The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met on October 10, 2000 in the Board Room of the District Offices, 
Maple Point Middle School.The following persons were in attendance:

1.   Call to Order

      Mr. Stack called the meeting to order at 8:15 p.m.

2.   Pledge of Allegiance

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

3.   Announcements

Mr. Stack announced an Executive Session was held prior to the Work Session to discuss personnel issues and contract negotiations.

Dr. Bowman announced presidential candidate Governor Bush has selected Neshaminy High School as the site for his Thursday, October 12, visit to the area.  The event will take place in Gym 3.  It will be a town meeting type event with a question and answer period.  Admittance is by ticket only. Among those invited to attend the event are Neshaminy High School’s senior class and senior citizens.  The seniors have the option of attending the entire program, which will extend beyond dismissal time.  Students who do not wish to attend the event, may go to the auditorium and be excused at the regular dismissal time. 

Dr. Bowman pointed out the event is an opportunity for the students to be a part of the democratic process that is occurring in America at this time, the presidential election.  The goal is for Neshaminy to be the best host it can be and provide the students with an opportunity to experience a piece of history.  Dr. Bowman noted in the 1980s the then presidential candidate Governor Michael Dukakis visited Neshaminy High School. 

4.   Education Presentation - Students from Carl Sandburg Middle School - Symposium Presentation

Information distributed at the meeting.  Dr. Bowman introduced Mr. Taylor, Waste Management General Manager, and Ms. Mekett, Waste Management representative, who works with the community outreach programs.

Dr. Bowman noted the group of Carl Sandburg students who represented the region at a 2000 symposium held at a retreat area near West Point were in attendance at the meeting.  He stated the student’s presentation was one of the best and most unique presentations at the symposium.  Dr. Bowman thanked Dr. Davis, Sandburg School principal, and Mr. Reed, Neshaminy teacher, for their leadership.  He recognized the students’ parents in attendance at the meeting. 

Ms. Mekett explained the program is designed to offer students an opportunity to take what they are learning in the classroom and apply it to real world events.  Each group was asked to look at their local community, identify a problem, come up with a solution and execute it.  The Sandburg students made an excellent presentation at the symposium.

Mr. Reed introduced the parents of the Sandburg students involved in the program.  He explained the program was an after school activity and each of the ten students were asked to volunteer for the program.  Not one of the students turned down the opportunity.  Some students logged over 120 hours on the program.  The ten students made their presentation last May at the symposium. 

The Sandburg Middle School students presented to the Board their LOTAC (Levittown Oil Tank Awareness Campaign) Power Point presentation.  The students explained the environmental concern they selected was the local problem of leaking heating oil storage tanks.  The tanks were designed to last 10 to 15 years, but many have been in the ground nearly 50 years.  There is the potential for oil leaks when pin-sized holes occur in the metal.  If left alone, this could possibly cause significant soil and water contamination.  The goal of the group was to research this problem area and develop a public service campaign aimed at informing the local public of the costs and risks associated with underground storage tanks.  The presentation included a brief history of the development of Levittown, the group’s goals, survey results and ways to inform the public of their findings.  (See information distributed at the meeting for detailed presentation information.)

Dr. Bowman advised the Board that Wheelabrator funded the students’ trip/symposium expenses (lodging, meals, transportation, etc.).  Dr. Bowman thanked Mr. Taylor and Wheelabrator for the corporation reaching out to students and providing students with the opportunity to learn, grow and share their knowledge with other people.  He stated everyone is very proud of the students.

Mr. Stack recessed the meeting at 8:40 p.m.  Mr. Stack reconvened the meeting at 9:00 p.m.

5.   Public Comment

There was a two minute time limit per speaker.  Mr. Champine, lead Neshaminy teacher for social studies, expressed concern about presidential candidate Governor George Bush holding a political rally on October 12 at Neshaminy High School, because it violates the School Board guideline regarding political candidates making presentations 30 days prior to an election.  Mr. Champine stated social studies teachers are very interested in having people in the political field make presentations in the classrooms.  He explained he was reminded of the guideline when Mr. Hoffman was Superintendent.  Mr. Hoffman had pointed out to him that the guideline was put in place after the presidential candidate and Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis visited the District and received negative feedback from the community.  The guideline has been followed when county commissioner candidates and county judges have requested an opportunity to make presentations.  Based on the guideline, requests were turned down only two years ago.  An effort has been made to retain that consistency and objectivity. 

Mr. Champine stated as a social studies teacher there is nothing more exciting than what is going to happen on Neshaminy’s campus on October 12.  There will be thousands of people on the campus from security people to international press people to protesters.  At this time, there is no way the District can withdraw its invitation to Governor Bush.  He inquired what guideline the Board wants him to follow now.  Is the door being opened to allow candidates to come in to talk to students during the immediacy of an election campaign?  He said I need that redefinition of the guideline.  He stated he liked the original guideline where no one is allowed rather than having teachers who may have a particular persuasion inviting their candidates to make presentations to students.

Mr. Champine recommended school be dismissed at noon on October 12 and only those students who would like to stay for Governor Bush’s meeting be allowed to remain at the school.  He expressed concern about the dismissal process with so many additional people being on campus.  He explained he was initially concerned that the seniors would automatically be taken to the meeting.  However, he now understands arrangements have been made for those seniors who are not interested in attending the meeting.

Mr. Champine requested there be a clarification of the guideline.  He felt the guideline will have dramatic political ramifications for the future of Neshaminy students.

Mr. Peters, Feasterville, stated Neshaminy residents are talking about the enrollment/facilities study and wondering what is going on in this area.  They are concerned as to what may or may not happen in their community.  He urged the Board to advise the public as soon as possible about the study.  He suggested Neshaminy’s Web Page be used to keep residents up to date on the enrollment/facilities study and related issues.

Mr. Schneider, Langhorne, stated the Carl Sandburg Middle School’s symposium presentation, which was presented earlier in the meeting, was excellent.  He said it would be more marvelous if home schooled students, whose parents pay taxes and whose programs are overseen by the Neshaminy School District, could participate in such after school programs.  He noted he addressed the Board on the home school issue at the September Work Session and was advised someone would be in touch with him.  To date no one has contacted him.

Mr. Schneider pointed out home schooled students’ parents pay taxes, the home school programs are supervised by Neshaminy and the students have flexible schedules so they can participate in after school activities.  He said why are the home schooled students not allowed to be involved in after school programs that their parents are paying for through their taxes?

6.   Items for Discussion

      a.  PSSA Test Results

Memorandum entitled “Analysis of PSSA Elementary Scores” distributed prior to meeting.  Memorandums entitled “PSSA Secondary Scores - 2000 and SAT Scores - 2000” and “PSSA Secondary Scores” distributed at the meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board for the first time last year, the District was required to include special education students in the PSSA testing process.  The state reported, in most cases, data including special education students and data excluding special education students, except for the high school.

Dr. Frank left the meeting at 9:15 p.m.

Mr. Marotto noted the test scores reported in the Philadelphia Inquirer in September were the 1999 scores.  The 2000 scores were received seven days after the Philadelphia Inquirer presented the 1999 scores.  Mr. Marotto explained the purpose of the PSSA (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment) is to determine the basic skills levels in the areas of reading and mathematics.  Messrs. Marotto and Wyatt presented a Power Point PSSA scores presentation.  (See information distributed at the meeting for detailed test results.)  Highlights of the presentation are as follows:

·         All students in grades 5, 8 and 11 enrolled in Pennsylvania public school districts are tested in the area of mathematics and reading.  Students in grades 6 and 9 are tested in writing.  Special education students were included in the testing for the first time this year.

·         The state average scores range between 1300 and 1310.

·         The scores are reported on the students’ high school transcripts. Each student’s diploma includes a seal indicating the student’s achievement level.

·         25 percent is considered a normal distribution for the top quartile and 50 percent is consider a normal distribution for the top two quartiles.

Elementary Level

·         Scores for class of 2007 (last year’s fifth graders):

 Mathematics

39 percent of all the students scored in the top quartile.

72 percent of all the students scored in the top two quartiles.

Reading

44 percent of all the students scored in the top quartile.

72 percent of all the students scored in the top two quartiles.

·         This is the fourth consecutive year that the fifth grade placements in quartiles have increased.

·         From 1995 to 2000, the fifth grade mathematics score increased from 1350 to 1410.  The average state score is 1310. A difference of 50 points is “educationally significant”. The 2000 score including special education students was 1390.

·         The 2000 fifth grade reading score was 1410.  The state average is 1310.  The 2000 score including special education students was 1390.

·         The highest possible score is 1600. Mr. Marotto has never seen a score in any Bucks County school district of higher than 1510. 

·         The ITBS scores for the class of 2008 (this year’s fifth graders) in reading are 61 percent in 1997 and 66 percent in 1999.  Over a two year period, students are expected to have two years of educational growth.  The scores reflect two years and four months of educational growth. 

·         The ITBS language scores for the class of 2008 are 63 percent in 1997 and 70 percent in 1999.  The scores reflect two years and six months of educational growth. 

·         The class of 2008 will be taking the PSSA test this spring.

    Middle School Level

·          Scores for the class of 2004 (last year’s eighth graders):

Mathematics

34 percent of all students scored in the top quartile.

66 percent of all students scored in the top two quartiles.

Reading

30 percent of all students scored in the top quartile.

62 percent of all students scored in the top two quartiles.

·         The 2000 state average for eighth graders in mathematics and reading is 1310. Neshaminy scores for mathematics is 1380 and 1350 for reading.  (Scores include special education students.)

     High School Level

·         Scores for the class of 2001 (last year’s eleventh graders):

Mathematics

31 percent of all students scored in the top quartile.

59 percent of all students scored in the top two quartiles.

Reading

29 percent of all students scored in the top quartile.

59 percent of all students scored in the top two quartiles.

·         The 2000 state average for eleventh graders in reading is 1300 and 1310 in mathematics. Neshaminy’s reading score is 1320 and 1350 for mathematics.  (Scores include special education students.)

·         The mathematics SAT score for 2000 is 515 compared to the state average of 497 and the national average of 514. 

·         The verbal SAT score for 2000 is 504 compared to the state average of 498 and the national average of 504. 

·         256 different students took 376 different advanced placement subtests.  A number of students took more than one advanced placement test.  Eighty percent of all test takers scored a three or better to earn college credit. 

·         Tests were taken in the areas of mathematics, social studies, science and English.  In each of these major subjects, there are more than one advanced placement class.  In 2001 students will be taking the advanced placement examination for physics. 

·         Less than 10 percent of the student population takes advanced placement courses.  Some tenth grade students take advanced placement courses.  However, the bulk of students are eleventh and twelfth graders.

Mrs. Butville inquired why Pennsylvania’s SAT scores are so low compared to the national scores.  Dr. Bowman explained Pennsylvania has a high percentage of students taking the SAT test. The more students who take the test, the lower the scores will be on the test. 

Mr. Stack stated consistently the District seems to have better test results in the lower grades.  He inquired why the test results are lower in the upper grades.  Dr. Bowman stated generally this situation occurs throughout all of the school districts across the nation.  Mr. Stack noted the District has taken a number of steps in recent years to emphasize the importance of the test and provide the proper testing environment.  Dr. Bowman explained when reviewing students’ test scores, the administration must review how well the tests are correlated to each other before any conclusions are drawn.  The test scores are only one of the indicators that need to be reviewed.  There are other indicators that need to be reviewed as well.  Some tests are achievement tests and others are aptitude tests. The administration will review the data and track a class of students. Dr. Bowman said Neshaminy has test scores to be proud of  and it needs to work to continue to improve its test scores.

Mrs. Butville inquired if the administration has compared Neshaminy’s test scores with the area school districts’ test scores.  Dr. Bowman noted two weeks ago the Philadelphia Inquirer published last year’s test scores for all Delaware Valley schools including New Jersey.  The Bucks County Courier Times will be publishing the current PSSA test results for the area school districts.  Eventually, the PSSA scores will be put on the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Web Page.  Mr. Marotto said last year out of the 14 Bucks County school districts, Neshaminy’s elementary level test scores placed third. 

      b.  Cyber Charter School

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman stated allegedly the REACH Academy Charter School has contacted all the school districts about a cyber charter school.  There are a number of legal issues being examined.  The Intermediate Unit is providing leadership in this area, and the Pennsylvania School Boards Association will be having a half-day meeting in October to review the issue.  Representatives from the Intermediate Unit will attend the meeting and report back to the Superintendents.  Dr. Bowman stated he has not received a formal request from the REACH Academy Charter School.  It has been suggested that every other school district has received a formal request.  REACH is looking for one school district to be the LEA.  The school will have a statewide impact.  Dr. Bowman will keep the Board informed on the issue. 

      c.  Update on Family Sports Passes

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board beginning in December (the start of the winter athletic season) there will be a pilot sports pass program.  To ensure that the passes are not being abused, ticket collectors will ask for identification.  The pilot program will be reviewed in March and a recommendation will be presented to the Board.

Mrs. Butville recommended the individuals purchasing the family sports passes be advised the District will be watching for abuses.  She recommended the pilot program include a provision if a pass is abused, the pass will no longer be valid. 

      d.  Transportation - Increase Efficiency/Reduce Costs

Sample map of current bus stops distributed at the meeting.  Dr. Bowman informed the Board it has been determined if students who are transported by bus walk a little further to the bus stop, the number of bus stops could be reduced.  Every bus stop accounts for at least two minutes.  By reducing the number of bus stops, fuel and time could be saved.  Mr. Blasch pointed out the same number of students will be bused to school and the same number of buses will be used to transport the students.  Time will be saved by the buses having to make fewer stops. 

Mrs. Butville stated her one concern was children having to walk further in the dark.  Mr. Blasch pointed out some of the elementary children have to walk over a half mile to school.  The students would not be asked to walk to a bus stop as far as some children walk to school. 

Mr. Stack stated if the number of bus stops were reduced in half and no student were asked to walk more than a half mile, what would the impact be on the schedule and number of buses?  Mr. Stack noted he is not saying this is the parameter to be followed.  Mr. Blasch stated if one-third to one-half of the bus stops are eliminated, it will enable the buses to arrive at all of the schools, public and private, on time.  Dr. Bowman stated since each neighborhood is unique, each neighborhood will be analyzed.  The issue will be reviewed with the Board again after the first of the year. 

      e.  Video Camera on Buses

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Mr. Paradise briefly reviewed the proposed guideline and announcement regarding the installation of video cameras on Neshaminy buses. 

Mrs. Bostwick inquired if the guideline will define further what constitutes a brief period and who is appropriate personnel.  Mr. Paradise explained administrative staff is the appropriate personnel (i.e., Principal, Director of Transportation, Business Administrator, Superintendent, etc.).  He stated the issue of defining the statement “brief period” was reviewed, and it was decided it would be better not to specify a specific number of days.  If a specific number of days were included in the policy and it was not followed, what would happen?  It is estimated the tapes will not be retained any more than a week and will be recycled. 

7.   Items for Approval

      a.  Overnight Trips

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

           i)  High School Student Representatives PSBA/PASA Convention - Hershey, PA -

                October 18 and 19, 2000

          ii)  State Debate and Speech Tournament - Neshaminy High School, Susquehanna University,

               Selinsgrove, PA, March 22 and 23, 2001

        iii)  History Club - Neshaminy High School, Asheville and Atlanta, Georgia - April 19 and 22,

               2001

              There was Board consensus for the three overnight trips.

      b.  American Education Week

           An American Education Week motion will be presented for approval at the October Public            Meeting.

      c.  Approval of Bids and Budget Transfers

Mr. Paradise advised the Board there were no bids to be presented for approval.  Budget Transfer Report No. 01-1 (working copy) will be presented for approval at the October Public Meeting.

8.   Items for Information

      a.  Pennsylvania Economy League Enrollment Data

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman noted the enrollment data received from the Pennsylvania Economy League suggests the elementary enrollment will be lower than that projected by the Department of Education.  The Department of Education is projecting the highest number of elementary students, Mr. Marotto’s projection is in the middle and the Pennsylvania Economy League’s projection is the lowest elementary enrollment projection. The enrollment projection information will be shared with the Enrollment/Facilities Study Committee.  The committee’s first meeting will be held on Monday, October 16, 7 p.m., in the Board Room. 

      b.  Neshaminy High School Profile and Class of 2000 Senior Survey

Information distributed prior to meeting self-explanatory.  Dr. Bowman briefly reviewed the profile and senior survey information.

      c.  National School Boards Association - March 23-27, 2001 - Education Excellence Fair and

           Share the Success Clinic Program

Information distributed prior to meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board that two proposals were submitted to the National School Boards Association from Neshaminy’s Blue Ribbon School for presentation at the March conference.  The proposals were the Caring Kids Program and Blue Ribbon School Application Process as an Opportunity for Staff Development.  The District has been invited to present the Caring Kids Program at the Educational Excellence Fair.  A minimum of two people must attend the Educational Excellence Fair.  Two people will be selected to present both programs.  If Neshaminy’s two representatives attend only the Educational Excellence Fair, the registration fee will be waived.  Dr. Bowman will ascertain if the fee for the two presenters can also be waiver for the conference.  Mr. Stack thanked Mrs. Butville for suggesting and encouraging people to submit Neshaminy’s programs to the National School Boards Association for consideration. 

      d.  PSBA Legislative Platform

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Mrs. Butville requested the Board members reviewed the information distributed and advise her by Monday, October 16, of their position on the issues.  Mr. Stack encouraged the Board members to use e-mail to communicate with each other on the various issues.

9.   Superintendent’s Report

      Superintendent’s Report will be presented at the October 24 Public Meeting.

10. Committee Reports

      a.  Educational Development Committee

Mr. Mecleary reported the committee will hold its first meeting in November.  To suggest any agenda items, contact either Mr. Mecleary or Dr. Boccuti.

      b.  Education Foundation Committee

Mrs. Bostwick reported next week each Board member will receive two complimentary tickets to the Dollars and Sense Auction.  Raffle tickets are still available for the trip to New York City.  She noted at a recent meeting of the Foundation, a resident suggested residents contribute their $100 state refund to the Education Foundation.

      c.  Enrollment/Facilities Study Committee

Mr. Stack reported the Board members serving on the Enrollment/Facilities Study Committee are Mrs. Butville, Mr. Mecleary and Mr. Schoenstadt.  The first meeting will be held Monday, October 16, 7:00 p.m., in the Board Room.  Members of the public are invited to attend the committee meeting.

      d.  Finance Committee

Mr. Eccles reported the committee reviewed updated Coca-Cola, Pepsi Company and Canada Dry beverage proposals. At this point, the proposals do not seem very advantageous to the District. Copies of the beverage proposals will be distributed to the Board members.  Board members should contact Mr. Eccles regarding any questions or comments regarding the proposals. 

Mr. Eccles advised the Board the committee has requested the following information:

·         Number of vending machines in the District

·         Number of groups/organizations using the vending machines as fund-raisers

·         How much revenue the vending machines generate

Mr. Eccles explained Canada Dry has indicated it would be willing to enter into a non-exclusive contact.  Canada Dry would reimburse the District 38 cents on a dollar. 

Mr. Eccles reported in an effort to find ways to generate more revenue, the committee will be reviewing building utilization and related fees, electricity costs, fees paid by Neshaminy Adult School, etc.   He noted a memorandum from Dan Gallagher regarding the Aquatics Program was distributed to the Board members.  The memorandum states there has been a decline in participation.  He pointed out normally when there is a small increase in fees, there is a decline in participation and it takes a little bit of time to get back to the level that was in place prior to the increase.  Mr. Paradise explained the Poquessing Middle School swimming pool, which has been closed since July, will reopen this weekend. 

Mr. Eccles urged Board members to advise him of any agenda suggestions.  Dr. Bowman stated four mothers suggested the District open a day care center as corporations do for their employees.  The individuals using the service would pay a fee to the District.

      e.  Intermediate Unit Board

           No report presented.

      f.  Intermediate Unit Legislative Committee

          No report presented.

      g.  Board Policies Committee

           No report presented.

      h.  Technology Committee

Mr. Stack reported the committee will meet on October 17.  A copy of the meeting agenda was distributed to Board members.

      i.  Vocational-Technical School Board

Mr. Dengler reported an open house will be held on October 25 to allow the community to tour the new facility.  Back to school night will be held the first week in November. 

Mr. Dengler advised the Board that a proposal has been presented to the Vocational-Technical School Board to have a climbing wall installed as a part of the physical education program.  However, the Board has not approved the climbing wall.  The motion was tabled at the last meeting.  If the climbing wall is not approved by the Board, another plan will have to be developed and other equipment will have to be purchased for the gymnasium. 

11. Future Topics

      No future topics were discussed.

12. Agenda Development for the October 24, 2000 Public Meeting

      Mr. Stack briefly reviewed the agenda items for the October 24 Public Meeting.

13. Correspondence

      There was no correspondence.

14. Board Comment

Mr. Stack referred to Mr. Champine’s comments, which were presented earlier in the meeting, regarding political candidates making presentations to students 30 days prior to an election and stated the Board does not have such a policy.  There is an informal guideline that has been followed over the years.  The Board is aware of the informal guideline.  The feeling was if an exception were to be made, the Board would want to make it for the presidential race irrespective of party.  The October 12 event will be an excellent civic lesson and expose the students to the political process. 

Mr. Mecleary suggested presidential candidate Vice President Gore be invited to speak at Neshaminy.  Mr. Stack stated if the Gore campaign wanted to visit Neshaminy, he would welcome it.  Mr. Eccles said Governor Bush’s visit is a tremendous opportunity for the community.  He indicated he would have preferred to have the entire Neshaminy High School student body attend the meeting with Governor Bush.  Mr. Mecleary indicated he concurred with Mr. Eccle’s comments.  He was pleased the seniors are invited to attend the meeting.

Dr. Bowman explained originally the Bush campaign had considered using the auditorium.   However, the auditorium would have only been able to accommodate one class.  The decision was made to hold the meeting in the gymnasium so the seniors and other community members could attend the meeting.  In addition to the senior class, the band and choir will be attending the meeting.  Approximately 1,000 Neshaminy students will be attending the meeting.  It was not possible to have all the high school students attend the meeting.  The students will be able to view the meeting live in the auditorium via closed-circuit television.  The television production class will be video taping the meeting.  The tape will be made available to students.  Mr. Schoenstadt suggested the video tape be aired on the District’s cable station.

14. Other Board Business

      There was no other Board business.

Mr. Stack adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol A. Calvello
Board Secretary