The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on January 26, 2000 at the Neshaminy Middle School.  The following persons were in attendance:

Call to Order - Mr. Stack called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.

Announcements - Dr. Bowman announced at 7:00 p.m., prior to the Public Meeting, the Tax Advisory Committee met and presented a report to the Board of School Directors and community. 

Student Performances - The ninth grade physical education dance class, under the direction of Mrs. King, performed several dances which they learned while studying historical and cultural backgrounds of various groups.  Allison Nemeth, ninth grade music major, played Clementi Sonata in F on the piano. 

Student Report - Miss Geiger and Miss Getz, student representatives, presented the following report:

·         Spirit Week is being held this week. The winter pep rally will be held on January 28.

·         The performances of the musical “Guys and Dolls” will be held from February 9 through February 12.

·         In March the junior prom, sophomore dinner dance and gym night will be held.

·         The second semester of the school year will begin on January 27.

·         The wrestling team is undefeated in the Suburban I League.  On February 11 Neshaminy will compete against Council Rock for the league title.

·         The girls basketball team is over 500 and the boys basketball team is under 500.

Dr. Bowman stated school will be open tomorrow, a full day, and will start on time.  The date for graduation will be set in March by the Board of School Directors.

Board Recognition

Tax Advisory Committee - The Board recognized the Tax Advisory Committee members for working in excess of 15 hours on the committee.  Mr. Stack said it was gratifying to hear the committee’s presentation and comments.  The committee has given the Board the impetus to take certain issues to some conclusion, which he will see to this term.  The committee has provided some direction as to how the Board needs to petition the state for additional assistance in a variety of different areas, in particular special education.  He noted the Board is looking for the community at large to recognize there is an issue and a collective effort is needed to make a difference. 

Mr. Stack and Ms. Drioli presented recognition certificates and apple lapel pins to the committee members who are as follows:  Ms. Cummings, Ms. Deandrea, Ms. Johnson, Mr. Macht, Mr. Peters, Mr. Schlicher and Mr. Toth.  The following committee members were not present:  Mr. McConnell, Mr. Spitz and Mr. Taylor. 

Mr. Stack stated the efforts of the committee members is greatly appreciated.  Ms. Drioli pointed out that the committee’s presentation was their words and not the Board’s words.  She stated it is important to allow community members to provide their input on legislation that elected officials are suppose to take a stand on.  There is a cynicism in the community regarding public officials, taxes and their taking a stand.  The committee was in the best interest of the community.  It allowed community members to review the issue and offer an opinion.  She noted the committee was comprised of intelligent, community people from all walks of life.  She stated she is proud of the School Board for choosing to review the issue in this manner. 

Pennsylvania Middle School of Distinction Award

Dr. Bowman noted the Neshaminy Middle School made application to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Education to be considered for Blue Ribbon status at the national level.  He said we are quite proud of the education in the Neshaminy School District.  The current Board and previous Boards have always committed themselves to quality education. The application process is very competitive.  The school needed to put into writing the quality program that is provided at the Neshaminy Middle School, which is representative of the School District. The four middle schools in Neshaminy all provide the same curriculum and same programs.  An enormous amount of time and energy was spent developing revision after revision of the application to communicate to total strangers what Neshaminy Middle School is all about, how the students are served, belief in education and the results obtained as being part of a quality program for students.  The Neshaminy Middle School was selected as a School of Excellence in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is now being considered at the national level for the Blue Ribbon School honor.  This is one of the highest levels of recognition a school district and school can obtain.  Everyone is proud of Dr. Daggett and his complete team that made this possible.  Many people were involved in the process.  Parents, staff, students and administration were all committed to bringing  the school to the attention of those in Harrisburg. 

Mr. Wyatt explained the Neshaminy Middle School is being recognized as a Pennsylvania Middle School of Distinction, and is now a United States Blue Ribbon School nominee.  Mr. Wyatt provided background information on the Blue Ribbon School Program, which was started in 1982.  The three purposes of the program are to identify and give public recognition to top, outstanding public and private schools, to make available a comprehensive framework of key criteria for school effectiveness for others to share and to facilitate communication and sharing of the very best practices.  Blue Ribbon Schools model excellence and equity and exhibit a strong commitment to educational excellence for all of their students.  The application process is very lengthy and competitive.  The Neshaminy Middle School has completed their self study and forwarded the application to the state.  The chief school officers of the state have recognized the Neshaminy Middle School as one of 16 nominees from the state of Pennsylvania to the National Blue Ribbon School competition, and an assessment of the document is now being conducted at the national level.  The School District will be notified of the school’s status in February.  Officials will visit the school for two days and a further review of the documents will be conducted.  In early May, an announcement will be made.  It is anticipated that the Neshaminy Middle School will be recognized in May. 

Mr. Wyatt introduced Dr. Daggett, principal of Neshaminy Middle School.  Dr. Daggett said the support of the School Board and leadership of Dr. Bowman has made the Neshaminy School District a Blue Ribbon School District.  Being recognized as a Pennsylvania Middle School of Distinction and a nominee in the National Blue Ribbon School competition does not happen by itself.  It could not be done without the support, dedication and leadership that has been provided by the Board and Dr. Bowman.  

Dr. Daggett explained about 2.5 years ago he suggested the school apply for this status, and it has taken 2.5 years to get to this point.  The entire building staff has participated in committees and writing reports.  The PTO and students also played a big part in the process, which involved hundreds of people.   Every staff member, the administrative team, a lot of students and a lot of community members took an active role in the process.  The Blue Ribbon Committee, which was the leadership of the project, put in many hours and represented the staff.  They are truly leaders.  Dr. Daggett explained the report prepared for submission to the Department of Education is a very extensive report.  It lets everyone know what happens in the building and understand what makes up the Neshaminy School District and the Neshaminy Middle School.  Dr. Daggett noted since 1982 only two schools in Bucks County have won the Blue Ribbon Schools award.

Dr. Daggett explained the key leadership people being recognized at the meeting represent everyone who participated in the process.  The Blue Ribbon Committee members, which were the key leadership of the process, include Mrs. Miguelez, seventh grade English teacher; Mrs. Wyatt, Family Living teacher; and Mrs. Epting, sixth grade Social Studies teacher.  In recognition of their leadership Mrs. Miguelez, Mrs. Wyatt and Mrs. Epting were presented with a blue ribbon and gold apple pin.  Ms. Drioli presented blue ribbons to the following key leadership people: Dr. Daggett, Principal; Ms. Wychock, Assistant Principal; Mr. McMasters, past Principal; Mrs. Dalton, current PTO President; Mrs. Krystofolski, current PTO Vice President; Mrs. Curley, student council advisor; Mrs. Schenkel, student council advisor; Jamie Beldecos, student council representative; Steven Baron, student council representative; Joe Pizzola, student council representative; and Dana Tobin, student council representative.  Jamie Beldecos accepted the blue ribbon on behalf of the student body. 

Mr. Stack presented a plaque to Dr. Daggett which was inscribed with the following:

Neshaminy Middle School comprised of students, staff, parents and community is hereby recognized as a Pennsylvania Middle School of Distinction in recognition of being nominated to the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program and your visionary leadership, effective teaching and a learning environment allowing all students to learn.  Presented with respect, admiration and pride by the Neshaminy Board of School Directors and Gary L. Bowman, Superintendent of Schools.

Dated:  January 25, 2000

School Director Recognition

Dr. Bowman announced traditionally January has been School Board Recognition Month.  He said the Board members receive no financial remuneration at all.  The Board members probably have one of the most important elected positions that you could find in the local community and as well as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  They put countless hours into doing what they believe is right and good for the School District.  The Board struggles every year with the budget.  They always weigh programs for education, and what is best for the Neshaminy School District as well as being fiscally responsible to the community.  This is a really difficult balance.  As a small token of appreciation to the Board members who serve the community with a tremendous amount of dedication and responsibility, Dr. Bowman presented to each of the Board members a Neshaminy mug and Neshaminy School District pen. 

Public Comment - There was a three minute time limit per speaker.  Mr. McMasters, Levittown, explained his son was given an out-of-school suspension from Neshaminy High School for an inappropriate comment to a young woman.  He stated he agrees his son should be punished for his actions.  However, an out-of-school suspension is a vacation for a child.  Since he is a single parent, who works outside of the home, he cannot be home with his son while he is suspended.  His son will be home every day by himself with no adult supervision.  Mr. McMasters stated he has spoken to Mr. Collins, Mr. Wyatt and the eleventh grade assistant principal about keeping his son in school.  Their response has been that his son must stay out of school because he did something wrong.  He noted the Handbook states parents will be notified in writing of a child’s suspension.  He was advised on Friday, January 21, his son would be suspended for five days.  As of January 26, he has not received any written notice of his son’s suspension, and questioned why he has not received a written notice.  He stated he was not advised of any alternatives to an out-of-school suspension.  He noted the only time an appointment can be made with high school officials is between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and he is at work during these hours.  He recommended arrangements be made so parents can meet with school officials in the evening.  Mr. McMasters urged the Board to review alternatives to out-of-school suspensions.

Mr. Peters, Lower Southampton, explained he was speaking on behalf of the Lower Southampton Elementary School fourth grade parents.  Mr. Peters outlined the following concerns regarding the fourth grade class (see attachment I for information sheet provided to the Board Secretary at the meeting):

·      Too many students in the fourth grade classes.  The Math classes have 30 and 31 students, Language Arts classes have 32 and 30 students and Social Studies and Science classes have 34 and 32 students. 

·       The enrollment in the classes is overwhelmingly male, 62 percent, which makes teaching more difficult. 

·      Several students only speak minimal English.  These students are paired up with other students in order to keep pace with the class. 

·      The classrooms have a difficulty accommodating this number of children.  The teachers have reconfigured the rooms several times in an effort to make the situation better, but the problems persist.

·      Science cannot be taught hands on.  In prior years the Science classes included experiments.

·       There have not been any major projects in any subject as there were in prior years.

·      There have been no oral presentations as there were in prior years.  Since there are so many students in the class, instructionally speaking the teacher probably would never be able to get through them all.

·      Due to scheduling conflicts, Math is the last period of the day, which is the worst time to schedule anything of any consequence.  In order to help the children focus at this time of the day, the teachers have added an afternoon “break time”.  This cuts into instructional time.

·      A note from the teachers was sent home asking parents to help their children study basic facts since some of the students are still using their fingers for addition and subtraction.  This note was not directed to the parents of  children who receive learning support but to the regular education students’ parents.

·      The maximum fourth grade class size at the Council Rock School District is 32 students and 33 in the Philadelphia School District.  However, the Philadelphia School District representative contacted stated it is rare that classes reach that size.

·      Two new housing developments are being constructed in the Lower Southampton School area.  One development is Meadowview Estates, Bridgetown Pike, which will include seven single homes and 35 new town homes are being constructed on Buck Road behind the Buck Hotel.  Possibly, the new housing developments will result in more students attending the school, which will result in splitting the classes and creating smaller classes.

Mr. Peters stated the parents feel the quality of education this year is not what it was in prior years, which is a direct result of the class size situation. 

Mrs. Geddes, Ferderbar School parent, advised the Board that the Ferderbar PTO has purchased a sign for the Ferderbar School, which will be presented at the February Public Meeting.  The PTO has also purchased ten more computers for the school and will be purchasing an additional six computers for the school.  With the additional purchase of six computers, the school will have a total of 20 computers.  One in each classroom and three for special education.  The PTO is now considering purchasing software for the school.  Mrs. Geddes inquired if there are any plans to replace the computers in the computer lab, which would affect the type of software that should be purchased.  She said is there a District technology plan?  Mr. Stack explained the Technology Committee meets approximately every other month.  The committee is in the process of completing a five year plan and will be reviewing further technology in curriculum which it would like to introduce into the District. 

Mrs. Geddes advised the Board that the Ferderbar School has had great community support, which  enabled the PTO to purchase the school sign and computers.  Through the Genuardi’s 1 percent rebate program, the PTO raised over $5,000.  She referred to Mr. Peters’ comments and said the Ferderbar School is extremely overcrowded. 

In order to allow everyone an opportunity to enjoy the refreshments provided at the meeting, Mr. Stack recessed the meeting at 9:00 p.m.  Mr. Stack reconvened the meeting at 9:20 p.m.

Announcement - Mr. Dengler announced he will abstain from voting on the appointment to the School Authority motion, because his sister is a nominee for the position (see attachment II).

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

·         On February 23 the District is cosponsoring a program with the Langhorne-Middletown Ministerium and the Peace Center.  Mr. Floyd Cochran will speak on the issues of anti-hate and anti-violence in the community. 

·         Mark and Matt Reese, two Lower Southampton children, have won first place in a national photograph contest for Campbell Soup.  Their picture will be appearing on a billboard on Route I-95. 

Approval of Minutes - Dr. Frank moved the minutes of the November 23, 1999, December 6, 1999 and January 11,2000 Public Meetings be approved and Mr. Eccles seconded the motion.  The Board approved the minutes with eight ayes.  Mr. Schoenstadt was not present at the time of the vote. 

Treasurer’s Report - Mr. Paradise presented for approval the November 30 and December 31,1999 Treasurer’s Reports.  Mr. Mecleary moved the November 30 and December 31, 1999 Treasurer Reports be approved, subject to audit.  Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved the November 30 and December 31 Treasurer’s Reports, subject to audit.

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

·         November and December 1999 bills for payment

·         Two investments totaling $5,000,000

·         Budget Transfer Report No. 00-03 (working copy) with eleven transactions and
   subtransactions

·         Exonerations of Personal and Per Capita Tax totaling 345 for November 1999 and 136 for
   December 1999

Mr. Schoenstadt moved the November and December bills for payment, investments totaling $5,000,000, Budget Transfer Report No. 00-03 (working copy) and November and December exonerations of personal and per capita tax be approved and Dr. Frank seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved the motion.

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

Bid No. 00-24 - Exterior Door Replacement at Schweitzer, Heckman and Lower Southampton Elementary Schools

Award Amount:  $112,550.00

The bid is for the replacement of 26 doors at three elementary schools and replacement of overhangs at ten classroom locations at the Schweitzer School.  This is a budgeted item in the current year budget and is within the budget restrictions. 

Ms. Drioli moved bid no. 00-24 be approved and Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved the bid.

Certified and Support Personnel Actions - Dr. Bowman presented the following for approval:

·         Elections - Certified Staff

·         Resignations and Leaves of Absence - Certified Staff

·         Decertification - Certified Staff

·         Elections and Changes of Classification - Support Staff

·         Resignations and Leaves of Absence - Support Staff

·         Sabbatical Leaves of Absence - Certified Staff (For Information Only)

The personnel information appears on pages H-1 through H-12 and an addendum page.

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

In response to Mr. Stack’s question regarding decertification, Dr. Bowman explained even if a teacher has been out of a subject area for awhile, he/she can be assigned to teach the subject based on seniority placements.  Once a teacher has a subject deleted from their teaching certificate, it cannot be put back on their certificate without the teacher going through the certification process.  The individuals have been counseled about the requested decertifications. 

The Board unanimously approved the personnel actions.

Extra-Curricular Staff and Salaries Report - Dr. Bowman presented for approval additional 1999-2000 extra-curricular activity salaries as budgeted and provided for in the certified staff contract.  The report includes four positions at the Neshaminy High School, one position at the Neshaminy Middle School and three positions at the Poquessing Middle School.  The expenditure total is $12,956.

Mr. Eccles moved the 1999-2000 Recommended Extra-Curricular Staff and Salaries Report dated January 17, 2000 be approved and Dr. Frank seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved the motion.

Motion:  Appointment of an Individual to School Authority

Ms. Drioli presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, the term of  a certain member on the Authority presently serving the Neshaminy School District has expired; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary to appoint and individual to fill this vacancy.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following individual is appointed to the Authority listed below:

Lower Bucks County Neshaminy School Authority for a five-year term Delores D. Vitas to January 2, 2005.

Dr. Frank seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes and one abstention, Mr. Dengler.

Motion:  School Director Recognition Month - January 2000

Dr. Bowman read the following motion:

WHEREAS, the role of locally elected officials has served the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and local communities meeting the needs of public education since the passage of the Free School Act in 1834; and

WHEREAS, these local boards have discharged their responsibilities to public education in a manner which has placed public education in the forefront of our educational systems; and

WHEREAS, locally elected officials have distinguished themselves and their communities in this non-paid, volunteer public service commitment; and

WHEREAS, the contributions of these men and women should be recognized and appreciated by those who benefit from the workings of our public school system.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors hereby proclaims the month of January as School Director Recognition Month.

Mr. Eccles moved the School Director Recognition Month motion be approved and Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the motion.

Dr. Bowman said the comments he made earlier in the meeting regarding the Board were really from the heart.  He appreciates the Neshaminy Board of School Directors and what they represent.  I recognize the very difficult job that the Board members have.  It is greatly appreciated by the community.  Neshaminy is an excellent school district.  The Board is one of the reasons why Neshaminy is looked upon across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a quality school district that excels in education.  Dr. Bowman thanked the Board for their service to the District and community.

The Board unanimously approved the School Director Recognition Month motion.

Motion:  Attendance at National School Boards Association Conference

Dr. Frank 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 No. 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 No. 123, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors authorizes any Board member to attend the 2000 National School Boards Association Conference to be held April 1‑4, 2000.

Ms. Drioli seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved the motion.

Motion:  Advanced Placement Physics Course/Textbook and Video Production Course

Mr. Mecleary presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, the Neshaminy Board of School Directors has in the past approved all new courses offered at Neshaminy High School; and

WHEREAS, a proposal to offer an Advanced Placement course in Physics and Video Production at Neshaminy High School was presented to the Neshaminy Educational Development Committee on January 4, 2000;

WHEREAS, the Educational Development Committee in its report to the full Board at the Work Session on January 11, 2000 recommended that AP Physics and Video Production be offered to students at Neshaminy High School;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors approve that both AP Physics and Video Production be offered to students of Neshaminy High School.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors approve the following textbook for the above AP course:

Advanced Placement Physics “Fundamentals of Physics” - David Halliday, Robert Resnick and Janet Walker - 2001 - Publisher:  John Wiley and Sons, Inc. ISBN# 0471320005

Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.

Mr. Stack stated any time there is the opportunity to add quality courses to the curriculum, the educational process is being furthered.  To do so with an Advanced Placement course provides further distinction to the Neshaminy School District, and Neshaminy has a lot to be proud of.  Neshaminy provides the equivalent of Advanced Placement courses as any school district in Bucks County.  In the last six years, a number of additional Advanced Placement classes have been added to the curriculum.  This is reflective of the staff’s efforts to provide the courses and the students’ willingness to extend themselves.  This is reflected in the District’s test results. 

Mr. Stack noted the AP Physics class will be restricted to seniors.  He requested the administration review possibly offering a AP Science course at the tenth grade level so there will be an AP Science course available at the tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade levels.  He said he realizes when taking the AP Science classes, a Math component is necessary.  He suggested students be prepared differently and challenged at the eighth and ninth grade levels so they could take an AP Science class in tenth grade rather than taking two AP Science classes in the twelfth grade.

The Board unanimously approved the Advanced Placement Physics course/textbook and Video Production course motion. 

Motion:  Revised 1999-2000 School Calendar

Mr. Stack presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, since Election Day is April 4, there will be no school that day; and

WHEREAS, classes will be held April 25, which was initially scheduled as Election Day.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of School Directors approves the attached revised school calendar (attachment III).

Dr. Frank seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved the motion.

Motion:  Placement in an Alternative School

Mrs. Bostwick presented the following motion:

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of School Directors accept a waiver agreement to place the student in an alternative school for the remainder of the current school year.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, following this action, the student shall be named with the board secretary and an appropriate review of the students’ progress duly take place prior to August 1, 2000.

Mr. Mecleary seconded the motion. 

Mr. Schoenstadt inquired about the per student, alternative education cost.  Dr. Bowman explained the cost varies depending upon the alternative school being attended.  Generally, the District makes a practice of placing students in the most economical alternative setting available.  The District works with a half dozen different institutions and schools.  The cost of educating a student in an alternative school is much more than educating a student in the regular school setting. The current budget includes over $1,000,000 for alternative schools.   During the budget review process, more alternative cost information will be provided to the Board. 

Mr. Stack stated the Finance Committee has been asked to review the alternative school issue.  The committee has had initial discussions on the issue and a number of questions have been raised.  The Finance Committee will discuss the questions and explore different forms of alternative education. 

Mr. Stack noted regular Board expulsion hearings are held and now there is the option where the parent can choose, on behalf of the student, to waive the hearing and accept the terms and conditions provided.  If a parent chooses to waive the hearing, there is a savings in legal counsel fees.  Dr. Bowman explained this is the first case that the waiver option was used. 

Mrs. Bostwick referred to the phrase “an appropriate review of the student’s progress duly take place prior to August 1, 2000” included in the motion and inquired if this pertains to the student being reinstated in Neshaminy High School.  Dr. Bowman stated an assessment will be made to determine if the conditions have been met, the student is ready to return to the mainstream or if extended placement needs to be considered.

The Board unanimously approved the placement in an alternative school motion.

Federal Programs - Dr. Bowman reported an additional $213,000 has been awarded to the District.  The monies are a result of School Performance funding awards to the Poquessing School, Neshaminy High School, Sandburg School and Ferderbar School.  Competitive grant funds were received for the Read to Succeed Program for the Everitt, Hoover, Ferderbar, Schweitzer and Tawanka Schools. As of the end of January the total for federal programs is $1,318,975.

Other Board Business -Mr. Dengler explained the March 28 Public Meeting is scheduled to be held in the Neshaminy High School auditorium, and the Neshaminy Valley Music Theater’s dress rehearsals are scheduled for that week.  He noted that the Neshaminy Valley Music Theater provides scholarships to Neshaminy students.  He recommended the Board Meeting location be rescheduled to another school or room G9A.  Mr. Stack stated Dr. Bowman will review rescheduling the location of the March 28 meeting. 

Mr. Schoenstadt noted the Board will be considering different corporate sponsorships and its impact on the Food Service Department.  He inquired if information was available regarding vending machines at school sites and their contribution to the profits of the Food Service Department.  Mr. Paradise stated the vending machine issue will be a major focus when the Board discusses the issue at the Work Session.  Mr. Paradise stated an enormous amount of the Food Service Department’s profit is derived from the vending machines.  Dr. Frank noted the Board will be studying the corporate sponsorship issue and not considering sponsorships.

Ms. Drioli requested in the next few months the student overcrowding issue in Lower Southampton be reviewed and resolved.  She suggested one possible way to alleviate the problem is to redistrict the Lower Southampton area schools.

Mr. Schoenstadt stated the fourth grade Lower Southampton School class size issue has become a major concern of the parents.  He felt there should be something considered for this year rather than waiting until next year to resolve the issue.  Mr. Stack requested that Dr. Bowman address the Lower Southampton School issue at an upcoming Work Session.  Mr. Stack also requested class size data be made available to the Board members on all of the District’s elementary schools.  This will allow the Board to determine if  class size is an issue in any of the other elementary schools. 

Correspondence - Mr. Stack reported a letter dated December 6, 1999 from the United States Veterans Council All Services regarding the Tax Advisory Committee was received.  Mr. Stack tried to respond to the letter by calling, but the call has not been returned. 

Public Comment - There was no public comment presented.

Board Comment - Dr. Frank thanked Mr. Stack and Ms. Drioli for doing such an excellent job with the Tax Advisory Committee.  She said the community was involved in the issue and that is what was needed. 

Mr. Eccles moved the meeting be adjourned and Dr. Frank seconded the motion.  The Board unanimously approved the motion.  Mr. Stack adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol A. Calvello
Board Secretary