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The
Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on November 26,
2002, in the Board Room
at Maple Point Middle School. The following persons were in attendance:
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BOARD MEMBERS:
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ADMINISTRATORS:
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Mr.
Steven Schoenstadt, President
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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.
Harry Jones
Mr. Richard Marotto
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Mr.
Richard Eccles
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Mr.
Joseph Paradise
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Mrs.
Kimberly Jowett
Mr. Michael Soifer
Dr. William Spitz
Mr. Edward Stack
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Mr.
Bruce Wyatt
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SECRETARY:
Mrs. Anita E. Walls
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SOLICITOR:
Robert R. Fleck, Esquire
STUDENT
REPRESENTATIVES:
Samantha Magathan
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OTHERS:
Approximately 80 persons from the Public,
staff and press
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*
Left at 8:45 p.m.
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Call to Order
Mr.
Schoenstadt called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mr.
Schoenstadt requested those in attendance join in the salute to the flag.
Announcements
No
announcements.
Defibrillator
Presentation
Mrs.
Chris Champine, School Nurse for Neshaminy School District provided a
presentation to Board members regarding the automated external
defibrillator since the Board will be considering Policy #8l0 –
Automated External Defibrillator. Mrs.
Champine advised that defibrillators were made available to all school
districts throughout Pennsylvania by Governor Tom Ridge.
The American Heart Association has been advocating public access to
defibrillators. Neshaminy
School District has received two (2) defibrillators, and in addition, has
purchased at cost, additional defibrillators in order that one can be
placed in each building of the district.
Mrs. Champine explained that the defibrillators will be placed in a
centralized hallway, much like a fire extinguisher, since they are meant
to be made available not only to the students and teachers, but the
community who uses the district’s buildings as well.
Mrs. Champine advised that the defibrillator would not work unless
the patient requires assistance. It
is impossible to injure a person with its use.
As part of the Neshaminy curriculum all seventh and tenth grade
students are being trained to use the defibrillators.
Neshaminy staff is also part of the training program.
Public Comment
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that public comment would be limited to one and two
minutes per speaker.
Mr.
Joseph Rago, Langhorne, addressed the issue of constructing a new or
renovating the existing high school.
Mr. Rago requested the school board to place a binding referendum
on the ballot, giving all the voters in Neshaminy School District the
right to decide this issue. Mr.
Rago would not like the school board to do it alone.
Mrs.
Andrea Schneiderman, resident of Flowers Mill, stated that she is very
concerned about the escalating taxes.
Mrs. Schneiderman stated that she would like to see a binding
referendum on the ballot, rather then have the school board decide this
issue.
Mrs.
Rosemary Costello, Langhorne, stated that the Neshaminy School District
covers many townships and boroughs, which encompasses a large cross
section of voters. Diversity
in financial resources, health, educational backgrounds, etc. exists.
It is because of this diversity that Mrs. Costello believes that
the questions regarding the high school should be placed on the ballot as
a binding referendum. Mrs.
Costello stated that she realizes that the state of Pennsylvania does not
hold binding referendums, however, the board could agree to abide by the
election results. Mrs.
Costello stated if it passes fine, if it does not, fine, but the decision
should be made by the people, the taxpayers, of Neshaminy School District.
Mr.
Solis Basen, resident of Flowers Mill, stated that the meeting, which was
held about the high school, was for the architects and the committee to
investigate and was a closed meeting.
Mr. Basen stated that the cost of approximately $l00M with interest
would be approximately $l75M. Mr.
Basen requested the Board to give a lot of consideration to an expenditure
of this magnitude.
Mr.
Sy Goldstein, resident of Flowers Mill, stated that it would be perfectly
logical and reasonable to go back to the old system of K-6, 7-9 and 10-12
which will avoid the need of a new high school and there would be enough
facilities to handle the students. Mr.
Goldstein advised that if for any reason this is not the preference, Mr.
Goldstein strongly feels the need for a binding referendum for the people
who are paying these very high bills.
Mr.
Dennis Hliwski, Alscot Lane, was concerned regarding test scores.
Mr. Hliwski stated the scores are pathetic for the eight major high
schools in Lower Bucks County. Mr.
Hliwski advised that at Neshaminy High School 47% of the twelfth graders
are below proficient. Mr.
Hliwski said that one out of every four students in the twelfth grade is
below basic, which means they do not even know what is on the test.
Mr. Hliwski stated that last year he spoke regarding the tech
school. Fifty-eight percent of the students are below basic in
mathematics and 38% are below basic in reading. Mr. Hliwski commented that no one is addressing the scores.
Mr. Hliwski has taught in Philadelphia for twenty-nine years. Mr.
Hliwski read the following scores: Bensalem
– 41% below basic in math, Bristol – 48%, Bristol Township – 43%,
Morrisville – 53%. Mr. Hliwski estimates that 2500 students in the 12th
grade are below basic in mathematics.
Mr. Hliwski stated low scores cannot be justified and the
scores need to be examined.
Mr.
Phillip Kutner, Langhorne. Did
not speak.
Mr.
Joe Cannon, Langhorne, stated that most individuals have budgets, and
before any money is spent the costs need to be determined. Mr. Cannon advised that everyone wants what is best for the
schools; however, it first needs to be decided if it can be afforded and
how can we pay for it. Mr.
Cannon urged the board to find out where the money is going to come from
before a decision is made, and ask those persons who will be paying the
taxes. Mr. Cannon stated we
cannot spend money we do not have. Mr.
Cannon suggested that the board let the taxpayer decide whether they can
afford it.
Ms.
Kristen Ken, Ms. Ashley Knapp, Ms. Danielle Curran, twelfth grade students
at Neshaminy High School, stated that the Powder Puff game was canceled
till Monday evening due to the expected snow forecast. The students advised that their families will all be
attending the game, and are aware that it will occur on Wednesday evening.
The students felt the decision was made too early to postpone the
game. Many students are not
sure they will be able to leave prior commitments, such as work, to attend
the game on Monday evening. The
students advised that the Powder Puff game has never been postponed in its
history. The students stated
that they would like to have the opportunity to wait to postpone the game
until tomorrow.
Mr.
Wilson stated that the earlier decision will be overruled, and the
decision will be made tomorrow whether the game will be held tomorrow
evening. Mr. Wilson advised
the students to try their best to notify all the students as to the
decision. Mr. Wilson stated the decision would be televised on the
Neshaminy channel.
Mr.
Charles Lauble, Langhorne, commented that he was in attendance at the last
meeting where the presentation was given by the architects, and agrees
with Mr. Schoenstadt that it would have been great for all to have seen
the presentation. Mr. Lauble
was very disappointed in the presentation even though it was high tech and
informative. Mr. Lauble heard
many comments about the disruption the construction will cause the
students. Mr. Lauble knows
many people whose lives were disrupted to go fight WWII and the Korean War
and never finished high school. Mr.
Lauble stated it is not too much to ask students to have a little
disruption to save some money by renovating the building, and having a
couple of additions to save taxpayer’s money.
Mr. Lauble stated that at the presentation it was noted the need
for an additional twenty square foot per student.
Mr. Lauble stated that he has not found a correlation between the
size of the room and the education that is received.
Mr. Lauble stated that the house he resides in presently has a
small kitchen with various updates. Mr.
Lauble pointed out that the kitchen is small; however, what comes out of
the kitchen has nothing to do with size, it is the cook.
Mr. Lauble stated he is a preservationist, graduating from
Neshaminy. Mr. Lauble wants
to see the school remain, modernize it; however, do not take a wrecking
ball to the school.
Dr.
Spitz thanked all the people for attending the meeting.
Dr. Spitz advised that the best way for board members to understand
is to listen to the public’s concerns when they present those ideas to
the board at board meetings. Dr. Spitz advised that to be sure the public has accurate
information about when, where, etc., Dr. Spitz advised the public to visit
the Neshaminy website for future meetings and agendas. Dr. Spitz advised that the public could also call the main
Neshaminy switchboard at (2l5) 752-6300.
Dr. Spitz encouraged the public to come out.
Ms.
Drioli also thanked the members of the public.
Ms. Drioli asked the members from Flowers Mill to keep the same
open mind, as you want the board to keep.
Ms. Drioli stated the board is not out to spend the public’s
money, and Ms. Drioli recognized the presence of the public.
Mr.
Eccles requested the board consider a referendum, and asked that it be
placed as an agenda item and discuss it as a board publicly.
Mr.
Schoenstadt stated that if five members of the board would like to have
the request placed on the agenda, please raise your hands.
Ms.
Drioli stated that she is not against or for a referendum; however, she
just does not know where we are going at this time and will not make a
statement for or against a referendum.
Mr.
Eccles stated that if the public knew the board was open to a referendum,
they would appreciate that position and an educated decision could then be
made by the board and the voter’s could then decide which direction to
go.
Mr.
Eccles stated that voters in the following states have voted for approvals
in education: CA, FL, NJ, AR,
TN, and TX. Mr. Eccles would
like Neshaminy School District to speak openly about a referendum.
Mr.
Soifer commented that until the entire Neshaminy family has the facts and
we know exactly what needs to be done, then it is the time to speak about
a referendum. At this point
the facts are not known regarding what needs to happen, what other
projects throughout the district need to occur, etc.
Mr. Soifer stated that he is not opposed to a referendum or pro
referendum since the facts are not yet available as to what needs to take
place.
Mr.
Schoenstadt recessed the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Mr.
Schoenstadt reconvened the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Student Representative
Report
Ms.
Samantha Magathan, student representative, reported the following:
·
Food Drives are being held
throughout the district
·
Blood
Drive – over 300 students have signed up
·
Videotaping
of school and classes – students have received permission forms
·
Report
cards were distributed on this date
·
Drama
production – good turnout
·
Greater
Philadelphia is running a food and toy drive and the school with the most
donations will receive a concert from the
band “Sugarcult”
·
Interact
Club is attempting to raise 25 food baskets for Thanksgiving
·
Student
Council is working on fundraisers
-Mr.
NHS contest
-Valentine’s Day candy grams
-Volleyball night
·
Business
education department named one of the top three outstanding programs in
Pennsylvania and is presently competing for national status
·
Student
suggestions:
-Student
confusion regarding rumors
-Less exterior doors if new building is constructed
-Code Blue – doors need to be locked from hallways and if new
construction occurs
to have doors lock from inside the classroom
-More square footage is necessary since there is overcrowding in
classrooms and hallways
Ms.
Drioli left meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Items for Approval
a)
Veteran’s Exemption
Mr.
Paradise advised that a Veteran has the right to apply to the County for a
two-year exemption on real estate taxes and they must reapply every two
years. Mr. Paradise directed Board members to correspondence
received. Mr. Paradise
advised that the County has placed the parcel in question in tax-exempt
status effective July l, 2003, for school purposes and January l, 2003,
for county and township purposes. Mr.
Paradise stated that the Board would need to exonerate this taxpayer for
2002 since the taxpayer failed to reapply for exemption.
There
was Board consensus to allow the district to exonerate the taxpayer for
2002 taxes.
b)
Swing Loan in the amount of $2,268,000
Mr.
Paradise advised the Board that bids were received based on the following
parameters:
- no pre-payment penalty after 6 months
-note
matures in 12, l8 or 24 months
-interest
rate for 12 months is l.67%; interest rate for 18 months is l.79% and
interest rate for 24
months is 2.02%. These are
rates received from Wachovia.
Mr.
Paradise introduced Timothy O’Neill, Esquire, attorney handling
financial matters for the district. Mr. O’Neill distributed information
to board members.
Mr.
Eccles recalled that from prior finance meetings this scenario was setup
with the assumption of rolling it over into a bond issue.
Mrs.
Bostwick stated that this would be necessary no matter what option is
chosen regarding the new high school.
Mr. Schoenstadt advised that this swing loan would allow the
district to proceed with projects that currently do not have the revenue
do it.
Mr.
Soifer questioned how much of this money will be going into capital
improvement, and how much will be going towards architectural fees.
Mr. Soifer stated capital expenditures such as air handlers and
roofs must be done.
Mr.
Paradise responded that this money is being borrowed now for money that
was budgeted last year. Mr.
Paradise advised that this money is already allocated. $950,000 is
architectural fees and the remainder is for capital improvements.
Mr. Paradise advised that the district waited as long as it could
to borrow the note, obviously, since at this point the rates are extremely
low. Mr. Paradise further
expressed to board members that this would occur again next year due to
the 5-6 year plan.
Dr.
Spitz advised that the reason we are doing this is because we do not have
in our annual budget a capital outlet portion.
The board has discussed in the past allocating a certain amount of
money for capital improvements, however, it has never occurred.
Hence, it is required to take out a note.
Mrs.
Butville asked for Mr. Paradise’s recommendation as to the term of the
note. Mr. Paradise
recommended either 18 or 24 months. Mr.
Paradise stated that given the large capital issues in the foreseeable
future for the district, he could not see going any further then 18 months
before needing to borrow additional funds.
Mr.
Stack questioned Mr. O’Neill as to the time frame after passing a
resolution. Mr. O’Neill
advised that it takes approximately two months to close.
Dr.
Spitz suggested going for the longest period as possible due to the low
interest rates that are presently available.
Mr.
Fleck advised that the motion would need to be changed to reflect 24
months at a net interest cost of 2.022%.
Mr. Fleck further advised that the last two paragraphs of the
motion should be deleted. Mr.
Fleck advised that Resolution No. 2002-1 needs to be adopted as required
by the Debt Act.
Motion:
General Obligation Note for Capital Improvements Series of 2002
Mr.
Schoenstadt presented the following motion:
Under the authority of Act 52 of 1978, The Local Government Unit
Debt Act, the Neshaminy
School
District is permitted to issue notes to fund capital improvements.
The Business Office
has
requested quotations from banks and other financial institutions.
I, therefore, move the following:
TO ACCEPT the 24-month
maximum proposal from Wachovia Bank to borrow the amount
of
$2,268,000 at a net interest cost of 2.022% per annum; and
TO ADOPT Resolution No.
2002-1 authorizing incurring non-electoral debt.
Upon
motion made by Mr. Schoenstadt and seconded by Mr. Stack.
A roll call vote was taken and the tally indicated the motion
passed with seven ayes, Mr. Schoenstadt, Mrs. Bostwick, Mrs. Butville,
Mrs. Jowett, Mr. Soifer, Dr. Spitz, Mr. Stack and one nay (Mr. Eccles).
Ms. Drioli was not present for the vote.
c)
Tawanka Learning Center
Mr.
Paradise advised board members that the district is seeking the
establishment of a statement savings account for Tawanka Learning Center,
and that under School Code the board must approve all bank accounts.
d)
Board Policies
Motion:
Integrated Pest Management – Policy 1101
Mrs.
Bostwick presented the following motion:
WHEREAS, the Neshaminy
School District utilizes pest management procedures to
manage
structural and landscape pests; and
WHEREAS, the Neshaminy
School District uses chemicals to control or alleviate pest
problems
with the least possible hazard to people, property, and environment; and
WHEREAS, Integrated Pest
Management is a system which incorporates methods that are
economically,
environmentally, and socially sound; and
WHEREAS, Integrated Pest
Management is a plan that establishes a sustainable approach to
managing
pests in a manner that minimizes economic, health, and environmental
risks; and
WHEREAS, the Governor
signed Act 35 on April 18, 200, requiring each school district in the
State
of Pennsylvania to adopt an Integrated Pest Management plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors
approves
and adopts Policy 1101 as recommended by the School Board Policies
Committee
on
November 14, 2002.
Upon
motion made by Mrs. Bostwick and seconded by Mrs. Butville, the Board of
School Directors approved the motion by a vote of eight ayes and zero
nays. Ms. Drioli was not
present.
Motion:
Board Policies 233, 333, 433 Nepotism
Mrs.
Butville presented the following motion:
WHEREAS, the Neshaminy
School District is committed to hiring the best qualified persons
available
for school district employment positions, and to ensuring that personnel
management
decisions
are made based upon individual merit; and
WHEREAS, the Neshaminy
School District wishes to maintain an atmosphere free of
nepotism;
and
WHEREAS, the family
relationship of an employee or applicant for employment to a member
of
the Board or to any other school district employee shall not be a factor
in personnel actions.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors
approves
and adopts Policies 233, 333, and 433 as recommended by the School Board
Policies
Committee
on November 14, 2002.
Dr.
Spitz raised a concern regarding the definition of a family member, which
includes “cousin” and would
like to limit it to second or third cousin.
Ms. Wiercinski advised that legally there is no definition for the
term “family”; therefore, the last sentence was added.
Mrs.
Butville stated that this policy focuses on the district hiring the
best-qualified candidate and be sure that the personal family is not the
reason for their hire.
Mr.
Eccles complimented the policy and stated that there are many family
members that are highly qualified for certain positions. However, Mr.
Eccles noted that the Superintendent might recommend exceptions to this
policy on a case-by-case basis, where exception would be in the best
interests of the school district or required by law.
Mrs.
Butville advised that the Superintendent could make the recommendation
even though that person is related to someone within the district, they
are the best candidate and should be hired.
Mrs. Butville advised that the district should not suffer because
the district is not able to hire the best-qualified candidate for a
position.
Mr.
Eccles stated if you are properly connected this policy will work fine and
the board is being hypocritical in this policy.
Mrs.
Butville stated that this policy is effective because we are saying the
person is not going to be hired due to the fact that they are related to
someone in the district, but if someone happens to be related and they are
hired it is because of their individual merit and their qualifications.
Dr.
Spitz advised that the policy contains language that family members may
not participate in hiring or assignment positions.
Dr. Spitz commented that the Superintendent might recommend
exceptions to the policy; however, it is still up to the board regarding
the decision.
Ms.
Wiercinski advised that the district is still governed by the EEOC and
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
A person could be related, however, be in the protected class due
to race, religion, creed, gender, etc.
Federal and state law will overrule the district’s policy.
Mr.
Wilson commented that this particular policy would not stand in isolation.
Mr. Jones has completed every single job description and revised
every job description. Also,
a procedure for screening and interviewing every single person from food
services to principal has been put into place.
Only the best candidates will be chosen.
Dr.
Spitz made a motion to amend the policy to include “first or second
cousin”. Mr. Schoenstadt
seconded the motion. The
Board approved the motion to amend the policy with seven ayes, one nay
(Mr. Eccles). Ms. Drioli was
not present.
Upon
motion made by Mrs. Butville and seconded by Mrs. Bostwick, the Board of
School Directors approved the motion as amended by a vote of seven ayes
and one nay (Mr. Eccles). Ms.
Drioli was not present.
Motion:
Board Policies 234, 334, and 434 Patronage
Mrs.
Butville presented the following motion:
WHEREAS, the Neshaminy
School District is committed to hiring the best qualified persons
available,
and to ensure that personnel decisions result from a meritocratic system
appointment;
and
WHEREAS,
the Neshaminy School District wishes to maintain an atmosphere free of
patronage, favoritism, partiality, bias, prejudice, or partnership.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors
approves
and adopts Policies 234, 334, and 434 as recommended by the School Board
Policies
Committee
on November 14, 2002.
Upon
motion made by Mrs. Butville and seconded by Mr. Stack, the Board of
School Directors approved the motion by a vote of eight ayes and zero
nays.
Motion:
Board Policy 810 – Automated External Defibrillators
Mrs.
Bostwick presented the following motion:
WHEREAS, the Neshaminy
School District wishes to define the use of Automatic
External
Defibrillators which it owns; and
WHEREAS, these
defibrillators may provide needed medical response in life
threatening
emergencies that may occur in our district
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors
approves
and adopts Policy 810 as recommended by the School Board Policies
Committee on
November
14, 2002.
Mr.
Eccles questioned if there were any liability issues related to the
defibrillators. Mr. Wilson
responded that it is covered under the Good Samaritan Act.
Upon
motion made by Mrs. Bostwick and seconded by Mr. Soifer, the Board of
School Directors approved the motion by a vote of eight ayes and zero
nays. Ms. Drioli was not
present.
Motion:
Establishment of a Statement Savings Account for Tawanka Learning
Center
Mrs.
Jowett presented the following motion:
WHEREAS, Neshaminy
School Board Policy 722 establishes guidelines for creating a
Student Activity Fund pursuant to Section 511
of the Pennsylvania Public School Code; and
WHEREAS, Neshaminy
School Board Policy 722, requires that Student Activity
Funds
be deposited in a depository approved by the Neshaminy School Board; and
WHEREAS,
Tawanka Learning Center requires the establishment of a Student Activity
Account.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors
authorizes
the establishment of the Tawanka Learning Center Activity Account.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,
that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors authorizes
the
establishment of an interest-bearing checking account with First Union
Bank in the name
of
the Tawanka Learning Center Activity Account No. 2000011618353.
Upon
motion made by Mrs. Jowett and seconded by Dr. Spitz, the Board of School
Directors approved the motion by a vote of eight ayes and zero nays.
Ms. Drioli was not present.
Approval of Minutes
Upon
motion of Mrs. Butville and seconded by Mrs. Jowett, the Board approved
the minutes of the October 22, 2002, Public meeting by a vote of eight
ayes and zero nays. Ms.
Drioli was not present.
Approval
of Treasurer’s Report, Investments, Budget Transfers, and Exonerations
of Personal and Per Capita Tax
Mr.
Paradise presented the following for approval:
·
October,
2002 Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit
·
Two
Escrow Fund balances
·
Three
Investment Funds
·
Budget
Transfer Report
·
Personal
and per capita tax exonerations for October 2002, totaling 357.
Mr.
Soifer moved the October, 2002 Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit,
investments, budget transfers and exonerations of personal and per capita
tax be approved. Seconded by
Mr. Schoenstadt.
The
Board approved the Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit, investments,
budget transfers and exonerations of personal and per capita tax by a vote
of eight ayes, zero nays. Ms.
Drioli was not present.
Approval of Bills for
Payment
Mr.
Paradise presented the following for approval:
·
Bills
for payment Check Register – October, 2002
Mr.
Paradise noted that the check register is in the old format.
The Board approved the Bills for Payment by
a vote of eight ayes and zero nays. Ms.
Drioli was not present.
Approval of Bids
Mr.
Paradise presented the following bid/s for approval:
Bid No. 03-26 Energy
Efficient Transformers (Replacements)
Bid
Amount: $302,000.00
Purchase
a total of sixteen energy efficient transformers for use in four middle
schools to conserve energy, improve computer performance and comply with
Smart Schools requirements.
Mr.
Paradise distributed a handout to all Board members. Mr. Paradise advised board members that over the last 18-24
months there was an increase in electricity usage. During that same period there were significant computer
hardware failures, electric clock system failures, etc.
Mr. Paradise advised that the district hired a certified power
quality engineer to research all the data.
Mr. Paradise further advised that it was decided to replace as many
transformers as possible. Internal
staff will be used to install the equipment over the holidays.
The areas targeted are those that serve large quantities of
electronics, computers and copiers, etc.
Mr.
Paradise stated the purpose is threefold:
·
Replace
mostly 35-38 year old equipment before failure occurs
·
Replace
with the most efficient products available today
·
Correct
newly found problems of power quality and harmonics distortion
Mr.
Paradise stated that utility costs are rising and the district has been
given assurance that by using more efficient transformers it will be cost
effective to the district. Mr.
Paradise suggested that hopefully next years utility costs should be
reduced by $l00,000.
Mrs.
Bostwick questioned the company that will be used. Mr. Paradise advised that the bid was designed around
the PowerSmith companies’ equipment and this will make the district
eligible for a federal government program called Rebuild America.
Mr.
Stack inquired whether this would affect the high school in any way.
Mr. Paradise advised that at this point the administration is
waiting to see what will occur in the future at the high school.
Mr. Stack inquired why the high school was not experiencing as many
problems as other facilities. It
was noted that 2-3 years ago at the high school there was a $750,000
electrical upgrade and the high school does not have any sub-transformers.
Dr.
Spitz raised a concern that just because it is the best, it is not always
the most cost efficient. Dr.
Spitz noted that sometimes in an effort to save costs the district is
forced to purchase cheaper equipment.
Mrs.
Butville inquired whether this would cover all the problems.
Mr. Minotti stated that this will not replace all the units, but
they will not affect the existing units.
The existing units will now need to work less.
This step will take care of 85% of the problems that the district
is experiencing in the middle schools.
Mr.
Paradise explained that the Data Center is still a concern.
The bid came in at $67,000 and changes are still being made to the
bid.
Upon
motion made by Mr. Soifer and seconded by Mrs. Bostwick, the Board of
School Directors approved the bid by a vote of eight ayes and zero nays.
Ms. Drioli was not present.
Certified and Support
Personnel Actions
Mr.
Wilson presented the following for approval:
·
Elections – Certified
Personnel
·
Resignations
and Leaves of Absence – Certified Personnel
·
Elections
and Changes of Classification – Support Personnel
·
Resignations
and Leaves of Absence – Support Personnel
·
Sabbatical
Leaves of Certified Personnel
Mr.
Wilson advised that Mr. Jones would be giving out one contract under the
certified personnel and two long-term substitutes positions.
Mr.
Wilson recommended the approval of the personnel report for certified and
support personnel as presented.
Mr.
Soifer requested that Mr. Jones identify if the persons are certified.
Dr.
Spitz inquired whether the potential hires and the manner in which the
hiring recommendations are made are consistent with the district’s new
policy on nepotism and patronage. Mr.
Wilson responded in the affirmative.
Mr.
Stack moved the personnel actions listed be approved. Mrs. Jowett seconded the motion.
The
Board approved the Certified and Support Personnel Reports with eight ayes
and zero nays.
Extra-Curricular Staff
and Salaries Report
Mr.
Wilson presented the following for approval:
·
2002/2003 Recommended
Extra-Curricular Staff and Salaries
Mr.
Wilson stated that the report is per the contract, and in addition to the
list previously provided to the Board. Mr. Wilson recommended the approval
of the Extra-Curricular Staff and Salaries Report.
Mr.
Soifer questioned a particular position, i.e. football coach, faculty
manager and equipment manager. Mr.
Wilson advised that the person is doing all three jobs and does have a
minimal teaching load. Mr.
Soifer inquired whether the person is receiving a full faculty salary and
receiving an additional stipend for the football coach and equipment
manager position. Mr. Wilson
advised that he is receiving a faculty salary.
Mr. Schoenstadt advised that these types of situations are being
addressed by an ad hoc committee and finance committee.
Mr.
Stack moved the Extra-Curricular Staff and Salaries Report be approved.
Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the motion.
The
Board approved the Extra-Curricular Staff and Salaries Report by a vote of
five ayes and one abstention (Mr.
Soifer). Mrs. Butville and
Mr. Eccles were not present in the boardroom at the time of the vote.
Ms. Drioli was not present.
Mr.
Schoenstadt congratulated the Food Services group for an outstanding job
and the very handsome profit.
Federal Programs
Mr.
Wilson stated that there was nothing new to report regarding Federal
programs.
Other Board Business
Dr. Spitz noted that there is a Health
Care committee comprised of two school district representatives and two
federation members that is to be maintained during the duration of the
agreement. The function of
the committee is to continuously review the fringe benefits structure
provided in the Articles listed in the agreement in an effort to achieve
cost containment by restructuring and redesigning such benefits.
Dr. Spitz further noted that the committee should meet upon the
call of two of its members or at such other time that the committee deems
appropriate. Dr. Spitz felt
that it would be appropriate based upon the budget situation the district
will be facing. Indications
have already been given that increases will exist in the medical package.
Dr. Spitz would like to see the committee opened and discussions
begin with the union.
Mr. Schoenstadt inquired whether there
was Board consensus to direct the Administration to engage with the union
under the terms of the contract to reopen the medical benefits package.
The Board approved to direct the
Administration to engage with the union under the terms of the contract to
reopen the medical benefits package by a vote of seven ayes and one
abstention (Mr. Soifer). Ms.
Drioli was not present.
Public
Comment
Mrs. Kostar wanted the Board to be aware that it was
not just the residents of Flowers Mill at the meeting this evening
concerned with the high school project.
Mrs. Kostar advised that she personally sent out over l,000 letters
and e-mails to encourage the public to attend the board meetings. Mrs. Kostar advised that she found Ms. Drioli’s comments to
be inaccurate that the only people who want the referendum are the
residents of Flowers Mill. Mrs.
Kostar represents the people from Upper l, Oxford Valley Mall, Flowers
Mill, Tarrytown, Winchester Ave., Green Valley, Attleboro.
Mrs. Kostar advised that she grew up in Red Rose Gate section and
still has a lot of family there. Mrs.
Kostar stated that many people are in favor of referendum because they
want the decision to be in their hands.
Many residents do not want to be forced to leave the area. Mrs. Kostar advised that she has gone door to door to
encourage people to voice their opinions.
Mrs. Kostar appreciates the e-mail information.
Mr. Schoenstadt questioned Mrs. Kostar whether she has attended any of the
public meetings where the project has been presented. Mrs. Kostar stated that she personally did not know that the
public was allowed to go. Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that every school board meeting is a public meeting
and that has been stated for five years.
Mr. Schoenstadt advised that the public
does have a way to direct this board.
The public has elected this group of people (9 members of this
Board) to make some very hard decisions.
Mrs. Kostar stated that she feels people should have a choice and
she feels that the three (3) choices, (a new high school, renovate, or do
nothing) should not be the only options.
Mrs. Butville advised that in January
and February the district would be going to the public with more
information. These will not
be the Act 34 meetings, but additional meetings for the public to learn
about the high school options.
Mr. Stack suggested that some
investigation take place about how a referendum works.
Mr. Stack advised that he has contacted the Board of Election and
they have provided some information. Mr. Stack requested that the
Solicitor look further into the option of a referendum so that the board
is aware of the requirements and rules that need to be followed.
Mr. Stack advised that a critical point from a financial
perspective is that the board needs to be focused on are certain expensive
initiatives. Mr. Stack
distributed a handout to all board members.
Mr. Stack requested the Administration and board members to examine
different options on how to save money.
Mr. Stack stated that it would take a variety of different forms
and the actions of many different committees to be able to tackle the
upcoming budget.
Mr.
Stack advised that he would like to have a Finance/Facilities meeting in
January 2003 to address some issues.
Mr.
Stack noted that the issue of the high school is not whether there should
be a referendum, however, the district should be coming up with a plan
that is fiscally responsible and something the community can accept, and
with that, an acceptance to the plan.
Mr.
Stack noted that there are certain parts of the existing plan for the high
school that he does not support, i.e. pool, new auditorium, air
conditioning. Mr. Stack noted that when the architects present to the
board in January, if their suggestions or recommendations do not
incorporate those ideas, he cannot support it.
Mr. Stack felt that everyone should be aware of his viewpoint and
other board members should make their positions known, so the plans can
incorporate the ideas of the board.
Correspondence
No correspondence.
Adjournment
Mrs.
Jowett moved the meeting be adjourned and Dr. Spitz seconded the motion.
The Board unanimously approved the motion.
Mr. Schoenstadt adjourned the meeting at l0:25 pm.
Respectfully
submitted,
Anita
E. Walls
Board Secretary |
