Carlynton School District

 

Regular Voting Meeting

August 20, 2009

Carlynton Jr.-Sr. High School Library – 7:30 p.m.

 

minutes

The Carlynton School District Board of Education conducted its Regular Voting Meeting Thursday, August 20, 2009 in the library of the junior-senior high school. Attendance included President Thomas Brown, Vice President Patricia Schirripa and Directors Thomas DiPietro, Sandra Hughan, Ronald McCartney, David Roussos, Betsy Tassaro and Raymond Walkowiak. Also present was Superintendent Michael Panza and Solicitor Ira Weiss. Administrators in attendance included Business Manager Kirby Christy and Principals Jacie Maslyk, Robert Susini, Courtney Tempest and Christopher Very. The audience was comprised of three individuals and two members of the press.

 

 

Call to order - The meeting was called to order by President Brown at 7:31 pm. Carnegie Elementary Principal Christopher Very led the pledge. The roll was called by Recording Secretary Michale Herrmann. Director Wilson was excused from the meeting.

 

public comment on business before the board: None

approval of minutes:

Director Tassaro moved, seconded by Director DiPietro, to approve the minutes of the August 6, 2009 Agenda Setting/Committee/Voting Meeting as presented. 

On a voice vote, the motion carried 6-0-2 with Directors Hughan and McCartney abstaining due to absence at the August 6th meeting.


REPORTS:

 

  • Executive Session – President Brown reported that personnel, legal and labor issues were discussed in executive session.

Ø      Principal’s and Business Manager’s Report – The principals reported that orientations went well and all is in place for the start of the new school year. Mr. Christy reported that the state audit report was received with no findings against the district. President Brown also noted that the district is independently audited and has received good reports on all accounts.

Ø      Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Panza reviewed the calendar of upcoming events and offered the following information:

§   Scheduling has been completed with only seven classes/ electives with less than 15 students; overall 245 classes are offered this year

§   The elevator safety brake has been installed

§   Information will soon be provided regarding new band uniforms

§   Discussion was held regarding Board Docs: perhaps this is not the best option for the board

§   Documents were distributed, re: Keystone Exams and the safety committee

§   The Pre-K Counts program will not operate this year (via AIU) due to the state budget being at an impasse

§   The Class of 1959 will hold a reunion the weekend of September 18th; the committee has asked to tour Carnegie Elementary. They will also be the district’s guest at the football game. As alumni, they will be donating benches for the Carnegie Elementary playground. It was suggested that they be invited to the board meeting on September 17.

·         Parkway West CTC Report – Director Hughan attended a curriculum meeting at Parkway and learned that it was suggested to incorporate ninth grade students into the programming at Parkway. She believes this would be a positive solution to the school’s declining enrollment.

·         PSBA-Legislative – Director Walkowiak announced that the state budget stalemate is affecting some school district budgets. He also disclosed that Senate Bill 993 has been proposed to amend public school code, exempting student home addresses under the Right to Know law. In addition, the Senate Education Committee has proposed Bill 1009 which requires that one member of a school staff is trained and certified in CPR. Dr. Panza announced that the district is already in compliance. Lastly, Director Walkowiak reported that legislators will be voting to replace the PSSA with the Keystone Exams (for grade 11). The results of this test will account as one-third of a students’ final grade and will be a deciding factor as to whether a student receives a diploma, based on the outcome of the exam.

 

All Miscellaneous and Finance Items were voted upon in one motion:

I. Miscellaneous

 

Director Tassaro moved, seconded by Director Roussos, to approve the following conference request as presented:

§         C…J.Maslyk…AIU…Curriculum Designing…9/10, 10/2, 11/16

                   (Miscellaneous Item #0809-1)

 

II.    Finance

 

And the Treasurer’s Report for the month of June 2009 as presented;

 

The June 2009 bills in the amount of $6,965,153.83 as presented;

Director Hughan asked Mr. Christy where PSDLAF (Pennsylvania School Districts Liquid Assets Fund) is investing the school district’s money. Mr. Christy said the company invests with major banks such as Citibank and Key Bank and is backed by the U.S. government. He offered to contact PSDLAF and ask for a full financial statement, which he would then provide to board members once it was received.

 

The Treasurer’s Report for the month of July 2009 as presented;

 

The July 2009 bills in the amount of $1,258,877.31 as presented;

 

The Athletic Fund Report for the month of July 2009 as presented; (Finance Item #0809-1)

 

The Activities Fund Report for the month of July 2009 as presented; (Finance Item #0809-2)

 

The Service Agreement between the district and The Watson Institute for the 2009-2010 school year as presented. Payment is rendered only when services are used;  (Finance Item #0809-3)

 

The Service Agreement between the district and Wesley Spectrum Academy for the 2009-2010 school year, as presented. Payment is rendered only when services are used.   (Finance Item #0809-4)

On a ROLL CALL vote, the motion carried 8-0.

 

III.  Personnel

Director Hughan moved, seconded by Director DiPietro, to approve the 2009-2010 Day-to-Day Substitute List as presented and reviewed by administration;  (Personnel Item #0809-1)

 

The following additions to the 2009-2010 Supplemental Activities List as presented:

§   Andrew Kolar, Assistant Band Director

§   Caitlin Cready, Drum Instructor/Percussion

                          (Personnel Item #0809-2)

        

Resignation of Ida Prevost, Crafton Elementary Cafeteria Worker, effective immediately, and to approve anticipated posting;  (Personnel Item #0809-3)

 

Temporary Professional Employee Contract to the following individual for the 2009-2010 school year, under the terms and conditions of the CFT collective bargaining agreement:

§         Amanda Trombetta, Mathematics

 

Furlough employees SCA#09-10 and SCA#09-11 due to a change in programs; (Personnel Item #0809-4)

 

Recall furloughed employee SCA#09-10 due to additional needs within the district;

 

The anticipated posting for the position of a personal care/instructional aide;

 

The salary increases for the confidential secretaries as recommended;

 

The addition to the 2009-2010 Supplemental Athletic Contract List as follows:

§   Caitlyn McManus – Varsity Head Swim Coach

      (Pending receipt of all necessary documentation)

         (Personnel Item #0809-5)

 

Name Kirby Christy as district representative to the county earned income tax committee. 

On a voice vote, the motion carried 8-0.

 

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

  • Discussion: The 300, 400 and 500 Policy Series – Director Walkowiak questioned how the concerns regarding policies should be addressed. President Brown suggested that any and all concerns be brought forward to Dr. Panza and he can forward to all other directors. Director Walkowiak asked that the board move along on the policies and not delay the process. Director Roussos added that some concerns may need to be discussion openly at the board meetings.

 

  • PSBA Membership – It was learned that the dues to PSBA must be paid by end of September. President Brown asked Dr. Panza to compile a synopsis of all costs and benefits versus non-benefits.

 

NEW BUSINESS: In an effort to responsibly keep an eye on the budget and expenditures, Director Walkowiak asked Mr. Christy for an explanation of how bills are received and invoiced. President Brown suggested that any board member can contact Mr. Christy with any budgetary questions.

 

OPEN FORUM: Rev. Edward Bowen of the Crafton United Presbyterian Church announced that his church members will provide an after-school tutoring program for students in grades 7-9. The church also collected new backpack and school supplies for students and provided these items to over 70 students.

 

Resident and parent Nyra Schell suggested that additional information about the Keystone Exams be passed along to parents. She also asked that the PSSA scores/results be made public. Dr. Panza assured her that once scores are received and compiled, he would gladly share the information.

   

ADJOURNMENT:  With no further business to discuss, Director Hughan moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:43 pm, seconded by Director Roussos.  By voice vote, the motion carried 8-0.