The
Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on November 12,
2002,
in the Auditorium of Maple Point Middle School. The following persons were in attendance:
BOARD MEMBERS:
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ADMINISTRATORS:
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Mr.
Steven Schoenstadt, President
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Mr.
P. Howard Wilson
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Mrs.
June Bostwick, Vice President
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Dr.
Raymond Boccuti
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Mrs.
Yvonne Butville
Ms. Carol Drioli
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Mr.
Joseph V. Paradise
Mr. Bruce Wyatt
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Mr.
Richard Eccles
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Mrs.
Kimberly Jowett
Mr. Michael Soifer *
Dr. William Spitz
Mr. Edward Stack
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SOLICITOR:
Robert R. Fleck, Esquire
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SECRETARY:
Mrs. Anita E. Walls
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OTHERS:
Approximately 16 persons from the
public, staff and press
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*
Arrived at 7:00 p.m.
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l.
Call to Order
Mr. Schoenstadt called the meeting to order
at 6:30 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 the Architectural firm of ATS&R who are
working on the Neshaminy High School Facilities Project would give a
presentation. Mr. Schoenstadt
introduced Mr. Paul Erickson, President of ATS&R, who will provide a
presentation to the Board of the same information that has been presented
to the Steering Committee in order that the Board is updated on the
information that has been made available to the Steering Committee and
Executive Committee.
4.
Architect
Presentation on Neshaminy High School
Mr.
Paul Erickson, Ms. Pat Hanauer and Mr. David Maroney made a power point
presentation to the Board of School Directors and members of the audience.
Copies are available upon request from the Superintendent�s
office.
Ms.
Pat Hanauer read the Steering Committee�s recommendation to the
Executive Committee:
�The Steering Committee understands something needs to be done to
address
the
condition of Neshaminy High School. The
solution should be comprehensive
in
order to support the educational program, as well as health, safety and
security,
for
the foreseeable future.If cost were not a factor, a new school would be
the best solution.
However, since cost is a
major issue, the Steering Committee recommends that the
School board should examine all available options that would serve the
educational
needs
of the community at a cost that can be borne by the Neshaminy
taxpayers.
The Steering Committee also recommends that the school board
consider all options
for
community input including informational hearings and/or a referendum.�
Mr. Erickson invited questions and comments from board members.
Mr.
Schoenstadt commented that the Steering Committee felt that after
analyzing all the information
the consensus
recommendation was that a new school
would be the best option. However,
cost was a major concern and costs were
beyond what they thought the
community could afford. The
Steering Committee asked the Executive Committee in its
consideration and its recommendation
to the Board to find options, if possible, which would show ways to reduce
the costs.
Mr. Schoenstadt on behalf of the Executive Committee implored the
architects to look carefully at the plans, and prior to presenting the
plans to the Board give the Board members a list of options that are cost
reduction options that the Board can use to review and analyze in order to
make an intelligent decision.
Mr. Schoenstadt congratulated the Steering Committee and thanked
the members for many hours of public service and for making a rational,
community conscious decision, and presented it to the Executive Committee.
Ms. Drioli inquired whether the architects could provide to the
Board some figures regarding state reimbursements, in particular,
comparisons showing the reimbursement figures for building a new facility
as opposed to renovating the existing facility.
Mr. Erickson stated that they are in the process of working through
the formulas. The numbers,
which are being shown this evening, do not include any reimbursement
figures.
Ms. Drioli further stated that the district needs to look
aggressively at options available to fund this type of large project.
Ms. Drioli commented that possibly the district should look towards
large advertisers, such as Nike.
Dr. Spitz posed the question to the architects that if the district
could not afford a $100M facility, what improvements or renovations could
occur for $50M or $70M. Mr.
Erickson advised that the Steering Committee and Executive Committee have
already posed this question. Mr.
Erickson stated that you would need to take a closer look at:
·
Design
·
Building
size
·
Enrollment
·
Project
costs
·
Construction
costs
·
Scope
Mr.
Erickson stated efficiency and effectiveness of the space would play a
major part regarding costs. Size of systems, materials, furniture, fixtures, finishes,
etc. can increase or decrease the district’s costs.
Can inventory be reused, how much new technology will be provided?
Mr.
Erickson explained that $20M would basically cover systems.
There would be better airflow and the students would feel better,
lighting would be brighter, the fire protection system would be improved;
however, cosmetically you would not see the improvements.
There are no additions that respond to the programming, the
existing building is still below the program, the 600 square foot
classrooms still exist, technology has not been addressed, the exterior
building finishes have not been addressed, and asbestos abatement has not
been addressed. With $40M you
could further expand and introduce more technology, deferred maintenance
regarding drainage, roofing, some interior finishes, some equipment such
as gym partitions, parking and some asbestos abatement.
Still no additions are being provided for student accommodations.
At $80M you begin to see the renovation taking place, bringing the
building up to standards; however, space is extremely tight in order to
address the student enrollment.
Mr.
Erickson advised that once you reach approximately 60% of the cost of a
new structure, with additions, remodeling and renovations, you are at a
point where it is time to replace the building for the next 50 or 60
years.
Mr.
Stack inquired what does HVAC include.
Mr. Erickson stated that it included boiler replacement, unit
ventilator replacement, air conditioning, duct work, etc.
Mr. Erickson stated that ceilings at the high school are very low
and for duct work to be installed in certain areas is virtually
impossible.
Mr.
Stack inquired regarding air filtration systems and air handler units.
Mr. Stack remarked since just recently similar units needed
replacement at the Maple Point facility and he wanted to know what options
existed for the high school facility.
Mr. Erickson responded that details such as these will be reviewed
with the district since many types and sizes are available.
Mr. Erickson advised that geothermal systems are also an option;
however, they have their advantages and disadvantages.
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that the Executive Committee would meet sometime in
late November or December in order to formulate its recommendation to the
Board. Mr. Schoenstadt stated
that when ATS&R finalizes its list of options, the Executive Committee
would make a recommendation to the Board in early January 2003 for the
Board to review. Mr.
Schoenstadt stated that an in depth public review and analysis of
information, prior to any Board decision, will occur.
Mr. Schoenstadt stated that this is the beginning of the public
review of the information generated by the Steering Committee.
Ms.
Drioli requested a list of the Steering Committee members and Executive
Committee members.
Mrs.
Butville directed the architects to further look into cost cutting
options.
Dr.
Spitz commented that when the Executive Committee makes its recommendation
in January it should be taking into account the positive and negative
aspects.
Ms.
Drioli inquired when would the presentation be given to the public, i.e.
in each community?
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that if the Board decides to construct a new facility
and obtain a bond, the district is required to have at least two (2) Act
34 Public Hearings. The
Executive Committee has preliminarily determined that two is not
sufficient. Mr. Schoenstadt
advised that probably five (5) meetings, maybe more, between January and
June 2003 would occur. The
meetings will be held in various locations throughout the school district
to involve as many of the local community members as possible.
The elementary schools will probably be one location, since the
elementary school students of today are the high school students of the
future who will benefit from the building.
Mr.
Wilson advised that Dr. Costanzo has already held a PTA forum meeting and
the district is attempting to get all the PTA & PTO officers informed.
Mr. Wilson explained that the options would be presented to all the
PTA’s & PTO’s in the district.
Mr. Wilson further advised that they will be notified of the
Board’s decisions and when and where the Act 34 Hearings occur.
Mr.
Eccles was concerned that the Board was not discussing the issue of a
referendum. Mr. Eccles stated
that part of the Steering Committee’s recommendation included a
referendum. Mr. Eccles stated
that this Board needs to speak about a referendum with a project of this
magnitude.
Dr.
Spitz advised that the Steering Committee recommendation stated
“informational hearings and/or referendum.”
Mr.
Eccles expressed that the issue needs to be put on the table, and it will
come to a point when discussions have taken place and discussions
regarding a referendum will not have occurred.
Ms.
Drioli stated that she has not heard from the community any desire for a
referendum. Ms. Drioli stated
that it is imperative that the information be given to the public in order
that they can be fully aware of every aspect of the potential project.
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that under the state school code and state law there
is no way to conduct a binding referendum.
The state legislature has charged the nine (9) school Board members
of the Neshaminy School District with a responsibility to make those
decisions. Ultimately, that
is where it rests, and you cannot use the referendum to renege your
elected responsibility. Providing
unlimited information on all aspects of our decision making process is the
best way to proceed. If the
Board decides after an option is presented that they would be in favor of
a non-binding referendum then it could occur at some future.
Mr.
Schoenstadt stated that if Mr. Eccles feels that a referendum is something
that he would like to see, and if the majority of the Board is in
concurrence, then that action could be taken.
However, at this point Mr. Schoenstadt felt it was premature to
discuss.
Mr.
Eccles commented that all this discussion about $100M is scarring people
and a referendum is necessary.
Mrs.
Butville expressed that more then a referendum, the district needs to
insure that the proper information is provided to the public in order that
they are aware and they can formulate an intelligent decision.
Mrs.
Bostwick suggested that short open houses be held at the high school
facility in order for the public to tour the facility to see the
conditions first hand, and witness the problems the faculty and students
are facing on a daily basis.
Mr.
Wilson stated that the district will be happy to hold those tours and Mr.
Collins indicated that it would not be a problem.
Mr. Wilson stated that the public will need to be aware that open
houses will occur and tours will be taking place at the high school in
order to show the public all the goods things at the facility, as well as
the things that require much work. The
Steering Committee saw all the good with all of the bad.
Mr.
Soifer commented that all the facts need to be obtained first in order to
make an intelligent decision. Speculation
leads to misinformation to the public.
Facts need to be presented in order for a rational decision to be
made. There is no basis
without facts. Mrs. Bostwick
made a valid point. The
public needs to be able to tour the facility.
As a member of the Steering Committee Mr. Soifer was presented with
the problems at the existing building, i.e. lighting, room size, security,
and safety.
Mr.
Stack commented that an ideal scenario would be for 85-90% of the public
to receive the information. In May 2003, there will be a primary and at that point
candidates for office will take a position and the public can elect
candidates to support their position.
Ms.
Drioli stated that the school district has an impact on property values,
and the type and quality of facilities that the district can offer plays a
major role in property values.
Mr.
Stack stated that along with the possibility of spending $100M to build a
new facility, the district would experience many cost savings:
·
9-12
high school
·
possible
closure of a middle school
·
better
utilization of staff
·
more
efficient operation of new facility
·
maintenance
savings
Mr. Stack advised that all the figures and
numbers need to be researched and considered.
Mr. Wilson further advised that when the ninth grade would move to
the high school, ninth grade teachers
would be teaching
ninth grade students and not
splitting schedules as they now are at the middle school. Mr. Wilson stated that there will be
savings, and it will be a much
better educational system. Mr.
Wilson stated that you would not have four ninth grade
football teams.
Considerable savings will occur in co-curricular activities.
Mr.
Soifer stated until the hard numbers are received and the public is aware,
the numbers will be frightening to everyone.
What is the bottom line, what is the real cost value, what will it
do? That will determine a
decision.
Mr.
Schoenstadt called a ten-minute recess at 8:30 p.m.
Mr.
Schoenstadt reconvened the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
5.
Public Comment
Mr. Schoenstadt advised that public comment
was for items on the agenda. Mrs.
Beck was advised to complete
a red card
with her question and she would
receive a response thereto.
6.
Superintendent’s Report
Mr.
Wilson advised that the public meeting scheduled for November 26, 2003
would take place at the district offices, Maple Point Middle School.
The meeting will be a work session followed by a public agenda and
perhaps a short executive session at which time an acting Sandburg
principal may be named. The
meeting at Poquessing Middle School will be held in January 2003.
Mr. Wilson stated that notices would be provided.
7.
Committee Reports
a. Board
Policies
Mrs.
Butville reported the committee would meet on November 14, 2003.
Mrs. Butville advised that it would be very possible that
recommendation of certain policies may occur by the meeting scheduled for
November 26, 2002. Mrs.
Butville noted that the policies would be in the Board packets and if any
questions or concerns arise, please contact her.
b. Educational
Development
Dr. Boccuti advised that a decision was made
to proceed with the language arts reading program purchase for grades 7
and 8. The funds were made
available this past July. The
next Educational Development meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December
10, 2002.
c. Facilities/Finance
Committee
Mr.
Stack advised that a meeting was held on Wednesday, November 6, 2002.
Mr. Paradise reviewed a number of the bond estimates in association
with the high school, which was for informational purposes, and further
discussions will occur. Mr.
Stack advised that a major discussion was regarding a zero based
initiative or an initiative that caps the district’s potential increase
in this years budget compared to what it was last year.
The district operates from a zero based approach.
Mr. Stack suggested that what is being heard from the community and
state legislature there is desire that school boards operate within the
budget, within a consumer price index.
Mr. Stack suggested that the Board not increase the budget by more
then the CPI. Mr. Stack
advised that cuts might need to occur.
The challenge is to look at the discretionary items within the
budget and identify the costs and benefits.
Mr.
Schoenstadt commented that the Finance Committee has provided the
Administration with a directive, and at that point the Board can be more
aggressive with how they approach the budget process.
Dr.
Spitz requested to receive information on what the contractual obligations
for 2003 would be assuming the current staff, etc.
Mr.
Stack further advised that Mr. Paradise provided a list of expense
initiatives that were considered three years ago, some of which have been
implemented, such as buses, raising facility usage fees, parking fees,
implementing an alternative education program in the district, etc.
Mr.
Stack advised that an ad hoc committee was taking a look at teacher
assignments.
Mr.
Stack advised that the district might want to look at the following:
·
“pay
to play policy” for extra curricular programs
·
staggering
schedule times
Alternate revenue sources:
·
earned
income tax option (state legislature – possible tax reform)
·
property
tax reform on state level
·
federal
grants
·
Tawanka
facility
Mr. Stack suggested that it might be beneficial to the school
district to have a consulting contractor, to seek grants for a
percentage of
the grants. Mr. Stack advised
that this would not be a regular full time employee; it would be a
contract
employee.
Mr. Stack advised that this would be something the committee would
like the district to pursue and consider,
and report
back to the Board regarding the feasibility.
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that the district is receiving $48,000 for the three
rooms being utilized at the Tawanka facility by the alternative school.
Mr. Stack advised that the district needs to look at bringing in
additional students from outside of Neshaminy.
Mr.
Stack commented that discussions took place regarding the check register
and for purpose of discussion at school board meetings a better document
could be provided with more detail.
Dr.
Spitz suggested that he has reviewed the sample register and he would like
the register to show a year to date total for each vendor and have one
monthly alphabetical list of vendors.
d. Intermediate
Unit Board
There
was no report.
e. Educational
Foundation
Dr.
Spitz advised that the Tenth Anniversary Dinner would take place on
Friday, November l5, 2002.
A
silent auction will be held and the proceeds benefit the Neshaminy
Education Foundation.
f. Technical
School Board
Mrs.
Butville advised that an open house would take place on Thursday, November
14, 2002. The PIA committee
began reviewing their full book of policies.
The PSBA made recommendations as to changes, and the Tech School
Board will take one section per month to review and make changes.
Negotiations
with the support staff are ongoing. Mrs.
Butville advised that last year the PSSA scores were quite low, and an
aggressive plan was taken to raise the scores.
Scores have improved.
Mrs.
Drioli inquired the cost of the Tech School.
Mr. Schoenstadt stated $39M.
g. Technology
Mr.
Stack distributed notes prepared regarding the October 29, 2002, meeting.
Mr. Stack reviewed committee-meeting notes.
Mr. Stack advised that the current year’s budget provides $1.1M
towards technology. Mr. Stack
advised that more funding needs to be applied to teacher training and
integration of the technology into the curriculum.
Mr.
Stack advised that Board members should receive a copy of the upgrades
made within the district and current inventory list of PC’s.
Mr. Stack advised that discussion ensued regarding the elementary
school labs that are over ten years old and contain antiquated equipment.
Mr. Stack advised that it was noted that the labs should be
maintained and replaced. Mr.
Stack advised that some of the larger elementary schools could use a
second lab, for purposes of providing all students access.
Mr. Stack advised that possibly a smaller bond would be required to
replace the elementary labs.
Mr.
Stack further advised that discussions were held regarding whether the
district has adequate support to handle the technology systems.
Over 2500 computers exist within the district.
Staff consists of a manager, system network support, help desk
support, and 2 system support technicians.
Mr. Stack inquired whether that was adequate in lieu of all the
additional technology that may be introduced.
Mr. Stack advised that technology support handled 7,04l calls since
1998. Mr. Stack advised that it might be necessary for the addition
of an application specialist, who would write business applications, which
would provide a savings to the district.
Dr.
Spitz raised a concern regarding teachers/staff bringing their own
personal laptops into the school building and hooking into the Neshaminy
network. Intentions may be
good; however, if a virus exists on their computer it infects the
district. Support staff spent
hours trying to rectify such a situation.
The Administration needs to implement a policy and get the word out
to teachers. Dr. Spitz felt
that it is intolerable.
8.
Future
Topics
9.
Agenda Development for
the November 26, 2002 Public Meeting
Mr. Wilson stated that agenda development
would be at the work session followed by the Public Board Meeting.
10.
Correspondence
No correspondence was received.
12.
Other Board Business
Mr.
Eccles complemented the Transportation Department for finding a lost item.
Mr. Eccles thanked Ms. Cindy Lauer,
Secretary, and Ms. Cecelia Ridge, Driver, for their help.
Mrs.
Butville commented that she has heard from the public that at the last
football game of the season the field was very wet, and the band was not allowed to
proceed onto the field to perform. Many
community members were upset. Mrs.
Butville agreed that the field is not just a football field it is a school
field, for all students. Mrs.
Butville noted that a policy should be implemented that the field is used
by all students.
Mrs.
Drioli disagreed. Mr. Schoenstadt stated that the officials would not allow the
field to be used by anyone other then the football team, because of the
field’s condition. Since
the officials made the decision we cannot fault the district staff.
Dr.
Spitz commented that Mr. Collins attended the instrumental music
booster’s meeting that was held last week and was made aware of the
concern that many parents had over the issue. Dr. Spitz suggested it was a matter of communication.
The officials suggested for the bands not to perform, as well as
the district’s field maintenance personnel also recommended that the
bands not march on the field since it would make it unusable for the
football game. Dr. Spitz
advised that Mr. Collins is addressing the issue.
Ms.
Drioli advised that sometimes a person or several people make a decision,
and if that decision is not agreed with or liked by everyone, it does not
necessarily mean that a new policy be implemented.
A judgment call was made, right or wrong, and these decisions need
to be tolerated. Ms. Drioli
advised that if it is a constant concern something needs to be done,
otherwise, leave it alone.
Mrs.
Butville wanted to make the point to treat all students equally.
Mr.
Stack thanked the girl’s field hockey team, boy’s soccer team, and
boy’s varsity football team for wonderful seasons.
Mr.
Schoenstadt congratulated Mr. Paradise and the students responsible for
providing the football games on television
Mr.
Soifer moved the meeting be adjourned and Dr. Spitz seconded the motion.
The Board voted to adjourn the meeting with nine ayes.
Mr. Schoenstadt adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Anita
E. Walls
Board Secretary |