The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on March 13, 2001 in the Board Room of the District Offices, Maple Point Middle School.  The following persons were in attendance:

Prior to the Public Board Meeting, a Board Information Meeting was held to review the tentative contract agreement with the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers.  Public comment was heard at the Board Information Meeting.

1.   Call to Order

      Mr. Stack called the meeting to order at 8:30 p.m.

2.       Pledge of Allegiance

       Mr. Stack requested that those in attendance join in the salute to the flag.

3.       Announcement

       Mr. Stack announced Ms. Drioli was absent due to a scheduling conflict.

4.   Board Comment

Mrs. Bostwick stated she was pleased to see so many members of the public in attendance at the meeting.  She stated during a controversial issue is not the time to become community active.  The Board could have used the community members’ encouragement and direction the last several years.  She encouraged the community members to be more concerned about how the District is run throughout the year and not just at the last minute when an issue comes up.

Mrs. Bostwick referred to the proposed contract with the NFT (Neshaminy Federation of Teachers) and explained some of the Board members do not like what is included in the proposed contract, but what was first offered was worse.  The proposed contract is the best agreement that could be reached between the two groups.  She stated having seen a strike and having avoided one several years ago, she would prefer not to face a strike again.  A strike hurts the children.

Mr. Mecleary stated during the last contract negotiation, four to five years ago, the best medical plan that could be purchased was in place.  When that contract went into effect, the plan was changed to a less expensive plan.  Under the proposed contract, the NFT has agreed to open up the current contract and bring the District additional savings for the current year in the area of medical plan costs.  In the last two years of the proposed new contract, there will be an even lower medical plan.  The NFT has been helpful and cooperative.  Mr. Mecleary said he is very sympathetic to the situation of senior citizens on fixed incomes.  He pointed out when the senior citizens’ children were attending school, senior citizens at that time were paying taxes to help fund education.

Mrs. Butville said she was glad to see the large public turnout and would like to see the public attend the Board Meetings more often.  She explained the first contract offered was not nearly as good as the contract being presented for approval.  The Board has worked with the NFT to reach a better contract.  Having a strike hurts the students.  She said the Board understands the situation of the senior citizens on fixed incomes, and wants to deal with alleviating some of the taxes impacting senior citizens.  Part of the issue involves getting Harrisburg to return more money to the school districts.  The District does not receive nearly the amount of state reimbursement for education as the District did when the senior citizens’ children were attending school.  The District receives back only a very small portion of every dollar it sends to Harrisburg.  The Board is trying to deal with this problem.  The senior citizens could help the Board in this area by putting pressure on the legislators in Harrisburg.  She noted Representative Wright has held several information meetings.

Mrs. Butville explained one of the issues reviewed by a Tax Advisory Committee was an earned income tax.  It was determined the earned income tax was not a good option.  Since Lower Bucks County’s location is so close to Philadelphia and New York City, a number of residents work and already pay a wage tax to the two cities.  Due  to the way the laws are written, Neshaminy would not be able to collect an earned income tax from those residents working in Philadelphia and New York City.  Therefore, the District would lose a portion of its real estate tax revenue and not be able to collect an earned income tax from a portion of the residents.  An earned income tax would not help the District.  She felt the proposed contract is the best that was offered and is best for the students.

Mrs. Butville noted the Board has been discussing the issue of declining enrollment, will continue to review the issue and make a decision in a few months.  The decision resulting from the declining enrollment review should provide some additional relief.  Hopefully, the proposed teacher salary increase will be offset by some of the other reductions that will take place in the District.

Dr. Frank pointed out all study committees that the Board has had and will have are open to the public, and it is always announced in the newspaper.

Mr. Eccles noted it is important to never lose sight of our future and our future is our children.  He said we need to ensure the children have a bright future and receive a good education.  He pointed out that the Board members are not paid for serving on the Board.  The Board members volunteer to do the job.  The Board wants to build a strong community and provide the children every opportunity they can have.  This will be accomplished by having great teachers in the District.  He said Neshaminy has the best educators, administrators and community.  It is the price we have to pay.  It is not an easy decision.  We must always remember the future.  The future is our children.

Mr. Stack explained when he came on the School Board eight years ago, his principle interest/concern was property taxes.  In an effort to have some impact on legislators, he served on the Legislative Committee.  When the state passed the Homestead Exemption, it opened the door to reduce the tax rates for residents without having to lower the tax rates for commercial establishments.  As a result of this effort, the state passed Act 50.  Act 50 was the enabling legislation that provided the opportunity for the School District to expand an earned income tax from 1 percent to 1.5 percent.  After reviewing the legislation, it was clear in four or five years the earned income tax would not make up the revenue difference, and the Board would have to revert back to increasing property taxes.  Therefore, it was not a solution for the Neshaminy School District.  A Tax Advisory Committee reviewed the issue.

Mr. Stack said the issue is not the contract with the NFT.  It is the funding of education.  The way education is funded today is wrong and needs to be changed.  The Board has curtailed some of the increases.  The salary increases included in the proposed contract and previous two contracts are significantly lower than those provided in the prior ten to twenty years.  The proposed contract includes a consumer price index increase, 2.75 percent.  A significant aspect of the contract proposal is the help the District will receive in the area of health care benefit costs.  The NFT has worked with the Board to open the existing contract and assisted the Board with health care benefit costs in the last year of the existing contract, which will result in a $290,000 savings.

Mr. Stack noted the District’s enrollment is declining.  He said the Board will be closing a Neshaminy facility, which will result in additional revenue that will more than offset the cost of reduced class size included in the proposed contract.  The Board has made a commitment to invest a portion of the savings in educational programs.  One of the best ways to invest in the educational programs is to reduce class size.

Dr. Bowman said his job as Superintendent of Schools is to serve the School Board, community and students.  There are over 10,000 students in the Neshaminy School District.  Neshaminy is considered to be a relatively large school district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Our children are growing up in a society which is much more difficult than what you or I had to grow up in.  They are faced with many challenges.  They deserve the same opportunities that we had when we were growing up.  In fact, they deserve more because society is so complex, difficult, challenging and the family structure has changed considerably.  Today’s students will be the leaders of this country.  If America is to remain a global leader, we need to provide the best, highest quality educated student that we can provide.  Public education has been the backbone of America.  Public education has been a top agenda item for the presidential candidates, today’s President and the Gallop Poll.  In American it remains to be one of the most important issues being addressed.

Dr. Bowman stated the Neshaminy School Board members who serve the community and give of their free time have struggled with the contract.  The Board members have spent many hours discussing and dialoguing the issue.  The Board members worked very hard at reaching the proposed contract agreement.  Dr. Bowman said he felt very comfortable supporting the contract.  Neshaminy has some of the finest teachers in America.  Two of the twenty-four Teacher of the Year finalists from Pennsylvania are Neshaminy teachers.  Neshaminy has a National Blue Ribbon School.  One of the best middle schools in the nation.  The Neshaminy students are receiving a quality education.  The District is educating the whole child academically, emotionally and socially.  Neshaminy has safe schools.  The Neshaminy School District has a rich legacy of placing a very high value on education and it does cost money.  Everyone needs to work together to reform the way schools are funded in Pennsylvania.  The solution lies in the way funding is taken care of across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Everyone needs to join together, collectively, and find ways to fund education that takes care of the needs of senior citizens on fixed incomes and also provides the best quality education the students deserve.  Neshaminy has advanced placement programs that are second to none and is putting out quality students.  That costs money.  No one wants a mediocre education for the children.  The students’ future should not be compromised.  In the long term, the future of our community and nation should not be compromised by having mediocrity in the classrooms.

Dr. Bowman explained with the proposed contract, Neshaminy’s teachers will be in the middle of the salary range of the thirteen school districts in Bucks County.  Going into the classroom every day and teaching students is a difficult job.  Every day the teachers must have a plan and address the needs of the students.  The Board wants the teachers to work hard, because the students deserve it.

Dr. Bowman pointed out the District’s special education program is very comprehensive.  There are numerous laws and mandates that the District must meet, and this costs money.  A common ground needs to be found with the community members to reform educational funding and not neglect the students.  The proposed contract will provide the opportunity to continue being a good school district, become better at what the School District does, take care of the needs of all of the students and meet all of the mandates.

Dr. Bowman said the Board has not neglected in any way any of its responsibilities.  The meetings have been difficult and the Board has worked hard.  The Board is making a decision that will be good for students.  The Board and community need to plan for the future and determine how to deal with the issue of financing education.

5.   Public Comment

There was a two minute time limit per speaker.  Mr. Howland, Langhorne, suggested Mr. Knowles (NFT President) address the public on  the proposed contract issue.

Mr. Weischedel, Feasterville, said the senior citizens do want the children to have a good education.  He felt the teachers do not care about the senior citizens losing their homes.

Mr. Schieber, Langhorne, explained he and his wife attended Board Meetings last January and February when consideration was being given to reducing the music program.  He had hoped to have a very open discussion about the need for budget cuts.  However, when they arrived at the meetings, the orchestra was on the stage, the students were wearing tee shirts showing support for the music program and the music trophies were being showcased.  The majority of people in attendance were supporting retaining the current music program and anyone who opposed supporting the current program was in the minority.  He said the teachers have direct influence on the children, the children have direct influence on their parents and the senior citizens get no say at all.  The senior citizens have not been at previous meetings because they have become very discouraged and a number of the senior citizens are relatively new to the Neshaminy community.  He advised the Board in the future, the senior citizens will be represented at Board Meetings.  Mr. Schieber said the senior citizens want their children and grandchildren to have a great future.  However, the senior citizens deserve a future too and the School Board is not letting the senior citizens have one.

Mr. Goldstein, Langhorne, questioned whether paying a teacher a higher salary will result in the teacher being a better teacher.  Is the Board giving the teachers whatever they want because they might go out on strike?  He said the teachers have off the whole summer and do not work evenings, weekends or holidays.  He said the teachers deserve a living wage.  However, an average salary of $73,000 is not so terrible a salary.  On that salary, teachers can live a lot better than the senior citizens are today.

A Neshaminy resident asked how the Board can justify providing the teachers with a $2,000 a year salary increase.  How will the teachers be held accountable?  He inquired if the senior citizens can observe classes being taught. 

6.   Item for Approval

Motion:  Ratification of Contract Between the Neshaminy Board of School Directors and the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers

Mr. Schoenstadt presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, the Neshaminy Board of School Directors and the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers have participated in contract negotiations; and

WHEREAS, the negotiating teams of the Neshaminy Board of School Directors and the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers have tentatively accepted a proposed collective bargaining contract; and

WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Schools has been officially notified that the membership of the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers ratified the said proposed contract.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors ratify the said proposed contract between the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers and the Neshaminy School District commencing July 1, 2002 and ending June 30, 2008.

FUTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the final contract language and compilation of collective bargaining agreements are subject to the approval of the District’s solicitor.

Dr. Frank seconded the motion.  Mr. Stack requested a roll call vote.  A tally of the roll call vote indicated the Board approved the motion with seven ayes, Mrs. Bostwick, Mrs. Butville, Mr. Eccles, Dr. Frank, Mr. Mecleary, Mr. Schoenstadt  and Mr. Stack.  (Mr. Dengler and Mrs. Drioli were absent from the meeting.)

Mr. Stack recessed the meeting at 9:05 p.m. Mr. Stack reconvened the meeting at 9:15 p.m.

7.   Superintendent’s Report

      No report was presented.

8.  Items for Approval

     a.  Overnight Trips

Information distributed prior to the meeting self-explanatory.  Dr. Bowman presented the following trips for approval:

          i)  Future Business Leaders (FBLA) State Conference and Competition - April 18-20, 2001,

              Champion, PA

              FBLA students from Neshaminy High School and Maple Point Middle School will be competing.

         ii)  Neshaminy High School - State Championship for the Technology Student Association

              Conference - March 28-30, 2001, Champion, PA

There was Board consensus for the two overnight trips.

      b.  Proposed School Calendar for 2001-2002

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman recommended the 2001-2002 proposed school calendar be presented for approval at the March 28 Public Meeting.  The proposed calendar is mirrored much after this year’s calendar.  Since Labor Day is September 3, the first day of school for teachers will be September 4 and students’ first day will be September 5.  Dr. Bowman briefly reviewed the calendar. 

Dr. Bowman advised the Board the District’s calendar includes more days and minutes than is required by the state.  Since the students have exceeded the required number of days and minutes, they are not required to make up the one snow day that the District had this year.  Therefore, he recommended the students not be scheduled to make up the one snow day.  The teachers will be required to make up the snow day at the end of the school year with an inservice day. 

Dr. Bowman noted usually the Thursday before and/or the Monday after Easter are used as snow make-up days.  Last year he received a number of telephone calls from parents requesting those days not be used as make-up days because vacation plans had been made for the spring vacation days.  He recommended in 2001-2002 the spring vacation days not be listed as make-up days.  If necessary, any snow days be made up at the end of the school year. 

Dr. Bowman explained historically, as long as all of the state requirements have been met, the Board has allowed the seniors to graduate as early as possible.  This allows the seniors to attend summer school, start summer jobs early, etc.  If there are no snow days between now and the March 28 Public Board Meeting, the graduation date will be announced at the March 28 meeting.  Tentatively it appears the graduation date will be June 13. 

Mrs. Butville noted the proposed calendar does not include the statement that if necessary the spring vacation days will be used as make-up days.  Dr. Bowman explained he did not include the statement, because he would like to have the flexibility to add any needed make-up days to the end of the school year or use the spring vacation days.  Mrs. Butville felt the statement should be included on the proposed calendar so the public is aware the spring vacation days could possibly be used as make-up days.  Dr. Bowman stated he would add a statement to the calendar indicating the spring vacation days could tentatively be used as make-up days. 

The 2001-2002 school calendar will be an agenda item at the March 28 Public Meeting.

      c.  Intermediate Unit No. 22 Programs and Services/Instructional Materials Budget for

           2001-2002

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board the budget information is on page 13 of the budget booklet.  Neshaminy’s obligation to the Intermediate Unit 2001-2002 budget has been reduced by $400.  Approval of the Intermediate Unit budget will be an agenda item at the March 28 Public Meeting.

      d.  Summer School Programs for 2001

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman explained the Summer School Programs are self-supporting.  Due to the increase in costs, the tuition will be increased. 

Mr. Boccuti reported the following occurred at the recent Educational Development Committee Meeting: received an update on the grades k-6 Language Arts adoption process, presentation presented on the grade 5 Growth and Development Program, discussed technology standards and reviewed the Summer School Program. 

Mr. Boccuti advised the Board the tuition for the Summer School Program was last increased four years ago.  The goal is to generate enough revenue to pay for the program.  The increases are as follows:  Fine Arts $5.00, Summer Stock $10.00, Secondary School courses $20.00.  The tuition is still extremely competitive with other area summer schools.  Mr. Mecleary pointed out that Neshaminy students will still receive first preference for enrollment in the Summer School Program. 

      e.  Approval of Bids and Budget Transfers

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman reviewed the following bids:

Bid No. 02-02 - Technology Education Supplies

Award Amount:  $16,409

The bid is for supplies for the instruction of industrial technology including design, problem solving, research and development.  An updated copy of the bid will be provided to the Board members.

Bid No. 02-03 - Athletic/Physical Education Supplies

Award Amount:  $78,645

The bid is for supplies for physical education programs and various team sports for the 2001-2002 school year.  Dr. Bowman estimated the bid reflects a 3 to 5 percent increase over last year’s bid. 

Mr. Stack requested all annual bids include the percentage of increase or decrease over the previous year’s bid on the bid tabulation form.

Dr. Frank left the meeting at 9:30 p.m.

Dr. Bowman briefly reviewed Budget Transfer Report No. 01-05 (working copy), which includes four transactions and subtransactions.  He pointed out transfer no. 2 is for $7,900 for the chair lift purchase for the Heckman School. 

Dr. Bowman advised the Board that one of the computer companies has offered to sell the District $90,000 to $100,000 worth of computer equipment (computers, servers and switches) for approximately $35,000.  The company is getting out of the computer business and wants to sell off their computers.  The computers have been in the District for two to three years, and are currently connected to a satellite dish. Once the computers are purchased, they will be connected to the District’s network.  Dr. Bowman recommended funds be transferred from the reserve account to purchase the computers.

After a brief discussion, it was determined the computer purchase will be reviewed by the Technology Committee at the March Meeting.

9.   Items for Information

      No items for information were discussed.

10. Committee Reports

      a.  Educational Development Committee

           Report presented earlier in the meeting as a part of the Summer School Program for 2001 discussion.

      b.  Educational Foundation

Mrs. Bostwick reported the Foundation is proceeding with the fund raising plans to sell Mercer tiles.  On March 16 there will be a tour of the high school to see where the tiles will be displayed.

      c.  Finance Committee

No committee report presented.  Mr. Stack requested the committee review the issue of insurance costs and a bond issue as soon as possible. 

      d.  Intermediate Unit Board

Intermediate Unit Programs and Services/Instruction Materials Budget reviewed earlier in the meeting. 

      e.  Intermediate Unit Legislative

Dr. Bowman noted Mr. Stack represented Neshaminy at the March 8 state legislative hearing.  Mr. Stack explained at the hearing he had an opportunity make a presentation on funding for public education.  Representatives from other parts of the state attended the hearing.  The hearing only allowed for testimony.  There was no dialogue at the hearing.  Mrs. Bostwick said she was told that the audience’s impression at the hearing was that they should take the issue back to their School Boards. 

      f.   Board Policies Committee

Mrs. Butville reported the committee will be meeting on March 15.  The agenda includes policies pertaining to smoking and student attendance.  Dr. Bowman reported feedback has been received from the unions’ representatives regarding the smoking policy, and will be provided at the committee meeting.

      g.  Technical School Board

Mr. Mecleary reported that Mr. Parks, Assistant Director, recently won a BMW, and it would have been a conflict of interest for him to keep the car.  Therefore, he has donated the car for a raffle that will benefit the Technical School.  Mr. Mecleary reported the Technical School Board has begun discussing the Technical School budget.  Neshaminy’s contribution to the Technical School will be approximately $400,000 less than what was paid last year. 

Mrs. Butville reported the Technical School will begin a partnership with Drexel University.  Drexel University will be using the Technical School as a satellite location.  Courses will be offered at the Technical School after hours, which the teachers and students can attend.  Some courses will be offered during the day, which will enable students to receive college level credits.  The target date for the partnership is September 2001.

      h.  Technology Committee

Mr. Stack reported the committee will meet on March 27.  He noted long term decisions need to be made in regard to technology investments (i.e., elementary labs, PC labs, etc.).  Mrs. Bostwick requested Mr. Stack ascertain what progress has been made in the library. 

10. Future Topics

Mr. Stack noted the future topics are the budget and continued discussion of enrollment/facilities usage.  He recommended the enrollment/facilities usage issue be discussed at the April Work Session and the Board develop a criteria which will be followed to review the financial, educational, usage, etc. issues.  The Board will need to evaluate the different facilities against the criteria.  

11. Agenda Development for March 28, 2001 Public Meeting

      Dr. Bowman briefly reviewed the agenda for the March 28, 2001 Public Meeting.

12. Correspondence

      There was no correspondence reviewed.

13. Other Board Business

In response to Mr. Eccles’ questions about not pursuing the Miller School’s kitchen renovation, Dr. Bowman explained a memorandum from Mrs. Donovan (Director of Financial Services) was distributed to the Board members explaining the situation.  Attached to the memorandum is a copy of the minutes of the June 2, 1998 Work Session, which outlines the situation.  Dr. Bowman stated the motion presented at the February 27, 2001 meeting was necessary to formally close out the project.  The Board had already decided not to continue any other work in the Miller School.  The Department of Education had been notified of the intent not to do any further work at the school. 

Mr. Schoenstadt noted no work has been done to change the condition of the Miller School’s cafeteria.  Dr. Bowman pointed out that the school meets prevailing educational standards.  If the Board were to decide to remodel the kitchen, it would not receive any reimbursement for any kitchen remodeling costs. 

Mrs. Donovan explained the motion was a formality.  In 1998 the Department of Education indicated a motion was not necessary.  However, now the Department of Education is saying in order to finalize the project a motion is necessary.  Dr. Bowman said the motion stated the Board is not going to spend any more money on the Miller School project and the educational programs are up to code and standards. 

Dr. Bowman noted the Board members were provided with an update on the e-mail he received from Suzanne Vincent, Poquessing Middle School Assistant Principal, regarding the Poquessing School incident. 

Dr. Bowman advised the Board that Foreign Language Month is being celebrated at Neshaminy High School and the Board members are welcomed to participate in the events.

Mr. Mecleary reported he recently received information regarding grants State Farm Insurance will pay towards the cost of  teachers acquiring their national board certification. 

Mr. Eccles complimented Dr. Bowman and his staff on keeping the Board members informed of School District issues.  Dr. Bowman said the administration will continue to make an effort to do this.

In response to Mrs. Butville’s inquiry about the renovation of the grand piano, Dr. Bowman stated the renovation issue is being addressed. 

Mrs. Butville inquired if there is any cost associated with the Microsoft Corporation National Examination for Proficiency being conducted at the high school.  Dr. Bowman stated Mr. Wyatt will provide the Board members with information on the examination.

Mrs. Butville moved the meeting be adjourned and Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting.  Mr. Stack adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol A. Calvello
Board Secretary

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