The
Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on May 7, 2002
in the Board Room of the District Offices, Maple Point Middle School.
The following persons were in attendance:
BOARD MEMBERS:
|
ADMINISTRATORS:
|
Mr.
Steven Schoenstadt, President
|
Dr.
Gary Bowman
Mr. P. Howard Wilson
|
Mrs.
June Bostwick, Vice President
|
Dr.
Raymond Boccuti
|
Mrs.
Yvonne Butville
Mr. Harry Dengler, Jr.
|
Mr.
Harry Jones
Mr. Richard Marotto
|
Ms.
Carol Drioli
|
Mr.
Joseph Paradise
|
Mr.
Richard Eccles
Mrs. Kimberly Jowett
|
Mr.
Bruce Wyatt
|
George
Mecleary, Jr., Esq.*
|
|
Dr.
William Spitz
|
OTHERS:
Approximately 11 persons from the
|
|
public,
staff and press
|
SECRETARY:
Mrs. Anita Walls
|
|
*
Left meeting at 10:15 p.m.
|
|
Prior
to the Public Board Meeting (Work Session), the annual Neshaminy Employee
Recognition Program was held.
Recognition Awards
- The annual Neshaminy Employee
Recognition Program, which was held prior to the Public Board Meeting
(Work Session), included the Chanticleers, under the direction of Mr.
Nelson, performing several musical selections.
The following long term service awards were presented to certified
and support staff members for 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service.
15 Years of Service
- Employees received a ceramic
box inscribed with the Neshaminy School District seal.
Fifty-nine employees have completed 15 years of service.
20 Years of Service
- Employees received a gold
lapel pin. Twenty employees
have completed 20 years of service.
25 Years of Service
- Employees received a silver
bowl. Twenty employees have
completed 25 years of service.
30 Years of Service
- Employees received a brass
hand bell. Twenty-eight
employees have completed 30 years of service.
35 Years of Service
- Employees received a pewter
bowl. Eight employees have
completed 35 years of service.
Ninety-one
of the one-hundred thirty-five long-term service award recipients attended
the Neshaminy Employee Recognition Program.
Distinguished
Budget Presentation Award and Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting was presented to Joseph V. Paradise, Anne Donovan and
Linda Glennie.
Assistant
Principal of the Year Award was presented to Karen Wychock.
Mr.
Douglas Bauer was a Regional Semi-Finalist for 2003 Pennsylvania Teacher
of the Year.
Mr.
Charlie Schmidt received the NASPE 2002 Distinguished Leadership in
Physical Education Award.
Mr.
Roy Nelson received the PMEA Award.
Mr.
David Wert received the Bucks County Conservation Teacher of the Year
Award, which was presented by Karen Mahon.
Mr.
Frank Collins was a Semi-Finalist for 2002 Pennsylvania Teacher of the
Year Award.
The
2002 Violence Free Youth Challenge Award was presented to Teena Rutberg,
Jane Gibbons, Bonnie Anderson, Kim Foster and Christine Peterson.
The
Milken National Educator Award was presented to Mr. Mike Hoy.
Thirty-one
200l-2002 Retirees were introduced and recognized by Dr. Gary Bowman.
l.
Call to Order
Mr. Schoenstadt called the meeting to order
at 8:15 p.m.
2.
Pledge
of Allegiance
Mr.
Schoenstadt requested those in attendance join in the salute to the flag.
3.
Announcements
Mr.
Schoenstadt announced that George Mecleary, Jr., Esquire, received from
the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, Inc. a Certificate for School
Governance Inservice Education in recognition of his commitment to public
education and self-development through participation in PSBA-sponsored
school management programs. Mr.
Mecleary earned twenty-one points.
Mr.
Schoenstadt announced that correspondence was received from the
Pennsylvania Department of Education regarding the Pennsylvania Virtual
Academy and the Einstein Academy Charter School.
The Board voted not to pay the fees that were requested and this
document from the State is notifying the district that the state subsidy
will be reduced by the appropriate amount.
Mr. Schoenstadt passed the documents on to Dr. Bowman, and Mr.
Schoenstadt felt that the appropriate response would be to file a class
action suit against the State of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Bowman advised that for the months of December through February
the amount would be $26,000 for Einstein Academy Charter School and $6,700
for the Pennsylvania Virtual Academy.
Dr. Bowman advised that there is legislation pending wherein they
are going to try to cap the amount of money that is received.
Currently, they are receiving the full tuition amount of
approximately $8,000 per student.
4.
Public
Comment
There
was no public comment.
5.
Items
for Discussion
a)
NESACC/Neshaminy Kids Club Lease Renewal
Dr. Bowman advised that this a normal request made by NESACC.
The program accepts students
early in the morning and after school for working parents.
Every year they ask for a three (3) year
extension
to the lease and every year the district only provides a one (l) year
extension. Dr.Bowman
recommended a one (l) year extension.
Mrs. Butville noted in their correspondence that it would help
with the grant-writing if they were given a three (3) year lease.
Mr. Paradise received correspondence
addressing that issue and they have not been successful in
obtaining grants.
Mr. Eccles inquired whether we receive any revenue and Mr. Paradise
advised that the district
has
received what they have agreed
to pay. Mrs. Bostwick
inquired whether there was any
other
surrounding district providing
a three (3) year extension. Mr.
Paradise advised by entering into a one (l)
year lease extension it was not
locking the district into an extended lease, if, in fact
the district decided
that they were no longer
happy with the program or if something else would arise.
Dr. Bowman recalled that the Neshaminy Kids Club was never unhappy
with receiving just a one (l) year
renewal.
b)
Request by the Hulmeville Historical Society, Inc.
Dr. Bowman announced that the Hulmeville Historical
Society has researched many old files and they
found
minute books from Hulmeville High School and the Grammar School that date
back to the
early
l900’s.
They have an active historical society and they are requesting that
they be permitted to have
those records for historical
keeping. Dr. Bowman believed
that the records were probably better kept
with the historical society
rather then the district.
Mr. Eccles inquired as to whether the state passed a mandate that
records needed to be kept for one
hundred years. Mr. Paradise
advised that this referred to student records.
Mrs. Drioli inquired whether the district could copy the records.
Mrs. Bostwick questioned how long the
historical society has been in existence
and what is its viability, since the district should not
be handing
over records and have the historical
society suddenly dissolve and then we lose track of the records.
Mr. Paradise advised that many years ago there were six (6)
separate school districts within Neshaminy.
Hulmeville Historical Society is
asking for the Hulmeville School District documents. Mrs.
Bostwick would
like someone to contact the Bucks County
Historical Society and see if they would be better
able to
house the material and certainly more
liable to keep it.
Mr. Eccles suggested that if the Hulmeville Historical Society was
no longer in existence that the
records would
be returned back to Neshaminy School District, and also that the records
could never
be sold.
Mrs. Butville advised that it should be required that they be kept
in a fire proof safe so that they
will be protected.
Mr. Paradise informed the board that the records were presently kept
in a fire proof safe
at the district.
Dr. Bowman advised that the records could be put on loan to the
Hulmeville Historical Society with
the condition
that they will be well protected. Dr.
Bowman advised that Mr. Paradise would request
more
information from Hulmeville Historical Society and receive some
clarification to the request.
c)
Lower Southampton Township use of Tawanka
Dr. Bowman advised that Lower Southampton Township has made a
request to use the gym and one
wing of the Tawanka School.
Dr. Bowman advised that the alternative school would use one wing.
The IU will use the kindergarten wing.
The IU will lease three (3) classrooms at $l5,000 per
classroom.
The remaining wing contains eight
(8) classrooms. Dr. Bowman
advised that the Township of Lower
Southampton is requesting the use of five
or six (5-6) classrooms as well as the gym to be used during
the daytime, after school and evening.
The district has advised that it
would like to be cost neutral and
Dr. Bowman inquired whether the Board is
looking to generate any
revenue. Cost neutral means
electricity and custodial services that
will be needed at night since that would not normally be needed at
night or on weekends.
Dr. Bowman advised that the
letter stated that start-up funding would be
a great
challenge for them.
Dr. Bowman advised that whatever classrooms are not allocated to
them, the district is confident that
they can lease to some other group.
Mr. Schoenstadt stated that some of the activities that the
Township
will be planning will be charging a fee, so in
negotiating with the Township that must be considered that
they will have some revenue and it will be
increased as time goes on.
Mrs.
Drioli advised that they would also have some expenses with regards to
staff. Any of these programs
that they are going to have will require staff.
These programs will be a service to the community.
The use of Tawanka is a natural flow, since the community feels
that it is their facility to begin with.
Mrs. Drioli suggested that when they do make a profit the books
need to be audited, and if and when they do make a profit, we need to be
part of that profit. If certain consideration is given for fees, then when they do
begin to draw a profit we should be part of that process.
Mr.
Schoenstadt stated that is a valid point; however, the weekends will
require overtime by the janitorial staff and electricity.
Dr. Bowman advised that presently CYO uses the facility on
Saturday.
Mrs.
Drioli advised that they are requesting consideration of a certain amount
of space with soft consideration towards the fee the district will charge
them.
Mr.
Eccles questioned how many alternative students would be scheduled for the
school. Mr. Wilson advised
that this year seventy-two (72) students, and six (6) additional rooms
have been taken for expansion.
Mr.
Schoenstadt stated that a commitment was made to the community that in the
first year we would not do anything except what we planned to do.
Two or three years down the road we will have the option, since we
will have the space in the one wing that we allocated for the education
facility.
Dr.
Bowman questioned whether the Board wanted the district to incur any costs
for the recreation program. Mr.
Schoenstadt stated that the Board was not looking to gain any revenue
other then to offset the costs.
Mr.
Paradise stated that being objective, if the building is used by outside
programs, the building needs to be clean and it requires staff.
Presently, two part-time custodians are in the budget just for this
purpose, which in turn are increasing costs.
Also, increased utilities will be incurred.
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that a price could be put on that and it would need to
be negotiated with the Township or recreation board.
Dr.
Spitz inquired whether the Board has already decided that this is the
group that we are interested in giving the space to.
Dr. Spitz felt that other groups were also interested.
Mrs. Drioli felt the Board did give consensus.
Dr. Spitz does not recall the discussion, but Dr. Spitz recalls the
Peace Center possibly acquiring space.
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that the NESACC program is not interested in expanding
their current program. NESACC was thinking about a full day kindergarten program and
decided not to pursue it.
Mr.
Dengler stated it was discussed, but never decided, and he would like to
see the district obtain as much money as they could for the space.
Mrs.
Butville cannot see closing a school and moving the students to another
school and then giving the space or paying to let someone else run a
recreational program and underwriting a recreation program for that
community. Mrs. Butville has
no problem with them using the facility as long as all the expenses are
paid.
Dr.
Spitz questioned if any of the other groups were interested, i.e. Peace
Center. Mrs. Bostwick
wondered what programs do they provide to the community, since we need to
try to fill in the awful gap that we left the community with.
Does the Peace Center offer this type of open program to the
community? Dr. Spitz noted
that we never responded to any of the groups regarding their requests.
Ms.
Drioli advised that Nate Cooper is working with Kids First, Communities
That Care.
Mr.
Wilson stated the following organizations have requested space:
·
Peace
Center – extensive use of building, no funds, exchange of services for
alternative school program.
·
Sunshine
Foundation – take care of terminally ill children.
Provide trips for
the children and they are losing their location in Trevose.
Very interested in one or two classrooms. Cannot afford asking price of $11,000 per classroom but would
be willing to work with the district, since they wish to stay in the area
·
Bucks
County Day School – looking for the entire building.
Dr.
Spitz suggested that a letter be forwarded to each group and state what
the requirements will be.
Mrs. Butville inquired whether the $11,000 per classroom would draw
a profit. Mr. Paradise
advised that it would be profitable.
Dr. Spitz inquired if $11,000 is profitable, how much would need to
be charged to break even. Mr.
Paradise stated that it depends on the usage; daytime versus nighttime
will be different.
Dr. Bowman suggested that this is now a starting point:
l.
get a handle on the dollar amount
2.
day use versus night use
3.
obtain letters from groups stating specific interests
Dr. Bowman felt that when the Lower Southampton Recreation program
toured the facility there
was
intent on their part to obtain funding to take care of any costs that the
district would incur
above
and beyond. The Sunshine Club
is willing to negotiate a price, however, they do not need
any
classrooms. Different groups
can be accommodated.
Mrs. Butville stated that the letter should include that the
district cannot incur any costs, that they
must at least cover their
costs. Mr. Schoenstadt advised that
each group would need to know what
those costs would be.
Mr. Paradise was directed to respond to all groups.
6.
Items
for Approval
- Overnight
Trips
Trip
information was distributed for the following trips and was
self-explanatory.
FBLA
National Conference & Competition – Neshaminy High School – Nashville,
Tennessee
– June 27 – July 3, 2002
Future
Problem Solving Program –
Neshaminy High School - University of Connecticut
June
6-7, 2002
There
was Board consensus for the trips.
- Approval
of Dr. Gary L. Bowman Scholarship Fund and Bank Accoun
There
was Board consensus for the motion to be prepared for the next public
meeting.
c. Approval
of Carolyn Baldwin Scholarship Bank Account
There
was Board consensus for the motion to be prepared for the next public
meeting.
d.
Bucks
County Technical High School Budget
A
copy of the proposed Bucks County Technical High School proposed Budget
was distributed to all Board members.
Mr.
Dengler noted that on page 2, Neshaminy School District’s contribution
would be decreased by $1,175,000. Every
district has decreased except for Bristol Township.
Mr. Dengler advised that the official vote would be taken on
Thursday, May 9, 2002; whereat four boards are needed to pass the budget
and twenty-eight (28) votes. At
least five people from four different districts are required to pass the
budget.
Dr.
Bowman polled the board and seven members will definitely be in attendance
at the meeting. Mr.
Schoenstadt noted that he has a concern and even though Mr. Snyder made a
presentation to the district, it was not addressed to his satisfaction.
Mr. Schoenstadt does not feel the budget is improper; however, the
concern arises with the allocated spots for Neshaminy.
When in freshman year the student does not apply to the Tech
School, they have difficulty getting accepted and Neshaminy loses the
spots, and that does not represent what the full year round technical
school was approved to be.
Mr.
Eccles advised that our school configuration is l0-l2 and it is not
unheard of for a 9th grader to say he/she does not want to
leave his last year at middle school to attend the tech school.
Mr. Schoenstadt stated that in the long term planning the Board
needs to give serious consideration to reexamine the grade level structure
that the district has at the high school and middle school level.
Dr. Spitz questioned whether the district’s contribution depends
on how many students attend in
the prior year.
Mr. Schoenstadt advised that the district had 9l spots this year
and only filled 73.
The
previous year we had l02 spots and only filled 65 spots.
Ms. Drioli stated that her biggest concern was still the special
education students and she felt
that the presentation by Mr. Snyder was not
answering the questions regarding special education.
Mr. Eccles commented that the students graduating from the Bucks
County Technical High
School
are in demand and it is highly competitive.
Corporations are constantly recruiting students.
Mr.
Eccles reminded Board members not to underestimate what is happening at
that facility as far as
quality.
e. Appointment of Treasurer
Dr.
Bowman advised that annually a Treasurer must be appointed, and Mr.
Paradise has been appointed in the past.
There
was board consensus to reappointment Mr. Paradise as Treasurer.
The appointment of a Treasurer will be an agenda item at the May 22
Public Meeting.
f.
Revised Board Policy #512
– High School Diploma
Dr.
Bowman advised that it is a minor change on page one, line 29, state or
local assessments. The change
is that instead of the word “and” the word “or” is being used.
There
was board consensus to prepare a motion for the next public meeting.
g. Approval
of Bids and Budget Transfers
Mr.
Paradise reviewed the following bids:
Bid
No.03-12 – Science Supplies
Bid
Amount: $11,473.66
The
bid is for various supplies for the instruction of science curricula
district-wide. Mr. Paradise
advised that the bid is actually less then last year’s bid.
Bid
No. 03-13 – Classroom & Art Aids
Bid
Amount: $34,135.68
The
bid is for classroom and art supplies for the 2002-03 school year which
include the following: paints, drawing paper, brushes, markers, yarn, cloth and
other arts and crafts materials for the classroom use.
Bid No. 03-16 – Trash
Removal & Recycling
Bid Amount:
$l62,720.00
The bid is for trash removal and recycling
for the District for the school years: 2002/03,
2003/04,
2004/05.
This is a three (3) year bid.
The price per year is $54,240.00.
Bid No. 03-17 – Chiller Replacement at Neshaminy Middle School
Bid Amount:
$38,000.00
The bid is for the replacement of the chiller
at Neshaminy Middle School. Mr.
Paradise advised
that this is a good news budget item.
One of the capital projects is the replacement of
air
conditioning
for the office in the guidance area and the main office at Neshaminy
Middle. It
was
estimated the cost to be $l00,000, but good timing on the bid brought it
to $38,000. Mr.
Paradise had a special request, that since
this was an item that was cut out of the budget last year,
and since
last year the unit is not functioning, the offices have no air
conditioning. Mr. Paradise
advised that
they would like to install it by the end of June and there is a six (6)
week lead-time on the
units.
Mr.
Schoenstadt presented the following motion :
To
accept Bid No. 03-17 – Chiller Replacement at Neshaminy Middle School.
Ms. Drioli moved the motion to accept Bid No. 03-l7 and Mr.
Schoenstadt seconded the motion. The
Board approved the motion with nine ayes.
Dr.
Spitz inquired where the funds would be coming from for the chiller
replacement. Mr. Paradise
advised that the funds would be coming from the capital reserve fund swing
loan. The payment is not
critical; however, the lead-time on the order is what is critical at this
time. Mr. Paradise advised
that this would appear as another budget cut.
Mrs.
Butville inquired regarding the supplies.
What is the per pupil allotment?
Is it different in the various schools?
Dr. Bowman advised that the number of pupils is accounted for at
each school and a certain amount is given for each pupil.
Dr. Bowman advised that more money is allotted at the high school
level then at the grade school level.
Dr. Bowman advised that the elementary allotment is $l26.79 per
pupil. At the middle school
level the amount is $l74.00 and $238.00 at the high school level.
All teaching materials, textbooks, library books, anything
associated with the student comes out of this amount.
Ms.
Drioli stated that per student ratio for the schools that are renovated
new is the same as it is for the schools that are older and trying to keep
themselves together. Yet, the
schools that are renovated new are now buying all the good things;
however, schools like Poquessing and Neshaminy Middle are still trying to
get essential items. Poquessing
Home and School had to buy their own screens for the auditorium because it
could not afford to go on the budget because other things were necessary. Yet
at Maple Point and Sandburg, the pupil allocation can be used elsewhere.
Can a formula be developed for pupil allocation based on the age of
the building that the pupil attends?
If a student is in a newer building, that accounts for a certain
amount of the allocation? As
the school ages, that particular building receives a larger allocation.
As the school is renovated, that particular school gets less
allocation. The principals
are advising that they are buying necessary things for their building out
of that pupil allocation.
Mr.
Paradise advised that the pupil allocation does include furniture and
cafeteria tables, etc., but at the same time the Superintendent has funds
to allocate.
Dr.
Spitz agreed with Ms. Drioli and felt that it may not be fair that each
school gets the exact same amount per pupil.
Dr.
Bowman advised that the Board did not have the facts and was relying on
what was heard at the different PTO meetings.
Yes, the same allocation is given, but extra money is provided to
certain schools, such as Poquessing and Neshaminy Middle.
Could more be used, yes. The
best is trying to be accomplished. The
basic allocation is an allocation the principals receive to buy the
instructional materials they use in the classroom, the intramural and
athletic equipment, and they then receive an additional sum for capital
outlay for tables, chairs, etc. The
principals are allowed to use their discretion on how to use their money.
They are the educational leader, and if a principal wishes to buy
desks, it is their decision. Dr. Bowman advised that the last few budgets the allocation
has not increased very much. Obviously,
they could use more. Dr.
Bowman advised that he has a Superintendent’s account, where he has
provided extra funds to certain schools.
Mr. Paradise advised that the whole concept behind the per pupil
allocation is that the building
principal
makes the decision as to what the priority items may be.
Dr. Spitz inquired why items such as desks, chairs and auditorium
curtains are not purchased with
other
district funds as opposed to coming out of the per pupil allocation.
Mr. Paradise advised
that
items such as doors are facility/maintenance items.
No maintenance items come out of
the per pupil allocation. The only things that do come out of the per pupil allocation
are consumable
supplies,
teaching materials and furniture items
The
bids will be presented for approval at the May 22nd Public
Meeting.
h.
2002-2003
Budget
Dr. Bowman advised that Mr. Paradise would summarize and review the Budget
Update that has been prepared, and significant changes have been made.
Dr. Bowman pointed out that the amended budget document indicates
the changes itemized in this document reduces this projected gap from 59.6
mills down to 34.2 mills.
Mr. Paradise presented
the following Fiscal year 2003 expenditure budget reductions
·
The cost of the Lower
Southampton Boiler Replacement can be eliminated from the budget
- $200,000
·
The
savings from staff retirements will reflect a net savings of
$564,000 (after insurance and all incentives are paid)
·
Changes
in Health Insurance Premiums will result in a $325,000 reduction, which
reflect a decrease in Personal Choice coverage and an increase in drug
coverage
Mr.
Eccles inquired whether the savings in staff retirements of $564,000
includes replacing every staff
member that has retired. Mr.
Paradise affirmed that.
·
Legislative Action has
reduced Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System Payments to
l.l5% resulting in a $3,257,000 gross expenditure reduction of which the
Commonwealth subsidizes half; therefore, the net reduction of $l,628,675.
·
Due to
GASB accounting changes we need to reclassify certain items.
You will note the 4000 section (facility improvements) increasing
and the 2600 section (facility maintenance) reducing.
·
The
working draft budget reflected a lower technical school payment - $112,940
·
Five
(5) staff reductions, portions of people - $103,796.
·
Delay
in the payment for textbook purchases -
$285,000.
·
Swing
loan
·
Schweitzer
F wing roof replacement - $530,000
·
Hoover
D wing roof replacement - $250,000
·
Buck
HVAC system replacement - $350,000
·
Maple
Point 3 rooftop unit replacements - $350,000
·
Interest
expense for swing loan - $45,000
·
Rolling
into a bond issue - $l,435,000
Mr.
Paradise advised that this brings us a 25.4 mill reduction over last month
and brings us to 34.2 mills. The
budget increase is down from l0.4% to 5.07% and decreases the expenditure
budget by approximately $6,282,000.
Mr.
Paradise detailed on the final pages other options and areas that will
continue to be reviewed.
Mrs.
Drioli questioned that even though we closed a school and experienced a
decrease in enrollment, we are only eliminating l.7 teachers.
Dr. Bowman advised that staff was already reduced from the first
wave of the budget by closing the school.
Mr. Paradise advised that it is the difference between the
experienced versus the new. Mrs.
Butville inquired whether all positions needed to be replaced.
Dr. Bowman advised that the district has contractual class sizes
that we need to work with. Staffing
will take place on May 8th to look at the needs.
Between May and June we can inform the Board of the number of
certified staff replacements. The
Tawanka staff placement is coming together and teacher preference forms
have been completed.
Mrs.
Butville inquired if at the elementary level we will use sister schooling
so that every class is brought up to the contractual limit requirements
and send additional students to a sister school, rather than having two
(2) smaller classes in the same school. Ms. Butville suggested being more flexible in using
sister schooling at the elementary level.
Dr. Bowman advised that sister schooling has been used in the past,
which is primarily used in the summer.
Once you pass the budget, any new students that come into the
district, the district looks at any siblings in the district, walkers,
special education, etc. Every
summer letters go out to parents when they register the students, and we
give them the alert that they could be sister schooled.
Mrs.
Butville commented that families in the lower end that may work in the
upper end have inquired whether their children could attend different
schools in the upper end. Dr.
Bowman advised that it might help in some areas, but cripple the district
in other aspects.
Dr.
Spitz had a number of questions regarding the staffing charts.
The enrollment on the elementary level went down by 109 students.
The coming year it is projected to go down by 71 students.
That is a total of 180 students over two years, plus one less
building. However,
there is a decline of only one (l) position and zero (0) special education
positions.
Mr.
Paradise advised that you would always find that the budget is going to be
higher in terms of staffing and dollars.
That is so for legal, state required reasons.
The board cannot spend one dollar more then the budget.
You literally subject yourselves to personal surcharge if you
overspend the budget. It is
our responsibility to make sure that there is enough money and padding to
be sure that enough money is allocated for example, the worst possible
winter, staffing, etc.
Dr.
Spitz stated that the current enrollment at Everitt for last year was 473
students, and next year it decreases to 418.
However, on the staffing chart there is an addition of l.5
positions. Mr. Marotto
advised that you are comparing a budgeting number to an actual number that
will be discussed with principals in the days to come. Mr. Marotto advised that this is a continuing process
based on projections.
Mr.
Paradise advised that what is on the chart is actual columns from 2 years
ago, and actual columns for this year, and a budgeted column for next
year. You are not looking
budget to budget. In many
cases the budgeted number for this year was higher then what we actually
used. We need to account for
every possible thing that could happen.
Dr.
Bowman clarified that the district only hires according to the contractual
class size that the district has agreed to.
Sister schooling is looked at over the summer.
Attendance boundaries are discussed with the community for
elementary schools. Sister schooling basically violates the boundaries, except we
look at sister schooling in the summer for people moving into the
district. Dr. Bowman stated
that the only staffing that will take place is justified by contract class
size.
Mr.
Eccles stated that maybe we need to be looking in other places.
If the district is only hiring certified staff contractual
obligations in the elementary school, maybe we need to turn our attention
to other areas and look at middle school and high school.
Dr.
Spitz inquired why are we adding four (4) more special education teachers
at the middle school? Mr. Wilson stated class size contractual agreement.
All increases in special education that are seen are purely
contractual. Mr. Wilson
advised that the bubble is moving from elementary to middle school.
The district is identifying l3-l4% of the students as special
education.
Ms.
Drioli stated that special education is addressed in Southeastern
Pennsylvania in a better way then in other parts of the state.
As a consequence, people move from different states and different
areas just to have their special education children educated in
Southeastern Pennsylvania schools.
Mr.
Wilson informed that the answer to the special education problem lies with
the federal government and the legislature.
The problem with the funding is that Washington is not coming
anywhere near what was promised, however, they mandate everything.
Harrisburg has a funding formula that is ridiculous.
They pay special education based on regular education enrollment.
It has nothing to do with the amount of students you have in
special education nor the services that you provide.
The district is also getting close to maximizing IDEA.
Dr.
Spitz inquired regarding regular aides and the difference at individual
schools. Dr. Bowman advised
that regular aides are hall aides, security aides, cafeteria aides and
playground aides. Mr. Jones
advised that it was a phase in period.
Dr. Bowman advised that the internal suspension classroom provided
that instead of sending the children home, they are sent to a room in the
school for internal suspension that is staffed by an aide.
It was agreed that the aides would be phased in as opposed to doing
it all at one time.
Mr.
Wyatt advised that in-school suspension is a level of discipline below an
out–of-school suspension. Students
may be there a half-day or several periods.
Not as severe a consequence to the student.
Ms.
Drioli agreed that the in-school suspension was much more beneficial then
the out-of-school suspension.
Mrs.
Butville inquired that when an aide was added to supervise the in-school
suspension and the teacher does not have to use their coverage time, what
does the teacher use the coverage period for?
Dr. Bowman advised that they are involved in a variety of coverage,
for example:
·
Substitutes
·
Curriculum
writing
·
Professional
skills are accessed
·
Cafeteria
·
Hall
duty
·
A.M.
& P.M. Bus duty
·
Study
hall
Dr.
Spitz asked why are four more part-time aides being added at the middle
school? Next year we are
budgeting 30 part-time aides. Why
this huge increase in part-time aides over two (2) years?
Dr. Bowman advised that services were equalized.
For example, at Poquessing for security reasons another aide was
added over a period of time. Phasing
in of the in-school suspension has required additional aides, which is a
contractual issue falling under the support contract, not the teacher
contract.
Dr.
Bowman advised that long term it was felt that it was better to keep the
students in school and serve an in-school suspension, as opposed to
sending them home.
Dr.
Bowman stated that the budget is down to 34.2 mills and what we are asking
the Board to do at the end of the month is to pass a motion that is
required by law that says that we will make this document now available to
the public for review. The
Board is not adopting the budget, you are simply saying that this budget
will now be made available to the public, and we will continue to work on
the budget. All of the
hiring of additional staff is done with the Board’s approval in August.
Mrs.
Butville advised that this budget is still too high, and personally she
could not even vote to make it public with this amount of increase.
More needs to be cut and that is one reason we need to look at the
sister schooling because programs that affect the students should not be
cut. Dr. Bowman advised that
with sister schooling you have the problem of possibly violating what you
told the community the attendance boundaries would be.
During the summer the sister schooling applies to new students
entering the district.
Mrs.
Butville advised that she would rather use sister schooling then have the
need to hire another staff person, which in turn is a way to cut the
budget and fill each classroom and space to the maximum.
Mrs.
Bostwick commented that she would like to see the budget stay at the level
we are at this year.
This
kind of increase cannot be accepted after what was done last year, and
after closing a school in the name of saving money and then the increase
is at this level.
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that he does not want to see any unnecessary staff.
The Administration must be charged with the responsibility to use
common sense and good judgment. Staffing
the buildings is part of this process.
The Board is not equipped to micromanage that aspect.
The Board can in certain areas at the high school do a much more
detailed examination of the criteria used to develop curriculum which
drives staffing.
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that he cannot disagree with the comments made by Mrs.
Bostwick, but with what has been presented, he sees nothing that would
cause the Board not to approve a preliminary budget to comply with the
state law that then can be cut between the end of May and the end of June
when we need to approve a final budget. Traditionally, in this district we have made some significant
changes between the preliminary budget approval and the final budget.
By law we need to approve a
preliminary budget.
Mrs.
Butville advised that she would like to see more cuts in the preliminary
budget and the reasoning is that the preliminary budget goes out to the
public and the public looks at that like that is what it is going to be.
Dr.
Spitz made a final comment regarding a topic brought up at the Ad Hoc
committee, which is staffing at the high school, particularly for
electives. Dr. Spitz would
like to see the Administration as they are working through the loading of
the classes to see what the effect would be on staff if they were to raise
the class size numbers. Dr.
Spitz was not satisfied with the targets for each class, and what would
happen if the target levels were raised across the board for electives by
two (2). Instead of having 26
students make the class size 28. See
what effect that will have. There
maybe a savings of one staff person per department.
Educationally, that may not be a good thing to do in certain types
of classes; however, for certain electives it could be feasible to raise
the size and see what impact the numbers would have.
The
Board approved the preliminary budget with a vote of seven ayes.
Mrs. Bostwick and Mrs. Butville were not in favor of the
preliminary budget.
Mr. Mecleary left the meeting at l0:l5 p.m.
7.
Items for Information
Ms. Drioli announced that she attended the
Home and School meeting at Poquessing Middle School
and advised
that they have raised $3,000 for Move-Up Day from corporations,
businesses, etc. They
are planning a
super Move-Up Day. Ms. Drioli
hoped that the newspaper would have the opportunity
to write about
the good things happening at the school.
Ms. Drioli would like to see the newspaper
write about
some of the awards that have been received at that school.
8.
Committee Reports
a. Educational
Development Committee
Mrs.
Butville reported the committee would meet on May 14th at 5:00
–7:00 p.m. Dr. Boccuti will
be forwarding an agenda and minutes from the last meeting at the end of
this week. Dr. Boccuti will
also be forwarding an agenda for the Ad Hoc Committee, which will follow
at 7:00 p.m.
b. Educational
Foundation
Mr. Dengler advised that 75 tiles for the
endowment wall have been sold. There
are 118 tiles yet to
be
sold. Letters have gone out to all the 2001-02 graduates.
No responses have been received
from
these 800 students. Mr.
Dengler further advised that at the meeting of the Educational
Foundation
Mr. Clem Piscitelli will be asked to join the board.
The Foundation is actively seeking
additional
board members from the community. The
Board is always invited to attend the meetings on
the second
Monday of the month at 8:00 a.m.
c. Building
Utilization/Finance Committee
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that the meeting is schedule for May 28th
at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Eccles
advised that focus will be on what direction to take so that the architect
knows specifically what design and what avenue will be taken. The goal for that meeting is to arrive at a decision to see
what direction will be taken. All
board members are strongly encouraged to attend.
d. Intermediate
Unit Board
There
was no report.
e. Board
Policies Committee
Mrs.
Butville pointed out that in the board members packets you will find the
Fixed Assets policy, which basically needs to be approved at the end of
the month. A motion
will be needed to approve the Fixed Assets Policy.
Two other policies, Advertising and Home Education Program and the
Supplement to Board Policy #533 which lists all of the activities which a
home schooled student would be able to participate in, have been worked on
this year. These policies are
at the point for presentation to the Board for approval at the end of the
month. The Supplement is not
part of the Board Policy and it is not a complete listing, it is an
on-going list. The
Advertising Policy takes into consideration Channel 1, all media,
newspaper, program books at football games and gym night.
This will also cover corporate sponsorship.
The Policy Board is recommending approval of these policies.
f. Technical
School Board
There
was no report.
g. Ad
Hoc Committee/High School Course Offering
Dr.
Spitz advised that a meeting is scheduled for May 14th at 7:00
p.m. following the Educational Development meeting.
9.
Future
Topics
Dr.
Bowman advised that the Budget remains our main priority.
In reference to future Board meetings, Mr. Wilson will prepare the
agendas with Mr. Schoenstadt and Mrs. Spadaccino.
Mrs.
Butville advised that she had presented previously that at the Technical
School the Treasurer receives payment.
In order to eliminate the Treasurer and make the Business
Administrator the Treasurer, the Articles of Agreement need to be
modified. In order to change
the Articles of Agreement one of the sponsoring schools must initiate that
process, and at this time, I am asking that
this Board makes a motion at the end of this month
to initiate making the Business Manager, Isabel Miller, the Treasurer.
Dr. Bowman advised Mr. Paradise that a motion is necessary at the
end of the month that Neshaminy School Board recommend that the Bucks
County Technical School amend its Articles of Agreement wherein it states
that we must appoint a Treasurer from one of the sending schools.
The motion should also include that this is communicated to the
other five school districts in order that they may follow.
10.
Agenda Development for
the May 22, 2002 Public Meeting
11.
Correspondence
No correspondence was received.
12.
Other Board Business
There was
no further board business.
Mr.
Schoenstadt moved the meeting be adjourned and Mrs. Bostwick seconded the
motion. The Board voted to
adjourn the meeting with eight ayes.
Mr. Schoenstadt adjourned the meeting at 10:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Anita
E. Walls
Board Secretary |