The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met on January 9, 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 8:10 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 Meeting/Work Session to discuss personnel issues.  He also announced Mr. Mecleary was absent due to a death in his family.

4.   Educational Presentation

Information packet distributed to Board members at the meeting.  Ms. Shelley Rosen, Heckman Elementary Academic Enrichment teacher, explained she recently traveled to Japan as a part of the Fulbright Program.  Students Allison Longstreet, Matthew Bruns and Emily Hegner assisted Ms. Rosen in her opening presentation remarks.  They introduced themselves by speaking Japanese and interpreting Ms. Rosen’s opening remarks.  The students distributed Ms. Rosen’s business card, which includes her e-mail and Web site addresses.  Ms. Rosen thanked the Board for allowing her the opportunity to participate in such an amazing professional development experience.

Ms. Rosen explained two months prior to her trip, she established the Just Japan 2000 Web site.  The Web site allowed her to share her trip experiences and keep in touch with the students and community.  She briefly reviewed the Web site program and some of the responses she received from the community.  She advised the Board that all of the Heckman School specialists have been working together and incorporated Japanese music, art, etc. into the students’ lessons.  This information will be showcased at the school’s fair in May. 

Ms. Rosen presented a slide presentation of the schools she visited in Japan.  Books and videotapes of the trip are available for review.  Questions can be submitted to Ms. Rosen by e-mail.

5.   Board Recognition

Enrollment/Facilities Study Committee Recognition

The Board recognized the members of the Enrollment/Facilities Study Committee and presented the committee members with Certificates of Recognition for their service to the District and Neshaminy students.  Dr. Bowman explained the committee’s charge was to provide the Board with options to consider as the Board addresses the issue of declining enrollment and how to best utilize the District’s facilities to provide viable educational programs in a cost effective manner.

Mr. Stack explained last spring Mr. Schoenstadt had the insight to recognize the Board had the opportunity to do things a little differently to enhance the educational programs in Neshaminy and review using the facilities more efficiently.  In September, the decision was made to form the Enrollment/Facilities Study Committee.  The Board turned to the PTO and PTO leadership to fill the committee positions.  Mr. Stack stated the Board appreciates the volunteer efforts of all of the community members, and particularly those serving on this committee.  The options developed by the committee will be taken under serious consideration and will be evaluated accordingly.  The Board will continue to involve the community as it continues to evaluate the options.

Mr. Stack presented Certificates of Recognition to the following Board members who served on the Enrollment/Facilities Study Committee:  Mrs. Butville and Mr. Schoenstadt.  Mr. Mecleary also served on the committee, but was not present at the meeting.  Mr. Marotto assisted by Mr. Schoenstadt, Dr. Frank and Mrs. Butville presented Certificates of Recognition to the following Enrollment/Facilities Study Committee members:  Rita Geddes, Ginny Katsourides, Sandy Faust, Debbie Sheridan, Cathy Zupcic, Gina Seibel, Linda Malilnowski, Anne Dalton, Susan Cummings, Tina Goll, Nancy Baker, Nancy Shanberg, Donna Tull, Lisa Angebrandt and William Jarr.

Mr. Schoenstadt congratulated the Enrollment/Facilities Study Committee on their work.  He noted the committee members had to sort through a tremendous amount of information.  He stated they absorbed the information as though they had sponges and asked pertinent questions.  The community volunteers devoted many hours of their time purely for their community and schools.  Mr. Schoenstadt said he has the deepest respect for everyone who served on the committee, and thanked everyone for serving on the committee. 

Ms. Drioli stated the Board feels strongly that the community will make any changes work.  This is an opportunity to do something creative in the District.  If the community has ownership, it will work.  Mr. Drioli stated she applauds the efforts of the committee members and looks forward to reviewing the committee’s report.

Mrs. Butville commended Mr. Marotto for putting together such an excellent team of people.  She said everyone serving on the committee was dedicated, had excellent ideas, worked together and was very productive.  She thanked the committee members for serving on the committee.   Mr. Stack stated Mr. Marotto did a fine job, and the Board appreciates his efforts.

Board Recognition

Dr. Bowman announced January is School Board Recognition Month.  He stated this is his 37^th year in education and ninth year as Superintendent of Schools.  The current School Board is a wonderful Board to work with.  Everyone doesn’t always agree, but always reaches out and trusts each other.  He explained the School Board members are locally elected directors and they are serving one thing, the children of the community.  The Board members are dedicated and carry out the representative form of government at the closest level to our homes.  They volunteer their time and receive no pay.  They give of their personal time.  Through studies, it has been estimated that many Board members give 11 to 20 hours per week of their time to School Board business.

Dr. Bowman explained in recognition of the dedicated volunteer commitment, January has been declared School Director Recognition Month in Pennsylvania.  It is a fitting time for educators and citizens across the Commonwealth to show their appreciation for those unpaid, citizen volunteers who serve public education.  School Board Directors ensure that decisions about our public schools are made as close as possible to the needs of the community and its children.  The tradition of volunteerism is a hallmark of our society.  School Board Directors each day set an excellent example for children who will be tomorrow’s leaders.

Dr. Bowman thanked the Neshaminy Board members for serving over 10,000 students every day in the Neshaminy community.  Dr. Bowman presented each Board member with a PSBA Certificate of Recognition and Neshaminy School District mug.

6.   Public Comment

      There was no public comment presented.

7.   Items for Discussion

      a.  Report from Enrollment/Facilities Study Committee

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Mr. Marotto noted the following:

·         A 20 percent decrease in enrollment over the next six to eight years is projected.

·         The School Board accepted the responsibility to see that Neshaminy’s schools and facilities are used in a manner that provides the best educational opportunities for students and families in a fiscally responsible manner.

·         The charge to the Enrollment/Facilities Study Committee was to provide the School Board with a set of viable options to consider and include the strengths and weaknesses of each option.

·         The committee did not develop recommendations, but a springboard to generate more ideas.  There may be more viable options than those contained in the committee’s report.  The options listed will provide a foundation for a variety of considerations.

·         The committee included representation from each of the District’s fourteen schools and three Board members.

·         Between October and December the committee held five meetings.

·         During the first three meetings, the committee members were provided with a tremendous amount of data.  The committee members did an excellent job of absorbing and digesting the data.

·         The committee members were broken up into subgroups and asked to develop different options.  Three of the four groups developed many of the same options.

·         The create/share/decide/list method was used to develop the options.

Mr. Marotto reviewed the Enrollment/Facilities Study Committee Report, which had been distributed to the Board members prior to the meeting.  The report includes the assumptions and parameters adopted by the committee and ten options.  (See report for detailed information.)

Mr. Marotto noted the committee had discussed eliminating option six (reconfigure middle schools to two 6-7 schools and two 8-9 schools).  The committee was very supportive of option eight (institute full-day kindergarten and eliminate pre-first).

Mr. Marotto said the committee met the Board’s charge and was a great group of people to work with.  Mr. Dengler thanked Mr. Marotto and the committee members for their work.

Ms. Drioli stated as a result of the recent newspaper article, the community is thinking about the enrollment/facilities issue as an advantage.  She urged the Board to consider the loss of athletic space/fields if a facility is closed and rented to a private company.  She noted a number of athletic associations currently use the District’s athletic fields. 

Mr. Stack pointed out that the Board is not in a race, but clearly the baton has been handed to the Board. 

Mrs. Butville stated the options need to be reviewed in much further depth and there are a lot of other parameters and considerations that need to be considered.  Mr. Stack stated now the Board needs to advise the administration of any additional information that needs to be researched further or provided to the Board.  He noted a lot of the advantages and disadvantages listed in the report pertain to costs.  The Board needs to obtain sizing for the numbers so a determination can be made.  Feedback from the administration is needed regarding the educational impact and educational value of some of the options. 

Mr. Dengler inquired with a full-day kindergarten program, how much more actual teaching time would kindergarten students receive.  He noted a full-day kindergarten program would require the addition of lunch, nap time and an extra recess.

Mrs. Butville pointed out for parents an advantage of a full-day kindergarten program would be an improvement in their child care situation.  She estimated there would be an additional hour of  actual teaching time.  Mr. Schoenstadt pointed out full-day kindergarten students would be eligible for the before and after school child care program located in the schools.  The cost of this program would be less expensive than the rate currently paid by parents to day care centers.  Mr. Schoenstadt requested the Board be advised of the hours of teaching time currently provided in the half-day kindergarten program and the hours of teaching time that would be provided in a full-day program.  He also requested the Board be advised of the transportation cost savings resulting from a full-day kindergarten program.

Dr. Bowman recommended the Board allow the administration to develop educational impact information and a cost analysis of each option based on some assumptions that must be made.  The goal would be to provide the Board with the information at the next Work Session.  There were no objections to Dr. Bowman’s recommendation.  Mr. Schoenstadt recommended the administration’s analysis include what type of savings would be realized by closing a facility as opposed to renovating the facility in accordance with the BASCO Report.

Mr. Eccles stated he hoped the Board would not look at the report as strictly a cost savings measure.  He felt the situation provides an opportunity to increase students’ ability to learn.  The Board owes it to the community to not look at just the cost factor.  He said Neshaminy is a great school district.  Let’s make it better.

Ms. Drioli said the idea is to free up money at one end, and spend it at the other end.  Dr. Frank pointed out change, in itself, is not necessarily good.  The Board must be able to say the change has educational value.

Mr. Schoenstadt explained the committee was not necessarily looking at just cost savings.  It reviewed generating cost savings on one hand and reinvesting a portion of the cost savings to strengthen the District’s educational programs.  As an example, he pointed out a full-day kindergarten program would be more expensive than a half-day kindergarten program.  The committee made the assumption that savings in other areas would be used to offset the increased costs of the full-day program. 

Ms. Drioli stated it is her understanding if applied for, Charter Schools receive funding for full-day kindergarten programs.  She said she would be very upset if Neshaminy had to fund a Charter School’s full-day kindergarten program, but did not provide a full-day kindergarten program for students enrolled in Neshaminy’s schools.  She inquired about the trend regarding full-day kindergarten.

Mr. Eccles noted with declining enrollment, the Board will have an opportunity to decrease class size.  He said he does not want to get into the habit of looking at things strictly to save money.  The District needs to maintain and increase services to students.

Mr. Stack pointed out when reviewing the options, the Board needs to take into consideration the following:

·         If a facility is closed, how will it otherwise be utilized?

·         Is there any business or educational interest in any of the District’s facilities?

·         Which specific facilities is there interest in by other educational institutions or businesses?

·         How will transportation be impacted by the options? 

·         Will there be transportation cost savings?

·         Will changes in transportation impact students, i.e. length of bus ride, bus stop locations, etc.?

Mr. Stack noted the Maple Point facility was closed for a period of time.  While not in use by the District, the Maple Point facility was leased and generated revenue of over $1,000,000 a year.  When enrollment increased, the facility was reopened for use as a school.  Mr. Dengler and Dr. Frank pointed out it cost millions of dollars to reopen the Maple Point facility as a school.

Mrs. Butville explained if a certain portion of a District facility is rented out to an educational facility, the District will not have to bring the facility up to the current code when it is reopened as a District school.  This is a factor that should be considered when reviewing the issue.

Mr. Stack noted the Board has invested heavily in the renovation of some of the District’s schools, and needs to invest heavily in some of the other schools.  This is another factor that must be considered when reviewing the options.  He pointed out there are a number of factors (i.e., financial, educational, transportation, etc.) that need to be taken into consideration when reviewing the options. 

Mr. Stack stated the Board will give very careful scrutiny to the options submitted by the Enrollment/Facilities Study Committee.  He said he suspects if any decisions are made, the Board will look to the community to be involved in the implementation of the decisions.  Ms. Drioli requested as the Board reviews the enrollment/facilities issue further, the committee members keep her apprised of their ideas and concerns.

      b.  Public Comment

There was a three minute time limit per speaker.  A Neshaminy resident recommended the Board review how the implementation of a full-day kindergarten program will affect the number of students on the buses.

Mrs. Geddes, Feasterville, stated the District is losing approximately 30 percent of the kindergarten students to charter school and private school full-day kindergarten programs.  In the long run, this will be a large expense when you consider that these students will be staying in the charter schools. District funds and resources are being lost to the charter schools.  She noted the District is piloting two elementary reading programs.  One of the programs is currently in use in the Bensalem School District.  A Bensalem kindergarten teacher has said it is impossible in a half day to do what they need to do for that particular reading curriculum.  Now most of the new reading curriculum programs are being based on a full-day kindergarten program and the program having more instructional time.  By the time students reach first grade, they are already behind in their reading program. 

Mr. Bittner, Feasterville, referred to the full-day kindergarten option presented by the Enrollment/Facilities Study Committee, and inquired why instituting a full-day kindergarten program would result in eliminating the pre-first program.  He felt even if the District provides a full-day kindergarten program, it would still be beneficial for some students to attend the pre-first program.  He requested maintaining the pre-first program be reviewed.

Ms. Kumbat, Levittown, referred to a discussion that took place at a previous Board Meeting regarding increasing efficiency and reducing transportation costs.  She noted it had been stated that every bus stop accounts for at least two minutes.  By reducing the number of bus stops, fuel and time can be saved.  To determine the bus schedules, a computer program is used by the Transportation Department.  She said as a former bus driver, she knows some bus stops take less than 30 seconds. She said eliminating bus stops will allow for more schools to be added to the bus drivers’ schedules, which will cause more overcrowding.  This will put the Transportation Department back in the position of needing to eliminate more bus stops.  For the safety of the students and bus drivers, she urged the Board not to reduce the number of bus stops.  Ms. Kumbat explained her bus run to Conwell Egan and the  Technical School included 18 bus stops.  Out of the 18 stops, five stops had no students waiting for the bus.  This did not save any time, because she still had to drive past the bus stop to reach the next bus stop.  At the next bus stop, ten students boarded the bus in 45 seconds, which included waiting for the students to be seated on the bus before pulling away.  She stated transportation causes some unique situations.  She related a situation where transportation was handled differently at the same location for students being transported on two different buses.  She said the safety of the students should always come first.

Ms. Kumbat noted at the meeting, concern had been expressed about children having to walk further to and from bus stops in the dark.  She said abductions are not only occurring in the dark.  In December a notice was sent to the Transportation Department from the Sandburg School Assistant Principal alerting bus drivers of a black car trying to pick up a student at a bus stop.

Ms. O’Connor, Langhorne, stated the 5:00 p.m. late bus drops the students off on Langhorne-Yardley Road on the outskirts of the Maple Point Development.  Her child has to walk 20 to 25 minutes from where the bus stops to her house.  She said her daughter has to walk home from Langhorne-Yardley Road in the dark.  She expressed concern in order to save money, the safety of the students is not being taken into consideration.  She urged the Board to establish more late run bus stops in the housing developments.  She felt the late bus should make the same stops that the bus does in the morning. 

      c.  2001-2002 Budget Data and Capital Projects

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Mr. Paradise explained the early budget projections are based on current assumptions (listed on page two of the handout) and actual agreements in place.  He pointed out the following:

·         The projected health insurance increase is 20 percent. 

·         To develop the projections, last year’s expenditures, except fixed costs, were increased by 2 percent. 

·         At this point $3,298,000 in capital projects is recommended.

·         The bulk of the increases are in the 100 (employee salaries) and 200 (employee benefits) objects.

·         The early budget increase estimate is 4.41 percent. 

·         The projection is just an early look at the budget.

Dr. Bowman explained revenue has not been addressed at all.  At this time, the administration  has no concept of what the state will do in regard to the state budget, financing public education, reimbursement for special education, etc.  The projection is for only the expenditure portion of the budget based on the information available at this time. 

In response to a question raised by Ms. Drioli, Mr. Paradise explained the capital projects are based on need.  The costs listed are estimated costs. If maintenance projects are not done every year in the buildings, the District will end up having to spend huge sums of money on maintenance issues in certain years.  By having a capital projects plan, the administration is trying to avoid such a situation.  The District’s buildings and kitchens are 30 to 35 years old and in need of updating. 

Mr. Stack stated if there is Board agreement that the capital projects need to be addressed and in the time frame listed, the question is how should they be funded.  The projects could be funded through the general fund or a bond issue.  He pointed out the capital projects listed are to keep the lights on (roofing, boilers, lighting, ADA requirements, exterior doors and kitchens), and are not major renovations to enhance the facilities.  Possibly when making the necessary repairs, other renovations could be considered for some of the facilities.  He requested the administration develop such a proposal. 

Mr. Schoenstadt requested for comparison purposes, the Board be provided with a list of capital projects included in the budget the past five years.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board a list of projects completed in the past five years will be provided and include how the projects were funded, general fund or Authority.  Dr. Bowman stated the last several years very little has been funded out of the general budget.  Since the Authority funds are almost depleted, the Board needs to determine how it will finance roof repairs, boiler replacements, etc.  The proposed capital projects do not include any renovations that would be equal to what have been done at the Miller School, Ferderbar School and several Neshaminy High School wings.  The high school renovation issue still needs to be addressed. 

After a brief discussion, it was determined the issue of financing renovation work will be reviewed by the Finance Committee. 

Mr. Stack noted more than half of the projected expenditure increase for next year is in the employee benefits object, largely the medical benefit.  He said the projected benefit increase far exceeds what the Board had projected the increase would be when it negotiated the contracts.  He felt the Board and Neshaminy Federation of Teachers need to review this issue and find a creative way to deal with it.  He challenged the Board and Neshaminy Federation of Teachers to work together to find some solutions to the issue.  He noted last year the Board and Neshaminy Federation of Teachers representatives worked together and found a way to reduce the medical benefit costs. 

Ms. Drioli inquired about the Technical School considering refinancing their debt.  Dr. Bowman explained the Technical School is considering refinancing their indebtedness to take advantage of lower rates in the market, which would result in a savings.

      d.  Facilities Usage Request - Non-Profit Organization

Information distributed to the Board prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board the First Baptist Church of Langhorne is requesting the use of the multi-purpose room at the Heckman School for Sunday services from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for approximately eight weeks (mid-February to mid-April).  In the 1980s the Board granted a similar request submitted by a community church for the use of the Neshaminy Middle School. 

Dr. Bowman noted the Board has a policy, which it can waive, prohibiting the use of District facilities on Sundays.  The request must be reviewed to make sure there are no legal issues.  He explained a custodian must be on duty the days the church uses the school, which will involve a cost.   He also pointed out non-profit organizations are charged a fee for use of District facilities.  Mr. Paradise explained the church will be required to provide the appropriate insurance.  Mr. Eccles noted the athletic associations, which are non-profit organizations, are charged a $50.00 fee for use of District facilities.

Ms. Drioli requested that the church be advised the Board is making an exception this one time by waiving the Sunday usage policy.  Mrs. Butville asked that the administration make sure the District does not incur any costs related to the church using the Heckman School on Sundays.

The Board indicated their approval of the First Baptist Church of Langhorne’s request provided the established fee schedule and procedures for non-profit organizations are adhered to by the Church.  The Board waived the Sunday usage policy for this one request.

Dr. Bowman advised the Board that the YWCA has submitted a request to use the Heckman Elementary School for their summer camp program this summer as they have in past years.  The YWCA will pay a $200 per week custodial fee.  Dr. Bowman felt the YWCA will make the request again next year.  He said the YWCA can be accommodated as long as there are no major projects taking place at the Heckman School.  The YWCA will be charged the normal fees.  None of the Board members were opposed to granting the YWCA’s request.

Mr. Eccles left the meeting at 9:45 p.m.  Mr. Stack recessed the meeting at 9:45 p.m.  Mr. Stack reconvened the meeting at 9:55 p.m.

8.   Items for Approval

      a.  Overnight Trips

Self-explanatory information distributed to Board members prior to meeting.  Dr. Bowman presented the following two trips for approval:

i.   High School Ski Trip to Killington, VT - February 9-11, 2001

          ii    High School Nature Club to Pocono Environmental Education Center - February 2-4, 2001

         There was Board consensus for the two trips.

      b.  Tax Collector Salary Program

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Mr. Ralph Clark, Middletown Township Tax Collector, and Jennifer Yori, Lower Southampton Tax Collection, were in attendance at the meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board the Pennsylvania School Code states any adjustments to the salaries of the tax collectors must be made by February 15 for the tax collectors’ next four year term.  As a result of the time schedule, Mr. Paradise met with the tax collectors to review the program under which they are currently paid and proposals were submitted to Mr. Paradise.  Mr. Paradise reviewed the information distributed to the Board members.  He pointed out the tax collectors are paid by three taxing bodies, the county, individual municipality for whom they work and the school district. 

Mr. Paradise noted one of the tax collectors had commented in their memorandum that the Board need only set the salary for the real estate tax at this point and not the per capita tax salary.  A legal opinion has been requested on this issue.  There is nothing that would preclude the Board from setting the per capita tax salary at this time. 

Mr. Clark, Middletown Township Tax Collector, stated under the paying of the compensation section of the Tax Collector Manual, it states the compensation for the tax collector is set independently by each taxing district.  He said the real estate tax is one section of this and the compensation must be set by February 15.  He explained the manual also states per capita taxes are specifically Act 511 taxes.  If the elected tax collector is appointed to collect one or more Act 511 taxes, the taxing authority has full power to set the compensation and alter it at any time.  Mr. Clark referenced the Tax Collector Manual phrase regarding the Act 511 taxes, and said the compensation for the Act 511 taxes does not have to be set by February 15.  However, the real estate tax compensation must be set by February 15.  Ms. Yori, Lower Southampton Tax Collector, indicated she concurred with Mr. Clark’s comments. 

In response to Mr. Schoenstadt’s question about the proposed schedule change, Mr. Paradise explained his only concern was clerical.  Currently, the tax collectors are paid 50 percent of their salary the first quarter, and the balance is distributed throughout the rest of the year.  Under the proposal, every three months the District would have to change the salary amount paid to the tax collectors and clerically it would be prone to errors. 

 Mr. Stack stated the main issue is a requested change in the way compensation and increases are provided to the tax collectors. He suggested the Board review how other school districts compensate their tax collectors.  He noted when reviewing other school districts, it must be done as an equal comparison.  Since a decision must be made by February 15, he proposed the February 13 Board Meeting be a combined Work Session and Public Meeting so the Board can take action on the tax collector salary issue. 

Mrs. Bostwick said is the Board going to take the funds collected from taxpayers to fund education and hand it over to the tax collectors to fund their offices?  Ms. Drioli stated if the taxing bodies were not in place and the District used a private contractor such as Berkheimer, it would cost the District more money.  The Board needs to determine a salary compensation that is somewhere between what other school districts pay and what a private company would charge to collect the District’s taxes.

Mr. Paradise explained if the collection of the per capita tax were turned over to a private contractor, the District would be charged 45 cents per bill to provide similar billing services.  The tax collectors provide better service than a private contractor would provide. 

Mr. Schoenstadt stated the tax collectors provide the taxpayer with a service.  The tax collectors seem to be saying they do not generate enough revenue to be able to provide the best service possible.  He felt the tax collectors would be willing to have the District contract with a private contractor to collect the per capita tax.  The collection of the per capita tax is more of a nuisance than an advantage.  He indicated he was not opposed to providing a greater revenue stream to the tax collectors.  He pointed out the tax collectors provide a service.  Their offices are an asset to the community.  He felt if the District tried to collect the taxes itself, the cost would probably be overall the same as what is paid to the tax collectors.  However, it would divert resources from education to non-educational issues.  He suggested consideration be given to implementing the tax collectors’ proposal over two to four years rather than all at one time.  He said he did not have an objection to the proposed overall four year package.  However, he expressed concern about the increase all being loaded in the front end. 

Mr. Stack pointed out that the level of service that the tax collectors provide to the community is an important consideration.  If there is a reduction in service, what impact would that have on the customers and collectibles? 

In response to a question raised by Mrs. Butville, Mr. Paradise explained besides Middletown and Lower Southampton Townships, the four boroughs will also be impacted by any changes in the salary compensation to tax collectors.  Mrs. Butville stated she is not in favor of anything that does not directly benefit the child in the classroom.  Mr. Paradise referred to the tax collectors’ proposal and advised the Board of the following:

·      It would not be a problem to change the compensation program from a flat salary to one that is based on a formula. 

·      The tax collectors wish to be additionally compensated for interim tax notices.  This could be put into a formula.

·      The tax collectors wish to accelerate their compensation payment during the course of the year.  Currently, they receive 50 percent during the first quarter.  The tax collectors want to continue to receive 50 percent during the first quarter, but want the remaining compensation payments to be made 40 percent in the second quarter, 10 percent in the third quarter and zero in the fourth quarter.  Mr. Paradise recommended there be a compromise that would deal with the concerns about constantly changing the compensation amount paid, but still provide the tax collectors with more money up front. 

·      The issues regarding being separately compensated for the collection of per capita taxes on a per unit basis and renegotiating the current terms of the collection of per capita tax are issues the Board needs to resolve.

Dr. Frank left the meeting at 10:20 p.m.

Ms. Drioli inquired why the tax collectors want to change the compensation package.  Mr. Clark noted by reviewing the total salary of the various tax collectors, it appears they are making similar salaries.  However, when the compensation per bill is considered, he is only making 87 cents per bill.  Whereas, some of the other school districts’ tax collectors are making considerably more per bill.  He pointed out he has improved the level of service by expanding the hours of the tax collector office and wiring the funds to the District on a daily basis.  The tax office is open 37.5 hours a week, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  He explained a considerable amount of time is spent answering taxpayers’ questions and assisting taxpayers. There is a five day float on the checks. An annual compensation of $13,000 equals only $500 per week.  This is not enough to pay his staff and himself a salary. 

Mr. Clark explained 80 percent of the taxes are collected in July and August.  In September and October, 13 to 14 percent of the taxes are collected.  By October, the tax collectors have incurred over 90 percent of their labor costs.  Therefore, a change in the compensation schedule is being requested to coincide with the months the costs are incurred. 

Ms. Yori, Lower Southampton Tax Collector, explained the tax collector acts as a public relations person for the District and School Board.  Her office provides extended hours when the taxes are due, 24-hour voice mail service and answers taxpayers’ questions about taxes and tax increases.  The tax collectors provide a personal service to the taxpayers.  She explained throughout Bucks County tax collectors are paid on average $2.00 per bill.  The increase in compensation is being requested so the compensation from the School District will be commensurate with what other school districts in Lower Bucks County pay for real estate tax collection.  In regard to the per capita tax, Ms. Yori suggested the cost of Berkheimer collecting the tax be calculated and the issue be reviewed to determine what should be done for the collection of the per capita tax.  Mr. Clark indicated he would not be opposed to Berkheimer collecting the per capita tax.  He questioned if Berkheimer would answer the taxpayers’ questions and provide the same level of service.  Mr. Paradise stated Berkheimer could not provide the same level of service as a tax collector.

Mr. Stack explained in reviewing the tax collector per capita tax compensation issue, the Board is willing to consider how the level of service provided by the tax collectors to the taxpayers would exceed the service provided by Berkheimer and be beneficial to the District. 

It was determined additional information will be provided to the Board by the January Public Meeting.  A decision on the tax collector salary program will be made at the February 13 Board Meeting.

      c.  Attendance at the National School Boards Association Conference - March 24-27, 2001

Dr. Bowman advised the Board a motion to authorize Board members’ attendance at the National School Boards Association Conference will be presented for approval at the January Public Meeting.

      d.  Neshaminy School District Membership in the Pennsylvania Association of Growing School

           Districts

Information distributed prior to meeting.  Dr. Bowman reminded the Board that last year authorization was provided to join the Pennsylvania Association of Growing School Districts.  However, the District never filed for membership.  The success of this organization netted the District $72,000 of additional revenue from the state that the District will receive every year.  A motion will be presented at the January Public Meeting to authorize membership in the organization.

      e.  Appointment to the Lower Bucks County Neshaminy School Authority and Technical School

           Authority

Dr. Bowman advised the Board that the terms of Mr. Bush on the Lower Bucks County Neshaminy School Authority and Mr. Farmer on the Technical School Authority have expired.  At this time, it has not been ascertained whether either person is interested in being reappointed.  A motion regarding the appointments will be presented at the January Public Meeting.

      f.  Transportation Contracts

The annual motion for private transportation contracts, particularly for special education students, will be presented for approval at the January Public Meeting.

      g.  Approval of Bid and Budget Transfers

Mr. Paradise advised the Board Budget Transfer Report No. 01-3 (working copy) with 12 transactions and sub transactions will be presented for approval at the January Public Meeting.  He explained transfer no. 7 returns $43,000 of unspent money to the budgetary reserve account.  The other budget transfers are due to rearranging priorities within the existing budgets. 

Mr. Paradise reviewed the following bid:

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

Bid Amount:  $198,800.00

The bid is for the replacement of 12 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.  The cost of the doors is slightly more than the amount budgeted.  However, the additional funds are available in the existing maintenance budget.  The funds will be transferred to the appropriate account. 

Mr. Schoenstadt inquired if there was any concern about the number of  non-bidders.  Mr. Paradise will check into this issue.  Dr. Bowman pointed out the exterior doors are a school safety issue. 

In response to Mr. Stack's question, Mr. Minotti, Facilities and Engineering Director, explained after this bid, approximately 50 percent of the doors will have been replaced.  The majority of the elementary schools’ doors have been replaced.  The District has a five-year door replacement plan.

The Budget Transfer Report and bid will be presented for approval at the January Public Meeting.

      h.  Student Withdrawal, Waiver and Release Agreement

Dr. Bowman advised the Board as a result of the withdrawal, waiver and release agreement, the student will be placed in an alternative setting, and an expulsion hearing will not be necessary.  If the student decides not to withdraw from school, an expulsion hearing will be held.

The student withdrawal, waiver and release agreement will be an agenda item at the January Public Meeting.

      i.  Lower Southampton Pool Lease

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Mr. Paradise advised the Board the 30-year lease for the outdoor pool adjacent to the Ferderbar Elementary School with Lower Southampton Township is dated 1960.  Ms. Drioli explained a new lease for the use of the pool by Lower Southampton Township is needed as soon as possible.  The township has applied for a grant to renovate the pool.  In order to receive the grant, a current 30-year lease must be in effect.  Mr. Paradise informed the Board that Mr. Fleck has been advised of the situation.

Ms. Drioli requested the Board authorize the development of a 30-year lease with Lower Southampton Township for use of the pool.  She requested the phrase, “the School District make no claims on the pool” be included in the motion.  Mr. Stack stated he preferred this phrase not be included in the motion.  No one objected to not including the phrase in the motion.

Motion:  Pool Lease

Mr. Schoenstadt presented the following motion for approval:

I move the Neshaminy Board of School Directors authorize the administration to have a 30-year lease developed between the Neshaminy School District and Lower Southampton Township for the use of the outside pool adjacent to the Ferderbar Elementary School.

Approval of the lease is subject to review and approval by the solicitor and business administrator.

Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with six ayes.  (Mr. Eccles, Dr. Frank and Mr. Mecleary were absent from the meeting at the time of the vote.)

      j.   Plancon J

Dr. Bowman advised the Board that Plancon J will be presented for approval at the January Public Meeting.

9.   Items for Approval

      a.  Strategic Plan Action Teams Volunteer Form

Information distributed prior to meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board Mrs. Butville, Ms. Drioli and Dr. Frank participated in the strategic plan process last week.  Dr. Boccuti helped facilitate the meeting.

Dr. Bowman reported the three strategies are as follows:

·         Staff Development

·         Teaching, learning and curriculum

·         Community involvement and partnership

Dr. Bowman encouraged Board members to participate on an action team.  It is hoped at least one Board member will serve on each action team.  The volunteer form was distributed prior to the meeting.  Ms. Drioli also encouraged Board members to participate on the action teams.  The action teams will have an organization meeting the evening of January 24.  Each team will meet according to the team members’ schedule.  It is anticipated the action teams will work in February, March and complete their work in early April.  The strategic plan is scheduled to be presented to the Board for approval on April 24.

      b.  Regional Cyber Charter School Application

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman noted Neshaminy has not received an application from the Regional Cyber Charter School.  He stated he suspects there will be at least one Bucks County school district that will approve the charter school’s application.  The Regional Cyber Charter School already has a school in operation in Pennsylvania.  He expressed concern if the home schooled students enroll in the school, it will impact the District’s budget.  The cost would be approximately $8,000 per student.  Neshaminy has approximately 100 home schooled students.  He pointed out when the charter school legislation was passed, it was never intended to be used in this way.  The issue needs to be brought to the attention of the legislators.  Mr. Stack stated on behalf of the Board, he will draft a letter to the legislators outlining the Board’s concerns.

Mrs. Butville noted some charter schools are operated by for profit organizations.  She felt this was not the intent of the legislators when the legislation was passed.

      c.  Music Program Facilities at Poquessing Middle School/Parent Letter

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board over half of the student population participates in the Poquessing Middle School’s music program.  The letter from a Poquessing School parent, which was distributed to the Board members, points out some issues concerning the facility.  After meeting with the principal, it was ascertained inequities exist between the Poquessing Middle School and other three middle schools.  At the January Public Meeting a budget transfer of approximately $25,000 from the reserve fund will be presented to the Board to purchase posture chairs for the Poquessing School’s music program.  All the middle schools except the Poquessing Middle School have posture chairs.  There are other inequities (i.e., opening doorways so kettle drums can fit through, etc.), but they cannot be corrected at this time.  The issue of instrument storage is being addressed. 

Mrs. Butville said over the summer, instruments were stolen from the Maple Point Middle School because the music room could not be securely locked.  Dr. Bowman indicated he would look into the situation.

10. Superintendent’s Report

      a.  PSAHPERD Awards

Information distributed prior to the meeting on the following Neshaminy award recipients:

2000 Professional Honor Award - Bob Emery

2000 Health Educator of the Year Award - Jan King

Dr. Bowman noted the Board had previously honored Jan King, 2000 Health Educator of the Year Award recipient.  Bob Emery has received the 2000 Professional Honor Award.  Mr. Emery will be honored at the Public Meeting held at Neshaminy Middle School (February 27). 

11. Committee Reports

Mr. Stack requested the committees establish and advertise their meeting schedules. 

      a.  Education Foundation Committee

           Mrs. Bostwick reported the committee discussed selling tiles as a fund raising event.

12. Future Topics

Mr. Stack requested the administration review the issue of insurance quotes.  He noted last year the quotes were not received early enough to allow the Board to consider the quotes during the budget review process.  Mr. Paradise advised the Board the administration has already begun the process of obtaining insurance quotes. 

13. Agenda Development for the January 23, 2001 Public Meeting

Dr. Bowman will develop the agenda for the January 23 Public Meeting.

14. Correspondence

      There was no correspondence.

15. Other Board Business

      There was no other board business discussed.

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 11:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol A. Calvello
Board Secretary

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