The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on May 22, 2001 at the Maple Point Middle School.  
The following persons were in attendance:

Prior to the Public Board Meeting, an Executive Session was held.

Call to Order - Mr. Stack called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m.

Flag Salute - Mr. Stack requested those in attendance join in the salute to the flag.

Announcement - Mr. Stack announced prior to the meeting, an Executive Session was held to discuss legal and personnel issues.

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

�         The senior prom will be held on May 26 at the Princeton Hyatt Hotel.

�         The Senior Awards Ceremony will be held on June 3.

�         Graduation will be held on June 13.

�         Mr. Taylor thanked the Board for allowing him and Miss Schailey to serve as student representatives to the Neshaminy School Board.

In recognition for serving as student representatives, Mr. Stack presented Miss Schailey and Mr. Taylor with Neshaminy lapel pins.  Mrs. Butville stated Miss Schailey and Mr. Taylor have worked hard and have done an excellent job this year.  She thanked them for serving as student representatives to the Board. 

Announcements - Dr. Bowman referred to the recent Bucks County Courier Times article titled �Census Data Show Neshaminy Growing� and stated the article was misleading.  The District�s enrollment data continues to show a decrease in enrollment.  At the elementary level there has been a decrease of over 700 students and the enrollment continues to decrease.  The children included in the 1990 census for ages under five years old are currently in school and range in age from ten to fifteen years old.  The 2000 census for ages under five years old is the future enrollment of the District.  The new census data supports declining enrollment at the elementary level.  The number of children being born at local hospitals and the hospitals� forecasts reflect a steady flat decline.

Mr. Stack pointed out in 1992, before the sixth graders were moved to the middle schools, the total elementary enrollment at the nine elementary schools was 5,569 students.  This year, 2000-2001, the total elementary enrollment is 4,134 students.  The projected total elementary enrollment for 2002 is 4,048 students.

Mr. Stack announced the Board has had an opportunity to further review the middle school closing issue and is now of the opinion it should not take any action to close a middle school at this time.  The Board may need to revisit the issue in two or three years.  In the meantime, the Board will need to review other options and provide additional direction to the administration.

Public Comment - There was a three minute time limit per speaker.  Ms. Bullick, Highland Park, thanked the Board for making her aware of how lucky her family is to be a part of such a great school district.  She urged the Board, when reaching a decision, to take into consideration the Neshaminy students, parents and staff who are an integral part of the Neshaminy schools.

Ms. Feihan, Trevose, expressed concern if one or two elementary schools are closed, class size will be increased and will adversely affect her son.  She advised the Board if an elementary school is closed, she will send her son to a private school.  She urged the Board to not close any schools.

Ms. Bedesem, Highland Park, explained she grew up in Highland Park and now lives in Highland Park, because she wanted her child to attend a neighborhood school, the Schweitzer School.  She noted the houses in Highland Park are 43 years old.  Senior citizens are moving out of the neighborhood and young families with children are moving into the neighborhood.  Young families are moving into Highland Park because of the great repetition of the Neshaminy School District.  She urged the Board to review the facilities usage issue very carefully and not close any schools, especially neighborhood schools.

Ms. Hyjorick, Highland Park, stated the school closing issue is teaching the children there are some things worth fighting for.  She indicated she is convinced the Board is capable of solving the facility utilization issue.  She urged the Board to think creatively, work outside of the lines and find another way to reduce the budget.  She stated she cannot tell her children any amount of money is more important than their education.

Mr. Pierson, Langhorne, requested more detailed information be made available to the public regarding the budget and the savings that would result from closing a school.  Mr. Pierson projected currently taxes will increase $200 on a house assessed at $6,600.  He stated by closing a school, the tax increase will be reduced approximately $50.  He inquired what makes up the other $150.  He urged the Board to provide the public with more information.

Mrs. Calvello advised the Board a petition had been submitted, which stated the following:

“We, the Albert Schweitzer/Carl Sandburg community, oppose the closing of Schweitzer as an elementary school.  We want our children schooled in our neighborhood, not bused to another location.”

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

·         On May 21, 180 Neshaminy students were inducted into the National Honor Society.  Neshaminy’s two National Merit Finalists were honored at the ceremony.

·         On May 22 all student leaders, including Kelly Schailey and Michael Taylor, were honored at the Student Leadership Breakfast.

·         On May 23, the Student Academic Recognition Reception will be held to honor the top five percent of students in grades ten through twelve.

·         On May 23, the Courier-Kiwanis Athletic Awards Banquet will be held at St. Mary Medical Center.

·         The Common Court of Pennsylvania has ruled the school districts will be charged the full tuition rate for students attending cyber charter schools, which will be very costly for the school districts.  When the charter school legislation was passed, the issue of cyber schools was not anticipated.  The legislators are considering passing a law that will include limits and provide school districts with greater control over cyber charter schools.

·         Dr. Boccuti’s dissertation, An Investigation of Interdisciplinary Curricula at the High School Level, has been accepted for presentation at the 2001 Annual Conference of PERA on November 19.  This is quite an honor.

·         The Neshaminy School District has received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2000-2001 budget.  Dr. Bowman congratulated Mr. Paradise, Mrs. Donovan, Mrs. Glennie and the Business Office staff on preparing a quality document with very high standards.

Approval of Minutes - Dr. Frank moved the minutes of the April 24, 2001 Public Board Meeting be approved and Mr. Eccles seconded the motion.  The Board approved the minutes of the April 24, 2001 Public Meeting with eight ayes.

Treasurer’s Report - Mr. Paradise presented for approval the April 30, 2001 Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit.  Mr. Dengler moved the April 30, 2001 Treasurer’s Report be approved, subject to audit, and Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the motion.  The Board approved the April 30, 2001 Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit, with eight ayes.

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

·         Bills for payment for April 2001.

·         Budget Transfer Report No. 01-07 (working copy), which includes three transactions.

·         Personal and per capita tax exonerations for April 2001 totaling 32 exonerations.

Mr. Eccles moved the April bills for payment, Budget Transfer Report No. 01-07 (working copy) and the April exonerations of personal and per capita tax be approved and Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.

In response to Mrs. Butville’s question about check no. 558 payable to the City of Philadelphia for $20,678.36, Mr. Paradise explained the District must withhold city wage tax from the earnings of employees who live in Philadelphia and work in the Neshaminy School District.  The District is obligated by law to withhold the tax and remit it to the City of Philadelphia.  Mrs. Butville pointed out after reviewing the tax option of an earned income tax, the Board determined it would not be beneficial to the District.  She noted the number of Neshaminy teachers who live in Philadelphia and must pay the tax to the City of Philadelphia.  Mr. Paradise explained the Sterling Act takes precedence over the District’s ability to tax.

The Board approved the April bills for payment, Budget Transfer Report No. 01-07 (working copy) and the April exonerations of personal and per capita tax with eight ayes.

Bids - Mr. Paradise presented the following bids for approval:

Bid No. 01-19 - Rooftop Air Handling Unit Replacement

Amount:  $108,400.00

The bid is for the replacement of rooftop air conditioning units at the Maple Point School.  When the Maple Point facility was renovated, the rooftop air handling units were not replaced.

Bid No. 01-26 - Optical Imaging System

Amount:  $11,650.00

The bid is for the purchase and installation of hardware and software comprising an optical imaging system for student records storage for Pupil Services.

Bid No. 02-06 - Classroom and Art Aids

Amount:  $38,719.68

The bid is for classroom and art supplies for the 2001-2002 school year which include:  paints, drawing paper, brushes, markers, yarn, cloth and other arts and crafts materials for classroom use.

Dr. Frank moved the three bids be approved and Mrs. Butville seconded the motion.  The Board approved the three bids with eight ayes.

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

·         Elections - Certified Staff

·         Resignations and Leaves of Absence - Certified Staff

·         Elections and Changes of Classification - Support Staff

·         Resignations and Leaves of Absence - Support Staff

Dr. Bowman noted most of the certified staff resignations are due to assignments being completed as of June 20.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board that Robert King, Neshaminy Middle School custodian, passed away this week. 

The personnel information appears on pages H-1 through H-7.

Mr. Eccles moved the certified and support personnel actions be approved and Mrs. Butville seconded the motion.  The Board approved the certified and support personnel actions with eight ayes.

Motion:  Participation in Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit No. 13 Cooperative Purchasing

Mr. Dengler presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, the District participates in cooperative purchasing agreements with entities under the Cooperative Purchasing Act of 1971; and

WHEREAS, these agreements have financially assisted the District by increasing its purchasing power through joint purchasing with other municipalities and other governmental units; and

WHEREAS, Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit No. 13 (the “IU”) has been authorized to bid certain equipment, software, supplies and miscellaneous items on behalf of the Commonwealth of  Pennsylvania.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Business Administrator be authorized to participate in purchase contracts with the Lancaster Lebanon IU 13 when it is financially advantageous to the District to order and purchase such materials, supplies and equipment when needed by the District.

Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.

Motion:  Approval of Intermediate Unit Special Education Contracted Services for 2001-2002

Mrs. Butville presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, the Neshaminy School District is required by law to provide special education and related services to children from pre-school through age twenty-one; and

WHEREAS, a significant number of students have severe mental and physical disabilities for which we do not operate programs. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors approve the contract for special education services with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 for the 2001-2002 school year.

Dr. Frank seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.

Motion:  Verizon Easement - Maple Point Middle School

Mr. Eccles presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, Verizon (formerly Bell Atlantic) previously requested an easement on the Maple Point Middle School grounds; and

WHEREAS, this easement was approved by the Board of School Directors on October 21, 1997, and the District was paid $6,000 for the granting of the easement; and

WHEREAS, the utility has now requested an amended easement and will now compensate the District an additional amount of $8,500 for the granting of this amended easement.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors grant the easement requested by Verizon, and to authorize the Business Administrator to execute the agreement, upon review of the Solicitor, in the name of and on behalf of the Neshaminy School District.

Mrs. Bostwick seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.

Motion:  Appointment of Treasurer

Mr. Schoenstadt presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, each year during the month of May the Board must elect a Treasurer to serve for one year beginning the following July 1.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that nominations will be accepted from the Board to elect a Treasurer of the Neshaminy Board of School Directors, beginning July 1, 2001, at an annual salary of $988. 

Dr. Frank seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.

Mr. Stack nominated Mr. Joseph Paradise for the position of Treasurer to the Neshaminy Board of  School Directors at no additional compensation.  Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the nomination.  There were no other nominations.

Motion:  Close Nominations for Appointment of a Treasurer

Mr. Dengler presented the following motion:

I move nominations be closed for the position of Treasurer to the Neshaminy Board of School Directors.

Mrs. Butville seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.

Amendment to Appointment of a Treasurer Motion

Mr. Schoenstadt presented the following amendment:

I move the phrase “at an annual salary of $988” be deleted from the motion, and the last paragraph of the motion include the phrase “with no additional compensation” and  read as follows:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that nominations will be accepted from the Board to elect a Treasurer of the Neshaminy Board of School Directors, beginning July 1, 2001, with no additional compensation.

Mrs. Butville seconded the amendment.  The Board approved the amendment with eight ayes.

The Board approved the amended appointment of Treasurer motion with eight ayes.  The Board appointed Mr. Paradise Treasurer of the Neshaminy Board of School Directors with a vote of eight ayes.

Mr. Stack stated the Board appreciated receiving applications for the Treasurer position.  The appointment of Mr. Paradise as Treasurer will result in a budget expenditure reduction.

Motion:  Appointment of Board Secretary and Assistant Board Secretary

Dr. Frank presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, Sections 404 and 434 of the School Code permits the Board of School Directors to elect a Secretary and Assistant Secretary.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors re-elect Carol Calvello to serve as Secretary for a four-year term, from July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2005.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Debby Spadaccino be re-elected Assistant Secretary to the Neshaminy Board of School Directors effective July 1, 2001.  

Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.

In response to a question raised by Mrs. Butville, Dr. Bowman explained the Board Secretary position is a paid position.  The Assistant Secretary is the Superintendent’s secretary.  There is no compensation paid to the Assistant Secretary.  The Assistant Secretary is the back-up person for the Board Secretary and may sign documents in the Board Secretary’s absence.

The Board approved the appointment of Board Secretary and Assistant Secretary motion with eight ayes

Motion:  Appointment of Individual to School Authority

Mr. Mecleary 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 an individual to fill this vacancy.

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

Lower Bucks County School Authority for a Five-Year Term

Joseph Bush to January 1, 2006

Dr. Frank seconded the motion.

Mr. Schoenstadt noted the appointment is for a five-year term, and the Authority will probably not be in existence for more than another year.  The last four years of the appointment term, the Authority will be without funds to distribute.

Mr. Fleck explained Authority appointments are for five years.  Every year one of the Authority positions comes up for appointment.  The Authority may or may not have funds to distribute over the next few years, but it will still have ongoing contracts to oversee.

The Board approved the appointment of individual to School Authority motion with eight ayes.

Motion:  2001-2002 Preliminary Budget

Mr. Stack presented the following motion:

WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors has received and reviewed a proposed budget for the 2001-2002 fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 687 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code, the proposed budget shall be made available for public inspection 20 days prior to final adoption.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proposed budget as of May 22, 2001 be made available to the public to review in preparation of the final budget to be adopted on June 12, 2001.

Dr. Frank seconded the motion.

Mr. Dengler noted the preliminary budget reflects quite an increase in taxes.  He pointed out at recent meetings, the senior citizens have advised the Board of their financial difficulties.  Mr. Dengler recommended at the next Work Session the Board review the District’s senior citizen rebate program, and consider revising the program to mirror the state’s rebate program.  Under the state’s program, one-half of senior citizen’s social security funds are excluded from the tax rebate calculation.  There was Board consensus for Mr. Dengler’s recommendation.  Mr. Stack stated if the tax rebate program’s qualifying income level is increased, it will have a positive impact on community members.

Mr. Stack pointed out the budget document being made available for public review is a preliminary budget and not likely to be the budget the Board will be voting on in its final form in June.  He indicated he would like the proposed millage increase to be reduced in half before the final budget is presented for approval and stated every effort should be made to do so. 

The Board approved the 2001-2002 preliminary budget motion with eight ayes.

Federal Programs - Dr. Bowman reported the District has received $696,139 in entitlement funds and $587,293 in competitive grant funds for a total of $1,283,432.  Dr. Bowman congratulated Dr. Costanzo on her work in securing grant funds for the District. 

Other Board Business - Mr. Stack noted the Board has chosen not to take any action in regard to a middle school closure at this time.  However, the Board must still examine if any elementary schools should be closed.  He requested the administration provide to the Board additional details pertaining to the options available relative to all the elementary schools.  He stated he was interested in knowing if any facility is closed, what are the opportunities for providing revenue and enhancing the educational program.

Mr. Stack pointed out the Board had previously discussed a proposed timeline, which included scheduling additional meetings to review the school closure issue.  He explained if the current Board is to take any action on the school closure issue, it must do so in November.  By August 7, the Board must target any facility/facilities for closure.  To accomplish this it will be necessary to have an additional meeting the last week of June (June 26) and the last Tuesday in July (July 31).  Mr. Stack inquired if there was Board consensus for the proposed meeting dates to continue the discussion of any action concerning the elementary schools.

Mr. Mecleary indicated he was opposed to setting a strict timeline for closing schools.  Mr. Eccles indicated he was not in favor of reaching a decision on school closings this year or approving a timeline at this time.  Mrs. Butville felt the Board should continue to discuss the issue and collect more data. 

Mr. Schoenstadt indicated since the administration is responsible for the educational program, he would like Dr. Bowman to comment on the issue.  Mr. Schoenstadt stated he had no objection to scheduling the additional meetings to discuss the issue further.  Since at this point the Board does not have a proposal to offer, he questioned what the Board would be discussing at the meetings. He inquired if the administration has a proposal.  He said before making a decision, the Board needs to know the cost and educational ramifications of any proposal. 

Dr. Bowman stated the administration needs further direction from the Board.  He noted the Board has said it will not be closing a middle school next year.  There are not many other options.  Before the administration studies closing facilities at the elementary level, there has to be Board support by at least five Board members to conduct the study.  If at least five Board members are in favor of continuing to study the issue, the administration will study the issue, provide more detailed information and continue to review the issue.  The administration would also review possible use of  the facility if it were to be closed.  Dr. Bowman stated he needs direction from the Board. 

Mrs. Butville felt the Board should not make any kind of decision without first reviewing good, detailed information.  Mr. Stack recommended the administration’s study include schools operating at a 90 percent capacity, including Intermediate Unit classes, and at 80 percent capacity, without Intermediate Unit classes.  He felt studying the issue based on these capacity goals and redeployment, will allow the administration to focus on specific targets. 

Mr. Dengler recommended the administration’s study include the review of all elementary schools.  He noted a number of the elementary schools are located very close together.  Possibly a different configuration should be considered.  Mr. Stack stated he is not suggesting the study focus on the three elementary schools named in the current proposals.  The study should include the review of all elementary schools.

Dr. Frank felt the Board should wait until next year or the following year to review the issue.  In the meantime, the Board and administration should watch the statistics.  She felt there is no consensus for closing a school and the Board should drop the issue.

Mr. Eccles questioned if there was Board support to close a school next year or the following year.  Mr. Stack stated he was in favor of closing one or two elementary schools.  Mr. Schoenstadt stated he favored closing one or two elementary schools.  However, the Board must provide direction to the administration and review the administration’s educational recommendation before making a decision.

Mrs. Bostwick stated she was in favor of obtaining further information so the Board can go forward with making a decision.  She explained her decision will be based on the data provided to the Board.  She indicated she was uncommitted to any particular action at this time, but something needs to be done to address the District’s declining enrollment situation. 

Mr. Dengler stated he favors closing one or two elementary schools if the data provided by the administration supports it.  Mrs. Butville indicated she needs more data before making a decision.  She stated she was in favor of directing Dr. Bowman to conduct whatever study necessary to allow the Board to make the very best decision.  She noted the declining enrollment situation will not go away and something needs to be done to address the issue.

Mr. Stack noted five Board members, Mrs. Bostwick, Mrs. Butville, Mr. Dengler, Mr. Schoenstadt and himself, have indicated they are in favor of reviewing additional data and further discussion of the issue.  Mr. Stack stated additional meetings will be held on June 26 and July 31 to review the school closure issue.  He recommended the school closure issue also be discussed at the June 5 Work Session.

Mr. Mecleary stated the Board does not traditionally meet in July and August.  People may be away on vacation  and less available to attend meetings during the summer months.  He questioned if a sufficient number of Board members would be able to attend the meetings scheduled for the summer months.  Mr. Stack stated if a quorum is not present, a meeting will not be held. 

Mr. Stack stated the Board needs an opportunity to discuss the data that will be made available by the administration.  He urged the Board members to advise the administration, as soon as possible, of any requests for specific data.  Mr. Stack stated he is interested in data reflecting the elementary schools operating at 80 percent capacity, without the Intermediate Unit classes, and 90 percent with the Intermediate Unit classes, and which facilities make sense for redeployment. 

Mr. Eccles questioned if five Board members are looking to close an elementary school next year.  Mrs. Butville stated the Board is looking for the data to make the best decision. 

Dr. Bowman advised the Board that the administration will provide the Board members with one complete packet of information relevant to the elementary schools, which will include information  such as current enrollment,  projected enrollment, capacity, impact of Intermediate Unit classes, impact of modular classrooms, 80 percent utilization of buildings, 90 percent utilization of buildings, current attendance boundaries, sense of excess capacity, educational impact and financial impact.  He noted there will not be a large amount of additional information other than a fine tuned financial analysis.  The deployment information will not be available in June. 

Dr. Frank stated it is not educationally sound to have a 90 percent capacity at the elementary level.  Mr. Stack explained the 90 percent capacity pertains to providing space for the Intermediate Unit classes, which involve three to four students.  It will not have the same impact as having an additional class of 25 to 30 students. 

Mr. Schoenstadt stated a number of the elementary schools are underutilized and some are being utilized at only 60 percent capacity.  Even though there is a lot of data already available, the Board does not have an insight into the educational feasibility related to closing a school/s.  He indicated he would like to focus on how will the school/s be educationally impacted and utilized.  Overall what will be the impact on the District’s programs?  He felt the Superintendent should be allowed sufficient time to collect and review the data.  The different options should be reviewed with each school’s administrative staff.  After the administrative staff review, a recommendation on the school closing issue could be presented to the Board.  He recommended the Board be provided with tangible information to review.  Dr. Bowman stated in order for the Board to move forward, the Board needs to understand the data, discuss the data, know the viable options and agree to a set of parameters and guidelines.  The Board needs to develop as much knowledge and understanding as possible before making a decision. 

Mrs. Butville inquired if a tape of the May 9 radio show, “Speak Your Piece”, could be broadcast on a local channel.  Mr. Eccles explained since there is no tape of the show, it cannot be broadcast on a local channel.  Mr. Stack indicated he would not support funding future radio shows.  Mr. Eccles noted there was no cost to the District for the May 9 radio show, because a sponsor had been obtained for the show.

Correspondence - Dr. Bowman advised the Board the Technical School Convention Meeting still needs to be held to approve the Technical School budget.  The only meeting agenda item will be the approval of the 2001-2002 budget.  A form, which lists three possible meeting dates, has been distributed to the Board members.  Board members are to complete the form and return it to Dr. Bowman as soon as possible. 

Mrs. Calvello reported notification has been received that PlanCon Part H, project financing, has been reviewed and approved for the Ferderbar, Sandburg and Miller Schools (see attachment I).  After further review, the  reimbursable percentage rate for the three projects has been increased (see attachment II).

Public Comment - There was a two minute time limit per speaker.  Ms. Geddes, Feasterville, presented comments which indicated she was opposed to elementary schools being utilized at 90 percent capacity.  She felt 80 percent is a more educationally sound capacity limit.  She noted the Ferderbar Elementary School’s capacity is slightly over 80 percent and sufficient space is not available for all of the activities, i.e., reading specialist teaching in a closet, no space available in the school for the Home and School Association, etc.  She felt if an elementary school were closed, the other elementary schools’ capacity would be at the 90 percent level without the inclusion of the Intermediate Unit classes.  She stated if the District is going to provide classrooms for the Intermediate Unit Program, closing an elementary school is not feasible.  When a school’s capacity is at the 90 percent level, there is the possibility there will not be sufficient space available for the art, music and computer rooms.  Before the Board makes a decision, everyone needs to be educated on the difference between 80 percent and 90 percent utilization.

Mr. Johnson, Penndel, stated the Board owes it to the people to provide full disclosure of all information, educate the residents as to the Board’s decision and why the decision was made.  He felt holding Board Meetings during the summer months is tantamount to the way the Maple Point High School was closed.  He urged the Board to hold its meetings in the fall when the meetings will be better attended and more public input will be provided.

Mr. Peters, Lower Southampton, pointed out there are attendance imbalances in the elementary and middle schools.  He inquired if consideration has been given to realigning the schools’ attendance boundaries.  He advised the Board he is developing a model regarding enrollment over the next five to ten years.  When completed he will share his findings with the Board.

A Lower Southampton resident felt the Board should be more concerned with educational excellence.  Closing any school could be disruptive and is not the way to solve the District’s financial problems. 

Board Comment - Mr. Stack explained this September the attendance/enrollment situation throughout all the schools was evaluated.  He stated he believes whatever action the Board takes, the Neshaminy schools will be great schools, even greater schools.  By operating the schools more efficiently, the District will be able to do more things than it can do now.  Mr. Stack indicated he believes the educational program will be enhanced by any changes.  He stated the Board will be discussing the issue further.  The Board Meetings held over the summer will be open to the public.

Mr. Eccles moved the meeting be adjourned and Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.  Mr. Stack adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol A. Calvello
Board Secretary                                                                    

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