follows:

·         The Blue Ribbon Award has created a significant impact on the Neshaminy Middle School in the following areas:

*         Unification of the staff, students and community.

*         Validation of what is being done currently.

*         Rejuvenation - The process has energized the students, staff and community.

*         Participation in school-related activities has increased significantly.

·         School Pride - Very proud of the District, community and specifically the students and staff.  Students and staff take pride in Neshaminy Middle School.  When the best educational minds in the country say that what you are doing is right and hold Neshaminy Middle School up as an example for everyone to follow, the District should be proud.

·         Instructional Growth - Expanding use of technology in the classroom.

*         The Marsville project (Grade 8) is the first Internet integrated studies project.

*         The Wheelabrator environmental project involves the Pennwood Village and their problem with storm water.

*         The Physical Education Department promotes a physically active lifestyle.  The goal is to introduce many activities to encourage students to develop leisure time healthy habits and behaviors.

·         Best Practices - The Superintendent offers mini-grants to teachers who want to experiment with new ideas.  Several Neshaminy Middle School teachers have received mini-grants.

·         Community Outreach - Neshaminy Middle School is used by other school districts as an educational model.  Neshaminy Middle School’s representatives will be attending the National School Boards Association Conference in California.  The Caring Kids Program involves students working with patients in nursing homes.  The school sponsors a senior citizen prom and has A Thousand Cranes Program in place.  Staff membership in the PTO is 100 percent.  The school provides community support in several ways.

Dr. Daggett said as a national Blue Ribbon School, Neshaminy Middle School is a recognized leader in education.  The Neshaminy Middle School is committed to the continual improvement of student achievement, safety issues, community involvement and staff development.  The Blue Ribbon award said we are doing it right, but that is a starting place.  Our experiences and growth will help our District and community substantially in the future.  There is a commitment to continuing growth that will benefit all of our communities in the Neshaminy School District.  Being named a Blue Ribbon School is a substantial accomplishment that is very difficult for anyone to achieve.  Dr. Daggett thanked the School Board and community for their support that permitted the Neshaminy Middle School to do this.

Public Comment - There was a three minute time limit per speaker.  Ms. Mettus, Feasterville, pointed out at the middle school and high school levels if parents do not call the school to report their child will be out sick that day and the child is not in school, the parents are contacted.  This is not the procedure in the elementary schools.  Ms. Mettus stated she was concerned about the safety of the elementary school students.  If something were to happen to students on their way to school or while waiting for the bus, no one would know of the situation until 4:00 p.m.  If someone was aware a child was missing, it might be possible to prevent a tragedy.  She urged the Board to ensure the safety of the District’s youngest children by requiring the schools’ staff to call the parents of elementary school children who have not been called out sick by their parents and are not in school.

Ms. Ivins, Langhorne, referred to a recent newspaper article about the Board considering eliminating some school bus stops and reducing the number of buses serving the Our Lady of Grace School.  She expressed concern that the parochial schools are being targeted for the bus reductions.  She pointed out on a number of the Our Lady of Grace School half days no busing is provided. 

Ms. Ivins expressed concern about the closing of a middle school, which she read about in the newspaper.  She pointed out the District previously closed a school, Maple Point building, and spent many thousands of dollars reopening the school several years later.  She noted there are many young families moving into the District.  Therefore, serious thought should be given to closing any Neshaminy schools. 

Mr. Schneider, Langhorne, referred to the issue of competitive schooling.  He stated a couple of weeks ago Dr. Bowman was quoted in the Bucks County Courier Times regarding his concern about charter schools.  At a recent School Board Meeting, Mr. Eccles talked about not wanting another educational entity taking over a Neshaminy building if that building was vacated as a part of the downsizing of the District.  Mr. Schneider reminded everyone that the mission is education.  One size does not fit all.  It should not matter to the School Board if a child is best served by a public, private, parochial, charter school or home school as long as the child is receiving a quality education.  He said he is disturbed that his tax dollars are being used by an entity that is taking away those choices for our children.  He asked the Board members to reconsider those thoughts, concerns and positions.

Dr. Bowman referred to the Bucks County Courier Times article regarding the bus stop/busing issue and pointed out the Our Lady of Grace School was only one of the sample scenarios presented by the District to indicate how quality transportation can be provided to all schools, including non-public schools, without taking away any of the services.  The proposal involves providing quality and more efficient transportation by reviewing the bus stops.  He explained he spoke to the Our Lady of Grace School PTO President last week and explain in order to provide quality service, efficient service, not overload buses and not violate any of the legal capacity limits, all schools and all bus stops are being reviewed. As an example, Dr. Bowman said if one student lives on one block and another student lives on the adjoining block, why can’t the two students walk to one bus stop instead of having two different bus stops.  The students would not be walking any further to the bus stop than a walker would be required to walk to school.  The whole issue is how do we get a bigger bang for the dollar while still providing good service.  Three scenarios were reviewed at the (February 13) Board Meeting.  One of the scenarios showed the impact of the proposal on a non-public school.  He emphasized that no school has been targeted for a reduction in transportation services.  No decisions have been made.  The proposal is being reviewed further and will be presented to the Board in a month or two. 

Mr. Schoenstadt stated a February 21 Bucks County Courier Times  article was inaccurate and misstated facts.  He pointed out the Board did not mention or target any schools when reviewing the educational/financial impact study of facility use options, because the options presented by the committee  did not indicate any school/s.  He noted the committee spent six months examining the District’s needs based on declining enrollment, and included PTA members from every school in the District.  At the meeting, the Board started the process of evaluating the committee’s proposals.  The Board has not made a decision, because it has not fully evaluated the options presented.  The statement in the Bucks County Courier Times that “officials want to avoid a panic” is a gross misstatement.  He said the statement that “because School Board members and administrators are trying to keep under wraps which school is being considered” is a gross misstatement.  He stated the person who wrote the article must have been at a different meeting than he attended.  The person writing the article must not have recognized that the proposal developed by the committee, which met for six months, was presented to the Board at the (February 13) Board Meeting.  Mr. Schoenstadt felt the newspaper should apologize to the taxpayers in the Neshaminy community.  He said the newspaper has a responsibility that was not carried through in the February 21 article.

Superintendent’s Report - Dr. Bowman explained at the January Public Board Meeting, a parent and several others brought to the Board’s attention the issue of access to the Heckman Elementary School’s second floor for a student who uses a wheelchair.  After studying the issue, a product was found and  demonstrated at the school, with the child and parent in attendance, that climbs stairs.  It climbs ten steps in one minute.  The parent is very satisfied with that accommodation to allow her child to go from the first floor to the second floor for library services.  When the child is older, the child will be able to use the product to attend the fourth and fifth grades on the second floor.  Dr. Bowman recommended the specially designed chair be purchased so that the District has it available for this student and any other student who may need this type of accommodation.  The cost of the specially designed chair is approximately $8,000.  He felt the funds will be well spent in reference to providing access to the District’s programs and facilities.  The specially designed chair can be delivered within several weeks.

Dr. Bowman announced there are 28 semi-finalists in the State Teacher of the Year Program in Pennsylvania.  There are 501 school districts and well over several hundred thousand teachers in Pennsylvania.  Two of the 28 semi-finalists are from the Neshaminy School District, Shelley Cloak from Maple Point Middle School and Frank Collins from Neshaminy Middle School.  Dr. Bowman congratulated the two teachers for being recognized as semi-finalists. 

Dr. Bowman noted the Bucks County Courier Times recently wrote a good news article about students at the Sandburg Middle School.  He explained Sandburg School students attended the recent Mid-Atlantic Regional Environmental Symposium at the Adams Mark Hotel in Philadelphia.  The students’ project was the Leatherback sea turtle, which is in danger of becoming extinct in Costa Rica.  Brian Reed, Sandburg Middle School teacher, got the students connected globally.  The students will be making their presentation, sponsored by the Waste Management Corporation, at the Northeast Symposium in the West Point area.  Waste Management is funding the complete cost of the program.  A team from the Neshaminy Middle and Poquessing Middle Schools will be participating in a one day symposium in Baltimore, which Waste Management is funding. 

Dr. Bowman reported a partnership has been established, through the Intermediate Unit, with the Gwynedd Mercy College.  Gwynedd Mercy College’s administrative certification program will take place at a District facility on Mondays.  It is an eighteen month program where individuals become certified to be school principals in elementary and secondary education.  It is a commitment made to develop leadership and prospective administrators in the Neshaminy School District.  The District is providing the facility for Gwynedd Mercy College to present this graduate program.  The majority of teachers in the program are Neshaminy teachers. 

In order to allow everyone an opportunity to enjoy the refreshments provided by the Neshaminy Middle School PTO and Family Living Department, Mr. Stack recessed the meeting at 8:40 p.m.  Mr. Stack reconvened the meeting at 9:00 p.m.  Mr. Stack thanked the PTO and Family Living Department for providing refreshments at the meeting.

Approval of Minutes - Mr. Mecleary moved the minutes of the January 23 and February 13, 2001 Public Board Meetings be approved and Dr. Frank seconded the motion.  The Board approved the minutes with eight ayes.

Treasurer’s Report - Mr. Farmer presented for approval the January 31, 2001 Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit.  Mr. Eccles moved the January 31, 2001 Treasurer’s Report be approved, subject to audit.  Dr. Frank seconded the motion.  The Board approved, subject to audit, the January 31, 2001 Treasurer’s Report with eight ayes.

Approval of Bills - Dr. Bowman presented for approval the January 2001 bills for payment.  Mrs. Butville moved the January 2001 bills for payment be approved and Mr. Eccles seconded the motion.  The Board approved the January 2001 bills for payment with eight ayes.

Approval of Budget Transfers  - Dr. Bowman presented for approval Budget Transfer Report No. 01-4 with ten transactions and subtransactions.  Mr. Schoenstadt moved the budget transfers be approved and Mrs. Butville seconded the motion. The Board approved the budget transfers with eight ayes. 

Approval of Personal and Per Capita Tax Exonerations - Dr. Bowman presented for approval the January personal and per capita tax exonerations totaling 545 exonerations.  Mr. Dengler moved the January personal and per capita tax exonerations be approved and Dr. Frank seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.

Bids - Dr. Bowman presented the following bids for approval:

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

Award Amount:                $115,177.50

The bid is for the 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.

Mr. Schoenstadt moved the two bids be approved and Mrs. Butville seconded the motion.  The Board approved the two bids 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 Personnel (For information only)

Personnel information appears on pages H-1 through H-7.

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

Extra-Curricular Staff and Salaries Report - Dr. Bowman presented for approval the 2000-2001 Recommended Extra-Curricular Staff and Salaries Report dated February 27, 2001 with a total expenditure of $4,422.00.  The salaries are as per the negotiated contract.  The two positions are for the Maple Point Middle School.

Mr. Schoenstadt moved the Extra-Curricular Staff and Salaries Report dated February 27, 2001 be approved and Mr. Eccles seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.

Motion:  Board Policy No. 512 - High School Diploma

Mrs. Butville presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, in order to keep District Board Policies updated, current, new and revised policies are recommended by the Administration to the Board Policy Committee for review; and

WHEREAS, Chapter 4 of the State Board of Education of Pennsylvania Regulations addresses

·         Academic Standards

·         Curriculum and Instruction at all levels

·         High School graduation requirements include:

*         successful course completion and passing grades

*         successful completion of a culminating project

*         achieving a proficient level in state and local assessments

*         and demonstration of academic standards as established by Neshaminy School District and

WHEREAS, after review by the Board Policy Committee, the District is ready to recommend revision of Policy No. 512 - High School Diploma.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Policy No. 512 be approved by the Board of School Directors.   (See attachment I)

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

Federal Programs - Dr. Bowman reported today the annual evaluation of all federal programs in the District was concluded.  The District received a very favorable evaluation.  No citations were received and the District is in compliance with all regulations. 

Dr. Bowman explained the current federal programs report represents 21 different programs of funding.  The District has received $696,139 in entitlement funds and $572,293 in competitive grant funds, which is a total of $1,268,432.  The District continues to apply for federal grants. 

Other Board Business - Dr. Bowman advised the Board when the Walter Miller Elementary School was approved for the PlanCon process, it also included plans to renovate the kitchen facility.  However, the Walter Miller Elementary School meets all of the educational standards with or without the kitchen renovations listed as Phase 2 of  PlanCon.  The project building will not be eligible for reimbursement for another twenty years starting from the bid date of the renovation project.  He requested the Board approve not pursuing Walter Miller Elementary School Renovations, Phase 2.  The school building, as renovated under Phase I, has been brought up to prevailing educational standards.  This action has been recommended by the architect. 

Motion:  Facility Renovations - Walter Miller Elementary School - Phase 2

Dr. Frank moved the following motion be approved:

WHEREAS, the newly renovated building at Walter Miller Elementary School, as it presently exists, will meet the District’s needs well into the future and will allow the District to proceed with its educational plans accordingly; and

WHEREAS, sufficient funds are not available for the renovation of the kitchen facility; and

WHEREAS, the Walter Miller Elementary School meets educational standards with or without the kitchen renovations listed as Phase 2 in PlanCon Part E; and

WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors understands that the project building will not be eligible for reimbursement for another twenty years starting from the bid date of the renovation project.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors will not pursue Walter Miller Elementary School Renovations, Phase 2.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the school building, as renovated under Phase 1, has been brought up to prevailing educational standards.

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

Correspondence - Dr. Bowman reported he had received a letter from Mr. Marte, attorney for the Lower Bucks County School Authority, dated February 20, 2001.  The letter indicates the Authority members have unanimously voted to terminate the Authority.  The Authority is recommending its remaining funds be turned over to the Neshaminy School District.  The letter will be given to the Board President and Solicitor for review as to what appropriate action should be taken.

Public Comment - There was a two minute time limit per speaker.  Ms. Geddes, Feasterville, referred to the Bucks County Courier Times article and Mr. Schoenstadt’s comments presented earlier in the meeting regarding the educational/financial impact study of facility use options issue.  She indicated she concurred with Mr. Schoenstadt’s comments and was upset with the editorial and article.  She commended the Board for learning from their past mistakes.  When the possibility of closing the Maple Point School was previously presented, it created stress among the students.  It interfered with the learning at the school, because the students were so worried about their school being closed they could not concentrate. She commended the Board for not making issues public that could cause stress to students throughout the District. She noted there are a lot of factors that need to be reviewed and certain schools can be eliminated from consideration based on different factors.  By not making the information public too early, the Board is eliminating stress on the families and students.

Board Comment - Mr. Eccles thanked Dr. Bowman, Mr. Wyatt and Dr. Boccuti for their quick intervention and decision in reference to the viewing of the movie “Schindler’s List” at the Carl Sandburg Middle School.

Mr. Stack announced on March 7, 10:00 a.m., Neshaminy High School will have the opportunity to provide a forum for the State House of Representatives Majority Policy Committee.  The committee will be conducting a hearing on the issue of property tax reform.  Representatives from the Neshaminy School District will have an opportunity to make an opening presentation at the hearing.  The presentation will be made by Mr. Stack (Board member), Jim Peters (Act 50 Committee member)  and Anne Donovan (Administration).  The hearing is open to the public and everyone is welcomed to attend the hearing.  Mr. Stack said he would be happy to convey to the committee members the public’s suggestions or comments. 

Mr. Eccles moved the meeting be adjourned and Mrs. Butville seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.  Mr. Stack adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol A. Calvello
Board Secretary

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