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The
Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on June 11,
2002, in the Auditorium of
the Pearl Buck Elementary School. The
following persons were in attendance:
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BOARD MEMBERS:
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ADMINISTRATORS:
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Mr.
Steven Schoenstadt, President
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Dr.
Gary Bowman
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Mrs.
June Bostwick, Vice-President
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Mr.
P. Howard Wilson
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Mrs.
Yvonne Butville
Mr. Harry Dengler, Jr. |
Dr.
Raymond Boccuti
Mr. Harry Jones |
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Ms.
Carol Drioli
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Mr.
Joseph Paradise
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Mr.
Richard Eccles
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Mr.
Bruce Wyatt
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Mrs.
Kimberly Jowett|
George Mecleary, Jr., Esq. |
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Dr.
William Spitz
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SOLICITOR:
Kristina S. Wiercinski, Esq. |
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SECRETARY:
Mrs. Anita Walls
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OTHERS: Approximately
20 persons from the
public, staff and press
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Prior to
the Public Meeting an Executive Session was held to discuss NESPA.
Call to Order –
Mr. Schoenstadt called the meeting to order at 8:20 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance-
Mr. Schoenstadt requested those in attendance join in the salute to
the flag.
Announcements – No Announcements.
Public Comment – Mr.
Gil Howland, Langhorne, Pennsylvania, resident for twenty-two years has
attended many school board meetings, but as of late Mr. Howland has not
been able to attend. Mr.
Howland advised the Board that he has been reading articles in the
newspaper. Mr. Howland noted
that Council Rock School Board had courage to advise the teachers that
they could go no further. Mr.
Howland hoped that this Board could have that same courage when the time
comes for a new contract. Mr.
Howland stated that it was the first time ever that a school board has
taken such action. Mr. Howland advised that the taxpayer is not happy paying the
high medical benefits that are received by school district employees.
Mr. Howland advised that the taxpayers are already making up the
difference with social security costs.
Mr. Howland was aware that the district was trying to receive their
fair share regarding special education.
Mr. Howland advised that since the teachers have such a high
salary they should contribute towards benefits.
Mr. Howland also noted that there needs to be something done
regarding the steps. Mr.
Howland requested that the Board take into consideration all the aspects
when the teacher contract is up for renewal.
Mr. Phoenix
Heslin, Langhorne, Pennsylvania, twelve years old, has been a
home-schooled student for the past five years.
Phoenix has played football for a few community teams, but he has
outgrown the weight requirements and can no longer play.
Phoenix advised that his only option is to play football for the
public schools, and he is not the only home-schooled student in this
situation. Phoenix
respectfully asked the Board to consider the possibility of home-schooled
students being allowed to play school sports.
Phoenix stated that he believed that denying home schooled students
access to public school sports is unfair, because the students do the same
amount of work, pay the same amount of taxes and Phoenix stated that if he
needs to follow Neshaminy School District’s academic rules, then why
should he not have a right to play along side his peers.
Phoenix advised that if denied, his football career and scholarship
opportunities would be taken away from him.
Phoenix thanked the Board for their time and consideration of the
matter.
Mr. Paul
Schneider, Langhorne, Pennsylvania expressed to the Board that he hoped
that they would reconsider Home Education Policy #533 that would allow
home-schooled students to become involved in extra curricular activities.
Mr. Sayre
introduced Mr. Andrus, a teacher from Hungary here at Neshaminy School
District through the Fulbright Exchange Program.
Mr. Andrus has experienced some cultural shock while in the states,
since in Hungary he teaches at a college level and here at Neshaminy he
was involved with the middle school students.
Mr. Andrus, along with his sons, provided a wonderful concert for
the benefit of the Neshaminy community.
Mr. Schoenstadt presented Mr. Andrus with a certificate of
appreciation from Neshaminy School District.
Superintendent’s Report - Dr.
Bowman requested that a moment of silence be taken in memory of Mr.
Murdock, a bus driver for Neshaminy School District for 35 years, who
passed away. Dr. Bowman
stated that Mr. Murdock was a wonderful individual with a fine family.
Dr. Bowman advised that the girl’s
Softball team had their banquet this evening and Dr. Bowman had the
opportunity to speak with their parents and coach.
Dr. Bowman advised that this team is the first softball team from
Neshaminy High School to go after the State Softball Championship.
Dr. Bowman advised that Maple Point did win the championship when
it was a high school. The
team was seated number l4 and it was unexpected.
Dr. Bowman reminded the Board that
commencement exercises will take place tomorrow and those participating
are to meet in Mr. Collins’ office and begin the ceremony at 7:00 p.m.
Dr. Bowman advised that since joining
the district 27 years ago he attended approximately 500 school board
meetings. Dr. Bowman thanked
the Board of School Directors for allowing him to have the privilege of
serving this school district. Dr.
Bowman further thanked the parents and community for that same privilege. Dr. Bowman stated that he has learned as much as the
students. Dr. Bowman
especially thanked the students who have made Neshaminy proud.
Dr. Bowman stated that as he concludes 38 years of education he
feels very comfortable and satisfied that Neshaminy School District is a
premier school district. Dr.
Bowman commented that he is leaving the district in good hands with Mr.
Howard Wilson and his staff. Dr.
Bowman stated that he has been blessed; it has been a wonderful privilege
and thanked everyone for allowing him to have a wonderful experience.
Mr. Paradise expressed that it has
been an honor and a privilege working with Dr. Bowman for many years, and
counting him among his friends for these years.
Neshaminy hired Dr. Bowman as a Federal Programs Director around
the same time that Mr. Paradise began his career as Director of Accounting
which was in 1975. Mr.
Paradise stated that he would never forget the first meeting in the
Penndel Elementary School in which his office was located in an old
kindergarten classroom. Mr.
Paradise further stated that it did not take long to realize that our new
director of federal programs was an amazingly gifted, intelligent and
extremely people oriented man, and most of all destined for accomplishment
and success. After a few
prior years of disorder in the district, Dr. Bowman was appointed
Superintendent in 1992, and quickly Neshaminy was back in the positive
spotlight that it had experienced for so many years prior.
It was not long before the Neshaminy name was once again respected
throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for innovative leadership,
cutting edge programs and a dedication to students unrivaled across the
state. Mr. Paradise noted
that most recently Dr. Bowman has led the district to the immense national
recognition, not of just one, but of two, nationally recognized Blue
Ribbon Schools. It is hard not to speak about Dr. Bowman without speaking
about his heart. Mr. Paradise
advised that so many, including himself, have been a beneficiary of Dr.
Bowman’s goodwill, kindness and selfless caring.
Dr. Bowman has been loved by so many over the years at Neshaminy,
including himself. Mr.
Paradise thanked Dr. Bowman for his efforts on behalf of the students at
Neshaminy. Mr. Paradise
wished Dr. Bowman the best in his well earned retirement and hoped to see
him often in the years ahead.
Approval of Minutes –
Upon motion of Mr. Dengler and seconded by Mrs. Butville, the Board
unanimously approved the minutes of the May 22, 2002 Public Meeting.
Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills for Payment,
Investments, and Exonerations of Personal and Per Capita Tax
– Mr. Paradise presented the following for
approval:
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May 3l, 2002 Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit
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Bills for payment Check Register- May
2002
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Two Escrow Funds and Three Investment
Funds
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Personal and per capita tax
exonerations for May 2002 totaling 120 exonerations
Mr. Dengler
moved the May 31, 2002, Treasurer’s Report be approved, subject to
audit, the May, 2002 bills for payment, and May, 2002 personal and per
capita tax exonerations be approved.
Mr. Eccles seconded the motion.
The Board
unanimously approved the Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit, bills for
payment, and exonerations of personal and per capita tax.
Bid/s –
Mr. Paradise presented the following bid/s for approval:
Bid No. 03-15 Transportation Parts
Supplies
Bid Amount:
$110,090.72
The bid is
for various supplies for the maintenance of District vehicles for SY
2002/2003. Quantities on the
bid are estimated. Actual
quantities purchased may vary from estimate but will not exceed total
recommended for award.
Dr. Spitz moved the bid be approved
and Mrs. Butville seconded the motion.
The Board unanimously approved the bid.
Certified and Support Personnel Actions
– Mr. Wilson presented the following for
approval:
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Elections – Certified Staff
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Resignations and Leaves of Absence –
Certified Staff
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Elections and Changes of
Classification – Support Staff
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Resignations and Leaves of Absence –
Support Staff
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2002 Summer School Staff
Mr. Wilson
noted on page H-5 is the election of Summer School Staff.
Summer School Staff is a self-funded program.
Mr. Wilson
recommended the approval of the personnel report for certified and support
personnel as presented.
Mrs.
Butville moved the personnel actions listed be approved.
Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.
The Board
unanimously approved the personnel actions.
Motion: Adoption
of the 2002-2003 Budget
Mr.
Schoenstadt presented the following motion:
WHEREAS,
the Neshaminy Board of School Directors received a working draft of the
2002-2003 budget from the administration on April 10, 2002. The Board reviewed the budget and made the budget available
to the public on May 22, 2002; and
WHEREAS,
in accordance, with the Pennsylvania School Code, the Board of School
Directors must now adopt a final operating budget for the 2002-2003 fiscal
year.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors
adopt a final operating budget in the amount of $126,262,307 including -
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Carry-over purchase orders of $890,655
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Federal and other programs in the
amount of $1,626,49l; and a
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Capital projects in the amount of
$1,772,506
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the capital projects budget will be funded from
the remaining proceeds of a previous general obligation bond issue and
from a new general obligation Note. The
federal programs budget will be funded by specific federal grants. In order to fund the general fund budget, the following taxes
are to be levied:
1.
Real Estate Tax 47l.8 mills
2.
Interim Real Estate Tax 47l.8
mills
3.
Per Capita Tax – School Code $5.00
4.
Per Capita tax – Act 5ll $10.00
5.
Occupational Privilege Tax $10.00
6.
Business Privilege Tax l mill
wholesale
l.5
mills retail
$5.00
license fee
7.
Mercantile Tax l mill wholesale
l.5
mills retail
$2.00
license fee
8.
Real Estate Transfer Tax 1%
9.
Amusement Tax 10%, as amended
by current law
Mr.
Mecleary seconded the motion.
Dr.
Spitz inquired as to the $126,262,307 figure, and why that is different
from the total general fund expenditures.
Dr. Spitz inquired whether that has something to do with Federal
programs. Mr. Paradise
advised that the Federal programs are included in the document
interspersed. This is a merged document.
Mr. Paradise advised that the difference is the capital project
fund.
Mrs.
Butville questioned what the amount was in the fund balance. Mr. Paradise stated that page 67 reflects a fund balance of
$3,290,00.
Mr.
Schoenstadt requested a roll call vote on the Adoption of the 2002-2003
Budget. The tally of the roll
call vote indicated the motion was approved with six ayes, Mr. Schoenstadt,
Mrs. Bostwick, Mr. Dengler, Dr. Spitz, Mr. Mecleary, Ms. Drioli and three
nays, Mrs. Jowett, Mrs. Butville and Mr. Eccles.
Motion: Appointment
of an Architect
Mr.
Dengler presented the following motion:
WHEREAS,
the School Board wishes to explore options on new construction,
renovations or a combination of the aforementioned to our existing
facilities.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors
terminate its contract with BASCO and authorizes the Business
Administrator to negotiate a contract with ATS&R subject to review by
the Board Solicitor.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of School Directors recommends ATS&R
consider BASCO as a local architect.
Mrs.
Bostwick seconded the motion.
Ms. Drioli
commented that she wanted the audience and press to realize the operative
word is “explore”.
The Board
unanimously approved the motion.
Motion: Tax
and Revenue Anticipation Note
Mr. Eccles
presented the following motion:
Under the authority of Act 52 of 1978, The Local Government Unit
Debt Act and the Internal Revenue Code, the Neshaminy School
District is permitted to borrow an amount of money up to its cumulative
cash flow deficit. The District’s 2002-2003 cumulative cash flow deficit has
been projected to be $5,000,000. The
Business Office has requested quotations from banks and other financial
institutions.
I, therefore, move the following:
TO CERTIFY the projected cumulative cash flow deficit at $5,000,000
for the 2002-2003 fiscal year; and
TO ACCEPT the proposal from Wachovia Bank to borrow the amount of
$5,000,000 at a net interest cost of l.83l8 per annum; and
TO OBTAIN a written legal opinion from the School District
Solicitor as to the legality and validity of the Note and other legal
matters pertaining to the issuance of the Note pursuant to the proposal
from Wachovia Bank; and
TO AUTHORIZE the officers of the Neshaminy Board of School
Directors and the Business Administrator, subject to the written legal
opinion from the School District Solicitor, to execute the necessary
documents for completion and issuance of the Note.
Mrs. Jowett
seconded the motion.
Dr. Spitz
requested Mr. Paradise to explain for the public’s benefit the purpose
of the Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note.
Mr. Paradise explained that under Act 52 the district is permitted
an amount of money, the maximum of which is $5,000,000, under the
parameters of that law. The
district can borrow at a very low interest rate and then legally reinvest
the funds at a higher interest rate and basically make money that is
referred to as “legalized arbitrage.”
The Board
unanimously approved the motion.
Motion: Budgetary
Increase for Federal and Other Programs for 200l-2002
Mrs. Drioli
presented the following motion:
WHEREAS,
each year the Neshaminy Board of School Directors, in accordance with
instructions from the Auditor General’s office, must increase its
receipts and expenditures budget by the total amount of other programs;
and
WHEREAS,
this amount represents previously approved federal and other special
program receipts and expenditures for the current fiscal year.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the total 200l-2002 adjusted budget for
all funds with this increase will total $119,827,485. Corresponding amounts should be added to both the revenue and
expenditure side of the budget as indicated on the attached document.
Mr. Eccles
seconded the motion. The
Board unanimously approved the motion.
Motion: Year-End
Budget Transfers
Mrs. Bostwick presented the
following motion:
WHEREAS,
Section 687 of the Public School Code of 1949 requires that line item
“…sums appropriated to specific purposes in the budget…” not be
exceeded; and
WHEREAS,
under the school accounting system, line items have been determined to be
major object levels within specific sub functions; and
WHEREAS,
year-end adjustments by the business office and auditors may cause such
line items to be exceeded.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that
the Neshaminy Board of School Directors, in accordance with directions
from the Auditor General’s office, authorizes the administration to make
those necessary budget transfers within and between accounts to prevent
any possible over expenditure without exceeding the total budget for
2001-2002.
Mr.
Mecleary seconded the motion. The
Board unanimously approved the motion.
Motion: Board
Policy #533 – Home Education
Mrs. Butville presented the
following motion:
WHEREAS,
the Neshaminy School District permits alternative approaches to education
consistent with the needs of the community and the interests of individual
parents and their children; and
WHEREAS,
the Neshaminy School District believes that children benefit from
participation in PIAA sports and Co-curricular activities; and
WHEREAS,
the Neshaminy Board of School Directors supports the opportunity for Home
Education student participation in certain PIAA sports and Co-curricular
activities; and
WHEREAS,
in order to keep District Board Policies updated, current, new, and
revised policies are recommended by the Administration to the Board Policy
Committee for review; and
WHEREAS,
after review by the Board Policy Committee, the District is ready to
recommend a revised Board Policy
#533 – Home Education Program
(with addendum – subject to change)
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Policy
#533-Home Education be approved by the Board of School Directors.
Ms. Drioli
seconded the motion.
Mr. Eccles
noted that this is the third meeting at which this policy has been
attempted to be passed. Mr.
Eccles reiterated that passage of this home school policy would create a
two-tier system within the district.
The district will consist of the students that need to abide by all
the rules and policies set forth by this Board and then we will have
students that do not. Mr.
Eccles stated that double standard is now in our Neshaminy School District
vocabulary if this policy is passed.
Mr. Eccles further stated that the Solicitor and Superintendent
have stated that the Board should not approve this policy. Mr. Eccles expressed that the Board would create an injustice
if this policy were passed. The
policy goes much deeper then anyone thinks by establishing a double
standard that only the children will realize in years to come.
Mr. Eccles stated that there is also a philosophical issue.
Mr. Eccles stated that our schools are not good enough to educate
their children, but we will allow these children and parents to pick and
choose what extra curricular activity they want to participate in.
Ms. Drioli
stated that double standards exist in all phases of life.
Ms. Drioli agreed with the philosophy that she is not happy about
home-schooled students, because it is a way of telling the district that
it is not good enough. Ms.
Drioli stated that she believes the parent makes that decision, and not
the child. Ms. Drioli stated
that as much as she does not support home schooling, she would support
this policy.
Mrs.
Bostwick stated that by allowing this policy it may give the parents a
chance to see the district is “good enough” and they may like to
rejoin the community. Mrs.
Bostwick stated that these families pay the taxes, and this involvement,
parental as well as child, will give them that opportunity.
Mrs.
Butville noted that the home school policy as written contains rules that
the parent of the home-schooled student will need to abide by.
Mrs. Butville stated that home schooling occurs for various
reasons, not just because they are not satisfied with the district.
Mr. Eccles
stated that he sees a double standard existing because of the uncertainty
of who will monitor the program. The
district students are held to a standard to participate in athletics, if
they miss or have three unexcused absences they cannot participate.
Mr. Eccles stated that if the student has a failing grade and is
failing another course they cannot participate.
This is monitored on a weekly basis.
Home schooling is done yearly.
Mr. Eccles questioned who would enforce this.
Mrs.
Butville stated that if the student wishes to participate in one of the
district’s sports the student would be looked at weekly, just as the
regular students. Mr. Eccles questioned who would be handling that?
Mrs. Butville responded that it would be the responsibility of the
parents to be certain the correct information is provided to the school
district, and the principal of the school that the student will be
participating at.
Mr.
Schoenstadt questioned whether the Administration would have an additional
burden of monitoring the home-schooled students, in reality, creating the
double standard. The
Administration would have an added responsibility, over and above that
which the normal student requires.
Mr. Schoenstadt expressed that he cannot find himself able to
support the policy, since in the past the district has always accepted the
recommendations of the Administrators, who are the full time operating
personnel of the district, who recommend against this policy.
Further, Mr. Schoenstadt stated the legal issues regarding the
state legislature who has not yet resolved the issue after five years of
debating, have not provided guidelines to follow.
Mrs. Drioli
stated that she would like to see the vote taken.
Mrs.
Butville stated that forty percent of all of the schools in Pennsylvania
already allow home-schooled students to participate, in spite of
everything that has been stated.
Mr.
Schoenstadt requested a roll call vote on Board Policy #533 – Home
Education. The tally of the roll call vote indicated that the motion was
approved with five ayes, Mrs. Bostwick, Mrs. Butville, Ms. Drioli, Mr.
Mecleary and Dr. Spitz and four nays, Mr. Schoenstadt, Mr. Dengler, Mr.
Eccles and Mrs. Jowett.
Federal Programs –
Mr. Wilson stated that federal programs again brought in additional monies
in the amount of $1,693,027. Mr.
Wilson stated that hopefully federal grants would continue to be received
by the district and have increased funds for next year.
Other Board Business –
No other Board business.
Correspondence – No
correspondence.
Public Comment - Mr.
Schneider expressed his thanks to the Board for the passing of the home
school policy.
Mr. Phoenix
Heslin also thanked the Board for allowing home-schooled students to
participate in extra curricular activities.
Board Comment – Mr.
Mecleary announced that within the next thirty days he will be leaving the
Board and this would be his last public meeting, unless one was held in
July. Mr. Mecleary stated
that it was a pleasure serving on the Board.
Mr. Mecleary stated that his family was moving to Delaware in
August.
Mr.
Schoenstadt expressed that it was a pleasure serving with Mr. Mecleary and
stated that even though all items were not always agreed upon, Mr.
Mecleary’s opinions were respected and his hard work and dedication were
appreciated. Mr. Schoenstadt stated that Mr. Mecleary has devoted many
hours over and above what would normally be required.
Dr. Spitz
also congratulated Mr. Mecleary and stated that the time he has known Mr.
Mecleary has been very influential and an example of what a good school
board member should be. Dr.
Spitz also thanked Dr. Bowman for his genuine interest in the education of
children and the district will miss him and will be hard pressed to get
along without him.
Mr. Dengler
added his congratulations to Mr. Mecleary, and stated that he had the
privilege of serving as Vice-President of the Board when he was President
and also of being his elementary school teacher.
Mrs.
Butville thanked the Administration for working very hard to reduce the
budget in a very difficult budget year.
Mrs. Butville stated that the reason she voted against the budget
was because she felt that more of the fund balance should have been used
to lower the millage for this year.
Ms. Drioli
expressed that she would miss both Dr. Bowman and Mr. Mecleary.
Mr.
Schoenstadt moved the meeting be adjourned and Mr. Eccles seconded the
motion. The Board unanimously approved the motion.
Mr. Schoenstadt adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
Respectively submitted,
Anita E. Walls
Board Secretary |
