The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met on September 12, 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 8:05 p.m.

2.   Pledge of Allegiance

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

3.   Announcement

Dr. Bowman introduced Mike Taylor, student representative.  He explained Mike Taylor and Kelly Schailey are this year’s student representatives and will be attending the Board’s Public Meetings.  Prior to the Work Session, Dr. Bowman met with Mike and Kelly.

4.   Public Comment

There was a two minute time limit per speaker.  Mrs. Cahill, Langhorne, stated her two children attend the Queen of the Universe School.  She expressed concern about her children arriving late at school every day and having to wait 20 to 30 minutes for the bus after school is dismissed.  She explained her children are scheduled to board bus no. 10 at 7:50 a.m.  The past five mornings the bus has not arrived at the bus stop until 8:00 a.m. and 8:03 a.m.  School starts at 8:00 a.m.  The Transportation Department has been advised of the situation.  Mrs. Cahill pointed out at the end of the school day (2:30 p.m.), the bus has been arriving at approximately 3:00 p.m.  The students are arriving home 20 to 30 minutes later than they did last year.

Mr. Schneider, Langhorne, explained his son attended the Our Lady of Grace School for seven years.  This is the first year he is being home schooled.  He noted the Neshaminy School District does not allow home schooled students to participate in extra-curricular activities.  He stated the taxpayers, including parents of those students who are home schooled, are paying for the extra-curricular activities.  He pointed out the value of the extra-curricular activities for the well being of the children.  He felt Neshaminy is saying certain children should be excluded from these activities.  He pointed out it cannot be a matter of the following:

·         Scheduling - Home schooled students have tremendously flexible schedules.

·         Academics - Neshaminy oversees the academic program.

·         Cost - Taxpayer dollars go into the program.

Mr. Schneider said what is stopping a home schooled child from being involved in the extra-curricular activities that all taxpayers are paying for including the parents of the home schooled children?

5.   Items for Discussion

      a.  Strategic Plan

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board that Joann Perotti, Intermediate Unit No. 22, is certified by the Cambridge Management Group to facilitate strategic planning.  As a service to the school districts, the Intermediate Unit provides the time, talent and skills necessary to help the school districts through the strategic plan process.  Use of an outside consultant for this service would cost $5,000 to $10,000.  The Intermediate Unit does not charge the school districts for this service.  The District’s strategic plan must be approved by the Board and submitted to the Department of Education by September 30, 2001.  Dr. Bowman introduced Ms. Perotti.

Ms. Perotti explained her responsibilities at the Intermediate Unit include working in the area of internal and external communications, running the Education Foundation and strategic planning.  She explained she is certified in the Cambridge process of strategic planning.  She reviewed the various school districts and organizations she has worked with in the development of their strategic plans.  Five to six years ago the Intermediate Unit worked with Neshaminy in the development of its strategic plan.

Ms. Perotti presented an overview (using transparencies) of the strategic plan process, which included the following:

Definition of strategic planning:  “…The means (including process and discipline) by which an organization continually recreates itself toward extraordinary purposes

-Importance of a strategic plan:

·         Expresses common values, purpose and expectations

·         Establishes and maintains quality standards

·         Ensures effective distribution of resources

·         Guarantees optimal return on investment

-Definitions:

  Strategic                           Operational

  Longer-term future                      Shorter-term future

  Growth or change                        Maintenance

  Whole systems                           Programs, projects

  Values/mission-driven              Budget-driven

  Answers the questions        Answers the questions

      Who?                                            How?

      Why?                                            When?

      What?

-Process and Discipline:

·         Confirm commitment and readiness

·         Prepare for planning

·         Build strategic planning team

·         Conduct first planning session

·         Communicate draft plan to public

·         Build action teams

·         Develop action plans

·         Conduct second planning session

·         Prepare implementation schedule (with supporting resource plan)

·         Obtain Board approval

·         Develop capacity for implementation

·         Validate plans and process continually

Copies of the presentation transparencies will be provided to the Board members in the next Board mailing 

Ms. Perotti explained the entire process will take six to eight months.  She stated the Intermediate Unit would like to work with Neshaminy on the development of its strategic plan.

Dr. Bowman advised the Board next month he will discuss the issue of selecting a Cabinet member to serve as an internal facilitator.  The internal facilitator will work with the Intermediate Unit.

Ms. Drioli indicated she supported Ms. Perotti being Neshaminy’s Intermediate Unit facilitator.  Dr. Frank stated when the previous strategic plan was developed, she served on the Strategic Planning Committee.  The Intermediate Unit’s assistance was very helpful and the District benefited from their assistance.

Dr. Bowman pointed out the last time the Vocational-Technical School developed a strategic plan, it called for a new school.  The new comprehensive technical school was opened this year.  Ms. Perotti stated when the plan was developed, she was the internal facilitator at the Vocational-Technical School.  The strategic plan drove the development of the comprehensive technical school.

More strategic plan information will be provided next month.

      b.  Video Cameras on Buses

Information distributed prior to the meeting and additional information distributed at the meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board the solicitor has provided an opinion that it would be appropriate to place video cameras on school buses under certain conditions.  Currently, there are no video cameras or black boxes installed in Neshaminy buses.  Mr. Paradise explained $4,500 has been budgeted for the purchase of video cameras and black boxes.  It is estimated six cameras could be purchased with the budgeted funds.

Mr. Mecleary expressed concern about the erosion of privacy.  He pointed out video cameras are becoming more and more prevalent everywhere.  People know what the next person is doing all the time.  It is an incremental step that is easy for anyone to take and difficult to argue against.  He stated when you look at the bigger picture, you can see the slow erosion of rights.  There seems to be a complacency with a lot of the civil liberties we have had in the past.  He expressed concern as to where video cameras would next be installed.

Mr. Mecleary stated he does not have a specific problem with the video camera proposal.  However, it is one more incremental erosion of privacy.  The use of video cameras on buses is probably very effective.  He stated he could not support the proposal.

Dr. Frank noted the Intermediate Unit is sponsoring an Act 23 workshop entitled “Liberty and Diversity in Public Schools,” and the workshop will touch on the issue of what is legal and what is an infringement.  Mr. Mecleary stated it is not necessarily a legal issue.  He said he is more concerned about what is happening to personal rights.

Ms. Drioli stated she will probably vote in favor of video cameras being installed in school buses.  Some of the bus drivers have asked her to support the proposal.  She said it has become a sad set of affairs that the District has to put video cameras in buses so children know how to behave and be threatened with exposure.

Mr. Schoenstadt stated he supports the proposal.  He pointed out there is a tremendous dollar cost due to damages to buses, and the taxpayers pay for the repairs.  There is no expectation of privacy on public transportation.  The school buses provide public transportation.  Therefore, there is no expectation of privacy and there should not be an expectation of privacy.  The District has the right to protect its property, identify those who damage District property and bill the parents for the damage.  There is no hidden meaning or hidden expectations.

Mrs. Bostwick felt the proposal should be more carefully thought out before it is approved.  She recommended a policy be developed specifying what will be done with the data and how the punishment will be applied.  She said she did not want violation reviews to be decided on a case by case basis.  The parameters and punishment should be uniform for all violators and no exceptions made.  She also expressed concern about loss of personal rights. 

Dr. Bowman stated the cameras might catch some students misbehaving and damaging bus seats.  However, the real purpose of the proposal is student safety and prevention.  The cameras will be a preventive tool.  He noted the District has not had any really serious bus accidents.  Due to the increase of traffic volume over the last ten years, it is more difficult to drive a bus today than it was ten years ago.  There are 14 Neshaminy schools and the District buses to over 110 schools within a ten mile radius.  The bus driver’s primary job is to safely deliver students from point “A” to point “B”.  Any measure that can be taken to eliminate the bus driver being distracted and to make the bus ride a safer ride for the students would be helpful.  He noted it is a small cost item.  There are Pennsylvania school districts that have procedures in place in the form of guidelines. 

Ms. Drioli stated she concurred there should be a policy or guidelines in place.  However, she expressed concern if not written properly the policy could be a hindrance.  She felt it was not necessary to have the policy in place before approving the video camera purchases.

In response to a question raised by Mr. Mecleary, Dr. Bowman explained the video cameras would be rotated among the District’s buses at the discretion of the Director of Transportation.  All parents and students must be advised of the rotation of video cameras in buses. 

Dr. Frank stated the use of video cameras in the buses will help set a limit as far as student behavior is concerned.  Mrs. Butville inquired if a special education student is caught on camera destroying a bus seat, will the student be held responsible.  Mr. Wilson stated a special education student would be held responsible for any criminal act. 

Mrs. Bostwick recommended the procedures/guideline be in place within three months.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board procedures/guidelines could be presented to the Board at the October Work Session. 

Mr. Eccles felt he was being rushed into making a decision on the video camera issue, and stated at this time he could not make a decision.  Mr. Stack noted the issue was also discussed at the August Work Session and the Board was provided with additional information.

Mr. Paradise explained at this time he did not know exactly how many cameras and black boxes could be purchased with the budgeted $4,500.  Once more detailed cost information is available, the Board will be advised of the exact number of video cameras that will be purchased.

After further discussion, it was determined the majority of Board members supported the purchase of the video cameras and black boxes for use on the buses.  The administration will begin installing the black boxes in the buses, the appropriate notification to students and parents will be prepared and the guidelines will be presented to the Board for review at the October Work Session.  The notification to students and parents will include an abbreviated set of guidelines. 

The Board concurred with Mr. Stack’s recommendation that the installation of video cameras in the buses be viewed as a pilot program and the program be reviewed again at the end of the school year.

      c.  Distance Learning

Information distributed prior to meeting.  Dr. Bowman noted additional information has been provided regarding the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit providing a Distance Learning Program.  He explained Neshaminy has students who enroll in learning centers, take courses, submit their grades and the District accepts those courses.  Some students might fail a course, take the course in another school district’s summer school, provide the appropriate documentation, take the appropriate test and receive credit for the course. 

Dr. Bowman inquired if the Board wants to provide Neshaminy students the opportunity to take a course through the Intermediate Unit’s Distance Learning Program and include it on the students’ high school transcripts.  The students would pay for the course.  The distance learning courses would not supplant their high school graduation requirements. The program has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.  The program could be piloted for a year to see if any students will take advantage of the opportunity.  Ms. Drioli recommended the program be piloted for more than a year so students can become acquainted with the program.

Mr. Schoenstadt noted sometimes due to scheduling conflicts, students cannot enroll in Advanced Placement courses.  He inquired if the students could enroll in a Distance Learning Advance Placement course and receive credit for the course.  Dr. Bowman noted of the four Advanced Placement courses offered through the Intermediate Unit, three are also offered at Neshaminy High School. He indicated he would not be opposed to students taking a Distance Learning Advanced Placement course if there were a scheduling conflict at the high school.  He noted it is a very rigorous program, but it is an option for students.  There would be no on-site teacher available to the students.  Mrs. Butville inquired how many high school students were not able to enroll in Advanced Placement courses due to scheduling conflicts.  Mrs. Butville indicated she would rather see more course offerings of subjects which Neshaminy does not offer at the high school.

Ms. Drioli pointed out that the Poquessing Middle School now has Channel One, which means the school now has the ability to bring into the classroom or a large group setting distance learning. 

Dr. Bowman advised the Board that some certified staff members take accredited on-line courses. Individuals can earn undergraduate degrees totally online.  It is not for everyone, because it is not an easy way to acquire credits.  There is no interaction with an instructor. 

Dr. Bowman recommended the program start out small.  He noted quality students will be taking the courses.  The program is state approved and with an Intermediate Unit.  The cost per course is $240, which makes the program affordable.  The students would pay the cost of the course. 

After further discussion, there was Board consensus to pilot the program.

      d.  Facilities/Enrollment Study

School District Report of Facility and Enrollment Data and Enrollment Projections Report distributed at the meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board that the Pennsylvania Economy League will provide data after the October 1 enrollment count is officially completed in the District.  The data will provide projections for five to ten years and will provide data by grade and buildings.  Dr. Bowman reviewed the report entitled, “School District Report of Facility and Enrollment Data”.  The enrollment data included in the report is as of September 12, 2000 and the classroom count was the program as of last spring.  See report for facilities and enrollment information.  Dr. Bowman reviewed the Enrollment Projections Report, which was developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and updated as of June 2000.  The data reflects all of the Vocational-Technical students who were in the District last year.  Historical data and not current data was used to develop the enrollment projections.  When the Pennsylvania Economy League Report is received, the Board will have a much better grasp on the enrollment and capacity issues. 

Dr. Bowman noted the modular classrooms have an impact upon capacity.  Mr. Paradise explained the District’s modular classrooms are 12 to 13 years old and 15 to 16 years old.  Funds have been expended to maintain the 18 modular classrooms.  When purchased, it was never the intention of the District to keep the modular classrooms this long.  A cost projection as to the maintenance and operation costs of the modular classrooms was not available.

Dr. Bowman stated in October, when the report is received, the Board will need to decide how it wants to approach the review of the report.  It could be reviewed by the Board as a whole, Board Committee, administration or community group.  He noted in the spring, the Board had discussed including the facilities/enrollment study as a part of the strategic plan.  He recommended the facilities/enrollment study not be included as a part of the strategic plan.  Due to the nature of the strategic plan, it will take too long.  It is a separate issue.

Dr. Bowman said the question to be answered is how will the District accommodate all of its students the next five to ten years, provide the students with the quality of programs that are in place now and as economically as possible. 

Mr. Stack stated the facilities/enrollment study will be an important consideration for the Board this school year, and one which the Board will need to examine closely.  He felt the community needs to be involved in the decision.  In the early stages, the review of the enrollment and capacity data needs to be shared with the community. This will enable the community to provide feedback and help the Board develop recommendations.  The Board must be cognizant of the fact it cannot let the issue wait.  Action must be taken immediately.  Mr. Stack recommended a committee be established consisting of three Board members and a representative and alternate from each of the middle and elementary schools which would be selected by the PTO leadership.  Ms. Drioli recommended the high school community also be represented on the committee.  Dr. Bowman stated even though the high school does not have a PTO, there are several active high school groups that could select a representative.  Dr. Frank suggested the committee be an ongoing committee and not just an ad hoc committee.  Dr. Bowman recommended the committee be charged with a given task. 

Mr. Schoenstadt felt the committee should focus specifically on the current issue and consist of a group of high quality, committed individuals.  He noted the individuals who served on the Act 50 Committee were of high quality, committed and provided very valuable and specific information which helped the Board make decisions it had to make.  He felt community involvement will be critical, because some of the decisions that must be made are very important.  Based on the recommendations of the committee, a lot of paradigms that are used today will be changed.  In five

to six years the biggest problem will probably be tax pressures.  He said last year’s tax increase was the most he could, personally, justify.  If there are future tax increases, it will be necessary to show the community that extraordinary action and consideration has been taken by the Board to balance the tax increase against the community’s ability to pay.  Mr. Schoenstadt felt the paradigm has to change.  The four sides of the box/paradigm consist of:

·         Programs - Curriculum and non-curriculum items

·         Certified staff and administrators

·         Support Staff

·         Facilities - Area that must be examined in minute detail

Mr. Schoenstadt stated the box/paradigm is a good one, but it may not work next year or the following year.  The Board must look outside the box at alternatives.  The committee should focus on helping the Board identify the alternatives.

Mrs. Butville indicated she favored having a representative from each PTO serving on the committee, because there will be a specific person in each building who can answer questions and provide accurate information.  This will help keep everyone better informed.  Ms. Drioli recommended a broad-based policy be developed to ensure that the community will always be a part of the procedure and have an investment in the outcome. 

Mr. Stack noted there was Board support for a committee consisting of representatives from each of the schools, including the high school, and three Board members.  Since there will probably be other community members interested in the issue, he recommended all of the meetings be Public Meetings.  He encouraged community members to contact their local PTO and use the PTO as a vehicle to express their concerns to the committee.  Mr. Stack recommended the formation of the committee begin as soon as possible and a mission be established for the committee.  The charge of the committee will be to evaluate the enrollment and facilities information and provide the Board with a recommendation.  He requested the administration develop the language for the mission statement.  He stated the committee’s recommendation will be non-binding.  He noted if the Board is to take any action within a year, it will have to reach a decision by the early part of next year as to what action will be taken.  It will take several months to put the process in place.  If the  decision involves the reconfiguration of the District, the Board may want to obtain community input on how this could be accomplished.  He felt the Board needs to be very open about what it is doing and involve the public in all aspects of the process. 

Ms. Drioli stated she will attend the Lower Southampton School PTO Meeting, advise the PTO of the committee being established and the PTO will be asked to appoint a representative and alternate to the committee.  Ms. Drioli volunteered to serve on the committee.  Mr. Stack requested the administration provide an appropriate resource to the committee.  He stated he will be involved and help facilitate the committee, but not necessarily one of the three Board members serving on the committee.

Dr. Bowman noted the process of identifying the representatives and an alternate from the nine elementary schools, four middle schools and high school and three Board members will take place between now and October.  He inquired if a senior citizen should serve on the committee.  Mr. Stack stated the decision of whether to appoint a senior citizen to the committee will be left up to the PTOs.  Dr. Bowman stated administrative resources will be identified and the administration will review the parameters and mission of the committee.  Dr. Bowman noted an administrator needs to be identified who will be responsible for helping facilitate the committee.  Either the committee needs to identify a chairperson or the Board President appoint a committee chairperson.  Dr. Bowman stated individuals serving on the committee will be identified by the October Meeting.

Mr. Stack stated the committee will need to develop a list of questions as to what information they will need to fully evaluate facility usage now and in the future. 

6.   Items for Approval

      a.  National Red Ribbon Week - October 23-27,2000

Dr. Bowman advised the Board that the annual National Red Ribbon Week motion will be presented at the September Public Meeting.  October 23 to October 27, 2000 has been designated as Red Ribbon Week. 

      b.  Act 48 - Interim Plan

Information distributed at the meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board an Act 48 interim plan must be submitted.  A committee, which included Dr. Frank, community members, administrators, teachers and representative from the business community, met on August 29.  A motion to adopt an interim plan, as presented by the committee, will be presented at the September Public Meeting.  The District is required to identify the types of activities that the Board will approve for Act 48 hours or credits.  All District approved school workshops and out-of-district workshops/conferences will be accepted.  See sample list of workshops distributed at the meeting.  Every inservice program provided by the District will be counted towards the teacher requirement of 180 hours over five years. Dr. Frank stated the committee was an excellent committee and a lot of work was accomplished.  The interim plan will be presented for Board approval at the September Public Meeting.

      c.  Approval of Bid/s and Budget Transfers

           There were no bids or budget transfers to be presented for approval.

7.   Items for Information

      a.  Bucks County Technical School Senior Placement Summary

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman briefly reviewed the placement information for the class of 2000.  The information included the following:

Total Number of Graduates                                           300

Total Graduates for Full-Time Post High School Education, Armed Forces*   103

Total Available for Employment                                     197

Employed                                                                   169

Unemployed                                                                11

*Those students who are planning full-time post high school education or who are entering the Armed Forces are not considered as eligible for the labor market.

      b.  School Opening Update

Dr. Bowman provided the following school opening update:

·         The Transportation Department is fine tuning transportation and working to resolve the issues.

·         The opening of the new school year went smoothly.

·         At Neshaminy High School, there are 70 more students attending school than projected.  Due to the labor discussions in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, some students enrolled in Neshaminy in anticipation of a possible teacher strike.  There will be an official student count on October 1.

·         Due to the increase in the high school enrollment, there is a shortage of textbooks in some areas.  The department chairpersons are doing a textbook count and any needed textbooks will be ordered. 

·         Staffing went well.  Staff morale is high and the teachers are excited about being back in the classroom.  The parents are enthused and supportive of education.

·         Various facility projects were performed over the summer.  A roof problem at one of the buildings is being addressed.  One classroom is affected by the problem.  

Mr. Paradise referred to the parents who spoke at the August Meeting regarding a transportation issue involving their son and advised the Board the issue has been reviewed. A 25 minute improvement has been made to the student’s schedule. 

Mr. Paradise explained he has spoken to Mrs. Cahill, parent who addressed the Board earlier in the meeting regarding transportation issue involving Queen of the Universe School.  There has been some improvement on the situation since the beginning of the school year and the Transportation Department will continue to work on the issue.  He said it takes time during the beginning of the school year to fine tune the transportation issues.  It gets more and more difficult each year.  The traffic today is very different than it was just two years ago and it has had an enormous impact on the District’s transportation system in terms of time.  The starting and ending times of school and the communities that feed into the schools can be controlled in District schools.  However, the District does not have this control with the parochial and private schools.  In the last two years, the Archdiocese has allowed out of parish enrollment in the Catholic Schools.  This has had an affect on transportation.  The Transportation Department is working to resolve the transportation issues. 

Mrs. Bostwick asked what kind of help could the parents be other than driving their children to school each day.  She noted a number of years ago, a group of families purchased a van and were reimbursed by their school district for its operational expenses.  Mr. Paradise stated the problem with such a situation is where would the District begin and where would it end.  Mr. Paradise explained often a shuttle system is used to transport students, i.e. student shuttled to Maple Point School and the student transfers to another bus which transports the student to the school.  It would be helpful and save time if the parent could take the student to the bus transfer location (Maple Point School in the example provided). 

Mr. Eccles explained he has been inundated with calls from parents of Sandburg, Maple Point and Queen of the Universe School students regarding transportation issues. He inquired what transportation changes have been made this year.  Last year two buses transported students from the Quincy Hollow section and one bus transported students from the Twin Oaks section.  He expressed concern about the number of students on the buses.  Mr. Paradise explained the bus seats are 39 inches wide and there may be three students (grades K through 8) per seat.  There is an allocation of 13 inches per student.  Reimbursement is based upon doing this as efficiently as possible.  He noted he has also received telephone calls about long bus rides.

Mr. Eccles pointed out there is a Queen of the Universe School transportation problem.  The school has been in the District community over 40 years.  He said what has changed between last year and this year?  Mr. Blasch, Director of Transportation, explained a review over the summer of the number of students being transported to the Queen of Universe School revealed most of the buses were transporting between 30 and 35 students.  An effort was made to bring it in a little tighter to be more efficient.  It is possible it is a little too tight.  Mr. Blasch explained he has been in constant communication with the school’s principal.  The principal has been updating him daily on the busing situation and is being very patient.  Possibly one of the routes will need to be split into two routes.  Mr. Eccles pointed out the students are arriving late for school and the bus is not at the school when school is dismissed.  Dr. Bowman stated the District’s resources are maximized at this point and every effort is being made to resolve the issues.  The 2:30 p.m. dismissal/bus issue is being experienced at Neshaminy’s elementary schools also.  Mr. Paradise explained a bus is not considered late unless it arrives at the school 15 minutes after dismissal time.  The bus today arrived 20 minutes after dismissal time and the Transportation Department will do its best to improve upon the situation. 

Mr. Eccles expressed concern about the three students (13 inch allocation) per seat guideline.  Mr. Blasch explained the new buses have a 76 student capacity.  In the middle schools the Transportation Department focuses on placing 55 to 60 students per bus.  Mr. Eccles stated in the Twin Oaks section students run from stop to stop so they can get on the bus first to ensure they get a seat.  Mr. Blasch stated every effort is being made to resolve the transportation issues.  The District is busing a total of 13,000 students. 

8.   Superintendent’s Report

      Transition

Dr. Bowman advised the Board the administration is working on the transition at C&I with Dr. Boccuti and Mr. Stanford at the Hoover School.  At the September Public Meeting, the appointment of an acting principal at the Poquessing Middle School will be presented to the Board for approval.  The individual will be interviewed at 7:30 p.m. at the Tawanka Elementary School. 

Safe School Grant

Dr. Bowman informed the Board through the efforts of Dr. Costanzo and Mr. Wilson the District has received a $60,000 safe school grant.  The grant will allow the District to continue its Peer Mediation Conflict Resolution Program, which was started over a year ago.  Neshaminy received the largest grant out of all the grants received in Bucks County.

GFOA Certification of Recognition for Budget Presentation

Information distributed prior to the meeting.  Dr. Bowman advised the Board the District has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1999.  Dr. Bowman recognized the outstanding efforts of Mr. Paradise, Ms. Donovan and Ms. Glennie.

9.   Public Comment

      No public comment was presented.

10. Committee Reports

       Board members who need their committee assignments adjusted should advise Mr. Stack.

      a.  Educational Development Committee

Mr. Mecleary reported the agenda for the next few months is being developed.  Board members having any agenda suggestions should contact Mr. Mecleary.

      b.  Educational Foundation

Mrs. Bostwick reported the annual Dollars and Senses auction and sale will be held November 9, 2000.  The auction will include a raffle with the prize being a weekend in New York City.  The weekend will include tickets to the show Lion King (May 5) and dinner for two. 

      c.  Finance Committee

Mr. Paradise reported a few written soda proposals have been received.  The next meeting date has not been scheduled yet.  Mrs. Butville requested the Board members be advised when the next meeting will be held. 

      d.  Intermediate Unit Board

           No report presented.

      e.  Intermediate Unit Legislative Committee

           No report presented.

      f.  Technical School Board

Mr. Dengler reported the Technical School opened on time. 

      g.  Educational Policies Committee

Ms. Drioli reported data is being gathered for the attendance policy.  Ms. Drioli recommended the committee develop a policy pertaining to community involvement.  Dr. Bowman stated the administration will ascertain if there are any community involvement model policies available for review. 

11. Future Topics

Mr. Stack noted the strategic plan will be a future topic.

12. Agenda Development for the September 26, 2000 Public Meeting

      Agenda items reviewed during course of the meeting.

13. Correspondence

      There was no correspondence

14. Other Board Business

Ms. Drioli stated as a result of renovations that took place over the summer, the Poquessing Middle School looks very nice, and the parents are pleased with the renovations.  She thanked the Board members for their support and efforts to improve the Poquessing Middle School facility.  She reported the Poquessing Middle School has embarked on a new program, Attitude Adjustment Program. 

Mrs. Butville stated under the current procedure, the Board members have very little information regarding job openings in the District.  She felt the Board members should have more information on the job openings and hirings.  She distributed a sample recommendation for hire of professional staff form, which is used by the Bensalem School District, and sample rubric used by the Technical School.  She noted some school districts provide a full resume of the candidates.  She felt having more candidate information will allow the Board members to make a more informed choice.  Mr. Schoenstadt stated interview forms, etc. are available on the Internet.  Mr. Stack requested the Board review the information distributed and it be an item for future discussion. 

Mrs. Butville advised the Board she will be attending the PSBA/PASA Conference, which is being held October 17 to 20.  While at the conference, she will attend the PSBA Legislative Council Meeting.

Mrs. Butville explained she received three telephone calls regarding family members’ attendance at sports functions.  Previously, families could purchase a family pass.  Now parents have to pay the full price to see their children participate in school sports events.  Dr. Bowman explained a few years ago a family pass was instituted.  A family could purchase a family pass, which entitled all family members to attend sports events.  Since the family pass was being abused, it was discontinued.  One family would hand the pass to another family.  Thereby, more than one family were entering the events at a reduced rate on one pass.  Dr. Bowman stated the administration will review the family pass issue again. 

Mr. Stack announced an Executive Session will be held following the Work Session to discuss personnel issues.

Mr. Stack adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m.  An Executive Session was held.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol A. Calvello
Board Secretary