The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on January 23, 2001 at the Poquessing Middle School.  
The following persons were in attendance:

BOARD MEMBERS:	ADMINISTRATORS:
Mr. Edward Stack, President	Dr. Gary Bowman
Mr. Steven Schoenstadt, Vice President	Dr. Raymond Boccuti
Mrs. June Bostwick Mrs. Yvonne Butville	Mr. Harry Jones Mr. Richard Marotto
Mr. Harry Dengler, Jr.	Mr. Joseph Paradise
Ms. Carol Drioli	Mr. P. Howard Wilson
Mr. Richard Eccles Dr. Ruth Frank	SOLICITOR:
George Mecleary, Jr., Esq.	Kristina Wiercinski, Esq.
SECRETARY:  Mrs. Carol Calvello TREASURER:  Mr. Francis Farmer	STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Miss Kelly Schailey Mr. Michael Taylor
	OTHERS:  Approximately 70 persons from the public, staff and press

Prior to the meeting, the Poquessing Middle School Jazz Band, under the direction of Mr. Croom, performed several selections. 

Call to Order - Dr. Bowman called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.

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

Announcements - Dr. Bowman thanked the Poquessing Middle School Jazz Band and Choir for their fine performances.  He noted the students’ artwork was on display in the lobby area and hallway, and thanked the Fine Arts staff and students for the art display.  Dr. Bowman thanked the parents for supporting the school’s Fine Arts Program.

Dr. Bowman announced later in the meeting, the Board would take action on a $25,000 budget transfer to purchase posture music chairs and other items for the Poquessing Middle School’s co-curricular program. 

Mr. Stack thanked the Poquessing Middle School cafeteria staff for providing refreshments during the Executive Session held prior to the meeting.  He announced an Executive Session was held prior to the Board Meeting to discuss a personnel item.

Dr. Bowman announced Neshaminy High School is participating in the Art Faculty Exhibition, which is being held at the Bucks County Community College from January 17 through February 12.

Dr. Bowman welcomed Dr. Richard Coe, Intermediate Unit Executive Director, to the meeting.

Student Report - Miss Schailey and Mr. Taylor, student representatives, presented the following report:

·         If the boys basketball team defeats Truman High School’s team tonight, the Neshaminy boys basketball team will be in first place.

·         The musical comedy “Crazy For You” will be performed February 14, 15, 16 and 17 at Neshaminy High School. 

·         The Student Council is planning to hold a talent show in the spring.

·         The Student Council will sponsor a Sadie Hawkins dance in February. 

·         The FBLA’s first competition will be held on February 1.

·         The second marking period is coming to an end.

·         Seniors are being measured for their graduation caps and gowns.

·         The student body would like a greater variety of lunch choices in the cafeteria.

Board Recognition - Ms. Drioli introduced Mr. Collins, Neshaminy High School Principal, and Ms. Murphy, Neshaminy’s Athletic Director.  Ms. Murphy announced Dominick Balsamo, Neshaminy soccer player, and Sharla Partlon, Neshaminy field hockey player, have been named All Americans for their respective sports.  This is quite an honor.  Ms. Murphy reviewed Sharla and Dominick’s accomplishments.  Ms. Murphy presented Sharla and Dominick with All American Certificates and Neshaminy Excellence in Athletics and Academic Recognition Certificates.

Mr. Collins explained the National Council of the Teachers of English each year administer a national writing sample test.  Among the 600 students being honored are Neshaminy students Christian Moyer and Carissa Jessey.  They are Excellent in Writing Among High School Students Award recipients.

Mr. Blair, Christian and Carissa’s English teacher last year, was not able to attend the meeting.  Mr. Collins read the following statement from Mr. Blair:

“This is a tremendous accomplishment on the part of Carissa and Christian.  On the day we were informed of their selection, I was as proud as I’ve ever been in my professional career.  Their accomplishment brings honor, not only to themselves and their families, but to our high school in general and our English Department specifically.

 

I, as their teacher, want them to know how proud and grateful I am: proud of their achievement, and grateful for all that I have learned from them.  As is the case with all my students, they gave me more than I could ever give them.  Congratulations Carissa and Christian, you have set a standard for all Neshaminy students to pursue.” 

Mr. Collins presented to Christian and Carissa National Council of Teachers of English Certificates and Neshaminy Academic Achievement Award Certificates.

Public Comment - There was a three minute time limit per speaker.  Mr. D’Andrea, Langhorne, on behalf of his wife and the Poquessing Home and School Association, stated the setting aside of funds for the Poquessing School’s music and technology programs is appreciated.  Since the physical building is as important to learning as the programs are, he requested the Board remember the Poquessing School when considering future renovations within the School District. 

Mr. D’Andrea pointed out the Poquessing Middle School is 40 years old and needs improvements to educate the children in the 21^st century.  He stated the Home and School Association also would like to see the summer maintenance projects for floors, ceilings, bathrooms, etc. continue.  The children deserve the best the District has to offer not only in the curriculum but also in the facility that houses the children for sometimes up to ten hours a day, five days a week.

Mr. D’Andrea said the Poquessing School parents and students extend their thoughts and prayers to the ill Maple Point seventh grader and his family for a healthy recovery.

Mrs. McCabe, Trevose, advised the Board her son Brian, a Poquessing Middle School honor student, was attacked in class on October 26.  He is still home recovering from serious, permanent injuries inflicted by another student in class.  He suffered severe trauma to the right side of his brain, is being tested for epilepsy, has a swollen brain, severe post concussion syndrome, injuries to his neck and serious, permanent injury to his inner ear, which requires surgery.  He has lost one frequency of hearing.  The family has incurred severe medical bills. 

Mrs. McCabe pointed out the only action the School District has taken against the student who attacked her son was a three day suspension.  She said this is completely unacceptable.  She stated her son is still home recovering and the prognosis is very uncertain.  She asked when her son is able to return to school, what can be done to ensure his safety.  Mrs. McCable stated she has been told by the juvenile court that the student who attacked her son is still a threat, has shown no remorse and has severe anger issues.  The student is still attending the Poquessing Middle School.  She said what will be done to protect my son?

Mr. Rosenthal, Trevose, pointed out when a child is injured in school, the parents are responsible for all medical bills.  If an incident similar to the Brian McCabe incident took place outside of school, the student would have been put in jail without question.  Since the incident took place in school, the only punishment was a three day suspension.  He said he was outraged at the school’s response to the situation.

Mrs. McCabe pointed out her son has been in the mentally gifted program since second grade and is an honor student.  He was a member of the football team.  His dream was to continue in basketball and baseball.  She felt the situation was a complete outrage.  She said her son feels he is not even welcomed back to school.  Mrs. McCabe asked the Board to address the situation. 

Mr. McCabe, grandfather of Brian McCabe, complimented the School District for providing Brian with years of enjoyable, well-structured scholastic experiences and activities.  Mr. McCabe referred to the October 26 incident, which resulted in his grandson being injured, and explained Brian may return to school in two or three weeks.  There is concern about Brian’s safety.  He urged the Board to review the incident and decide what action will be taken if in the future such an incident occurs again.  He asked the Board to investigate the October 26 incident and ensure Brian’s safety when he returns to school.

Mrs. Turner’s (Langhorne resident) attorney explained Mrs. Turner’s daughter Samantha is a second grade student at the Heckman Elementary School.  Since Samantha uses a wheelchair, she is not able to fully access the school’s educational program.  Mrs. Turner has discussed with school officials the possibility of installing an elevator in the school to allow access to the second floor.  There is concern about Samantha not being able to participate in some current class activities and in the future attending grades four and five, which are located on the second floor of the building.  Samantha has friends in the school and does not want to be transferred to another school.  It is Mrs. Turner’s understanding that the school principal discussed the issue with some Board members.  Due to budgetary concerns, the principal has decided not to submit the Heckman School elevator installation issue to the School Board.  The attorney asked the Board to reconsider the issue and examine more closely the second floor access issue.  He noted the issue involves legitimate financial considerations.  He stated there may be less expensive means to providing access, but it is clear some form of access needs to be provided to Samantha.  He said he will be in contact with the appropriate school officials shortly. 

Mrs. Turner explained recently the entire second grade attended an assembly, which was held on the second floor of the Heckman School.  Samantha was the only second grader who did not attend the assembly.  She pointed out there is no handicap access to the school’s second floor.  Mrs. Turner requested the Board review the issue and include funds in the budget to remedy the situation.

Mr. Schmidt, Langhorne, pointed out that Samantha Turner, second grade Heckman School student, does not have access to the school’s library, which is located on the second floor.  He said it is not a question of whether the School District can afford to provide access to the second floor.  It is a question of doing the right thing.  He pointed out there are handicap access laws in effect.  He said it is an issue of an individual not being able to access the library in a public building.  He urged the Board to provide Samantha with access to the second floor of the Heckman School.

Mrs. Gillie, Langhorne, stated she supported providing handicap access to the second floor of the Heckman School.  She explained Samantha Turner is a member of her daughter’s Brownie Troop.  Samantha enhances the Brownie Troop.  By Samantha being a part of the Brownie Troop, the girls are educated in diversity and Samantha gets to be like the other kids.  She pointed out the School District teaches diversity.  When Mrs. Turner said she wanted Samantha to attend the Heckman School, she received support and encouragement from many teachers and parents.  Samantha thinks she is just like the other kids.  She is, but she just needs a little help.  Samantha’s Brownie Troop, teachers and fellow students are blessed by her laughter, brightness and presence at the Oliver Heckman School.  Samantha needs access to the second floor. She urged the Board to provide handicap access to the Heckman School’s second floor.

Mrs. Stanford, Langhorne, explained Samantha Turner is in her son’s class.  She stated she realizes it will be expensive to install an elevator or another form of handicap access to the Heckman School’s second floor.  She suggested a possible way to resolve the library class issue is to bring the books down stairs to the second grade classroom and have the librarian teach the class in the second grade classroom.  When Samantha is ready for fourth and fifth grades, those classes could be held down stairs.  Mrs. Stanford said the students in Samantha’s class have learned compassion and that a child in a wheelchair is not any different than other children.  She said Samantha is her son’s friend.  If Samantha is transferred to another school, her son would miss Samantha, Samantha would have to adjust to a new school, make new friends and leave her brother who attends the Heckman School.  Also, her mother would have to split her time between two schools.  Mrs. Stanford urged the Board to find a solution to the situation other than transferring Samantha to another school.

Mrs. Carresola, Langhorne, explained her daughter is in Samantha Turner’s class.  She stated if Samantha is transferred to another school, her daughter will miss Samantha.  She urged the Board to resolve the situation and allow Samantha to continue attending the Heckman School.

Several letters were submitted (see attachment I) supporting Samantha Turner remaining at the Heckman School and accommodations being made to resolve the handicap access issue in the Heckman School.

Mr. Stack thanked the members of the public for presenting their comments.  He said the issues brought to the Board’s attention will be discussed by the Board and administration.

In order to allow everyone an opportunity to enjoy the refreshments provided at the meeting, Mr. Stack recessed the meeting at 8:45 p.m.  Mr. Stack reconvened the meeting at 9:05 p.m.

Approval of Minutes - Dr. Frank moved the minutes of the November 28, 2000, December 4, 2000 and January 9, 2001 Board Meetings be approved and Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved the minutes.

Treasurer’s Report - Mr. Farmer presented for approval the November 30 and December 31, 2000 Treasurer’s Reports, subject to audit.  Mr. Mecleary moved the November 30, 2000 Treasurer’s Report be approved, subject to audit, and Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved, subject to audit, the November 30, 2000 Treasurer’s Report.  Mrs. Butville moved the December 31, 2000 Treasurer’s Report be approved, subject to audit, and Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved the December 31, 2000 Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit.

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

·         November and December 2000 bills for payment

·         Two investments

·         Budget Transfer Report No. 01-3 (working copy) with twelve transactions and subtransactions

·         November personal and per capita tax exonerations totaling 273 and December personal and per capita tax exonerations totaling 1,361.

Mr. Dengler moved the bills for payment, investments, Budget Transfer Report No. 01-3 and November and December personal and per capita tax exonerations be approved and Ms. Drioli seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved the motion. 

Bid - Mr. Paradise presented the following bid for approval:

Bid No. 01-18 - Exterior Door Replacements at Neshaminy High School, Poquessing Middle School, Schweitzer, Heckman, Hoover and Tawanka Elementary Schools

Award Amount:  $198,800.00

The bid is for the replacement of twelve doors at Neshaminy High School, nine doors at Tawanka Elementary School, four doors at Poquessing Middle School, one door at Heckman Elementary School, five doors at Schweitzer Elementary School and four doors at Hoover Elementary School.  After completing the installation of the doors included in bid no. 01-18, approximately 50 percent of the District’s exterior doors will have been replaced. 

Ms. Drioli moved bid no. 01-18 be approved and Dr. Frank seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved the bid. 

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-11 and addendum pages H-2a and H-5a.

Mr. Mecleary moved the certified and support personnel actions be approved and Mr. Eccles seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved the certified and support personnel actions.

Motion:  Attendance at National School Boards Association Conference

Mrs. Bostwick presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, attendance at a conference of the National School Boards Association provides board members with excellent opportunities to review and analyze critical issues facing public education and opportunities for board members to secure knowledge and skills that will benefit the School District; and

 

WHEREAS, Section 516.1 of the School Laws of Pennsylvania and School Board Policy 123, provide that members of the board may attend the national conferences with prior board approval.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as per section 516.1 of the School Code and School Board Policy 123, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors authorizes any board member to attend the 2001 National School Boards Association Conference to be held March 24-27, 2001.

Ms. Drioli seconded the motion.

Mr. Stack pointed out at the National School Boards Association Conference, Neshaminy will make two presentations. 

The Board unanimously approved the attendance at National School Boards Association Conference motion.

Ms. Drioli noted the next agenda item was a motion to appoint individuals to the School Authorities.  She explained next month (February) she would like to submit an individual’s name for consideration for appointment to one of the Authorities.

Motion to Table Appointment of Individuals to School Authorities Motion

Ms. Drioli presented the following motion:

I move the appointment of individuals to School Authorities motion be tabled. 

Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved the motion.

Motion:  Contracted Transportation Services for 2000-2001

Mr. Mecleary presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, the School District transports public, private and parochial school students in accordance with the applicable state laws; and

 

WHEREAS, private contractors are sometimes used if it is more practical and less expensive to do so with other than District vehicles.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors authorizes the School District to enter into private contracts for the 2000-2001 school year for the transportation of certain students in accordance with state regulations as follows:

 

 

          Contract #1          Middle Earth, Incorporated                          $32,400

                                     (10 students)

 

          Contract #2          Lakeside Youth Service                                40,040

                                     (10 students)

 

          Contract #3          Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy             4,320

                                     (3 students)

                                                                                   TOTAL          $76,760

                                                                                                      ======

  

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Business Administrator is authorized to sign these contracts on behalf of the School District.

Ms. Drioli seconded the motion.

In response to Mr. Eccles’ questions regarding state reimbursement of the contracted transportation costs, Mr. Paradise explained it is reimbursable to the same degree that the District’s other transportation costs are reimbursable.  It is an annually budgeted item.  Mr. Paradise will provide the dollar amount of reimbursement at the Board’s next meeting.

Mr. Schoenstadt expressed concern about transporting students at twice the normal student transportation cost.  He said as a matter of principle he would not support the motion.  He stated the state legislators have done school districts a disservice.  Transportation is an expensive experience for the taxpayers of the School District. 

Ms. Drioli stated she appreciated Mr. Schoenstadt’s concern about transportation costs.  However, if all of the Board members chose to make an example of this transportation issue, there would be repercussions.  Mr. Schoenstadt explained transportation is not required nor mandated by the state legislature or the Department of Education.  If the District did not provide any busing, $5,500,000 would be available to provide tax cuts so individuals could fund transportation for their children.  He said he realizes this is impractical.  However, so is the system imposed on ourselves.  He said as a matter of principle, he would not support the motion.

The Board approved the contracted transportation services for 2000-2001 motion with eight ayes and one nay, Mr. Schoenstadt.

Motion:  Facility Renovations - Plancon Approval

Mrs. Butville presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, a facilities improvement Master Plan was generated in order to provide an approach and understanding of building improvements necessary to enhance the delivery of educational programs in the Neshaminy School District; and

 

WHEREAS, in order to receive maximum state reimbursement, the filing of certain documents with the Pennsylvania Department of Education is required.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors authorizes the Administration to submit the following:

 

          Plancon J   Project Accounting Based on Final Cost

 

·         Joseph Ferderbar Elementary School

·         Walter Miller Elementary School

·         Carl Sandburg Middle School

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board also approves the transmittal sheets necessary for submission to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Mr. Eccles seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved the motion.

Motion:  Placement in an Alternative School

Dr. Frank presented the following motion:

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