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PUBLIC
BOARD MEETING MINUTES (WORK SESSION)
NESHAMINY BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
April 9, 2003
The
Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on April 9, 2003
in the Board Room of
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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Mrs.
Yvonne V. Butville
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Mr.
P. Howard Wilson
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Ms. Carol A. Drioli
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Mr.
Harry P. Jones
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Mr.
Richard M. Eccles
Mr. Steven E. Schoenstadt
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Mr.
Richard S. Marotto
Mr. Joseph V. Paradise
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Mr.
Michael A. Soifer*
Dr. William H. Spitz
Mr. Edward T. Stack
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Mr.
Bruce M. Wyatt
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BOARD MEMBER NOT
PRESENT:
Mrs. June R. Bostwick
Mrs. Kimberly A. Jowett
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OTHERS: Approximately
22 persons from
the public, staff and press were present
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SECRETARY:
Mrs. Anita E. Walls
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*
arrived at 8:45 p.m.
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The
Annual Neshaminy Employee Recognition Program took place prior to the
meeting in the Maple Point Middle School Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. with a
vocal presentation provided by the Neshaminy High School Chanticleers
under the direction of Roy Nelson.
School
Board Candidates present at the meeting were Mrs. Sue Barrett, Mr. Jason
Bowman, Mrs. Irene Boyle, and Mrs. Susan Cummings
l.
Call to Order
Mr.
Wilson called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m.
2.
Pledge
of Allegiance
Mr.
Wilson requested those in attendance join in the salute to the flag.
3.
Announcements
No
announcements.
4.
Public
Comment
Mr.
Wilson noted that public comment would be limited to two minutes per
speaker.
Mr.
Charles Lauble, Langhorne, PA stated that he made a request back on
January 28, 2003 regarding how the systems were working, and he noted that
he was a construction and maintenance supervisor for over twenty years and
did not feel his request was too demanding. Mr. Lauble could have generated the information he had
requested in less then ten minutes. Mr.
Lauble stated that he received a reply three days later that his request
would be taken under consideration. Mr.
Lauble further noted that one good thing came out of the proposal for the
new school and three bad things. People
are beginning to look at the system and measure it not only as it pertains
to a new school but what has been happening in the past. The three bad things are that three people that Mr. Lauble
was born and raised with are leaving the district, not because of the
schools, but the increases in taxes.
Two families are moving to Tennessee, a less costly area of the
country to live and one family is moving to Arizona.
Mr.
Paradise requested Mr. Lauble to resubmit his request.
Mr.
Solis Basen, Langhorne, PA thanked the Board for coming to Flowers Mill.
Mr. Basen noted to speak on the proposed high school would be
redundant. Mr. Basen noted
that the Board is listening, however, are they hearing the public.
Please.
Mr.
Phil Schieber, Langhorne, PA, Neshaminy taxpayer and former member of the
Steering Committee stated the following:
�I
have been told by many persons attending the high school informational
meetings that the Steering Committee reached a consensus and that they
agree that the district should build a new high school.
This is not correct. The
statement on the consensus was qualified.
The qualifications stated, �If money was not a consideration.�
This qualifier is being ignored by those making the presentation to
the public. We also heard
that a referendum be placed before the voters before a bond effort is
undertaken. From our point of
view it appears that this Board made this decision before the Steering
Committee and the informational process started.
We know that you have an edge in this issue, because you have
taxing authority and legislative support.
But we the people have not even begun our campaign.
We do have options and you will not like any of them.
We can pay our property taxes into an escrow account, picket all
school board meetings, filibuster meetings, picket the construction site,
lobby the financial community with anti-bond literature, picket the school
and this precedent has already been established, petition to have the
Board recalled for failure to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities
relative to school maintenance, have the school declared unsafe for use by
various enforcement agencies, petition the court for an injunction against
the issuance of the bond, or all of the above.
This community cannot afford a tax associated with the bond and pay
for the teacher’s retirement fund shortfall and the maintenance
shortfalls of the middle and elementary school facilities, and the
existing and future salary investment increases.
Your argument that the new high school will improve property values
is ludicrous. There will be
no market for homes with property taxes $5,000 and up, with annual double
digit increases. Stop this
irresponsible madness now. This
housing market will be satiated. You
are about to destroy this community.
Stop now.”
Mrs.
Donna Tull, Levittown, PA, employee of Neshaminy School District works at
Samuel Everitt Elementary School has requested the Board to allow Mrs.
Kelly to remain as Principal at Samuel Everitt.
Mrs. Tull noted that Mrs. Kelly is a breathe of fresh air and as
the year goes on everyone is falling more in love with her and the
students are falling more in love with her. Anything that could be done would be greatly appreciated.
Mr.
Paul Schneider, Langhorne, PA noted that at one of the last school board
meetings Mr. Schoenstadt ended the meeting with the importance of thinking
about the children. Mr.
Schneider noted that these same children’s grandparents may need to move
away because they can no longer afford the taxes in the district. Think
about the children who will be up routed from nonpublic schools, which
they attend, at minimal taxpayers expense, since their parents can no
longer afford the tuition and the rising taxes.
Children will not be able to live in this district when they are
grownups because of the high tax rate that a high school and project of
this magnitude will thrust upon the community.
Mr. Schneider stated that the decisions that are being made are
decisions that will carry on for at least one, probably two generations.
Mr. Schneider would appreciate a decision of that magnitude being
addressed by a public vote and not by a small group of people.
Ms.
Kelly Leipziger, Levittown, PA, 4th grader at Samuel Everitt
Elementary School, stated how much everyone loves Mrs. Kelly.
Kelly stated that her school sent letters, however she wanted the
Board to know how much Mrs. Kelly means to the students.
Kelly stated that Mrs. Kelly is full of pep and laughter.
Whenever you see her she makes you smile.
Mrs. Kelly has helped Kelly with fractions and this made her feel
very special. When Dr.
Abraham left, so did a lot of Kelly’s friends because they had to go to
Schweitzer. Mrs. Kelly has filled the position ten times over and please
consider leaving her at Everitt.
Mrs.
Debbie Donaldson, Levittown, PA, read the following letter in support of
keeping Mrs. Kelly:
“I am writing to
express how important I feel it is to keep Dawn Kelly as Principal of
Samuel Everitt Elementary School. I
am not only a parent of children who have graduated and currently attend
Samuel Everitt, but I am also a Neshaminy School District substitute and I
work in the office and with the children at the school.
I am also a member of the PTO.
Mrs. Kelly has been a wonderful addition to Samuel Everitt
Elementary. The transition from Dr. Abraham to Mrs. Kelly went so
smoothly I know that the parents and staff were so pleased and relieved.
From the first time Mrs. Kelly introduced herself at Back to School
Night everyone was put to ease instantly.
She was clearly an automatic fit to Samuel Everitt.
As a parent I am so happy to see Mrs. Kelly.
She attends all functions at Everitt while making herself visible
and available for parents to get to know her.
Mrs. Kelly is very approachable and always willing to listen and
resolve any parent issues and concerns.
She has also shown how important the children’s safety is to her.
Mrs. Kelly has gone out to her car and driven to bus stops to solve
problems. As a substitute in
the office I have witnessed Mrs. Kelly talking to the children.
They all respect her and they are attached to her.
She is truly an asset to Samuel Everitt Elementary School.
She has certainly proven that she is caring and dedicated and she
is the Principal that the school honestly needs.
I really think it would be a mistake to not let her return.
Thank you.”
The residents of Flowers
Mills requested to be excused due to a residence meeting at Flowers Mill.
Mrs.
Butville noted that Mr. Wilson has been very specific regarding the
recommendation of the Steering Committee, and if the district could afford
same the best idea would be a new high school.
Mr. Wilson noted that Dr. Boccuti provides that information and he
reads the recommendation verbatim.
Ms.
Drioli stated that the School Board does not have any control over Mrs.
Kelly’s situation.
5.
Item
for Discussion – 2003 – 2004 Working Draft of Budget
Mr.
Paradise distributed a copy of the 2003-2004 Working Draft of Budget to
the Board members. Mr.
Paradise pointed out specific areas of interest to Board Members:
·
Page 3-4
Budget Preparation Calendar – Work began on November l5, 2002
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Page 9
Basis of Accounting – Summary of Accounting procedures
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Page
18-19 Summary of Facilities –
Additions/Renovations/Acreage/Square Footage/Enrollment
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Page 2l Enrollment Projections
2003-2004
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Page
23 Twenty year enrollment cycle and
future enrollment projections
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Page
26 Certified and Administrative Staff
Positions– By Department/Building
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Page
28
Support Staff Positions – By Department/Building
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Page
32-33
Summary of General Fund Expenditures
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Instructional
Programs
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Support
Services
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Non-Instructional
Programs
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Facility
Improvements
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Other
Financing
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Page
35
10 Year Value/Millage History and 10 Year Fund Balance History
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Page
36-37
Employer Contribution Rate History/Employee Contribution Rate
History
Mrs.
Butville noted that when the Administration is going through the budget if
they could break down the fuel costs, salaries, etc. and what it equates
to in actual dollars.
Dr.
Spitz questioned whether there were any other staff changes assumed other
then contracted reductions. Mr.
Paradise responded he did not believe there were and the changes would
occur in the elementary schools. Mr.
Paradise noted that this does not reflect retirements.
Mr.
Eccles questioned the forecast of students at Tawanka Learning Center.
Mr. Wilson noted that if students from other districts would attend
they would be paying tuition to attend.
Mr.
Paradise read an excerpt from Governor Rendell’s Budget Address to the
Pennsylvania Legislature on March 25th.
“In
the last ten years Pennsylvania’s property taxes have increased by an
average of 54.9%. We all know
that these taxes have increased to make up for declining state share of
public education funding. The
numbers are shocking. In the
Springford School District in Montgomery County, for example, property
taxes have increased 185% from 1991.
In the Pocono Mountain School District the increase from 1991 is
114%. It would be bad enough
if these districts were the exception, but unfortunately, they are
increasingly the rule when it comes to property tax hikes.
In fact, 40 school districts in Pennsylvania have increased
property taxes by more then 100% since 1992.
Another 130 school districts have implemented increases of more
then 70% and 255 school districts have been forced to hike property taxes
by more then 50% in the last 10 years.”
Mr.
Paradise noted that Neshaminy’s taxes have increased by 37% over the
last 9 years. Based on the
facts presented by the Governor Neshaminy is below the state average
increase and below the majority of school district’s statewide.
Mr.
Paradise noted that the future areas of discussions will be:
l.
Monitor Governor’s proposals for increases in education subsidies
2.
What types of increases in other areas
3.
Revenues
4.
Investment of receipts – interest rates are poor having a
negative effect
5.
Health insurance issues – self-insurance, pre-funding,
retrospective funding
6.
Elementary Computer lab issue
7.
Fuel oil bids
8.
Technical School budget/ IU budget
9.
Staff retirements
Ms.
Drioli inquired whether the Governor will entertain some type of freeze on
property taxes for seniors. Mr.
Paradise stated he is convinced that there will be some type of
legislation that will limit the budget increases, however, how that will
be implemented is unknown.
Mr.
Wilson stated that he has recently heard public criticism of past
Administrations and past Boards which are unjustified.
The Bucks County Economic Development Corporation has awarded
Neshaminy School District a gold medal.
Mr. Wilson read:
“Expansion
management conducts annual surveys of all school districts nationwide,
ranks the responding districts according to criteria such as student
performance, teacher excellence and taxpayer value.
The gold medal that Neshaminy has received reflects outstanding
performance in each criteria and demonstrates that Neshaminy continues to
produce exemplary students for the work force in our area.
Excellence in education is a vital component of successful economic
development. A well educated
labor force benefits our outstanding local business community and is an
attraction for new business. Congratulations
on this significant achievement.”
Robert F. Cormack
Executive Director
Mr.
Wilson noted that the achievement level of Neshaminy is in the 2009-2010
standard level according to No Child Left Behind.
Dr.
Spitz requested that discussion ensue regarding expense initiatives since
most Board members have returned their responses.
Dr. Spitz stated the following initiatives were chosen by a
majority of the Board members for consideration:
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Eliminate copy center and
replace with copy machines at individual schools
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Freeze
support staff positions district wide subject to state mandates
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Develop
plan for district wide secretarial pool
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Develop
plan for middle school certified staff to teach a full 25 periods a week
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Lead
teachers teaching 15 periods
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Faculty
manager
·
Staffing
at high school
·
Providing
transportation to special education students – in house rather then
contracting out
Mr.
Paradise advised that the district is looking into whether it is
financially advantageous to place copy machines into the individual
schools.
Mr.
Paradise also advised that the transportation of special education
students is also being examined at this time.
Mr.
Eccles inquired as to the balance of the fund balance.
Mr. Paradise stated that the audited fund balance as of June 30,
2002 was $7.6M, however, in the current year budget 2002-2003 it was
stated that $2.3M of that amount to balance the budget and not levy taxes
for that amount. Mr. Paradise
advised that the district under expends and, hopefully, over receives, and
that is how money is added to the fund balance. One of the things that negatively affects the fund balance is
current interest rates being very low and a bad economy.
Mr.
Eccles inquired as to whether the assessment of the budget is accurate.
Mr. Paradise stated that it is accurate as of today.
The budget is a public process, which is ongoing.
Mr. Wilson noted that what is seen in the working draft is realty
with regards to what the contracts are costing.
However, the revenues are not being taken into consideration.
Mr.
Soifer commented that legitimately $2M will be needed to be added for
maintenance of the buildings and that is critical.
Mr. Soifer noted that bond issues are not meant to be for normal,
standard maintenance. Discussion
ensued amongst Board members regarding the maintenance issues and whether
shortfalls exist in the budget regarding maintenance.
Mr. Paradise noted that shortfalls have occurred for years
regarding maintenance and regular maintenance needs to occur every year.
Mr. Paradise would like to see a capital contribution to be
designated for maintenance.
Dr.
Spitz noted that at the Finance Meeting there was consensus to put forth a
plan to do the following. Put
additional money into the bond issue to cover the capital needs and
funding of maintenance for the next 3-5 years and in the meantime invest
money into a capital reserve fund. Mr.
Soifer suggested that the district start right now putting money away into
a capital reserve account. Dr.
Spitz noted that at the informational meetings it was the consensus of the
public that they want the district to properly fund the maintenance of the
buildings so they do not fall into disrepair.
There
was Board consensus to have Mr. Paradise look into what is involved in
setting up a capital reserve fund.
Mr.
Wilson advised the Board of the following:
·
The district is freezing
support staff positions.
·
The
secretarial pool concept is done at the district offices; however, it is
virtually impossible to use that concept at the high school due to the
location of the offices.
·
The junior high way of
running a middle school needs to be addressed by the Educational
Development Committee and be reviewed.
·
The faculty manager position
is resolved due to a resignation.
·
The
lead teachers in the core areas spend most of their time regarding PSSA
testing and aligning the curriculum with standards.
If the lead teachers return to two periods there can be a savings
of approximately $l70,000.
·
The
copy center concept will be explored
Mr.
Schoenstadt questioned the enrollment at the Tawanka Learning Center and
stated that it was guaranteed that for the first year we would not bring
students from other districts even if they met the criteria.
Mr. Schoenstadt reminded that it was stated that the facility was
to be a profit center. Mr.
Schoenstadt requested to see the projections for using the staff that
exists now and bringing in an additional 38 students to bring the
enrollment to 52 students. What
staff additions would be necessary to bring in an additional 30-40
students. Monies need to be
generated and as we begin to speak about the revenue portion of the budget
we can begin to incorporate that building as a profit center without
changing the district’s criteria.
Mr.
Soifer inquired if students are allowed into the facility from other
districts, does the district loss some control of their criteria because
of protection under the confidentiality act.
Mr. Wilson responded that if the district contracts out to other
students special education students will not be accepted from another
district. Mr. Wilson stated
that the district can put into the agreement with other districts that if
the student accepted is not up to the district’s standards and meets our
behavior expectations they will return to the sending district.
Ms.
Drioli suggested turning the facility into a Charter School and the
district should look into that concept.
Mr. Wilson suggested that the solicitor should look into the
legalities of the situation.
Dr.
Spitz raised a concern regarding the 2002-2003 figures.
Mr. Paradise noted that they are the adjusted budget with the
federal programs removed and any budget transfers that have been approved
by the Board to date. Dr.
Spitz is concerned about over-budgeting in the support area and it has
nothing to do with providing programs or services.
Mr. Paradise advised that he will provide the details and under
spending is an accomplished. The
district zero base budgets and builds from zero up.
The Administration makes a very strong effort to protect the Board
by not getting too close to the budget, because were that to occur the
Board would be in a troublesome position.
Mr. Paradise noted that every account is analyzed to see were the
budgeting was off.
Dr.
Spitz requested more details regarding what was budgeted and what was
actually spent. Mr. Paradise
advised that such detail can be provided to the Board.
Mr. Paradise further advised that accounting, state requirements
and auditing requirements necessitate that federal programs and other
programs be included.
Mr.
Wilson noted that Mr. Jones is in contact with the insurance
representatives and hopefully there may be some more options that can be
provided to the Board at the next meeting.
Mr.
Eccles questioned whether all the contracts, whether it be for fuel, oil,
gas, health insurance, etc. are bid every year.
Mr. Paradise noted that health insurance is not bid annually.
Mr.
Wilson noted that Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Personal Choice are specifically
named in the contracts. Mr.
Wilson advised that does not make them very competitive. Mr. Eccles noted that Aetna is comparable and they also have
a step up option.
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that a clause in the contract exists whereat the Board
committee and a committee of the union can get together and examine the
options.
Mrs.
Butville suggested whether it would beneficial to speak with other
districts and try to get a county wide insurance package, which would
include districts throughout the county and attract better rates. Mr. Jones noted that has been looked into and problems exist
with that concept since other districts are in worse condition then
Neshaminy.
6.
Items
for Approval
a)
Overnight
Trips
i)
State
Bowl for Future Problem Solving – Neshaminy Middle, Maple Point Middle,
Neshaminy High School to Harrisburg – April 25-26, 2003
ii)
History
Club Trip – Neshaminy High School to Boston/Newport – May 16-18, 2003
iii)
Mid
Atlantic Wheelabrator Symposium – Poquessing Middle School to Harrisburg
May 27-28, 2003
Mr.
Wyatt noted that trips to New York, Baltimore, Washington, and
Williamsburg have been canceled, but are being rescheduled.
There
was board consensus for the students to attend.
b)
IU#22 Special Education Contracted Services for 2003 – 2004
This
will be presented on the agenda for approval at the April 22, 2003 Public
meeting. Mr. Wilson has
requested Dr. Muenker to research whether the district can operate some of
its own programs within the district.
c)
Bid/s Budget Transfers
Information
distributed prior to the meeting. Mr.
Paradise reviewed the following bids:
Bid
No. 04-02 Athletic/Physical Education Supplies
Bid
Amount: $92,092.48
The
bid is for supplies for physical education programs and various team
sports for school year 2003/2004.
Bid No. 04-03
Technology Education Supplies
Bid
Amount: $12,324.28
The
bid is for supplies for the instruction of industrial technology including
design, problem solving and research and development for school year
2003/2004.
Bid No. 04-05 School Agendas
Bid Amount:
$22,309.76
The bid is for agendas and teacher planners
for all secondary schools.
Bid No. 04-06 Transportation Parts Supplies
Bid Amount:
$110,2l4.18
The bid is for various supplies for
maintenance of District vehicles for school year 2003/2004.
Quantities on this bid are estimated.
The actual quantities purchased may vary from this estimate but
will not exceed the total recommended for award.
The four bids and Budget
Transfer Report No. 03-6 (working copy) will be presented for approval at
the April 22nd Public Meeting.
7.
Superintendent’s Report
None.
8.
Committee Reports
a.
Board Policies
Mrs. Butville advised that
a meeting will be scheduled shortly regarding policies concerning No Child
Left Behind.
b.
Educational
Development
Dr.
Spitz advised a meeting was held and discussion ensued regarding
elementary computer labs. The
estimated costs for the labs were $409,600 for eight schools.
The concern raised was whether the elementary schools needed to be
rewired to accommodate the new labs.
Mr. Paradise advised that the electrical upgrades would be
approximately $500,000.
c.
Facilities/Finance
Committee
Mr.
Soifer advised that a meeting was held.
Specifically, capital improvements were discussed and how that
funding would be possible.
d.
Intermediate
Unit Board
No
report.
e.
Educational
Foundation
No
report.
f.
Technical School Board
Mrs.
Butville advised that the graduation is scheduled for June 13, 2003.
The tech school trips have not yet been canceled.
Two mobile computer labs are in use with 30 lap tops each.
Technology plan is two years ahead of time and $2M under budget.
Teachers need to justify why they want to use the computer.
Tech person has an in-service day for any teacher in the school who
wants computer knowledge. The
support staff contract is ongoing. The
budget process is also underway.
g.
Technology
Mr.
Stack advised that a meeting was held on March 26, 2003 and major points
discussed were the elementary computer labs.
The Hoover School was discussed, library additions at each
elementary library and finally, wireless technology on an experimental
basis. Dr. Boccuti will be
distributing an updated breakdown of the PC’s within the district.
9.
Future
Topics
10.
Agenda Development for
the April 22, 2003 Public Meeting
1l.
Correspondence
No
correspondence was received.
12.
Other Board Business
Mrs.
Butville advised that the National School Boards Association held its
conference. The main emphasis
was on No Child Left Behind. Other
topics discussed were school safety and security, raising and tracking
student achievement and passing bond issues and obtaining community
involvement. Ms. Drioli
advised that a seminar she attended was regarding No Child Left Behind and
it was designed to have the public school system fail, hence charter
schools and voucher systems were put into place.
Ms.
Drioli would like the senior projects to include documentation of the
senior’s experiences through World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, etc.
Some students could be using the senior project as a way to meet
and discuss issues with the senior citizen community.
Ms. Drioli also suggested a service to senior citizens, such as
managing yards, removing large trash items, bushes trimmed, etc. could be
performed by the seniors at the high school and make same part of the
senior project.
Ms.
Drioli advised that a documentary will be aired on the History Channel by
a gentlemen from Haegen Construction.
Mr. Haegen advised that he would come to the district and speak
with the students and provide to them information regarding producing
videos, tapes, etc.
13.
Adjournment
of Meeting
Mr.
Schoenstadt moved the meeting be adjourned and Mr. Soifer seconded the
motion. The Board voted to
adjourn the meeting with seven ayes. Mr. Wilson adjourned the meeting at 10:30 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Anita E.
Walls
Board
Secretary |
