ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Legislative Agenda
May 28, 2015
7:30 p.m.
I.
Call to Order
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
III.
Roll Call
Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
Bid Opening Minutes of May 6, 2015 – Glenwood Elementary Fire Alarm
Replacement
Bid Opening Minutes of May 6, 2015 – Glenwood, Indian Lane Cabinet
Unit Heater Replacement and Rose Tree Elementary Crawl Space
Ventilation
Bid Opening Minutes of May 6, 2015 – Indian Lane Leak Remediation
Bid Opening Minutes of May 6, 2015 – Rose Tree Elementary PA/Clock
System
Presentations and Awards
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
IV
Pledge of Allegiance
Penncrest High School Hi-Q Team
Penncrest High School All State Musicians
Penncrest High School Boys Track Team
Penncrest High School Boys Lacrosse Team
Springton Lake Middle School Girls Track Team
Springton Lake Middle School Boys Track Team
Penncrest High School National Art Society
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VI.
Student Liaison Reports
Board Liaison Reports
Committee Highlights and Reports
School Reports
Superintendent’s Report
Solicitor’s Report
President’s Report
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each)
A.
Agenda
RTMEA – Sue Williamson
1
May 28, 2015
VII.
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Old Business
A.
IX.
Policies
1.
Policy #249 Bullying/Cyberbullying
2.
Policy #909 Municipal Government Relations
New Business
A.
X.
Rose Tree Media Residents
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
c.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
d.
Supplemental Contracts
e.
Other – See Attachments C, D and E
Finance
A.
B.
Agenda
Purchasing
1.
HVAC CUH Replacement & Piping at Indian Lane Elementary
School and Glenwood Elementary and Crawl Space Ventilation at
Rose Tree Elementary School
2.
PA/Clock System – Rose Tree Elementary School
3.
Fire Alarm System Replacement – Glenwood Elementary School
4.
Leak Remediation – Indian Lane Elementary School
General
1.
Budgetary Transfers
2.
Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion – See attachment F
3.
2015/2016 General Fund Budget – See Attachment G
4.
Hidden Hollow and Knowlton Swim Club Contract – Springton Lake
Middle School
5.
Music Theatre International Contract – Summer School Program
6.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt – Contract Ratification
7.
Earth Engineering Inc. Contract – Penncrest Stadium
8.
Joseph A. Walter Company Boiler/Burner Service Contract
9.
Donation
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May 28, 2015
C.
D.
XI.
10.
Mill Creek School Contract
11.
Epic Health Services Contract
12.
ATI Physical Therapy Contract
13.
Extended School Year Agreement/Contract
Financials for April 2015
Bill Lists for April 2015
Adjournment
ANNOUNCEMENT
There will be an executive session of the School Board for matters of personnel at
6:30 p.m. prior to the Legislative Meeting of June 25, 2015, at Penncrest High School.
The Legislative Meetings are recorded on tape.
Agenda
3
May 28, 2015
Rose Tree Media School District
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-6136
Fax: 610-627-6136
www.rtmsd.org
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Services
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James Wigo, Superintendent
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
May 28, 2015
Minutes of the April 28, 2015 Legislative Meeting
I. Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
____________________________________________________________________________
Board Members in Attendance:
John Hanna, President
Tracy Barusevicius
Nancy Mackrides
Susan Nolen
William O’Donnell
Elizabeth Schneider
Bill Tyson
Students:
Tanner Daggy
Allison D’Ignazio
Michaela Rhile
Riley George
Absent:
Absent:
Nancy Fronduti
Harry Postles
Also in Attendance:
Eric Bucci, Principal Glenwood
Anne Callahan, Director of HR
Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, Dir.PS and Sp. Ed.
Donald DiPaulo, Asst. Principal SLMS
William Dougherty, Asst. Principal PHS
Grace Eves, Dir. Management Services
Joseph Fuhr, Principal SYA
Ron Harris, Network Specialist
Ralph Harrison, Principal PHS
Heather Hogan, Accountant
Thomas Kelly, Esq., Solicitor
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
Patti Linden, Director Technology
Kim McCann-Roller, Info. Tech. Spec.
Jenny Robinson, Principal Rose Tree Elem.
Robert Salladino, Principal SLMS
Christine Seeley, Acting Principal IL
Sharon Sweeney, Asst. Principal PHS
Steve Taylor, Asst. Superintendent
Paula Voshell, Principal Media Elementary
Kathy White, Asst. Principal Springton Lake MS
James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
1
May 28, 2015
II. A. Approval of Minutes
A.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of March 26, 2015
B.
Bid Minutes of April 9, 2015 HVAC Equipment Replacement 1st Floor at Media
Elementary – Electrical
C.
Bid Minutes of April 9, 2015 HVAC Equipment Replacement 1st Floor at Media
Elementary – Mechanical
D.
Bid Minutes of April 9, 2015 Men’s Locker Room HVAC Renovations at Penncrest
High School – HVAC Construction
E.
Bid Minutes of April 9, 2015 Men’s Locker Room HVAC Renovations at Penncrest
High School – Electric Construction
F.
Bid Minutes of April 9, 2015 PA Clock System at Rose Tree Elementary
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 90
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Legislative Meeting Minutes of March
26, 2015 and all of the Bid Minutes of April 9, 2015.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan Nolen, Bill
O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Nancy Fronduti and Harry Postles
II. B. New Business
A.
Addendum
1.
Terminations – None
2.
Nominations
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 91
Resolve, the Board of School Directors appoint Ralph Harrison, Principal of Penncrest
High School effective April 29, 2015 at the annual salary of $147,115. Mr. Harrison is
replacing Richard Gregg who resigned.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan Nolen, Bill
O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Nancy Fronduti and Harry Postles
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
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May 28, 2015
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
Penncrest High School Boys’ Track Team Indoor State
Championship Medalists
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 92
Resolve, the Board of School Directors honor the Boys’ Track Indoor State Medalists:
The Boys’ Track coaches include George Munro and Rob Brown.
a.
5th Place Medalist 4 x 400 Relay: Dion Durnell, Evan Emmanuel, Soham
Kamat and JJ Teal.
b.
Silver Medalist 4 x 800 Relay: Evan Emmanuel, Brendan Hanna, Soham
Kamat and JJ Teal.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan Nolen, Bill
O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Nancy Fronduti and Harry Postles
B.
Eagle Scouts of America
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Ms. Nolen seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 93
Resolve, the Board of School Directors present the Rose Tree Media Award to the
following for achieving Eagle Scout Rank: Hunter Faddis, Kellen Randall and Richard
Zachar.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan Nolen, Bill
O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Nancy Fronduti and Harry Postles
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
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May 28, 2015
IV
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VI.
RTMEA – Sue Williamson
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Student Liaison Reports
Board Liaison Reports
Committee Highlights and Reports – In Official Minutes of April 28, 2015
School Reports – In Official Minutes of April 28, 2015
Superintendent’s Report – In Official Minutes of April 28, 2015
Solicitor’s Report – In Official Minutes of April 28, 2015
President’s Report – In Official Minutes of April 28, 2015
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each)
A.
VII.
“Brain Breaks – Move to Learn” - Indian Lane Elementary School
Rose Tree Media Residents – six members of the public spoke
Old Business
A.
2015 – 2016 School Year Calendar – See Attachment A in Official Minutes of
April 28, 2015
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 94
Resolve, the Board of School Directors adopt the 2015-2016 School Year Calendar.
The 2015-2016 School Year Calendar was discussed at the February and April 2015
Committee Meetings.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan Nolen, Bill
O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Nancy Fronduti and Harry Postles
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
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May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
c.
Supplemental Contracts
d.
Create New Position
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Ms. Nolen seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 95
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following New Business:
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
1.
b.
Bridget Martin, Elementary Teacher, Indian Lane Elementary,
resignation effective June 30, 2015.
Non-Instructional
1.
Ivan Brown, Maintenance Foreman, retirement effective June
26, 2015. Mr. Brown joined the staff of Rose Tree Media
School District in 1999. He is retiring after 16 years of
dedicated service.
2.
Suzanne Iannetti, Secretary III, Glenwood Elementary,
retirement effective June 30, 2015. Ms. Iannetti joined the
staff of Rose Tree Media School District in 1992. She is
retiring after 23 years of dedicated service.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
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May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
Marion Brower, School Nurse, retirement effective June 23,
2015. Ms. Brower joined the staff of Rose Tree Media School
District in 2004. She is retiring after 11 years of dedicated
service.
4.
Charles Kennedy, Bus Driver, retirement effective June 30,
2015. Mr. Kennedy joined the staff of Rose Tree Media
School District in 2004. He is retiring after 11 years of
dedicated service.
5.
Cynthia Martin, Support Staff II, Springton Lake Middle
School, retirement effective June 12, 2015.
Ms. Martin joined the staff of Rose Tree Media School District
in 1997. She is retiring after 18 years of dedicated service.
6.
2.
Susan Dunn, Cafeteria Worker, Rose Tree Elementary,
resignation effective April 9, 2015.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
Kelsey Ploppert, Long Term Substitute Elementary Teacher
effective April 24, 2015 at the annual salary of $45,953.00,
Bachelor’s Degree/Step 1 to be pro-rated. Ms. Ploppert
received her Bachelor’s Degree from Neumann University.
She is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary.
3.
Katherine Magliochetti, Homebound Instructor effective April
24, 2015 at the rate of $46.00 per hour.
3.
Lauren Ardente, Long Term Substitute Math Teacher effective
April 24, 2015 at the annual salary of $45,953.00, Bachelor’s
Degree/Step 1 to be pro-rated. Ms. Ardente received her
Bachelor’s Degree from West Chester University. She is
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School replacing Lawrence
Twiss.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
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May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
Michele Durkee, Substitute Cafeteria Worker, effective April
24, 2015 at the rate of $10.98 per hour. NOTE: Ms. Durkee is
being hired pending completion of her pre-employment
paperwork.
2.
Aimee Kimmel, Substitute Cafeteria Worker effective April 24,
2015 at the rate of $10.98 per hour. NOTE: Ms. Kimmel is
being hired pending completion of her pre-employment
paperwork.
3.
Recommend Board approval for the following personnel to
serve as Substitute Maintenance Workers for Summer 2015 at
the rate of $12.00 per hour:
John Barbosa
John Blaisse
Joshua Bloom
Nicholas Boleto
4.
Samantha Finsterbusch
Daniel Graham
Scott Patton
Recommend Board approval for the following Penncrest High
School personnel to serve as Jr./Sr. Prom Chaperones at the
rate of $25.00 per hour:
Linda Kilpatrick
Charron Verica
5.
Ruediger Oreskovich, Substitute Bus Driver, effective April 24,
2015 at the rate of $22.40 per hour. Mr. Oreskovich is
assigned to the Transportation Department. NOTE: Mr.
Oreskovich is being hired pending completion of his preemployment paperwork.
6.
Heather Hackenbrack, Payroll Clerk III, effective May 4, 2015
at the annual salary of $43,024.46. Ms. Hackenbrack is
assigned to the Education Center replacing Judy Blair who
retired. NOTE: Ms. Hackenbrack is being hired pending
completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
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May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
a.
b.
c.
Classification Change
1.
Denise Roach from Bus Driver to Bus Aide effective April 7,
2015 at the rate of $14.72 per hour. This is a temporary
reassignment.
2.
Kathleen Tangradi from Bus Driver to Bus Aide effective April
9, 2015 at the rate of $14.72 per hour. This is a temporary
reassignment.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
Julie Plater requests an unpaid leave of absence for child
rearing during the first semester of the 2015-2016 school year
for the purpose of child rearing.
2.
Christine Cropper requests an unpaid leave of absence
effective February 27, 2015 through April 27, 2015.
3.
Jeannie Richter requests an unpaid leave of absence for
professional growth during the 2015-2016 school year.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
d.
Steven Silva, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the second
semester 2014-2015 school year at the annual salary of
$580.00. Mr. Silva is assigned to Penncrest High School.
Create New Position
1.
Recommend Board approval to create a new (.2) LTS Chinese
Teacher Position at Penncrest High School for the 2015-2016
school year. The Chinese program is attracting more students,
the addition of a (.2) LTS will enable the World Language
Department to staff all the projected sections. This staffing
increase was discussed at the April 2015 Curriculum and
Instruction Committee Meeting.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
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May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
Create New Position
2.
Recommend Board approval to increase the (.6) Music
Teacher at Penncrest High School to a 1.0 position for the
2015-2016 school year. The Choral Music position is being
restored to 1.0 FTE as a result of projected enrollments for the
2015-2016 school year. This staffing increase was discussed
at the April 2015 Curriculum and instruction Committee
Meeting.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan Nolen, Bill
O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Nancy Fronduti and Harry Postles
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
1.
Simon Youth Academy Student Leadership Retreat – Washington, DC
2.
Penncrest High School Students to Ricket’s Glen State Park
3.
Penncrest High School Future Business Leaders Club - Chicago, IL
4.
Springton Lake Middle School Science Olympiad Students -Huntingdon, PA
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 96
B.
Overnight Trips
1.
Simon Youth Academy Student Leadership Retreat
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a request for an overnight
field trip submitted for 4 students from the RTM SYA program to attend a
Student Leadership Retreat to Washington, DC from 6/14-6/20/2015.
Students will be transported by Amtrak train. Substitute costs are $306.00
dollars. All other costs are being paid for by the Simon Youth Foundation.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
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May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
2.
Penncrest High School Students to Ricket’s Glen State Park – Benton, PA
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a request for an
overnight field trip submitted for students from Penncrest to travel to
Ricket’s Glen State Park in Benton, PA from 5/8-5/10/2015. Costs are being
paid for by students. There are no costs to the District.
3.
Penncrest High School Future Business Leaders of America - Chicago, IL
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a request for an
overnight field trip submitted by Penncrest High School Future Business
Leaders of America to attend the FBLA National Leadership Conference in
Chicago, IL. from 6/29-7/2/15. This trip is provisional on students qualifying
at the FBLA State Leadership Conference competition in April. All costs are
paid for by students.
4.
Springton Lake Middle School Science Olympiad Students – Huntingdon,
PA
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a request for an
overnight field trip submitted for SLMS Science Olympiad students to attend
the State Science Olympiad Competition in Huntingdon, PA from 4/244/25/15. Substitute costs are $408.00, transportation costs are $2,840.00,
and lodging/meal costs are $1,350.00. Costs to students are $15.00. All
other expenses are paid by the District and were included in the building
budget for the 2014-2015 school year.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan Nolen, Bill
O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Nancy Fronduti and Harry Postles
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
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May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
C.
2014-2015 Revised School Year Calendar – See Attachment B in Official Minutes
of April 28, 2015.
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 97
Resolve, the Board of School Directors adopt the revised 2014-2015 School Year
Calendar.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan Nolen, Bill
O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Nancy Fronduti and Harry Postles
X.
Finance
A.
B.
Purchasing
1.
Media Elementary School First Floor HVAC Unit Replacement
2.
Penncrest Boy’s Locker Room HVAC Units Replacement
3.
Rose Tree Elementary School Roof Restoration and Gutters
General
1.
Budgetary Transfers
2.
Vehicle Donation
3.
Memorandum of Understanding with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit
4.
Fantasy World Contract
5.
Bette’s Bounces, LLC Contract
6.
Delaware County Community College Trustee Appointments
7.
Delaware County Intermediate Unit Representative Appointment
8.
2015-2016 Delaware County Intermediate Unit Budget
9.
2015-2016 Delaware County Intermediate Unit Technical School Budget
10.
2015-2016 Delaware County Intermediate Unit Special Education
Agreement
11.
2015-2016 Delaware County Community College Budget
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
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May 28, 2015
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 98
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following Finance:
X.
Finance
A.
Purchasing
Recommend the following bids be awarded in the categories listed, such
recommendation being the lowest bid received from a responsible bidder, kind,
quality and materials having been considered.
Resolve, the Board of School Directors award the following bids:
1.
Media Elementary School First Floor HVAC Unit Replacement
Contractor
Cook’s Service Co.
(HVAC Construction)
2.
Alternates
Total Amount
$118,700
$118,700
Goldhorn Electrical Cons. $ 14,654
(Electrical Construction)
Grand Total:
$ 14,654
$133,354
Penncrest Boy’s Locker Room HVAC Units Replacement
Contractor
3.
Base Bid
Base Bid
Alternates
Total Amount
Five Star, Inc.
(HVAC Construction)
$243,000
$243,000
C.A.D. Electric
(Electrical Construction)
Grand Total:
$ 13,500
$ 13,500
$256,500
Rose Tree Elementary School Roof Restoration and Gutters
Contractor
Garvey Roark, LLC
Base Bid
$30,680
Alternates
Total Amount
$38,387
$69,067
This item was discussed at the April 14, 2015 Operations Committee
meeting.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
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May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
1.
Budgetary Transfers
Rose Tree Media School District Policy #612…(Public School code section
609) when funds are not available for a proposed appropriation, a legal
transfer from one class of expenditure to another may be made in the last
nine (9) months of the fiscal year by the board.
Further resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the following
budgetary transfers:
FY 15-33 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Nonpublic Transportation –Contracted Carriers
$25,000
TO:
Vehicle Services & Maintenance Services – Repairs and
Maintenance
AMOUNT: $18,750
Transportation – Repairs and Maintenance
AMOUNT: $ 6,250
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover repairs.
FY 15-34 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Operation of Building Services – Snow Plowing Service
$10,000
TO: Operation of Building Services - Oil
AMOUNT: $10,000
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of oil.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
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May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
1.
Budgetary Transfers
FY 15-35 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Operation of Building Services – Communications
$6,000
TO: Operation of Building Services - Oil
AMOUNT: $6,000
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of oil.
This item was discussed at the April 14, 2015 Finance Committee meeting.
2.
Vehicle Donation
Further resolve, that the Board of School Directors approves the donation of
a 72 passenger bus to the Delaware County Emergency Services Training
Center. This item was discussed at the April 14, 2015 Operations
Committee meeting.
3.
Memorandum of Understanding with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit
Further resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the MOU with
the DCIU to provide transportation to students attending the TCA program
located at 710 S. Old Middletown Road, Media, PA to the Delaware County
Technical School located in Aston, PA in the event of an emergency. This
item was discussed at the April 14, 2015 Finance Committee meeting.
4.
Fantasy World Contract
Further resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the contract with
Fantasy World in the amount of $3,400 for the rental of equipment for
Penncrest’s Pride Day Celebration. This item was discussed at the April 14,
2015 Finance Committee meeting. Funding is through the Student Activity
Account at no cost to the District.
5.
Bette’s Bounces, LLC Contract
Further resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the contract with
Bette’s Bounces, LLC in the amount of $275 for the rental of equipment for
Penncrest’s Pride Day Celebration. This item was discussed at the April 14,
2015 Finance Committee meeting. Funding is through the Student Activity
Account at no cost to the District.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
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May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
6.
Delaware County Community College Trustee Appointments
Further rtesolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the trustee
appointments for the Delaware County Community College of James
Gaffney, Michael Ranck and Raymond Toto to fulfill the term of July 1, 2015
through June 30, 2021. This item was discussed at the April 14, 2015
Finance Committee meeting.
7.
Delaware County Intermediate Unit Representative Appointment
Further resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the appointment
of Nancy Mackrides to fulfill the term of July 1 2015 through June 30, 2018.
This item was discussed at the April 14, 2015 Finance Committee meeting.
8.
2015-2016 Delaware County Intermediate Unit Budget
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the 2015-2016
Delaware County Intermediate Unit Budget in the amount of $8,246,226.
Rose Tree Media School District’s share is $77,822. This item was
discussed at the April 14, 2015 Finance Committee Meeting.
9.
2015-2016 Delaware County Intermediate Unit Technical School Budget
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the 2015-2016
Delaware County Intermediate Unit Technical School Budget in the amount
of $12,286,905. Rose Tree Media School District’s share is $281,951. The
2015-2016 Special Education Technical Programs Budget is $1,153,767.
Rose Tree Media School District’s share is $10,783. This item was
discussed at the April 14, 2015 Finance Committee Meeting.
10.
2015-2016 Delaware
Agreement
County
Intermediate
Unit
Special
Education
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the 2015-2016
Delaware County Intermediate Unit Special Education Agreement in the
amount of $592,458. The total budget amount for the 2015-2016 fiscal year
is $20,090,506. This item was discussed at the April 14, 2015 Finance
Committee Meeting.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
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May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
11.
2015-2016 Delaware County Community College Budget
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the 2015-2016
Delaware County Community College Budget. Under State law, the local
sponsors’ obligation for the support of the community college’s operating
budget is the total operating balance after all other sources of revenue have
been deducted. Each sponsoring school district’s share of the local sponsor
appropriation is equal to its proportionate share of the total real estate
market valuation of all twelve sponsoring districts. The Rose Tree Media
School District’s share is $1,117,256. This item was discussed at the April
14, 2015 Finance Committee Meeting.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan Nolen, Bill
O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Nancy Fronduti and Harry Postles
X.
Finance
B.
General
12.
2015-2016 Proposed Final Budget – See Attachment C in Official Minutes of
April 28, 2015
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 99
12.
2015-2016 Proposed Final Budget
Resolve, that the Board approve the 2015-2016 Proposed Final Budget for
the Rose Tree Media School District in the amount of $90,530,654. The
Proposed Final Budget is based on the Act 1 Index for a millage increase of
1.9% for a millage rate of 23.8080. The final budget adoption will be on May
28, 2015. See Attachment C in Official Minutes of April 28, 2015. This item
was discussed at the April 14, 2015 Finance Committee Meeting.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan Nolen, Bill
O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Nancy Fronduti and Harry Postles
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
16
May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
13.
George Crothers Memorial School Contract
14.
Elwyn Contract
15.
Settlement Agreement
16.
Extended School Year Agreement for Arrowhead Day Camp
17.
Extended School Year Agreement for Elwyn T-Camp Program
18.
Extended School Year Agreement with George Crothers Memorial School
19.
Extended School Year Agreement with Camp Geronimo at the Barn
20.
Contract with the Harrison Group, See Attachment D in Official Minutes of
April 28, 2015
21.
Contract with Benefit Allocation Systems (SYS), See Attachment E in
Official Minutes of April 28, 2015
22.
Middletown Township Storm Water Controls and Best Management
Practices Operations and Maintenance Agreement
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 100
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following Finance:
X.
Finance
B.
General
13.
George Crothers Memorial School Contract
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract with George
Crothers Memorial School for a special education student with multiple
disabilities. This placement is required to meet the needs of his/her
Individual Education Program as required by IDEA. Tuition costs are
$39,310 for the 2015-2016 school year.
14.
Elwyn Contract
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract with
Elwyn for a residential student to attend the Elwyn-Davidson School
program. The per diem rate is $274.74. Costs for this student will be
reimbursed by the District of residence for the student as a 3605 student.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
17
May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
C.
General
15.
Settlement Agreement
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a settlement
agreement submitted for a special education student to provide
reimbursement to parents for tuition at a private school not to exceed
$9163.00 dollars for the remainder of the 2014-2015 school year and 2015
summer term and $26,000 for the 2016-2017 school year. Tuition
reimbursement is in place of the District providing educational placement at
an approved private school and releases the District of all obligations to
provide a free and appropriate public education as required by IDEA. This
agreement replaces a previous settlement agreement for this student due to
a change in schools. The new agreement contains reduced tuition costs.
16.
Extended School Year Agreement for Arrowhead Day Camp
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a settlement
agreement to provide ESY services for a student to attend Arrowhead Day
Camp in West Chester, PA. The tuition rate is $1,015. Tuition
reimbursement is capped at the cost the District would incur to provide ESY
services in a District-run or contracted program.
17.
Extended School Year Agreement for Elwyn T-Camp Program
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a settlement
agreement for the provision of ESY services for a student to attend the
Elwyn T-camp Program. The tuition rate of $3,570 for ESY services for
summer of 2015 in place of the District’s recommended placement at the
Elwyn-Davidson program. Tuition costs at both programs is essentially the
same.
18.
Extended School Year Agreement with George Crothers Memorial School
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract for a
special education student to receive ESY services at the George Crothers
Memorial School. Payment of tuition is in the amount of $3,790.
19.
Extended School Year Agreement with Camp Geronimo at the Barn
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract for ESY
services at Camp Geronimo at the Barn at Spring Brook Farm. Payment of
tuition is in the amount of $1,400.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
18
May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
20.
Contract with the Harrison Group
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract with the
Harrison Group to provide third party administration services for our new
HSA program. The district is implementing a high deductible medical plan
for most of our employees to begin on July 1, 2015. Part of that plan will
include a contribution to an HSA account to cover a portion of the
deductible. See Attachment D in Official Minutes of April 28, 2015.
21.
Contract with Benefit Allocation Systems (SYS)
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract with
Benefit Allocation Systems to provide data compilation, report preparation
and submission and employee notifications under the terms of the
Affordable Care Act. The committee discussed the agreement and the need
for the services to keep the district in compliance with the Affordable Care
Act. Reporting and notifications are mandatory for 2015 with reports due to
the Federal Government in January 2015. See Attachment E in Official
Minutes of April 28, 2015.
22.
Middletown Township Storm Water Controls and Best Management
Practices Operations and Maintenance Agreement.
Further resolve, that the Board of School Directors approves Middletown
Township’s Storm Water Controls and Best Management Practices
Operations and Maintenance Agreement for the synthetic turf field project at
Penncrest High School. This agreement is a requirement for the synthetic
turf field project at Penncrest High School which was approved at the March
26, 2015 Legislative Meeting.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan Nolen, Bill
O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Nancy Fronduti and Harry Postles
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
19
May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
C.
Financials for March 2015
D.
Bill Lists for March 2015
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 101
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following Financial Reports:
X.
Financial
C.
D.
Financial Reports
March
2015
Treasurers Reports
March
2015
Investment Reports
March
2015
Summary Expenditure Status Report
March
2015
Revenue Status Report
March
2015
General Fund Bill List
$ 4,938,564.75
March
2015
Capital Fund Bill List
$
40,069.72
March
2015
Bond Series 2004 Bill List
$
9,176.30
March
2015
Bond Series 2011 Bill List
$
7,466.22
March
2015
Scholarship Fund Bill List
$
100.00
March
2015
Activities/Special Revenue Fund $
63,844.71
Bill Lists
$ 5,069,221.70
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan Nolen, Bill
O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Nancy Fronduti and Harry Postles
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
20
May 28, 2015
XI.
Adjournment
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 102
Resolve, there being no further business to come before the Board of School Directors,
the meeting was adjourned.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan Nolen, Bill
O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Nancy Fronduti and Harry Postles
_____________________________
Grace A. Eves
School Board Secretary
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2015
21
May 28, 2015
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610.627.6136
Fax: 610-627-6136
www.rtmsd.org
Grace Eves
Director of Management Services
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
BID OPENING MINUTES
A bid opening was held on May 6, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in the Education Center, 308 N. Olive
Street, Media, PA 19063
Present were: Ron Baldino, Dennis Cini, Grace Eves, Valerie Davis from Bonnett Associates
and 5 bidders.
Bids in the following category were opened and read by Grace Eves.
Glenwood Elementary Fire Alarm Replacement
C.A.D. Electric
1021 Saville Avenue
Eddystone, PA 19022
Electri Tech Inc.
82 Tuckahoe Road
Dorothy, NJ 08317
Fire Alarm Maintenance Co.
PO Box 253
Clifton Heights, PA 19018
J. R, Metzger, Inc.
3101 Concord Road
Aston, PA 19014
Bids will be tabulated and presented to the Board of School Directors.
Grace A. Eves
Board Secretary
Bid Opening Minutes May 6, 2015 G. Fire Alarm Replacement
May 28, 2015
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610.627.6136
Fax: 610-627-6136
www.rtmsd.org
Grace Eves
Director of Management Services
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
BID OPENING MINUTES
A bid opening was held on May 6, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in the Education Center, 308 N. Olive
Street, Media, PA 19063
Present were: Ron Baldino, Dennis Cini, Grace Eves, Valerie Davis from Bonnett Associates
and 5 bidders.
Bids in the following category were opened and read by Grace Eves.
Glenwood, Indian Lane Cabinet Unit Heater Replacement
Rose Tree Elementary Crawl Space Ventilation
Allstates Mechanical LTD.
1602 Conchester Highway
Boothwyn, PA 19061
GEM Mechanical Services, Inc.
5101 Birney Highway
Aston, PA 19014
C.A.D. Electric
1021 Saville Avenue
Eddystone, PA 19022
Edward J. Meloney, Inc.
Mechanical Contractors
22 Madison Avenue
Lansdowne, PA 19050
CMSE, Inc.
286 Baker Road
Cochranville, PA 19330
Bids will be tabulated and presented to the Board of School Directors.
Grace A. Eves
Board Secretary
Bid Opening Minutes May 6, 2015 G, IL, Heater and RT Crawl Space
May 28, 2015
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610.627.6136
Fax: 610-627-6136
www.rtmsd.org
Grace Eves
Director of Management Services
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
BID OPENING MINUTES
A bid opening was held on May 6, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in the Education Center, 308 N. Olive
Street, Media, PA 19063
Present were: Ron Baldino, Dennis Cini, Grace Eves, Valerie Davis from Bonnett Associates
and 5 bidders.
Bids in the following category were opened and read by Grace Eves.
Indian Lane Leak Remediation
GEM Mechanical Services, Inc.
5101 Birney Highway
Aston, PA 19014
Edward J. Meloney, Inc.
Mechanical Contractors
22 Madison Avenue
Lansdowne, PA 19050
Window Repairs and Restoration, LLC
10 Forest Drive
Glassboro, NJ 08028
Bids will be tabulated and presented to the Board of School Directors.
Grace A. Eves
Board Secretary
Bid Opening Minutes May 6, 2015 Indian Lane Leak Remediation
May 28, 2015
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610.627.6136
Fax: 610-627-6136
www.rtmsd.org
Grace Eves
Director of Management Services
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
BID OPENING MINUTES
A bid opening was held on May 6, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in the Education Center, 308 N. Olive
Street, Media, PA 19063
Present were: Ron Baldino, Dennis Cini, Grace Eves, Valerie Davis from Bonnett Associates
and 5 bidders.
Bids in the following category were opened and read by Grace Eves.
Rose Tree Elementary PA/Clock System
C.A.D. Electric
1021 Saville Avenue
Eddystone, PA 19022
Goldhorn Electric
20 Commerce Drive
Aston, PA 19014
SAGE Technology Solutions
1040 West Main Street
Mount Joy, PA 17552
Bids will be tabulated and presented to the Board of School Directors.
Grace A. Eves
Board Secretary
Bid Opening Minutes May 6, 2015 RT PA/Clock System
May 28, 2015
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
Penncrest High School Hi-Q Team
Resolve, the Board of School Directors acknowledge the Penncrest
High School Hi-Q Team for winning the 2015 Delco Hi-Q contest
and the National Contest. The Penncrest Hi-Q team won first place
in the Delco Hi-Q Championship Match. The team ended regular
season play in second place and hosted a playoff match against
Strath Haven and Marple Newtown High Schools. Penncrest won
that match soundly, advancing to the championship match where
they faced Garnet Valley High School (who was in first place at the
end of the regular season) and Haverford High School (who
finished the regular season in third place and won their playoff
match against Sun Valley and Delco Christian). The team
competed in the National Contest against Wisconsin, Alabama, and
Washington State. Penncrest won the competition by a margin of
20 points, with Alabama coming in second, Wisconsin third, and
Washington State fourth. The contest was held at the Delaware
County Intermediate Unit by teleconference with the other four
schools. Members include: Julianna Bakker, Andrew Bernstein,
Samantha Daugherty, Charles Frindt, Raman Ishwar, Kelly Long,
Michael Murphy, William Schafer Hudson Ortyn, Abigail Pearse and
Ryan Shah. Faculty Advisor is Heather Ludwig.
B.
Penncrest High School All State Musicians
Resolve, the Board of School Directors recognize the Penncrest
High School District Band and Orchestra All-State Musicians. On
an individual level, the band members were selected through
competitive audition for Pennsylvania Music Educators Association
All-State Ensembles. Each one of them first auditioned for District
Band and Orchestra in November, and all were selected. Each then
successfully reauditioned for the Region Festivals, and passed a
final reaudition to be selected for All-States. This is the first time
four band members have been selected at the All-State level. Their
concerts were in Hershey on March 28. Each also performed a solo
in the Penncrest Band Spring Concert on April 21. Students
include: Scott Dabundo, trombone: All-State Concert Band, Sam
Messer, clarinet: All-State Orchestra, Chris Urffer, euphonium: AllState Concert Band and Stephen Yee, tenor saxophone: All-State
Wind Ensemble.
III.
Presentations and Awards
1
May 28, 2015
III.
Presentations and Awards
C.
Penncrest High School Boys Track Team
Resolve, the Board of School Directors recognize the Penncrest
High School 2015 Boys Track Team. The team is undefeated this
year and are the Central League Champions. Members of the
team include:
Nicholas Anastasi, Joseph Angelina, William
Angelina, Matthew Arndt, Michael Arndt, Troy Bailey, Julian
Bonsall-Shepard, Skye Bonsall-Shepard, Alexandre Boudazin,
Cody Bregande, Neil Carney, Gunnar Centrone, Stephen Clair,
David Clark, James Dunn, William Dunn, Dion Durnell, Sean Elser,
Evan Emanuel, Khem Fariss, Daniel Fisher, Trevor Gasiorowski,
Isaac Gloistein, Brendan Hanna, Nathaniel Hipple, Wesley Hipple,
Sean Hoffman, Kevin Hong, Jacob Horneman, Samir Jambhekar,
William Jarrell, Soham Kamat, John Kirchgasser, Jackson
Kirchhoff, Andrew Kleiman, Kevin Korthaus, Avery Lederer, Garrett
Louth, Ryan McAvoy, Robert McCafferty, John McGlinn, Matthew
Morgan, Ryan Morgan, Jacob Morra, Nicholas Moscatelli, Jack
Narbus, Taylor Orcutt, William Shafer Hudson Ortyn, Michael
Pastor, Rutu Patil, Samuel Pisano, Daniel Quagliariello, Nicholas
Reyes, Thomas Rounds, Evan Sing, Donghyun “Will” Son, Samuel
Stern, James Teal, Marcus Troy, Colin Tyson, Alexander Urban,
Ian Wade and Evan Wildermuth.
D.
Penncrest High School Boys Lacrosse Team
Resolve, the Board of School Directors recognize the Penncrest
High School Boys Lacrosse Team for their Central League
Championship. The team members are: Robert Bond, Alexander
Bonnett, Dylan Boyer, Daniel Bullitt, Kevin Delaney, Matthew
Dougherty, Patrick Gorman, Ryan Granger, Zachary Granger,
Zachary Groses, Drew Hanna, Charles Hershock, Spencer
Hespenheide, Zachary Kaut, Ryan Kinnard, Patrick McLaughlin,
Greyson Nelson, Steven Nolan, Kasta Pahides, Timothy Parsons,
Joseph Quintiliano, Nathan Reagle, Ryan Schultz, Devan Sloane,
Colin Speer, David Stevens, William Van Leer, Nicholas Whalen
and Matthew Young. Coaches include Wayne Matsinger - Head
Coach, Chris Derrick – Assistant Coach, Evan Pettit – Assistant
Coach, Eric Poole – Assistant Coach, Scott Rumford - Assistant
Coach, Tom Davis – Goalie Coach, Jeff Pettit - Head JV Coach,
Mike Baldassarre – JVB Coach and Mike Manganiello – Assistant
Coach.
III.
Presentations and Awards
2
May 28, 2015
III.
Presentations and Awards
E.
Springton Lake Middle School Girls Track Team
Resolve, the Board of School Directors recognize the Springton
Lake Middle School Girls Track Team for their undefeated season.
The team members include: Quiana Artis, Brooke Buchakjian,
Stephanie Callahan, Leann Carroll, Lauren Cawley, Hanna
Christiansen, Jacqui Clair, Josie Cressler, Carly Dunford, Elizabeth
Egan, Emily Emanuel, Kirsa Emmons, Cassidy Farrell, Morgan
Ferry, Carly Ford, Paloma Freundt, Victoria Gargiule, Emily
Hanneman, Cassidy Hoffman, Margaret Howe-Consiglio, Sarah
Hughes, Ananya Jain, Morgan King, Allison Kirchoff, Heidi Krull,
Katherine Lee, Madison Lego, Devon Lego, Celia Lourie, Sydney
McCarthy, Logan Morris, Isabel Moscatelli, Julia Mullaney, Eve
O’Boyle, Charlotte Pearse, Renee Phommachanh, Mia
Quagliariello, Erin Ryan, Katherine Sparling, Bridget Spence, Anna
Taussig-Lux, Abigail Volz, Mairi West and Carney Woodhull.
Coaches are Mark Homan and Steve Adams. Sarah Hughes,
Logan Morris, Katherine Sparling and Carly Dunford qualified for
and ran in the Penn Relays. They also set a new record in the 4 x
100 meter relay. Sarah Hughes, Katherine Sparling, Morgan King
and Carly Dunford set a new school record in the 4 x 200 meter
relay.
F.
Springton Lake Middle School Boys Track Team
Resolve, the Board of School Directors recognize the Springton
Lake Middle School Boys Track Team for their undefeated season.
The team members are: Jason Abahazy, Joseph Adcock, Ian
Bassett, Vincent Brown, Zachary Carroll, Allen Chen, Jalen Chin,
Aydan Clarke, Samuel Elfenbein, Connor Elliot, Adam GramoPenston, Matthew Johnston, Patrick Kelly, Jacob Lamb, Edward
Lawler, Casey Loper, Brandon Luong, Luke Maloy, Terrance
Mason, Jacob Miller, Luke Narbus, Joshua Nepo, Ryan O’Donnell,
Jack O’Neill, Joshua Reyes, Ethan Rigby, Marcello Shayeghi, Keith
Stubblebine, Colin Tait, Patrick Theveny, Nicholas Thompson,
Christian Williams and Andrew Woolery. The coaches are Mark
Nixon and Jeremy Smith.
III.
Presentations and Awards
3
May 28, 2015
III.
Presentations and Awards
G.
Penncrest High School National Art Society
Resolve, the Board of School Directors recognize the Penncrest
High School National Art Honor Society and Concetta Mattioni for
their participation with the Historical Society to rehab the exterior of
Oak Lawn, the historic house located on the Smedley Tract in
Middletown Township. Students included on the project were:
Emma Baldo, Emily Bond, Jenniifer Bonner, Catie Clements, Annie
Daniels, Dion Franklin Durnell, Alexandria Dykes, Hunter Faddis,
Carolyn Hagan, Abigail Henry, Becky Lui, Maggie McCall, Jenna
Muir, Amanda Noyes, Maria Partsanakis, Julia Pearse, Summer
Stewart-Peterson, Samantha Taddei, Eve Taylor and Isabel Torres.
The Art Honor Society sponsor is Concetta Mattioni, co-sponsor,
Michele Kania and the Historical Society sponsor, Susan Mescanti.
III.
Presentations and Awards
4
May 28, 2015
OFFICE OF CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
TO:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Mr. James M. Wigo, Superintendent of Schools
FROM:
Dr. Steve Taylor, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
DATE:
May 12, 2015
RE:
May 12, 2015 Curriculum & Instruction Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Mrs. Liz Schneider
Board Members in Attendance: Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
Sue Nolen, Harry Postles, Liz Schneider, Bill Tyson
Also in Attendance: Anne Callahan, Grace Eves, Patti Linden, Bob Salladino, Steve
Taylor, Jim Wigo, and several members of the community.
Algebra Sequence at Springton Lake Middle School. Dr. Salladino explained a new
course sequence for accelerated math students at Springton Lake. Heretofore, moving
from 6th to 7th grade, accelerated students were placed either in Algebra I or into an
accelerated 7th grade class based on multiple criteria and a student-by-student review
by the faculty and administration. From this point forward, the group that does not go
into Algebra I will go into a course that will cover the content of Algebra I over two years.
By following this path, students will not have to repeat any material, and they will move
forward into the study of Algebra, albeit at a slower pace. These accelerated students
will stay on track to take Calculus by senior year of high school.
Update on Teacher Effectiveness System Revision for 2014-2015. Dr. Taylor
informed the Board about a revision to the PA Teacher Effectiveness System for 20142015. The change involves the 15% of the evaluation assigned for Teacher-Specific
Data. In the original design of the system, PDE proposed using a 3-year rolling average
of growth results from the PVAAS system to constitute the Teacher-Specific Data piece.
Last August, PDE revised the regulations, adding three kinds of data to the TeacherSpecific Data section: students’ performance on assessments, such as PSSA tests or
Keystone Exams; students’ progress in meeting their IEP goals; and students’ progress
on locally developed rubrics, another name for teachers’ Elective Data or Student
Learning Objectives (SLOs). In making this change, PDE also required TeacherSpecific Data to count for 15% of each teacher’s evaluation in 2014-2015. Rose Tree
Media had no choice about using these three sources of Teacher-Specific Data, but the
district was able to choose the percentage each would count. Dr. Taylor shared a
flowchart showing how each source of data would count toward a teacher’s evaluation.
Next year, when the 3-year rolling average of PVAAS scores kicks in, the TeacherSpecific Data section will be reconfigured again.
Public Comment
Members of the public asked several questions about the Teacher Evaluation System,
its intended uses from the state level, and its implications for RTM teachers.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-6136
Fax: 610-627-6136
www.rtmsd.org
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Services
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James M. Wigo, Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
May 14, 2015
Subject:
May 12, 2015 Finance Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Bill O’Donnell
______________________________________________________________________
Attendance: Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Sue Nolen, Bill
O’Donnell, Harry Postles, and Bill Tyson
Absent: Elizabeth Schneider and Nancy Fronduti,
Also in Attendance: Anne Callahan, Grace Eves, and James Wigo
1.
Budgetary Comparison Report
The District has expensed 86% of its expenditures and has received 91% of
revenue.
Action: Discussion
2.
Budgetary Transfers
FY 15-36 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction – Charter School Tuition
$70,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Other Support – Charter School Tuition
$ 70,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to pay for cyber charter school tuition of special
education students.
Dedicated to Excellence
FY 15-37 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Non Public Transportation- Contracted Carriers
$37,595.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Vehicle Services & Maintenance – Supplies
$13,481.25
TO:
AMOUNT:
Vehicle Services & Maintenance – Repairs and Maintenance
$12,015.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Non Public Transportation – Supplies
$8,093.75
TO:
AMOUNT:
Non Public Transportation – Repairs and Maintenance
$4,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover outstanding vendor expenditures
FY 15-38 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Operation of Building Services – Salaries
$23,000.00
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Operation of Building Services – Benefits
$5,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Operation of Building Services – Repairs and Maintenance
$28,000
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for electrical repairs.
FY 15-39 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Care and Upkeep of Ground Services – Replacement Equipment
$5,272.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Care and Upkeep of Ground Services – Repairs and Maintenance
$5,272.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for vehicle repair.
Dedicated to Excellence
FY 15-40 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Office of the Principal – Supplies
$5,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Office of the Principal – Replacement Equipment
$5,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase furniture.
FY 15-41 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Care and Upkeep of Equipment Services – Repairs and
Maintenance
$5,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Office of the Principal – Replacement Equipment
$5,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase furniture.
FY 15-42 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Vehicle Services & Maintenance – Communications
$2,475.00
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Non Public Transportation – Communications
$ 625.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Vehicle Services & Maintenance – Repairs and Maintenance
$1,8750.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Non Public Transportation – Repairs and Maintenance
$ 625.00
TO:
Supervision of Student Transportation Services – Contracted
Services
$ 600.00
AMOUNT:
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover outstanding vendor expenditures.
Dedicated to Excellence
FY 15-43 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics - Supplies
$1,133.16
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – New Equipment
$1,133.16
RATIONALE: Transfer to cover boys varsity soccer equipment.
FY 15-44 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction - Travel
$1,050.00
TO:
Instruction - Rental
AMOUNT: $1,050.00
RATIONALE: Transfer to transportation to State jazz band festival.
3.
Contracts
•
The Hidden Hollow and Knowlton Swim Club contract in the amount of
$2,507 is for the eighth grade party. This is an annual trip and is at no cost
to the District.
•
The Music Theatre International’s contract in the amount of $940 is for the
musical for our summer program. There is no cost to the District for the
contract.
Action: These items will be moved to the May 28, 2015 Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board
The copier lease for copiers that are located in the buildings expires this summer.
The administration will work with vendors that are on state contracts to replace
the current lease.
Action: Discussion
Dedicated to Excellence
4.
Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion
The state confirmed $1,633,130 in property tax relief as part of the
Homestead/Farmstead property tax exclusion. The source of the revenue is from
gaming. There are 7,539 properties that qualify for the relief which reduces home
assessment value by $9,099 creating a $217 reduction in real estate payment for
the tax payer.
Action: This item will be moved to the May 28, 2015 Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
5.
Adds/Cuts List for the 2015-2016 Budget
As of March 2015 the budget was at $91,730,986 with the use of fund balance in
the amount of $5,997,014 needed to balance the budget. There is a reduction in
state revenue due to reductions in the SS and retirement reimbursement as a
result of lower salaries due to the ERIP and elimination of the maintenance
supervisor position. There is a reduction of approximately $1.5 million in
expenditures for various categories. The new health care plan resulted in a
reduction of $659,751 in health care expenses. The reduction in salaries is
approximately $375,000. Other reductions included a decrease in the capital fund
transfer, lease payments and supplies. There were a few items that were added
to the budget and include the addition of a .2 Chines position and a .4 music
position each at Penncrest. The donation to the libraries increase by $4,000.
The budget as of May 8th is $90,242,005.
6.
2015-2016 Final Budget Review
The Act 1 Index for the District is 1.9%. The District’s tax increase is 1.9%. The
District raised taxes above the Index only once in the past ten years. The District
has the third lowest tax rate in Delaware county over the past several years. Tax
appeals had an impact on the District’s assessment value over recent years. The
Granite Run mall and Franklin Mint properties filed numerous appeals. 78% of
the District’s revenue is generated at the local level. The average homeowner’s
tax bill is $206,875 which will increase by $91 with this year’s tax increase. The
increase in state revenue is due to the PSERS reimbursement, which increased
as a result in the increase of the PSERS rate. The District receives 1% of its
revenue from federal sources. Total revenue is $70,871,407. Fund balance in
the amount of $4,565,459 will be used to balance the budget.
Total expenditures are $90,242,005 for a 3.35% increase over the 2014-2015
fiscal year. Increases to the budget include three new elementary school teaching
positions, one new special education teaching position, one new special
education assistant position, a new .2 Chinese teaching position and a new .4
music position due to increased enrollment, contractual obligations, new math
curriculum and the increase in the retirement rate from 21.40% to 25.84%.
Additional donations to the Media/Upper Providence Media libraries are reflected
Dedicated to Excellence
in the budget. There is a reduction in expenditures for special education
profession services as the District is sending fewer students to the IU and has
instead hired additional staff for those students. The reduction of a maintenance
supervisor position and an Early Retirement Incentive Program, ERIP, has
produced savings for the district. The District has enrolled in a high deductible
health care plan which also produced savings.
Action: This item will be moved to the May 28, 2015 Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
7.
Steinway Piano
In June 2013 Craig Snyder approached Rick Gregg about doing a fundraiser to
restore Penncrest’s Steinway piano. The restoration cost was estimated to be
between $28,000 to $35,000. He stated the music department was willing to raise
that amount. They have raised $15,000 so far. Recently, Craig contacted Jacob’s
Music Company, a Steinway representative, for an evaluation of the piano which
resulted in five options. The options include purchasing a new Steinway piano
with prices ranging from $69,540 to $34,156 to restoring the piano at a cost of
$57,370. A Penncrest Parent discussed the various options. Grace Eves will
survey other district for the type of piano they current use.
Public Comment: Seven members of the public were present.
The next Finance Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, June 09, 2015
Dedicated to Excellence
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-6136
Fax: 610-627-6136
www.rtmsd.org
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Services
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Mr. James M. Wigo, Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
May 4, 2015
Subject:
May 21, 2015 Operations Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Harry Postles
_____________________________________________________________________
Attendance: Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Sue Nolen, Harry
Postles, and Bill Tyson
Absent: Elizabeth Schneider, Bill O’Donnell, and Nancy Fronduti,
Also in Attendance: Ron Baldino, Anne Callahan, Dennis Cini, Grace Eves Patti
Linden and James Wigo
1.
Bid Results
Four bid openings were held on May 6th.
The PA/Clock system for Rose Tree Elementary was a re-bid from last
month. The original bid needed further clarification. Three bidders
submitted bids. The budget is $82,000 and the bid plus engineering fees
came in at $73,130 which is $8,870 under budget.
One general contractor and two mechanical contractors submitted bids for
the Leak Remediation project at Indian Lane Elementary School. The
budget is $335,000 and the bids plus engineering fees came in at
$349,000 which is $14,000 over budget.
Two electrical contractors and three HVAC contractors submitted bids for
the HVAC cabinet unit replacements at Glenwood and Indian Lane
elementary schools and Rose Tree Media Elementary school crawl space
ventilation projects. The budget is $280,000 and the bids plus engineering
fees came in at $206,414 which is $73,586 under budget.
Three bidders submitted bids for the fire alarm replacement project at
Glenwood Elementary school. The budget for the project is $142,000.
The bid plus engineering fees came in at $149,775 which is $7,775 over
budget.
Dedicated to Excellence
The total for bids that been received so far is approximately $1.2 million. A
bid opening is scheduled for May 21st for exterior wall leaks at Media
Elementary School for a proposed budget of $196,150. If that bid comes in
near budget, the total overall costs for 15/16 capital projects will be $1.4
million. There is currently approximately $1.1 million available in the
capital fund. A transfer at the end of the current fiscal year will be used for
capital projects.
Action: This item will appear on the May 28, 2015 Legislative agenda for a vote
of the Board.
2.
Proposals
Ron Baldino received proposals from four vendors for a three year maintenance
contract for boiler maintenance and emergency services. The proposals ranged
in price from $73,500 to $176,368. Joseph R. Walter Company submitted the
lowest price proposal at $73,500 for three years. They currently service the
district’s boilers for $24,500 for the year plus emergency service.
Earth Engineering Inc.
The proposal is to provide consulting and inspection services for the site work for
the Penncrest stadium project for compaction inspections. The maximum amount
for the contract is $5,000. The district has used Earth Engineering, Inc. for other
projects.
Action: This item will be moved to the May 28, 2015 Legislative meeting for a
vote of the Board.
3.
2015-2015 Capital Projects Review
There is currently approximately $1.1 million available in the capital fund. A
transfer will occur in June for capital projects for the 16/17 fiscal year. A portion
of the transfer will be needed to complete the 15/16 capital projects. Ron Baldino,
Jim Wigo, Dennis Cini and Grace Eves visited Indian Lane, Media and Rose
Tree Elementary Schools to review space for an additional classroom for each
building for next year due to increased enrollment. Glenwood Elementary School
will be visited before the next Operations committee meeting. The computer labs
in each elementary school will be converted into classrooms. The computers in
the labs will be recycled. Each elementary school will receive 75 new Apple
laptop computers which will take the place of the computer lab equipment, but
will also provide additional computers for each school. The laptops will be used in
classrooms as this is the current model for computer use in schools.
Action: Discussion
Dedicated to Excellence
4.
Capital Project Updates
A staging area has been setup for the turf field project. Demolition of the track
has started.
Action: Discussion
5.
Donation
Penn State has donated two lacrosse goals.
approximately $1,000.
The value of the goals is
Action: This item will be moved to the May 28, 2015 Legislative meeting for a
vote of the Board.
6.
Playgrounds
Paula Barber from Innovative Playground Services reviewed the playgrounds at
Media, Rose Tree, Indian Lane and Glenwood Elementary Schools. Each
playground has a variety of equipment. In order of priority to replace/update
equipment is the following:
#1 Media Elementary
#2 Rose Tree Elementary
#3 Glenwood Elementary
Media Elementary School’s playground is heavily used by the community in
addition to the students. Indian Lane Elementary School’s equipment is all still
within compliance and is in newer condition. With sustained maintenance – this
playground can be used for the foreseeable future.
The maintenance department will review the track at Indian Lane Elementary
School. The track at the Springton Lake Middle School is rolled for a harder
surface for use by runners. However, people that walk the track prefer a softer
surface.
Action: Discussion
Public Comment: Five members of the public were present.
The next Operations Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, June 09, 2015
Dedicated to Excellence
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610.627.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Anne D. Callahan
Director of Human Resources
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
From:
Anne D. Callahan, Director of Human Resources
Date:
May 22, 2015
Subject:
Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting - May 12, 2015
Tracy Barusevicius, Chair
Board Members in attendance: E. Schneider, J. Hanna, N. Mackrides, S. Nolen,
W. O’Donnell, B. Tyson, T. Barusevicius
Also in attendance: A. Callahan, J. Wigo, G. Eves, Several Members of the Public
I.
Items for Legislative Meeting – Anne Callahan
The committee discussed the items presented for consideration at the legislative
meeting on May 28, 2015. Questions regarding matters of personnel were
raised. The questions were later addressed in executive session.
Action: The Committee agreed to place resolutions for these items on the
May 28, 2015 Legislative agenda for a vote of the Board.
II.
RTMEA Contract
There have been ongoing discussions with the Rose Tree Media Education
Association regarding the contract document for the agreement between Rose
Tree Media School District and the Rose Tree Media Education Association. We
have agreed on a final document which will be brought to the May legislative
meeting for a vote.
Action: The Committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the
May 28, 2015 Legislative agenda for a vote of the Board.
III.
MTS Agreement
The Committee discussed an agreement with MTS Software Solutions to copy
inactive personnel records onto electronic media. Our Human Resource
Department has been using this company to digitalize our personnel records for
a number of years. The money has been budgeted for this item.
Action: The Committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the
May 28, 2015 Legislative agenda for a vote of the Board. The contract will
be approved with a maximum expenditure of $4,000.
IV.
Executive Session
An executive session was held to discuss matters of personnel.
The next meeting of the Personnel Committee will be held on Tuesday, June 9,
2015 in the Board Room at the Education Center.
James M. Wigo
Superintendent of Schools Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6000
Fax 610.565.5317
www.rtmsd.org
Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, PhD
Director of Pupil Services and
Special Education
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James Wigo, Superintendent of Schools
From:
Dr. Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, Director of Pupil Services and Special Education
Date:
May 15, 2015
Subject:
May 12, 2015 Pupil Services/Special Education Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Ms. Nancy Fronduti/Ms. Susan Nolen
Contracts
A contract has been submitted for a special education student to attend the
Mill Creek School for the remainder of the 2014-2015 school year. This placement is
required to meet the needs of her Individual Education Program as required by IDEA.
Tuition costs are dollars $119.50/per diem.
Action: This item will be moved to the May 28, 2015 Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
A contract has been submitted by Epic Health Services to provide substitute
nursing coverage for a medically fragile student who requires a 1:1 nurse to attend
school. Rates are $45.00/hour for an LPN, $48.00/hour for an RN, and $25.00/hour
for a Certified Nurse’s Aide.
Action: This item will be moved to the May 28, 2015 Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
A contract has been submitted by ATI Physical Therapy to provide two
certified athletic trainers for up to 3200 hours per school year to support the Athletics
Program. The contract is for the school terms 2015-2018. The cost of the contract is
$70,000.00 per year.
Action: This item will be moved to the May 28, 2015 Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board
Extended School Year Agreements/Contracts:
Extended School Year services are required for eligible students under the
Individual with Disabilities Education Act.
1) Three contracts for payment of tuition in the amount of $13,230.00/contract
for three special education students (one contract/student) to receive ESY
services at the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy. These
children have multiple disabilities which require a specialized placement.
Action: This item will be moved to the May 28, 2015 Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
Board Policy
The Board is required to review and re-adopt the following policies in
compliance with the Safe School Reporting Program. Changes are in bold and are
the recommendations of PBSA. This is the first read of these policies:
Policy # 249: Bullying/Cyberbullying
Policy # 909- Municipal Government Relations
Action: The Board reviewed the policies. A second read will be scheduled for June.
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6000
Fax 610.891.0959
www.rtmsd.org
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
Patti Linden
Director of Technology
and Information Science
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
From:
Patti Linden
Date:
May 15, 2015
Subject:
Technology Committee Meeting Minutes for May 12, 2015
Chairperson: Mrs. Sue Nolen
Board members in attendance: Sue Nolen, Elizabeth Schneider, John Hanna, Bill
O’Donnell, Bill Tyson, Nancy Mackrides, Tracy Barusevicius
Also in attendance: Jim Wigo, Patti Linden, Grace Eves, Anne Callahan, 2 members
of the community
~ Discussion of School Board E-mail Account
Patti Linden opened a discussion among Board members to set up an email account for
the Board of Directors to receive electronic communication from and back to members
of the community. The discussion centered on the mechanics and parameters of such
an account. The Board would like a link to the account to be setup as part of the new
RTM app. The incoming email should go to all members of the Board as well as exofficio members Jim Wigo and Grace Eves as Board Secretary. There should be an
acknowledgement of a receipt to the sender in the form of an automatic reply, and the
sender should expect a response within 2 business days. The actual responder to the
email would depend on the specific issue.
Several Board members suggested that they solicit some solutions from other districts
before Rose Tree Media would implement this. The suggestion was also made that
there would need to be a defined workflow process. A community member suggested
that we develop a form that could be completed with defined categories so that
aggregate data could be collected.
The conclusion of the discussion was that the Technology Department and several
Board members would investigate viable solutions for a follow up discussion.
Next meeting: Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. in the Education Center Board
Room
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
SCHOOL REPORT’S – May 28, 2015
GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten
Glenwood Kindergarteners are beginning to learn all about the farm. We are talking about
the animals we see on a farm and what other things go on there, such as milk production
(dairy farm) and growing of crops. This week, we are practicing our farm songs in
anticipation of our grandparents' visit on Thursday. We can't wait to share all that we've
learned about farms!
First Grade
First grade celebrated our loving mothers with our very own rendition of “If You Give Your
Mom a Muffin.” We rewrote the very familiar story and presented it to our moms with
poems, songs, cards, gifts and, of course, a muffin.
Second Grade
The second graders visited the Tyler Arboretum. They participated in lessons about the
Lenape Native American tribe who once lived in this area. Students learned about the
clothes the tribe wore, the way they built their homes, and the way they used the plants
and animals of the area. We also participated in lessons about invertebrates. We talked
about complete and incomplete metamorphosis in insects. We also discussed the
characteristics of an insect, including its three body parts, two antennae, and six legs.
The students learned while having fun and enjoying this amazing space right in our own
backyards.
Third Grade
Third graders enjoyed participating in the Embryology Unit, which involved the incubation
and hatching of chicken eggs over a period of two weeks. Students and teachers spent
the first week preparing the hatching of their feathered friends by rotating eggs,
maintaining humidity and temperature inside the incubators and learning about how the
chicks were growing inside their eggs. On Monday morning of the second week, students
were greeted by the sound of peeping as many chicks hatched or had begun to hatch.
Throughout the second week, third graders recorded observations about the behaviors of
the baby chicks and learned how to handle them safely and gently. It was difficult to say
goodbye to the little hatchlings, but the students agree that enjoying a week with the baby
chicks was worth all of the hard work and careful tending.
School Reports
1
May 28, 2015
Fourth Grade
As ipads play an increasingly important role in attaining information in our society, our
fourth graders used this concept to make ipad Pennsylvania projects. The children made
their own paper ipads, which had information about state symbols, local geography,
William Penn, Ben Franklin, and Historic Pennsylvania. Our ipads have icons that
students illustrated, and captions describing the picture. When you “click” the icon,
underneath you will find more detailed information about our state. The students had an
electronically educational time creating their Pennsylvania ipads!
Fifth Grade
Throughout the month of May, the fifth grade has been looking deeply at how to best read
fantasy novels. In writer’s workshop, the fifth grade has spent the month looking at how
to best craft a memoir. In science, each fifth grade student has been developing a
science experiment that will be displayed at our annual science fair later this month. The
fifth grade will take a trip to Washington D.C. and explore our nation’s national museums.
Also in the first half of May, the fifth grade had its annual chorus, band and orchestra
concerts. Also, Kristin Bradson is the fifth grade winner of the American Legion contest
on “What it means to be an American.”
Award Winners
Fourth grader, Selena Psaris won third place in the 2015 Delaware County Law Day
Poster Contest. Hundreds of posters from different schools in Delaware County entered
artwork in this contest. Selena worked under the guidance of Art Teacher, Keith Sharp, to
create her winning poster. An awards presentation was held at the Delaware County
Court House.
Third graders, Michael S. won first place and Makayla Fickes won third place in the grade
three category of the Young Poets of Delaware County poetry competition for their
poems. There were thousands of entries in this county-wide contest. Michael and
Makayla are invited to participate in the poetry reading and award ceremony to be held at
the Redwood Playhouse in Upland.
INDIAN LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten
During Reading Workshop, the kindergarten students learned to read the way the
characters would sound. They discovered how to get to know characters by pretending
and by performing their books. Students tried to understand characters and the way they
are feeling in books.
They discussed characters’ facial expressions and their body
language. The students also heard the story The H Brothers and practiced making the
sounds for ch, sh, ph, wh, and th. In Math, kindergarten students continued to practice
addition, subtraction, and measurement. They developed ideas about 2D and 3D
shapes: their characteristics, attributes, and relationships. The students examined the
following 3D shapes: sphere, cylinder, cone, and cube. They identified the faces of the
3D shapes using Geoblocks. Students also built and copied 3D shape structures. The
kindergarten scientist studied and weather and discussed what type of precipitation we
School Reports
2
May 28, 2015
had each day. They learned about Earth Day and created an image of the earth using
coffee filters and magic markers.
First Grade
In Reading Workshop, first graders reviewed strategies to figure out words that can be a
little bit tougher as they move up in their reading levels. They really focused on trying
another strategy if the first one didn’t work. They discussed “dialogue” and talked about
how to recognize dialogue in books and that not every book we read has dialogue.
Students learned that not all dialogue is followed by the word “said”. There are so many
other ways to say “said” such as cried, yelled, whispered, sighed… The list goes on and
on! They learned how to tell which character is speaking, even when the text doesn’t tell
them directly. They began Reading Across Genres, which is a unit where students
began exploring fiction texts, non-fiction texts, articles, and even poems to learn more
about a topic. Each classroom has text set bins full of material on topics such as weather,
transportation, penguins, sports, ocean life, cats, bats, and dinosaurs. Students use these
text set bins to meet in small groups to practice skills such as finding the “big idea” of a
book and author’s purpose. In Writing Workshop, students finished up their book of
reviews. They learned how to write highlights of what is interesting and fun, instead of a
list of steps. Students wrote haikus to finish up their poetry unit. It was impressive how
quickly first graders learned to use syllables to write their own haikus! In Math, students
learned how to solve word problems with a missing part. They used the connection
between addition and subtraction to help solve these problems. The students used dot
cards to create number combinations for sums up to 20. They had to use more than one
addend to make sums. They also reviewed how to make number combinations using an
ordered list. They strengthened their subtraction skills by playing the Investigations
games of Subtraction Five In a Row and Subtraction Roll and Record. They mixed
practice story problems to really put their addition and subtraction skills into practice.
They learned different ways to count numbers. They counted past 100 and then explored
skip counting by 2s. In Science, students continued their science unit on Organisms by
studying plants. They learned about the different parts of a plant and used their
observation skills to examine kidney bean, sunflower pumpkin, and pea seeds. Each
student chose a seed and planted it and observed and recorded data as they watched
their seeds grow into plants! This fit in perfectly with their field trip to the Delaware
Museum of Natural History. While on this trip, tour guides taught students about animal
habitats and bugs. After this wonderful field trip, students made aquariums with different
aquatic plants and even guppies and pond snails! They loved using their scientific skills to
observe their new classroom friends! They also observed fresh water and forest habitats
and learned how pollution can affect them both.
School Reports
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May 28, 2015
Second Grade
In Reading Workshop, students worked on “going beyond the obvious” by deepening their
thinking about books. They attempted to read with “teacher voices”, determined the main
idea, identified new vocabulary and monitored for meaning. They learned to read
“cluttered” pages, how and why pages fit together, how to stretch each other’s thinking
and how to use charts to help them gain more knowledge about the subject. Students
discovered how to be strong book club members by coming prepared to meetings. They
also realized that they should not be afraid to ask questions when they do not understand
something. They practiced pushing past the “wow factor” of new information to stretch
their thinking and learned that strong readers sometimes have to revise their thinking as
new information is revealed. Lastly, they noticed the importance of asking themselves
questions while they are reading. In Writing Workshop, students discovered that poetry
does not always rhyme and can often be quite humorous! Students took a quick break
from poetry to write about their wonderful mothers! They used this opportunity to exercise
their paragraph writing skills. This culminated in a Mother’s Day Celebration where
students shared their special writing with their mothers. In Word Study, students worked
with root words, prefixes and suffixes. In Social Studies, students created an Eastern
Woodland page for their Native American book. They filled this page with information and
crafts! Of course, the highlight was a field trip to Tyler Arboretum where students learned
about the Lenape people and their way of life. This included how they survived harsh
winters, how they used nature to create “medicine,” how they farmed, how they raised
their children and so much more. Students discovered ways to help our world and wrote
about the environment in honor of Earth Day! In Math, students practiced determining
fractions on number lines…even when numbers are not present. They also worked with
creating equivalent fractions and fractions in their lowest forms.
Third Grade
Third graders focused on Biographies and the students were excited about it! Students
examined the difference between narrative and expository biography texts and that
biography subjects often have struggles to overcome. In Science, students completed a
unit on Embryology. The students were very excited to see their eggs hatch into chicks!
Students had an opportunity to candle the eggs and some students were able to see the
chicks move inside the eggs! In math, students continued working with fractions and
moved on to decimals. They continue to practice their multiplication and division facts. In
Writer’s Workshop, students continued to edit and draft their fairy tale adaptations.
Fourth Grade
In science, fourth grade students participated in “science centers” and reviewed all the
Science topics, which they studied from kindergarten to fourth grade. Each fourth grade
teacher reviewed several different topics with the students (such as scientific measuring
tools, parts of the water cycle, the interdependent relationships in an ecosystem), then
students rotated to the next teacher. The fourth grade scientists transitioned to their unit
on motion and design. They built a couple of different vehicles with K’nex pieces and
learned about the different forces that impact a vehicle, including the relationship between
mass and weight, the effect of friction, and the impact of air resistance. Students built
their regulation vehicle and tested different questions. They recorded observations about
movement, changes in weights, and problems that they encountered. Students also
continued their “trek” across the United States and learned about the Midwest and
Southwest regions. Fourth grade readers think about how nonfiction text is organized into
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May 28, 2015
chapters and ideas. They employed different strategies for note taking, sorting
information into categories, making decisions about what books to read, and growing
ideas about a topic.
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade scientists completed science fair projects. They made presentations to their
classmates. The projects provided an opportunity for the students to share their
hypothesis and explain the process they used for their experiments.
Art
First graders enjoyed creating their ripped paper portraits. They added facial features,
hair color and clothing detail to their portraits. Second graders added color to their Tiki
images. They created batiks from their Tiki crayon images by crumbling their papers and
adding a wash. They began sketching their homes for a community project. Third
graders reviewed the artist Archimbaldo and created drawings as they highlight the
Renaissance. They also reviewed the art of Vincent Van Gogh. Fourth graders rendered
washes in honor of artist Miriam Shcapiro and created frames from patterned and metallic
paper. They also reviewed the art of pop artist Wayne Thiebaud and completed cake
renderings in tribute. Fifth graders created community service posters for Middletown
Pride Day and shared their talents for the Poetry Café display. They read the Willow
Pattern story and created sketches based on the book. Lastly, Indian Lane experienced a
wonderful turn out for the annual Art Show. Many parents and students attended and had
a fantastic time. There was a scavenger hunt with six winners.
Physical Education
First and second grade students learned baseball and kickball skills. They moved on to
tee ball and are learning about playing with scoops. Third through fifth graders continued
with floor hockey or deck ring hockey. They also began fitness testing. All grades began
preparing for Field Day by practicing the events for the day.
Music
First grade musicians sang and moved to scat music when listening to “The Three Jazzy
Bears.” They also worked on reading quarter note, eighth note and quarter rest patterns.
Second grade students wrapped up a string family unit. They also learned about the
origins and sounds of Dixieland Jazz. If you want to know who Satchmo was, just ask a
second grader! They saw and heard Louis Armstrong and also heard Satchmo and
Danny Kaye scat! Third grade students worked hard on reading B, A and G from a
music staff. Fourth grade musicians used iPads to work on the Garage Band app. They
explored how to use loops to create a four instrument composition. All classes worked
with a partner to create an original song with the Garage Band app. Those songs can be
heard through the music distribution site called Soundcloud. You can find it on Mrs.
Battavio’s website or visit: https://soundcloud.com/ilesmusic-1.
Library
Kindergarten, first, and second grade students read fiction and non-fiction books about
art. They also discussed the art show that took place. Students walked around the halls
to appreciate the talent of our own Indian Lane students. Kindergarten and first graders
enjoyed Pete the Cat books and second graders learned about naked mole rats with a
non-fiction book. These fun books have excellent songs that go along with the books
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May 28, 2015
online. Third, fourth and fifth graders reviewed figurative language. They searched to
find examples of alliteration, hyperbole, similes, metaphors, and personification in books
throughout the library. They had fun with a book of idioms as well. Students spent time
in library class selecting poems for “Poem In Your Pocket” and discussing Poetry Café.
“Poem In Your Pocket” was a really fun activity where students read a poem and earned
a treat at certain businesses in Media. Some treats included coupons for free haircuts,
candy or chocolate treats, pencils, and small gifts. During Poetry Café, students
presented their poems to their classmates and parents in a stage-like setting in the
library. Select fourth and fifth graders participated in Reading Olympics and did an
amazing job in the competition and demonstrated impressive teamwork.
MEDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten Readers!
May has come fast and furious! Kindergarten is celebrating all of their hard work reading
popcorn words with a Popcorn Word Carnival! Many different “carnival-like” activities are
set up between the two classrooms and a few in the hallway, all having to do with our
sight words. These words help us to build our reading fluency because they “pop” right
out of our mouths.
First Grade Readers and Writers!
During the month of April, first grade students at Media Elementary completed a science
unit on organisms. Students made and observed a woodland terrarium complete with
moss, tree seedlings, pill bugs, and millipedes. Students also made aquariums that
included fresh water snails, guppies, cabomba, and elodea. Students learned how to
care for the organisms in both the terrarium and aquarium while also researching and
studying each habitat.
This month students completed a poetry unit. Students learned to look at things with a
poet’s eye. They also learned how to use line breaks, similes, and strong words or
feelings to add depth to their work. As a culminating activity, each student selected a
poem to be added to a class poetry book.
Second Grade Learners!
The second graders had a busy April! After Spring Break, we attended the Brain Show
assembly and thoroughly enjoyed stretching our brains in a fun and exciting way. Our
students worked diligently with the change in schedule to support our 3rd-5th during the
administration of the PSSAs. We are very proud of how quiet and respectful we were
when moving through the building. Our Seed to Snack partners came and taught us
about different seeds and then shared a yummy recipe for Sunflower Balls that we can
make at home. Our West Chester University Reading Practicum students completed their
time in our classrooms. We enjoyed working and learning with them.
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Third Grade Historians!
Third grade students at MES have been working diligently in a cross-curricular unit of
study in reading, writing, and social studies. Students have participated in their biography
book club unit of study, learning about important people who have had a positive impact
on our world. Students have then analyzed the narrative non-fiction text to create a
literary essay about the subject (person) of their choice. The students will present their
“Living History” posters, essays, and speeches.
Fourth Grade Writers!
The fourth grade classes experienced a simulation about the Fair Trade movement in the
borough of Media. The children were taught how Fair Trade can provide a living wage to
small, independent farmers in developing countries. By purchasing Fair Trade products
that are offered by several stores in Media, consumers can help these farmers. Through
the presentation of a slideshow about harvesting and selling cocoa beans, and the factors
that influence growing and selling a product, the children were able to understand the
concepts of supply and demand.
Fifth Grade Researchers and Movie-makers!
The fifth grade presented research projects at the Research Fair. To go along with their
research papers and tri-fold displays, students also created movie trailers using iMovie for
their research project topics. The trailers were shown in the auditorium in conjunction with
the display of the projects in the gym.
Art Enthusiasts!
Fifth Grade: Students in fifth grade worked with professional mosaic artist, Claire Brill, to
create a Legacy Project. Students used tracings of their hands and stained glass as part
of a collaborative mural for the State Street entrance of the school. The project will be
completed and unveiled prior to the fifth grade promotion ceremony in June.
Fourth Grade: Fourth grade students observed Wayne Thiebaud’s Pop Art paintings of
pastries and cakes as inspiration for drawings of cakes made with oil pastels. Students
practiced drawing whole and fractional views of cakes: ¾, ½, and 1/8 slices. They used
light and dark values to create the illusion of 3D form on paper.
Third Grade: Third grade students continued their exploration of Western art by
observing the genre paintings of Jan Vermeer, a Dutch painter during the Baroque period.
Students created the facade of a Dutch house with cutout doors and windows that
opened and revealed an interior view of a home in the 1600’s.
Second Grade: Students in second grade created symmetrical masks inspired by masks
carved by the Maori people of New Zealand. They used crayon resist to simulate the look
of Batik.
First Grade: First-grade art students created seascapes as part of their study of types of
subject matter in art. They created Styrofoam prints of fish and mounted them on crayonresist paintings of the ocean floor. Overall, it was a successful opportunity for the children
to use different art media while observing examples of seascapes.
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Library News
One of the happiest events to happen at Media Elementary School every Spring is the
Media School Book Swap. The goal of the Book Swap is to ensure that every child
comes away from the event with at least 2 books. Here’s how it works: Students donate
their unwanted books. Books are collected, counted and sorted, in the Library, where the
swap is held. For every 25 books a class donates, each child in that class will choose
and keep 1 book from the Book Swap collection. Once student selection is complete,
staff members are permitted to look through the books and take what they want for their
classroom libraries. Leftover books are donated to 2-3 organizations chosen by the Book
Swap Committee members.
Music
The Spring Choral Concert took place and featured the fifth grade chorus, chime choir,
and the Mustang Chorale. Among the favorite songs of the evening were the spiritual
Wade in the Water, Hats - a Broadway-style show piece, the chime selection Raindrop
Prelude by Chopin, and our finale – Why We Sing. The next morning the chorale headed
to Riddle Village and Rose Tree Place where the students performed their concert
repertoire. Also included in this program was a collection of community songs designed
to encourage the audience to sing along. The day concluded with a picnic at Glen
Providence Park.
Insects everywhere – but no need to call the exterminator! Grade one is singing about
bugs and all their wonder this month. Fleas, flies, bees, caterpillars – none are left out.
Did you know Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee” comes from an opera? Ask
any first grader the story.
Grade three will complete their study of Camille Saint-Saens’ “Carnival of the Animals”
this month. This is an enjoyable exploration of the genre of symphonic poems….
orchestra music which tells a story. They also continue to progress on recorder and will
add the pitched high “C” and high “D” in the next few weeks.
Physical Education
This month the students have explained and applied the basic movement skills and
concepts to create and perform movement sequences and advanced skills through team
games such as kick-ball, baseball, and softball. The students have used a series of
manipulative objects to build motor skills using deck rings, beanbags, scarves, and other
equipment.
The students have recognized and identified positive and negative
interactions of small group activities such as roles (leader, follower), cooperation, sharing,
and on task participation in preparation for field day.
ROSE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten
Even with the end of the year right around the corner, Kindergarten students are still
working! Grandparents’ Day was a huge success with a variety of activities experienced
during center time. Grandparents got the chance to hear students read for Reader’s
Theater and also played games with the students. This month, students took a trip to the
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Tyler Arboretum to experience Frogs and Toads. This trip gave students a chance to
learn more about animals and habitats they had read about during Unit 5 of Reading
Workshop.
First Grade
During the month of May, first graders have been busy with Reader's Theater, using their
expression, fluency skills, and tricky word strategies. They presented a Reader's Theater
program to their Grandparents and Special Friends. The guests were amazed at the
wonderful student presentation. First graders are also learning how to tell time to the
hour and half hour, as well as working with fractions.
Second Grade
Second graders completed research on Native Americans. This research integrated the
history of the country's first inhabitants with geography skills (examining a map of the U.S.
regions where tribes lived), reading (nonfiction and legends), informational writing
(research and presentation of individual tribes) and technology (guided research online
and a video conference with the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA). The students
went on a field trip to Tyler Arboretum where they learned specifically about the Lenni
Lenape, a tribe native to our area. They also created kachina dolls, dream catchers,
deerskin writing and wampum belts.
Third Grade
Third graders have had a busy month! They presented a play to their parents and
grandparents. It was called, “A Movie Star Mystery”.
They worked very hard on
memorizing their lines, enunciating clearly and projecting their voices. Their efforts were
well received! In science class the students have been studying an embryology unit.
They incubated and hatched chicken embryos. Many students throughout the school
enjoyed visiting the chicks. The students also had their last visit from Seed to Snack.
They sampled berries and had a smoothie as a special treat. During Language Arts, the
students read many biography books. They have read about, and researched, a famous
person. They presented these projects to their peers.
Fourth Grade
Fourth Grade students have been studying the levels and branches of government. In
conjunction with this unit of study, they recently visited the Media Courthouse to
participate in Law Day festivities. Upon arrival, they were escorted to Court Room 3,
where students witnessed the trial of The Cat in the Hat. Many students participated in
discussion and deliberation of the case. At the closure of the trial, all students were
asked to vote using electronic voting machines. A yes vote meant that The Cat in the Hat
was guilty. A no vote meant that The Cat in the Hat was not guilty. In the end, the
students found The Cat in the Hat guilty of breaking and entering as well as destruction of
property. This field trip provided a wonderful learning opportunity for students. They now
have a deeper understanding of the judicial process and greatly enjoyed the opportunity
to vote using real voting machines.
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Fifth Grade
Earlier this month, the fifth grade students went on an educational field trip to
Independence Hall. They learned about the Declaration of Independence and the
Constitution, and then got to see the very rooms where these important documents were
signed and debated. Students also visited the Franklin Post Office, Liberty Bell, Betsy
Ross House, and the U.S. Mint.
In preparation for a field trip to the Philadelphia Zoo, fifth graders are utilizing Google
Drive to create power point presentations of their favorite zoo animal. Students are
researching the anatomy, diet, habitat, life cycle, behavior, adaptations, and species
survival status of the animals of the Philadelphia Zoo.
Music
First and second grade students experienced and identified the fundamentals of sound
and vibration. Each class read a story and saw a short video to learn the principles of
sound. For the students to truly understand that sound cannot only be heard but felt, they
took turns holding a balloon while music was being played. The students could feel the
vibrations coming out of the speakers and into the balloon making it vibrate in their hands.
They were then able to draw a correlation to the human eardrum. Third grade students
completed learning about all of the instrument families - woodwind, brass, strings, and
percussion. The students took their last belt test for recorder by writing their own
composition and performing it. Fifth grade students completed a successful spring
concert this month. They also completed a unit using the ipad app called Garageband.
Use of this technology furthered their learning of rock and roll music and allowed them to
create a composition using digital instruments. They will all essentially function as “oneman” bands. At the end of the unit each student was given time to explain their
composition and present to a rubric. If the students chose to export their song, they were
able to share it with family and friends in their google drive.
Library
Kindergarten through fifth grade students continued to practice information literacy skills
that include thinking critically, making informed decisions and sharing knowledge. In
celebration of poetry month, first through fifth grade students created original poetry such
as free verse, acrostic and cinquain. At the end of April, the fifth grade Reading Olympics
team competed in the Delaware County Reading Olympics Competition at Springton Lake
Middle School. They won a first place blue ribbon!!
Guidance
Rose Tree Elementary wrapped up another successful PSSA season. The entire school
worked together to make this happen as schedules were arranged to accommodate
students testing and adults needing to administer or proctor the exam. Anyone observing
the students testing would have been most impressed with the way in which they handled
themselves throughout the process.
Physical Education
During the month of May, all grades focused on preparing for Field Day. The theme of
our Field Day this year is Dr. Seuss. All grades participated in activities that promote
cooperation, teamwork, and respect.
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Gifted
Third grade students are working on their Alternative Energy Unit. They are currently
researching and evaluating alternative energy sources. Fourth grade students have
finished their Immigration Unit. They, along with many parents, visited Ellis Island. Fifth
grade students are currently finishing up their Architecture Unit of Study. They are excited
for their visit to the Franklin Institute to experience the LEGO Brick Exhibit.
Art
Students in grades one through five had artworks displayed throughout the school in the
month of May as part of the Annual Student Art Show and Music Concert. Seascapes of
first grade artists were displayed, along with second grade Japanese Notan designs.
Third grades artists displayed Impressionist landscape paintings, while fourth grade
artists displayed dessert paintings. Fifth grade artists displayed three-dimensional shape
paintings.
RTII
The Response to Instruction and Intervention (RtII) team are working to improve the
overall performance of students who are demonstrating a change in functioning behavior
in one or more of the following areas: academic, social and/or emotional.
SPRINGTON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
The following Students of the Month for the month of May were honored at a breakfast
with their parents and teachers yesterday: Team 6-1: Gracie
Guerin
and
Brett
Bonebrake; Team 6-2: Claire Kolmansberger and Jack Hunsberger; Team 6-3: Alexis
Ranieri and Ronald Host; Team 7-1: Zoe Harper and Justin Potts; Team 7-2:
Julian
DeCicci and Alexandra Bialek; Team 7-3: Heather Steward and Zachary Blackburn; Team
8-1: Tessa DiSerafino and Colin Anderson; Team 8-2: Giavanni Antonelli and Renee
Phommachanh-Sananikone; Team 8-3: Luke Maloy and Kelly Fitzgerald.
Art
Ms. Sycz’ grade eight students have finished painting their clay sculptures. Grade eight
students ended the sculpture unit by comparing and contrasting Michelangelo’s sculpture
“Pieta”, Rodin’s sculpture “The Thinker” and Brancusi’s “The Kiss.” Students wrote a
detailed description of one the sculptures using notes from their comparisons. This
activity was followed by students viewing a film showing the art of the Middle Ages. Most
eighth grade sections have started the new assignment that involves creating a painting
that is inspired by medieval illuminated manuscripts. Seventh grade students are
beginning to finish sculpting their large clay animal sculptures adding small articles of
clothing if desired to add a touch of humor to their work. Grade six students are finishing
their sculptures of clay birds by adding ceramic glaze.
Mrs. Prior’s sixth graders are seeing the final results of their ceramic work. They are in
disbelief of the chemical reaction that occurs in the kiln until they see their work fired.
They are proud of the boxes that they have completed. They are starting to review color
theory by painting color wheels. Seventh grade students are finishing their clay food
sculptures and using glaze or paint to enhance them. Eighth graders are learning about
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proportion while creating clay figures. They are using the various skills and techniques
that they have learned throughout their middle school years.
Springton Lake presented the annual Student Art Show. Every student is represented
with their very best art work. The Springton Honor Strings adds entertainment for all of the
guests while enjoying an evening of art!
Mrs. Going’s eighth grades flip assignments. Some are now moving strong and creating
an original sculpture based on Renaissance history and the sculpting of master sculptor,
Michelangelo. Sculpting techniques and proportion of the figure are the focus. While the
clay is being rolled, the other eight grades continue with a study of the art of Illuminated
Manuscripts from the Middle Ages. Students are very impressed with how much time and
the quantity of art work involved in the handmade books. The lay out begins with the
border of each page which will set the tone for the illustration and quote. Balance and
emphasis as well as brushing up on drawing skills and painting are the focus. Seventh
grades are immersed in their travel illustration. They have selected a location in the world
to highlight in advertisement form. Block letters are in place and one point perspective
makes those letters appear three dimensional. Drawings go into place now and the
addition of pencil blending completes the assignment! Sixth grades and moved beautifully
through their ceramics projects. They have sculpted their hands developing a three
dimensional sculpture and have added a special item or character into the palm. The
assignment was introduced as, “What would you put in the palm of your hand?"
Vocabulary and construction techniques are emphasized!
Core Extension
In May, the Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum classes continued their nonfiction
book unit. Each student in sixth grade has been reading I Am Malala by Malala
Yousafzai. As part of this unit, students analyzed text structures and how they impact the
author’s voice and story. Students have been in awe of Malala’s accomplishments at such
a young age. She has become a hero in their eyes. In seventh grade, students continued
reading Titanic: Voices from the Disaster by Deborah Hopkinson. Students, even though
they knew the fate of the ship, have been fascinated by the first-hand accounts told by the
passengers themselves. Discussion continued to focus on the question of why this
tragedy happened and how it could have been avoided. Eighth grade students have been
reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan. Students were shocked about where
their food comes from and how so much of the products they eat can be traced back to
corn. They analyzed food labels, learned how to find the different corn derivatives listed in
the ingredients, and traced the industrial food chain.
Guidance
The counselors facilitated sixth, seventh, and eight grade ELA and math PSSA testing as
well as eight grade science. All make-ups were completed and test materials for 862
students were accounted for, packaged, and sent back for processing.
Language Arts
In sixth grade language arts classes, students began their study of historical fiction. This
unit focused on analyzing how historical places and conflicts shape characters’ actions,
beliefs, and perspectives, as well as how authors develop theme. To kick off the unit,
students shared the titles of favorite historical fiction reads and discussed what they had
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learned from reading those books. All classes then investigated the “Age of Optimism”
and the changing impact and purpose of the World’s Fair on culture. Students read and
analyzed the story “Electric Summer” by Robert Peck, which highlights one family’s trip to
the 1904 World’s Fair. After this introduction, students selected historical fiction novels to
read in book clubs; titles included: Bud, Not Buddy; The Watsons Go to Birmingham,
1963; Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry; A Single Shard, The Shakespeare Stealer, The
Midwife’s Apprentice, and Catherine Called Birdy. As students read, they generated
questions about the time period, read selected historical and non-fiction texts, and
researched answers to their questions.
The seventh grade language arts department is finishing up the novel, Soldier's Heart by
Gary Paulsen. The students have been completing assignments and participating in
classroom discussions throughout the novel. During the middle of the story, the students
worked in small groups to create a storyboard that displayed important events from the
story. As a final assessment, the students are allowed to choose three projects from a
choice board. The projects are all differentiated and unique. The choice board allows
students to choose something that interests and engages them. In addition to the final
projects, students are completing a literary text analysis on the novel.
In Ms. Azeff’s eighth grade Language Arts classes; students are reading plays by
Shakespeare. This study began with a webquest exploration into the life of Shakespeare
and his time period. Then, in order to better understand and visualize the performance of
his work, students created diagrams of The Globe Theatre and watched clips of
performances there. To prepare for reading and performing Shakespeare’s challenging
texts; students reviewed Modern English grammar and applied that knowledge to
decoding Shakespearean sentences. As students read Shakespeare’s plays aloud, they
used techniques from Reader’s Theater to bring the words off the page. In Enhanced
Language Arts, students explored comedies, tragedies, and histories (Shakespeare’s
genres) in a centers activity. In Heterogeneous Language Arts, students compared and
contrasted the themes of superstitions and illusions in two abridged plays: The Tempest
and Macbeth. As the culmination of the unit, all classes researched Shakespeare’s
continuing legacy in our language and cultural heritage. Students investigated allusions
to Shakespeare in literature, films, and television, and explored the continued use of the
ubiquitous words and phrases Shakespeare invented as part of a creative inquiry project.
Library
Author David Lubar visited Springton Lake, after having canceled due to . . . what else .
. . SNOW! Nearly 70 books by Mr. Lubar were sold in anticipation of his visit, and
students enjoyed his large-group presentations, book signings, and a more intimate
writer’s workshop with a smaller group of lucky students. The long anticipated visit could
not have gone better, and both staff and students loved learning what makes this
particular author tick. Immediately following Mr. Lubar’s visit, Springton prepared to host
the countywide three-day Reading Olympics competition. Our two middle school Reading
Olympics teams had a great night of competition earning blue ribbons, the highest
achievable award. Students worked incredibly hard, reading (45 books collectively!),
summarizing, quizzing, and attending many meetings to prepare for the competition, and
their efforts were apparent in their stellar performances at the competition. Finally, May
brings the Spring Book Fair to Springton Lake, a yearly event that students, staff, and
parents look forward to with great anticipation. Summer reading titles will, of course, be
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offered at the fair so that students can get a head start on their required reading.
Jabberwocky Books for Kids supplies our fair, and we expect it to be, as always, a huge
success!
Math
Accelerated Geometry students completed a unit of study that delved into connections
between mathematics, art, and nature using shapes known as fractals. Students created
their own fractals and designed a finished product after learning more about these special
shapes. From here students moved back in Euclidean Geometry, specifically to the
properties of circles. Students have begun to explore the various components of circles
and how they can relate to problem solving.
Our Algebra I students are eagerly preparing for their Keystone Assessment. Dr.
Salladino visited each of our Algebra classes to emphasize the importance of their
preparation for this exam because it will be one of several pieces required for their
graduation in four years. Many students volunteered to attend night review sessions in
addition to using review materials produced by the Algebra teachers as well as Study
Island.
Students enrolled in eighth grade math class will be completing a unit on data and
statistics for the next few weeks in May. Using the Samples and Populations book from
the Connected Math Program, students will use the statistical process to analyze
problems, and use information from samples to draw conclusions about populations.
Real life opportunities to evaluate sampling plans and use probability to select random
samples will take place during the course of this unit. Students will compare distributions
of center, measures of variability, and displays that group data.
Currently in your child’s seventh grade math classroom, students are just putting the
finishing touches on their “Clock Project.” This collaborative project is a culmination of all
skills learned that correlate to the CCSS for “The Number System” and “Expressions and
Equations.” For this project, students worked together to come up with expressions and
equations that equal hours 1 – 12 on a clock. Students first wrote out the expression or
equation, then showed all calculations (using the order of operations) in order to arrive at
the correct answer without the use of a calculator. Once all 12 expressions and/or
equations were written out and all work was shown, students then put their creativity to
the test by actually creating a clock. Instead of having the numbers 1 – 12 on their artistic
clocks, an expression or equation took the place of each hour. Some students just used
poster board and markers, while other students created clocks that actually work. You
can see some of these final “Clock Projects” on Springton Lake’s Twitter page.
Sixth grade math has recently completed a unit on nets. Students are able to determine
which nets will create closed three-dimensional figures by looking at the layout of the net.
We have recently transitioned into a unit on calculating the surface area of threedimensional figures, including rectangular and triangular prisms. We are using nets to
assist the students in understanding surface area of these figures.
Music
May was a busy month for the music department as each chorus, band and orchestral
group performed in a series of six concerts. The concert season concluded with the
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eighth grade chorus, band and orchestra along with jazz band, select choir and honor
strings performing at an adjudication for Performing Arts Consultants in Jim Thorpe, PA.
In addition, the Springton Lake Middle School Band was also featured on Fox 29 news on
May 20th for the Media Spring Fling. Finally, sixth grade choice voices and sixth grade
jazz lab welcomed next year's class as they performed for the fifth grade orientation.
Physical Education
All students participated in activities that specifically focused on the spring fitness testing
areas: cardiovascular endurance, core strength, upper body strength and flexibility.
Students were reminded and shown the connections between the four major fitness areas
and activities they have participated in and outside of the class during the school year.
Students continued to do their third round of lessons in the pool. All students have been
swimming in accordance to American Red Cross developmental guidelines. Students
have worked towards refining their skills to achieve developmental swimming levels that
will take place at the conclusion of their third and final session.
Our seventh grade girls Physical Education classes in conjunction with content learned in
Health class had a special guest presentation about the effects of body image and eating
disorders. We had the privilege of having a community member and current parent of two
of our students who did a play, music and discussion about body image and eating
disorders, sharing her personal journal.
Science
Springton Lake Middle School had several teams participate in the 2nd annual Delaware
County Intermediate Unit STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics)
Design Challenge. Teams were challenged to design a device out of only K’Nex pieces
to transport a ping pong ball 4 feet across a table. They were judged on creativity,
design, blueprint, teamwork, a narrative and a presentation. The team of TJ Sims, Ben
Grady, and Michael Kutzmonitch with their project entitled “The MBT Phalanx”, earned
first place honors amongst 19 area middle school teams, and was the Delaware County
representative at the 2015 Pennsylvania State STEM Design Challenge on May 5th at
Harrisburg University. Their design was a car-like device with a trailer that utilized the
concept of the Phalanx battle formation of the ancient Spartans, as an inspiration for the
design of the front of the machine. They demonstrated the strength of their creation by
having the vehicle carry a 15 pound dumb bell, overcoming friction and creating enough
torque to carry the ball across the table. We are very proud of their accomplishment!
In sixth grade science, students learned about ecosystems and food webs. Students
participated in an owl pellet dissection and completed a Prairie Ecosystem Gizmo.
Students learned about symbiotic relationships and studied how living things depend on
each other in an ecosystem. Students discussed invasive species and identified how
invasive species can disrupt an ecosystem.
Seventh grade science turned its focus to Sir Isaac Newton and his three laws of motion.
Investigations within the lab included; Inertia Olympic activities, importance of wearing a
seatbelt in car, determining the mass and calculating the force of Newtons on various
objects, and action/reaction on the movement of the cannon car. Potential and Kinetic
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energy was introduced by studying the motion of different masses traveling down a zip
line.
In eighth grade science, we worked on exploring solubility. We have done inquiry-based
activities where we developed our own set of procedures and data tables to determine
what the identity of an unknown salt was, in comparison to 4 known salts. Through an
understanding of solubility and how to control variables (besides the independent of the
type of salt) students worked to dissolve all 5 salts and then recrystallize them, using
these physical properties to correctly identify the unknown. We also explored graphs of
solubility curves to answer questions related to saturation. Students have also utilized
Explore Learning Gizmos to see exactly how temperature affects solubility on a molecular
level, and to look at creating their own graphs based on simulated data for different
substances. Finally, we have had a guest speaker discuss global warming and the
changing ozone layer, making connections through chemistry to the student's lives, as
well as understanding the significance of the changes we have seen and will be seeing
throughout their lifetime.
Social Studies
The sixth grade students have been studied the Middle East conflict and its relationship to
the holy sites in Jerusalem. Many of the students have created political cartoons
emphasizing one aspect of the conflict or its potential solutions. Students in the AGP
classes had a guest speaker from the theology and history departments of Villanova
speak about the historical connections among the modern monotheistic religious groups
that are tied to Jerusalem. After the study of the Middle East, the students started the
study of the physical, political, and human geography for Africa. The students studied
cultural and political differences for North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Seventh grade
students have worked through the concepts of Westward Expansion and Manifest Destiny
and how it affected the American West. Also, Students have explored the worlds of the
antebellum North and South examining the world of enslaved blacks and slavery. Many
students are working on Civil War Battle Presentations. The presentation is either a
PowerPoint or travel brochure. In addition, another group of students is making a Civil
War Encyclopedia through research and collaboration to produce one comprehensive
book about the war. The eighth grade students have learned about Ancient Rome and
Europe’s transition to the Middle Ages. Students have completed independent research
projects on ancient Rome and presented their findings to the class. Public speaking
techniques were taught to prepare the students. In addition, students studied the fall of
the Roman Empire through the use of political cartoons. These cartoons required
students to think critically about the fall of the empire.
Special Education
Students in Mrs. Hartzell's Content Language Arts class continued to progress through
the Read 180 curriculum. Workshop 4, "Stolen Childhoods," was the primary focus of
whole group instruction. Students read various magazine articles and stories about child
labor around the world. Learning objectives included synthesizing information from an
article, improving fluency through repeated readings, identifying the main idea of a text,
and summarizing using details from the text. While working on the software, students
identified their own strengths and needs on their dashboard, applied learned skills and
strategies in new contexts, and evaluated their progress. By participating in the program
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and working hard each day, students have improved their reading lexiles according to the
Scholastic Reading Inventory!
Mrs. Megow’s eighth grade functional math class will be completing two projects during
this core extension class in the coming month. One project will involve the creation of a
restaurant menu, restaurant placemat with several math games, and guest checks with
the bill calculated, as well as an appropriate tip (15% or 20%). In this project, students
will apply the skills they’ve learned including calculations of decimals as well as
percentages. In an additional project, students will demonstrate their ability to convert
between fractions, decimals, and percentages. This project is designed to peak interest
by incorporating the game of baseball. Students will use real-life baseball word problems
to calculate a player’s batting average as well as their slugging percentage. The project
will culminate with our own game for which we’ll calculate our own batting average.
World Language
This month exceptional Eighth Graders took the National French and Spanish Contests.
The students who placed were recognized at this year’s Fete at Penncrest High School.
Great job to all who participated!
PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL
US News and World Report: America’s Best High Schools for 2015
Penncrest High School has been named in US News and World Report’s list of America's
Best High Schools for 2015. Penncrest received a Silver Ranking for the second
consecutive year, placing #1145 nationally and #26 in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania. This is our second appearance on the US News and World Report list.
Congratulations to both students and staff on this achievement!
Washington Post: America’s Most Challenging High Schools
Penncrest has once again been named in the Washington Post’s list of America's Most
Challenging High Schools. Our school ranks among the best of the best in both the state
and nation. Only eleven percent of the approximately 22,000 public high schools in the
nation made it to the Washington Post’s list this year.
Staff Recognition
Congratulations to Karen Walker who was recognized by the Rose Tree Media Optimist
Club and presented with the Achievement in Education Award. It was humbling and
moving to watch past students and a parent tell their stories of how Karen has had a
positive impact on their lives. Thanks for all you do for Penncrest, Karen; well deserved!
School Reports
17
May 28, 2015
Student Artwork
The D-Wing hallway is sporting some new art work. Junior Julian Bonsall-Shephard
volunteered to paint the mural and then followed through expeditiously and responsibly,
working with Mr. Ragni to arrange for supplies and times to do the work.
Keystone Exams
Penncrest High School has completed Keystone testing in Algebra, Literature, and
Biology. Keystone assessments provide a statewide basis for comparing the
performance of students, as well as entire districts, in key curricular areas.
Every Penncrest Algebra I student, every Biology student, and every tenth
grade English student sat for rigorous testing in these subjects throughout the last two
weeks. Eleventh graders who needed to take the tests and students who needed to
retake exams to earn Proficiency also tested in May. Congratulations to our students and
to our staff for helping testing to run smoothly!
AP Exams
The guidance department conducted AP exams during the month of May. This year, over
727 exams were administered to students. Subjects ranged from English language and
composition to computer science, physics, French, and world history.
Mock Crash Event
The student parking lot at Penncrest High School was full of emergency fire and
ambulance vehicles and their crews, police, crashed cars and injured youth. Gathered on
the grass to witness an accident scene unfold before their eyes, were over 300 seniors.
This was the scene of our eighth annual Mock Crash. The event was a staged
reenactment of an accident scene with two cars, young drivers and their passengers, who
all suffered injuries from a crash caused by a distracted driver. The student actors were
Sarah Mills, Olivia Jarrell, Stefany Lamegos, Aiden Novak, Hunter Faddis and Jarod
Teegan-Case. State Trooper Jeffery Taroski narrated the accident in real-time to create
an even more powerful scene for the students. A team of Penncrest students assisted in
the organization, filming, sound and stage setup for the day. Riddle Hospital and Media
EMT crews worked frantically with other community response teams, PA State Police and
Township police officers as the “911 call” went out. Responders had full gear and actual
equipment used at accident scenes to extract the victims. Students watched their
classmates - SADD Club members- along with adult actors from The Media Theatre,
assume the roles of drivers, passengers and parents. Following the outdoor segment, an
indoor presentation by the Cruisin’ Not Boozin’ Program of Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, an
actual accident victim, shared his story of bad decisions, consequences, injury, and
recovery.
State Farm Insurance Company, Riddle Hospital and Rose Tree Media School District
have collaborated in this unique model for the past eight years. “Motor vehicle crashes
are the No.1 cause of death among teens in this country. One in four crash fatalities
involve a 16 to 24 year old driver. State Farm, along with our partners here today, are
working hard to change these alarming statistics.”
Other supporting groups/individuals included DJ Sound and Lighting, Minshall
Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Rose Tree Media Maintenance and Operations
School Reports
18
May 28, 2015
Department, Penncrest Custodial Staff, Penncrest Faculty and Administration, Fire
Companies from Lima, Middletown and Lenni, Pennsylvania State Police, Media Borough
Police, Upper Providence Police, Delaware County Coroner’s Office, and Steve Luongo
Towing. Thank you to all that were involved to make this event possible.
Senior Prom
The Senior Prom was held this month at the Drexelbrook Grand Ballroom in Drexel Hill.
Over 400 students enjoyed a delicious buffet meal and ice cream sundae bar then
danced the night away.
Art Department News
The following art students participated in the 7th Congressional District’s Annual Art
Competition: Julian Bonsall-Shepard (11th grade), Tori Carroll (11th grade), Katie Coyle
(12th grade), Hunter Faddis (12th grade), Nicole Mancarella (12th grade), Marin McPeak
(11th grade), Sarah Mills (12th grade), Julianna Palmer (12th grade), Abby Rementer
(12th grade), and Maddie Sheridan (12th grade). This year’s competition received 111
submissions from 15 high schools. The awards reception was held at the Darlington Arts
Center in Garnet Valley. Penncrest students earned four awards. Julian Bonsall-Shepard
received an honorable mention in black and white drawing; Marin McPeak received third
place in color drawing; Maddie Sheridan received first place in color drawing; and,
Julianna Palmer received third place in printmaking.
The Penncrest High School Art Department hosted the 57th annual Celebration of the
Arts and the fourth annual Alumni Art Exhibition earlier this month. Those in attendance
were treated to outstanding artwork created by every student enrolled in an art class as
well as fantastic works by alumni artists dating back to the class of 1980. In addition,
visitors were also treated to performances by the Penncrest Jazz Ensemble and the
Ambassador Choir.
Science Department News
The Penncrest Envirothon team won its 22nd consecutive county competition during the
past month, which qualified them to compete at the state championship at the University
of Pittsburgh in Johnstown. The team members participating in the competition are
Abigail Pearse, Lucy Hall, Vy-linh Gale, Daniel Rosenberger and Justin Rosenberg.
World Language News
Eighty-one Penncrest students were recognized for their achievement in the National
Spanish Exam. Matthew Tang earned a gold medal in Level 2. The following students
earned silver medals: Level 2 - Maura Clancy and Angelica Moyer; Level 3 - Anurag
Ishwar and Ryan Shaw; Level IV - Yadira Peralta; Level 5 - Michael Chang, Charles
Findt, and Nina Shaw.
Thirty-nine Penncrest students were recognized for their achievement on the National
French Exam. Special Congratulations to Charlotte Croquette, Louis Croquette, and
Alison Neumann for their gold medals. Winners were honored at a special ceremony on
at Chestnut Hill College.
School Reports
19
May 28, 2015
Twelve Penncrest students were honored for their achievement in the National Latin
Exam. Special recognition went to Skye Bonsall-Shepard, Talia Steinmetz, Alec Pupo,
and Noelle Graham who earned Maxima Cum Laude.
Mandarin Chinese students in beginner through advanced levels took the Youth Chinese
Test, the only international, standardized Chinese Language ability test designed to
encourage K-12, non- native, Chinese- speaking school students to learn Chinese, and
develop and improve their proficiency with Chinese. Congratulations to Yuanyuan Chen,
Thy-Lan Gale, Brandon Yee, and Justin Rosenberg for scoring 100% on their exams.
AP French, AP Spanish, and Advanced Mandarin Chinese students will participate in oral
proficiency interviews later this month.
Modern language professors from local
universities will sit down one-to-one with students to assess their oral level, providing both
the students and the RTM program with valuable feedback.
Over 300 students were honored this month at the annual World Language Fête for their
achievement in the district World Language contests as well as for the World Language
Honors Club.
The Intermediate French classes helped to collect used books for the public library in
Javier, Philippines. Working with local libraries, the Media Free store, and area schools,
the students counted, sorted and boxed over 4,000 books for shipment to the Philippines,
where several recent PHS graduates have close family ties.
Stop Hunger Now! Following student presentations on global challenges, the AP French
classes chose one project to pursue as a service-learning opportunity. The classes
organized a community yard sale in May with proceeds from the sale going to the Stop
Hunger Now organization. Thanks to the yard sale, several after-school bake sales,
donations at evening school events, and a student leadership contribution, the AP
students raised over $2,900 for the charity. As a result, the students will prepare 10,000
meals in the PHS cafeteria on June 4, for the Stop Hunger Now organization.
Athletics News
Congratulations to the Central League Champion varsity boys’ lacrosse and boys’ track
teams! Congratulations to our District Playoff qualifying baseball, boys’ lacrosse and
softball teams! The boys’ and girls’ track teams also have many District Championship
qualifiers!
Simon Youth Academy News
Congratulations to all the students who took part in Keystone exams this month! Thank
you for all of your hard work throughout the year in preparing to be successful on these
exams. The Rose Tree Media Simon Youth Academy graduation this year will be held on
Monday, June 8, at 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Penncrest High School.
School Reports
20
May 28, 2015
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS – EXECUTIVE SESSION
“In accordance with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, executive sessions of the
School Board were held on the following dates to review and discuss matters
permitted under Section 8 of the Act.”
April 28, 2015
May 12, 2015
May 28, 2015
There will be an executive session of the School Board for matters of personnel
at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Legislative Session of June 25, 2015 at Penncrest High
School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
Presidential Announcement
1
May 28, 2015
VIII.
Old Business
A.
Policies
1.
Policy #249 Bullying/Cyberbullying - See Attachment A
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve Policy #249
Bullying/Cyberbullying.
Background
The Board is required to review and re-adopt Policy #249
Bullying/Cyberbullying in compliance with the Safe Schools
Reporting Program. This policy was discussed at the April and
May 2015 Pupil Services Committee Meetings.
2.
Policy #909 Municipal Government Relations - See Attachment B
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve Policy #909
Municipal Government Relations.
Background
The Board is required to review and re-adopt Policy #909
Municipal Government Relations in compliance with the Safe
Schools Reporting Program. This policy was discussed at the
April and May 2015 Pupil Services Committee Meetings.
VIII. Old Business
1
May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
1.
Lisa Sukanick, Elementary Teacher, Rose Tree
Elementary, resignation effective June 19, 2015.
2.
Margaret Barney, Art Teacher, Rose Tree Elementary
and AGP Teacher Penncrest High School, retirement
effective June 19, 2015.
Background
Mrs. Barney joined the staff of Rose Tree Media
School District in 1983. She is retiring after 32 years
of dedicated service.
3.
Frances Blanchette, Elementary Teacher, Indian Lane
Elementary, retirement effective June 19, 2015.
Background
Ms. Blanchette joined the staff of Rose Tree Media
School District in 1986. She is retiring after 29 years
of dedicated service.
4.
Lorraine Bury, English Teacher, Penncrest High
School, retirement effective June 19, 2015.
Background
Ms. Bury joined the staff of Rose Tree Media School
District in 1977. She is retiring after 38 years of
dedicated service.
5.
Dora Mead, Learning Support Teacher, Penncrest
High School, retirement effective June 19, 2015.
Background
Ms. Mead joined the staff of Rose Tree Media School
District in 2005. She is retiring after 10 years of
dedicated service.
IX. New Business
1
May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
6.
Kay Roberts, ESL Teacher, Indian Lane and Rose
Tree Elementary Schools, retirement effective June
19, 2015.
Background
Ms. Roberts joined the staff of Rose Tree Media
School District in 2004. She is retiring after 11 years
of dedicated service.
7.
Debra Taylor, School Nurse, Glenwood Elementary,
retirement effective June 19, 2015.
Background
Mrs. Taylor joined the Staff of Rose Tree Media
School District in 1995. She is retiring after 20 years
of dedicated service.
8.
David Woods, Elementary Teacher, Indian Lane
Elementary, retirement effective June 19, 2015.
Background
Mr. Woods joined the staff of Rose Tree Media
School District in 1977. He is retiring after 38 years of
dedicated service.
9.
Judith Stingle, School Nurse, Penncrest High School,
retirement effective June 19, 2015.
Background
Ms. Stingle joined the staff of Rose Tree Media
School District in 1993. She has served as a School
Nurse since 2006. Ms. Stingle is retiring after 22
years of dedicated service.
IX. New Business
2
May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
10.
Katherine White, Assistant Principal, Springton Lake
Middle School, retirement effective July 31, 2015.
Background
Ms. White joined the staff of Rose Tree Media School
District in 1989 as a Teacher. She became Assistant
Principal in 2009. Ms. White is retiring after 26 years
of dedicated service.
11.
David Matthews, Business Education Teacher,
Penncrest High School, retirement effective June 19,
2015.
Background
Mr. Matthews joined the staff of Rose Tree Media
School District in 2000. He is retiring after 15 years of
dedicated service.
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
Catherine Boylan, Health Room Nurse, Media
Elementary, retirement effective June 19, 2015.
Background
Ms. Boylan joined the staff of Rose Tree Media
School District in 2004. She is retiring after 11 years
of dedicated service.
2.
Nancy Fagan, Bus Driver, retirement effective August
31, 2015.
Background
Ms. Fagan joined the staff of Rose Tree Media School
District in 2010. She is retiring after 5 years of
dedicated service.
IX. New Business
3
May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
Cynthia Miller, Support Staff I, Library Aide, Penncrest
High School, retirement effective June 30, 2015.
Background
Ms. Miller joined the staff of Rose Tree Media School
District in 1988. She is retiring after 27 years of
dedicated service.
4.
2.
Beth Gumienny, Support Staff II, Springton Lake
Middle School, resignation effective June 18, 2015.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
Recommend Board approval of the following
personnel to serve as Springton Lake Middle School
Summer School Teachers for Summer School 2015
at the rate of $113.00 per day:
Lauren Ardente
Jacqueline Baker
Mark Homan
Susan Howe
2.
Recommend Board approval of the following
personnel to serve as Title I Summer School
Teachers for Summer School 2015 at the rate of
$113.00 per day:
Jeffrey Davies
Julie Fiumara
Aaron Goldfarb
Kortne Mazzella
IX. New Business
Mark Nixon
Kelly Piecara
Alexandra Tyska
Sharon Williams
4
Evan O’Neill
Lora Rigatti
Denim Senavitis
May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
3.
Recommend Board approval of the following
personnel to serve as ESY Teachers for Summer
School 2015 at the rate of $111.00 per day:
Tiffany Bendistis
Brianna Convery
Marie Costa
Darlene DeMarse
Jaclyn Greenwich
William Harmon
4.
Amanda Spinogatti, Speech and Language Teacher
for ESY Summer School 2015 at the rate of $111.00
per day.
5.
Jennifer Santisi, Occupational Therapist for ESY
Summer School 2015 at the rate of $111.00 per day.
6.
Arnold Schwartz, Homebound Instructor, effective
May 29, 2015 at the rate of $46.00 per hour.
7.
Recommend Board approval of the following
personnel to serve as Reading Rockets Teachers for
Summer School 2015 at the rate of $113.00 per day:
Kimberly Bradley
Kelley Wiest
8.
Kathleen Sandiford
Recommend Board approval of the following
personnel to serve as Remedial Summer School
Teachers at the rate of $113.00 per day:
Timothy Brown
IX. New Business
Kristin Manderachi
Charles Jacien
Maureen Shields
Theresa Shannon
Derrick Smith
Diane Stern
5
Carolyn Fizzano
May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
9.
Recommend Board approval of the following
personnel to serve as Summer Enrichment Teachers
for Summer School 2015:
Marci Carmeans
Marci Carmeans
Anthony Grisillo
Anthony Grisillo
Anthony Grisillo
Devon Hartzell
Robin Heckman
Robin Heckman
Greg Jacobs
Emily Kelley
Emily Kelley
Sharon Prior
Jeremy Smith
Courtney Williams
10.
IX. New Business
Golf Camp
$101/day 1 week
Science Exp. $113/day 1 week
Rocketry
$113/day 1 week
Video Prod.
$113/day 1 week
Lego Robo
$113/day 1 week
Improving Exec. Func. $113/day 1 week
Baking
$113/day 1 week
Snacks
$113/day 1 week
Adventure Camp $113/day 1 week
Mudworks
$113/day 2 week
Ready Set Wheel $113/day 2 week
Drawing & Painting$113/day 2 weeks
Animation I $ II
$113/day 2 weeks
Science Explorers $101/day 1 week
Ronni Miller, SYA Summer School Teacher for
Summer School 2015 at the rate of $208.62 per day.
6
May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
Recommend Board approval of the following
personnel to serve as Support Staff II for the ESY
Summer School 2015:
Stephanie Beckett
Victoria Blair
Suzanne Carroll
Michelle Cropper
Joanne Dougherty
Svitlana Duffy
Julie Gropp
Patricia Impagliazzo
Jessica Jacovini
Donna Lomas
Anne Mundy
Lori Quindlen
MaryJane Quinn
Christine Raymond
Elise Simonian
Patricia Skean
Michelle Skowronek
Barbara Snyder
Lisa Wrenn
IX. New Business
$16.66 per hour
$17.54 per hour
$17.54 per hour
$17.54 per hour
$17.54 per hour
$17.54 per hour
$17.54 per hour
$17.54 per hour
$17.54 per hour
$17.54 per hour
$16.66 per hour
$17.54 per hour
$16.66 per hour
$17.54 per hour
$17.54 per hour
$17.54 per hour
$17.54 per hour
$17.54 per hour
$16.66 per hour
2.
Coleen Fickes, Secretary III, effective July 1, 2015 at
the annual salary of $38,320.14. Ms. Fickes is
assigned to Glenwood Elementary replacing Suzanne
Iannetti who is retiring.
3.
Terrence Reed, Substitute Custodian effective May
29, 2015 at the rate of $12.00 per hour.
4.
Richard Kauffman, Substitute Bus Driver effective
May 29, 2015 at the rate of $22.40 per hour. NOTE:
Mr. Kauffman is being hired pending completion of his
pre-employment paperwork.
7
May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
3.
Non-Instructional
5.
Rescind appointment of Terrance Jones as Custodial
Supervisor at Springton Lake Middle School effective
March 31, 2015.
6.
Anthony Barrett, Custodial Night Supervisor,
Springton Lake Middle School effective April 1, 2015
at the annual salary of $375.00.
7.
David Duppstadt, Substitute Bus Driver, effective May
29, 2015 at the rate of $22.40 per hour. Mr. Duppstadt
is assigned to the Transportation Department. NOTE:
Mr. Duppstadt is being hired pending completion of
his pre-employment paperwork.
8.
Lauren Nolan, Summer Theater Director for Summer
School 2015 at the rate of $204.00 per day.
9.
Summer O’Donnell, Support Staff II, ESY Summer
School 2015 at the rate of $16.66 per hour. NOTE:
Ms. O’Donnell is being hired pending completion of
her pre-employment paperwork.
General
a.
Classification Change
1.
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
IX. New Business
Keisha Davis from Substitute Cafeteria Worker to
Cafeteria Trainee effective May 11, 2015 at the rate of
$11.54 per hour. Ms. Davis is assigned to Penncrest
High School.
Stacy Gallagher requests an unpaid leave of absence
through the end of the first semester of the 2015-2016
school year for the purpose of child rearing.
8
May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
b.
c.
d.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
2.
Amanda Slattery requests an unpaid leave of
absence through the end of the first semester of the
2015-2016 school year for the purpose of child
rearing.
3.
Melissa Miller requests an unpaid leave of absence
through the end of the first semester of the 2015-2016
school year for the purpose of child rearing.
4.
Katherine Megahey requests an unpaid leave of
absence through the end of the first semester of the
2015-2016 school year for the purpose of child
rearing.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
Rescind appointment of Sean Graham as .5 Stage
Manager/Tech Crew effective January 23, 2015. Mr.
Graham is assigned to Penncrest High School.
2.
Shirley Huebner, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the
second semester at the annual salary of $580.00. Ms.
Huebner is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary.
Supplemental Contracts
2.
IX. New Business
Enoch Stevenson, from (.5) Stage Manager/Tech
Crew to 1.0 Stage Manager/Tech Crew effective
January 26, 2015. Mr. Stevenson has a remaining
salary due of $1,620.00. Mr. Stevenson is assigned to
Penncrest High School.
9
May 28, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
e.
IX. New Business
Other
1.
Recommend Board approval of the agreement
between Rose Tree Media School District and the
Rose Tree Media Education Association effective
September 1, 2014 through August 31, 2018. See
Attachment C
2.
Resolve the Board of School Directors approve the
Early Retirement Incentive Plan for the Rose Tree
Media Education Association for the 2014-2015
school year. See Attachment D
3.
Resolve the Board of School Directors approve the
contract between Rose Tree Media School District
and Substitute Teacher Service, Inc. to provide
substitute teachers from July 1, 2015 through June
30, 2017. This agreement includes a rate increase of
1.0% over the previous year. See Attachment E
10
May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
A.
Purchasing
Recommend the following bids be awarded in the categories listed, such
recommendation being the lowest bid received from a responsible bidder,
kind, quality and materials having been considered.
Resolve, the Board of School Directors award the following bids:
1.
HVAC CUH Replacement & Piping at Indian Lane Elementary
School and Glenwood Elementary and Crawl Space Ventilation at
Rose Tree Media Elementary School
Contractor
Electrical Construction
CMSE, Inc.
HVAC Construction
GEM Mechanical, Inc.
Total
2.
Total Amount
$9,289
1-3
$1,925
$11,214
$150,000
1-3
$ 24,200
$174,200
$185,414
Base Bid
$66,980
Alternates
Total Amount
$66,980
Fire Alarm System Replacement – Glenwood Elementary School
Contractor
J. R. Metzger, Inc.
4.
Alternates
PA/Clock System – Rose Tree Elementary School
Contractor
Sage Technologies, Inc.
3.
Base Bid
Base Bid Alternates
$139,775
Total Amount
$139,775
Leak Remediation – Indian Lane Elementary School
Contractor
Base Bid
General Construction
Window Repairs &
Restoration
Mechanical Construction
GEM Mechanical, Inc.
Total
Alternates
Total Amount
$281,000
$281,000
$45,000
$ 45,000
$326,000
Background
This item was discussed at the May 12, 2015 Operations
Committee Meeting.
X. Finance
1
May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
1.
Budgetary Transfers
Rose Tree Media School District Policy #612…(Public School code
section 609) when funds are not available for a proposed
appropriation, a legal transfer from one class of expenditure to
another may be made in the last nine (9) months of the fiscal year
by the board.
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the following
budgetary transfers:
FY 15-36 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction – Charter School Tuition
$70,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Other Support – Charter School Tuition
$ 70,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to pay for cyber charter school tuition of
special education students.
FY 15-37 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Non Public Transportation- Contracted Carriers
$37,595.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Vehicle Services & Maintenance – Supplies
$13,481.25
TO: Vehicle Services & Maintenance – Repairs and Maintenance
AMOUNT: $12,015.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Non Public Transportation – Supplies
$8,093.75
TO: Non Public Transportation – Repairs and Maintenance
AMOUNT: $4,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover outstanding vendor expenditures.
X. Finance
2
May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Budgetary Transfers
FY 15-38 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Operation of Building Services – Salaries
$23,000.00
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Operation of Building Services – Benefits
$5,000.00
TO:
Operation of Building Services – Repairs and
Maintenance
$28,000
AMOUNT:
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for electrical repairs.
FY 15-39 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
TO:
AMOUNT:
Care and Upkeep of Ground Services – Replacement
Equipment
$5,272.00
Care and Upkeep of Ground Services –
Repairs and Maintenance
$5,272.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for vehicle repair.
FY 15-40 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Office of the Principal – Supplies
$5,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Office of the Principal – Replacement Equipment
$5,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase furniture.
X. Finance
3
May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
1.
Budgetary Transfers
FY 15-41 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Care and Upkeep of Equipment Services – Repairs
and Maintenance
$5,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Office of the Principal – Replacement Equipment
$5,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase furniture.
FY 15-42 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Vehicle Services & Maintenance – Communications
$2,475.00
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Non Public Transportation – Communications
$ 625.00
TO:
Vehicle Services & Maintenance – Repairs and
Maintenance
$1,8750.00
AMOUNT:
TO:
AMOUNT:
TO:
Non Public Transportation – Repairs and
Maintenance
$ 625.00
Supervision of Student Transportation Services – Contracted
Services
AMOUNT: $ 600.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover outstanding vendor expenditures.
X. Finance
4
May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
1.
Budgetary Transfers
FY 15-43 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics - Supplies
$1,133.16
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – New Equipment
$1,133.16
RATIONALE: Transfer to cover boys varsity soccer equipment.
FY 15-44 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction - Travel
$1,050.00
TO: Instruction - Rental
AMOUNT: $1,050.00
RATIONALE: Transfer to transportation to State jazz band festival.
Background
This item was discussed at the May 12, 2015 Finance Committee
Meeting.
2.
Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a resolution
establishing the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion for Rose Tree
Media School District to be an assessment reduction of $9,099,
which equates to a reduction in property tax of $216 for each
approved homestead/farmstead. See Attachment F
Background
This item was discussed at the May 12, 2015 Finance Committee
Meeting.
X. Finance
5
May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
3.
2015/2016 General Fund Budget
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the 2015/2016
General Fund Budget in the amount of $90,242,005.
Resolve, the Board of School Directors of the Rose Tree Media
School District, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, hereby authorize
the appropriation and expenditure of funds as itemized in said
budget during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015.
The necessary revenue for the same shall be provided by ½ of 1%
real estate transfer tax and a $5 per capita tax under both the
Public School code of 1949 and by the Local Tax Enabling Act and
a $10 Local Services Tax, all levied and assessed for the fiscal
year beginning on July 1, 2015, and by a 1.9% increase on school
tax on real estate which is hereby levied and assessed at the rate
of .0238080 mills on the dollar on the total amount assessed
valuation on all property taxable for school purposes in the Rose
Tree Media School District, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, or at
the rate of 23.8080 on each $1,000 of assessed valuation of
taxable property. See Attachment G
Expenditures
Proposed Budget
2015/2016
Final Budget
2015/2016
$
$
Instructional
1000
Support Services
2000
28,934,369
28,880,762
Operation, Non-Instructional Services
3000
1,702,504
1,706,504
Other Financing Services
5000
9,567,879
9,567,879
Totals
X. Finance
$
6
50,325,902
90,530,654
$
50,086,860
90,242,005
May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
3.
2015/2016 General Fund Budget (continued)
Proposed
Budget
2015/2016
Revenues
$
Local
6000
State
7000
12,601,934
14,177,639
Federal
8000
627,500
627,500
Sub Totals
$
Fund Balance
Totals
72,504,538
Final
Budget
2015/2016
85,733,972
$
$
4,796,682
$
90,530,654
70,871,407
85,676,546
4,565,459
$
90,242,005
Background
This item was discussed at the May 12, 2015 Finance Committee
4.
Hidden Hollow and Knowlton Swim Club Contract – Springton Lake
Middle School
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the contract
with Hidden Hollow and Knowlton Swim Club in the amount of
$2,507 for Springton Lake Middle School’s Eighth grade pool party
to be held on June 12, 2015. There is no cost to the District’s
general fund for this contract.
Background
This item was discussed at the May 12, 2015 Finance Committee
X. Finance
7
May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
5.
Music Theatre International Contract – Summer School Program
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the contract
with Music Theatre International in the amount of $945 for Disney’s
The Little Mermaid Jr. materials and royalty fee for the summer
school production. Funding is through the summer school program.
There is no cost to the District’s general fund for this contract.
Background
This item was discussed at the May 12, 2015 Finance Committee
meeting.
6.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt – Contract Ratification
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors ratify the contract with
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in the amount of $3,500 for professional
development services for math curriculum.
Background
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt will provide professional development
services for teacher for the new math curriculum that was approved
for the 2015/2016 school year.
7.
Earth Engineering Inc. Contract – Penncrest Stadium
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the contract
with Earth Engineering Inc. in an amount not to exceed $5,000 for
professional site services for
improvements to the stadium at
Penncrest High School.
Background
This item was discussed at the May 12, 2015 Operations
Committee Meeting.
X. Finance
8
May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
8.
Joseph A. Walter Company Boiler/Burner Service Contract
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the contract with
Joseph A. Walter Company for Boiler/Burner services for three
years at a cost of $73,000 and emergency and repair services at a
rate of $90 per hour during regular business hours and emergency
repair services during after hours at a rate of $135 per hour.
Background
This item was discussed at the May 12, 2015 Operations
Committee Meeting.
9.
Donation
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors accept the donation of
two lacrosse goals from Penn State University’s Brandywine
campus.
Background
This item was discussed at the May 12, 2015 Operations
Committee Meeting.
10.
Mill Creek School Contract
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract for a
special education student to attend the Mill Creek School for the
remainder of the 2014-2015 school year.
Background
This placement is required to meet the needs of her Individual
Education Program as required by IDEA. Tuition costs are dollars
$119.50/per diem.
X. Finance
9
May 28, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
11.
Epic Health Services Contract
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract
submitted by Epic Health Services to provide substitute nursing
coverage for a medically fragile student who requires a 1:1 nurse to
attend school.
Background
Rates are $45.00/hour for an LPN, $48.00/hour for an RN, and
$25.00/hour for a Certified Nurse’s Aide.
12.
ATI Physical Therapy Contract
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract
submitted by ATI Physical Therapy to provide two certified athletic
trainers for up to 3,200 hours per school year to support the
Athletics Program.
Background
The contract is for the school terms 2015-2018. The cost of the
contract is $70,000 per year.
13.
Extended School Year Agreement/Contract
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve three contracts for
payment of tuition in the amount of $13,230.00/contract for three
special education students (one contract/student) to receive ESY
services at the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy.
Background
These children have multiple disabilities which require a specialized
placement. Extended School Year services are required for eligible
students under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act
X. Finance
10
May 28, 2015
AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
AND
ROSE TREE MEDIA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
Approved by the Board
of School Directors
April 23, 2015
For the period
September 1, 2014
through August 31, 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I - PARAMETERS OF AGREEMENT
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
A. Recognition and Definition of Unit
B. Definition of Parties
C. Supersedure
D. Government Regulations
E. Modification
F. Separability
G. Construction
H. No Strike - No Lockout
I. Date
ARTICLE II - RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF TEACHERS
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Selection Procedures
Personnel Files
Teacher’s Rights
Confidential Correspondence
Assignment
3
3
4
4
6
6
ARTICLE III – LEAVE PROCEDURE
A. Personal Emergency Leave
B. Leave for Family Illness
C. Association Leave
D. Court Appearance
E. Released Time for School District Business
F. Unpaid Leave of Absence
9
9
9
10
10
11
11
ARTICLE IV - ASSOCIATION RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES , RESPONSIBILITIES
17
17
17
17
18
20
20
20
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
Right to Organize
Maintenance of Membership
Fair Share
Advisory Role of Association
Association President Visitations
Bulletin Board
Building Use
ARTICLE V – HOURS
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
21
21
22
23
23
23
23
23
Teacher Year
Teacher Day
Lunch
Faculty Meetings
Planning Periods
Conference Days
Semester Preparation
i
ARTICLE VI – ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
24
24
29
38
42
43
43
43
43
43
45
46
46
46
A. Base Compensation
B. Supplemental Compensation
C. Insurance Benefits
D. Payroll Deductions
E. Student Organization Dues
F. Mileage
G. Complementary Tickets
H. Medical Examination
I. Tuition Reimbursement
J. Accrued Earnings
K. Class Coverage
L. Sick Leave Buy-Back
M. Sick Leave Bank
ARTICLE VII – TEACHING CONDITIONS
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Minor Changes, Teaching Conditions
Safety and Protection
Class Interruptions
Facilities
Seniority
ARTICLE VIII – GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
47
47
47
47
47
48
49
49
49
50
51
51
Definitions
General Principles
Individual Process
Group Process
General Provisions
ii
ARTICLE I
PARAMETERS OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement entered into by and between the Board of The School District of Rose Tree
Media, Pennsylvania, and the Rose Tree Media Education Association.
A.
RECOGNITION AND DEFINITION OF UNIT
The Board hereby recognizes the Association as the exclusive and sole
representative for collective negotiations for all full-time and regular part-time
teachers, substitute teachers whose appointment is for at least one-half of an
academic year, nurses, librarians, guidance counselors, and occupational therapists
and excluding management-level employees, supervisors, first-level supervisors,
confidential employees and guards.
B.
DEFINITION OF PARTIES
Unless otherwise indicated the terms “teachers” or “employees” when used
hereinafter in the Agreement shall refer to all members of the bargaining unit as
described above; the term “Board” is to include the Rose Tree Media School Board
and its designated agents.
C.
SUPERSEDURE
Any Article in this Agreement shall supersede and replace any rules, regulations, or
policies of the Board dealing with the same or similar issues.
D.
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
If government regulations limit complete implementation of Article VI of this
Agreement, the Board agrees to interpret such regulations in the least restrictive
manner provided by state and federal government authorities.
E.
MODIFICATION
This Agreement shall not be modified in whole or in part by the parties except by an
instrument, in writing, duly executed by both parties.
F.
SEPARABILITY
In the event any provision of the Agreement is found to be inconsistent with any
statute or law, the provisions of such statute or law shall prevail, and if any provision
herein is found to be invalid and unenforceable by a court or any administrative
agency having jurisdiction, then such provisions shall be considered void, but all
other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
1
ARTICLE I, Continued
G.
CONSTRUCTION
The Association and the Board agree that this Agreement shall be interpreted and
construed in a manner neither in violation of nor in conflict with any provisions of any
statute or statutes enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
H.
NO STRIKE/NO LOCKOUT
Both parties agree to faithfully abide by the provisions of Act 195 and Act 88. It is
mutually agreed that there shall be no strike, as that term is defined under the Public
Employee Relations Act, during the life of this Agreement, nor shall any officer,
representative or official of the Association authorize, assist or encourage any such
strike during the life of this Agreement. The Association further agrees that it and the
members of the bargaining unit will not, during the term of this Agreement engage in
a strike, slowdown, sick-out, selective strikes or any other concerted effort designed
to impair the normal operation of the District. It is further agreed that the Board shall
not engage in any lockout during the life of this Agreement.
I.
DATE
All Articles shall be in effect from September 1, 2014, through August 31, 2018.
ROSE TREE MEDIA
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
ROSE TREE MEDIA
EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
/S/
President
/S/
President
Board Secretary
/S/
Chief Negotiator
/S/
2
ARTICLE II
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF TEACHERS
A.
SELECTION PROCEDURES
1.
For any vacancy in any professional position, summer school, homebound
instruction, federal projects and other programs (including teaching positions
for which teachers may be qualified and eligible) the Board shall provide the
Association written notice and fifteen (15) copies. Such notice shall clearly set
forth a description of the position, necessary qualifications, salary range, and
procedure for application. Except in emergency situations (emergency to
mean when a teacher voluntarily terminates employment with the School
District and does not give at least forty (40) days prior notification) no opening
shall be filled except on a temporary basis until such opening shall have been
posted for at least twenty (20) calendar days prior to the last day on which
application shall be accepted.
2.
Each teacher including those on leave of absence and a long-term substitute
who applies in writing shall receive full, due consideration for any vacant
position. Due consideration shall mean the opportunity for submission of an
updated resume and an interview with the building principal and/or party
responsible for the filling of the position. Consideration will be given to
experience and seniority in the Rose Tree Media School District.
3.
All candidates for a position in the School District other than the one they
currently hold shall be notified, in writing, of the outcome of their candidacy.
4.
Supplemental Contracts
5.
a.
All openings in supplemental contracts shall be publicized by the Board,
in accordance with the procedure for vacancies in any professional
position, A, 1 above.
b.
Teachers who are offered supplemental contracts may decline same
without prejudice to their regular assignment.
c.
All factors being equal, in the district’s sole discretion, preference in
making such assignment shall be given Rose Tree Media School
District teachers, and not subject to the grievance procedure.
Vacancy Selection, Summer
Summer school assignments shall not be obligatory but shall be with the
consent of the teachers. All factors being equal, preference in making such
assignment shall be given Rose Tree Media School District teachers.
3
ARTICLE II, continued
6.
Delivery of Instruction
The Association and the District agree that should the District create and/or
provide a cyber school for Rose Tree Media students, the instruction shall be
provided by bargaining unit members. The District and the Association will
enter into a Memorandum of Agreement should the District create a cyber
school.
B.
C.
PERSONNEL FILES
1.
The teacher shall have the right to review the contents of his/her personnel file
in the Education Center and in his/her respective building. Said review shall
occur within seven (7) days of the request and shall be scheduled within a
reasonable time of the employee’s regular workday. The teacher shall be
entitled to have a representative of the Association accompany him/her during
such review.
2.
No material derogatory to an employee’s conduct, service, character, or
personality shall be placed in his/her personnel file unless the employee has
had an opportunity to review such material by affixing his/her signature to the
copy to be filed with the understanding that such signature in no way indicates
agreement with the contents thereof. Failure or refusal of a teacher to affix
his/her signature shall not preclude the report from remaining in the teacher’s
record. The teacher shall also have the right to submit a written answer to
such material and his/her answer shall be attached to the file copy. Copies of
supervisors’ reports and the teacher’s final rating will be placed in his/her
personnel file in the principal’s office.
3.
The Board agrees to protect the confidentiality of personnel references,
academic credentials and other similar documents. It shall not establish any
separate personnel files.
4.
No item shall be removed from the personnel file of the teacher without the
teacher’s authorization. No examination shall be made of the teacher’s
personnel file by other than employees of the District authorized by the Board
or persons authorized in writing by the employee himself/herself. The Board
shall replace with a suitable copy any item which is removed at the Board’s
discretion, from the employee’s personnel file.
TEACHER’S RIGHTS
1.
Citizenship Rights
Every teacher shall be entitled to full rights of citizenship and no religious and
political activities of any such teacher or the lack thereof shall be grounds for
any discipline with respect to the professional employment of such employee.
4
ARTICLE II, continued
The private and personal life of any teacher is not within the appropriate
concern or attention of the Board, except as it may be proved to adversely
affect the educational program.
2.
Representative Rights
Whenever an administrator schedules a meeting with a teacher, that teacher
has the right to bring a representative to that meeting.
3.
Due Process
a.
The Board and the Association expressly agree that the Board and
Administration shall not discipline a tenured professional employee
except for cause.
b.
Disciplinary actions which the Board or Administration may take,
provided that cause exists, shall include, but shall not be limited to, oral
reprimand, written warning, written reprimand, suspension from
employment duties without pay, demotion, unsatisfactory rating, or
dismissal for cause. In the event that a grievance filed under this
section is processed to the arbitration level, the arbitrator shall have
exclusive jurisdiction to determine whether just cause exists, and if so,
the appropriate penalty.
c.
Bargaining unit members who have received or are in danger of
receiving an unsatisfactory rating shall be subject to the Rose Tree
Media Intensive Supervision Program.
d.
No tenured professional employee shall be dismissed unless the
District Superintendent shall recommend dismissal and a majority of the
Board shall vote for dismissal at a public meeting of the Board.
e.
In determining whether cause exists for dismissal, that term shall
specifically include, but shall not be limited to, just cause, or any
conduct or action by a tenured professional employee which would
lawfully provide a proper basis for dismissal pursuant to Section 1122 of
the Public School Code of 1949 and interpretations thereof by
Pennsylvania Courts and/or the Secretary of Education.
f.
In the event that the District Superintendent shall recommend to the
Board that a tenured professional employee be dismissed, that
recommendation and the reasons therefore shall be transmitted, in
writing, to the Board President and the employee involved. Within ten
(10) days after receipt by the employee involved of such
recommendation he/she shall elect, in writing, whether he/she elects to
proceed under the Sections 1121 through 1132 of the School Code or
5
ARTICLE II, continued
in accordance with the grievance procedure set forth in this Agreement,
beginning at Level 2e (School Board). Tenured professional employees
whose dismissal for cause have been recommended may follow the
grievance procedure or request a hearing pursuant to sections 1121
through 1132 of the School Code, but not both.
3.
Due Process
g.
D.
This Section shall apply to disciplinary actions only and shall not apply
to retirements, suspensions, transfers, demotions, abandonment of
contract, resignation, or other changes in tenured professional
employee status which are initiated by the employee, or which are
initiated by the Board for reasons other than for the purpose of
discipline of an employee for cause.
CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE
Professional courtesy shall be extended and observed by all staff members and
Board members who are communicating or attempting to communicate with one
another.
Any written communication of a confidential nature sent through interoffice mail shall
first be sealed in a white envelope with the name of the recipient and the word
“CONFIDENTIAL” on the envelope. Such communication shall not be opened by
anyone other than the intended recipient.
E.
ASSIGNMENTS
The teacher will be paid at workshop rate for one day if moving within the building,
and two days if moving to another building. This will be paid for any involuntary
transfer and at the district’s discretion for voluntary transfer. If a teacher has to
change grade level or subject, the teacher will be provided with a .5 mentor at the
district’s discretion.
1.
Emergency Assignments
Except in emergency situations, teachers shall not receive major teaching
assignments outside the scope of their teaching qualification and certification
in their major or minor fields of study. In such emergency situations, the
Association shall be notified with an indication of the nature of the emergency.
2.
Teacher Schedule
Teachers shall be given written notice of their tentative schedule (i.e., the
school and courses) for the forthcoming year on or before the last scheduled
school day. They shall be given written notice of their daily schedule
6
ARTICLE II, continued
(i.e., course titles, room assignments, timetable), for the forthcoming year on
or before August 15.
E.
ASSIGNMENTS, cont’d
3.
Transfer, Voluntary
Teachers requesting a transfer between buildings should write to the
Superintendent at the time of an advertised vacancy. The teacher will be
interviewed and will receive a written response, with a reason, within five (5)
days following the filling of the vacancy.
Teachers requesting a transfer of grade level or subject assignment within a
building should write to the Principal. At the time of an advertised vacancy,
the teacher will be interviewed and will receive a written response, with a
reason, within five (5) days following the filling of the vacancy. If a teacher is
dissatisfied with the Principal’s decision, he/she may discuss the decision with
the Superintendent.
4.
Transfer, Involuntary
a.
Except where transfer is requested by a teacher, the Board shall notify
any teacher and the Association of a proposed transfer and the reasons
for such transfer. Such notification shall be given in writing on or before
the last scheduled school day whenever possible. If the teacher objects
to the transfer, he/she may provide written indication of his/her feelings
against the transfer to the Superintendent and the Association.
b.
The Association recognizes the Board’s responsibility and authority to
assign teachers to meet the needs of the School District. One or more
of the criteria below will be considered in the assignment and transfer of
teachers.
If a teacher is required to change building, elementary grade level or
secondary subject assignment (i.e., art, math, science, etc.) in addition
to the procedure outlined in paragraph a., any teacher objecting to the
transfer pursuant to paragraph a. will be given the opportunity to
discuss the transfer with the Superintendent. No bargaining unit
member who has been involuntarily transferred shall be involuntarily
transferred again for three (3) years from the effective date of transfer
unless agreement between the District and the Association that the
move would save a teaching position and/or prevent the furlough of an
existing employee. Excluded from this provision are special education,
gifted and special area teachers such as music, art and physical
education and any teacher whose transfer is necessitated by district
wide, building level or class declining enrollment.
7
ARTICLE II, continued
c.
The Superintendent has the authority for the assignment of teachers.
Teacher transfer will take place by using one or more of the following
criteria:
1)
Needs of students, as defined by the Board (after input from the
teacher involved in the transfer).
2)
District program needs.
3)
Desires and goals of the teacher.
4)
Quality of performance in prior assignments (including
sponsorship of extra-curricular activities).
5)
Seniority (length of service in Rose Tree Media).
6)
Length of professional service.
7)
Academic achievement (degree status).
8)
Certification.
9)
Teacher experience and ability in the area of the proposed
assignment.
8
ARTICLE III
LEAVE PROCEDURE
A.
PERSONAL LEAVE
1.
Each teacher in his/her first three (3) years of teaching in Rose Tree Media
School District will be allotted two (2) days of personal leave per year.
“Personal” will be sufficient written reason for the two (2) days.
Each teacher who has successfully completed three (3) consecutive years (in
his/her fourth year of consecutive teaching in the Rose Tree Media School
District) will be allotted four (4) days of personal leave per year. Leave shall
not be cumulative. Personal leave days are to be used for emergency or
personal business that could not be otherwise scheduled for non-school hours.
“Personal” will be sufficient written reason for the four (4) days.
B.
2.
The maximum number of personal leave days taken on any one (1) workday,
is limited to 10% of the number of teachers in each school.
3.
No personal leave may be used on any regularly scheduled day immediately
prior to or after a school holiday, on the first five (5) student days of school, or
on the last five (5) student days of school.
4.
Special emergency exemptions to items two (2) and three (3) above may be
granted at the discretion of the Superintendent.
5.
Unused personal leave days will be converted to sick days.
LEAVE FOR FAMILY ILLNESS
1.
Employees may be absent from work for up to three (3) days, singularly or
consecutively, with full pay based upon their regularly scheduled workday, to
attend to the illness of a member of their immediate family, childbirth or
adoption. Such absences shall be deducted from the employee’s
accumulated sick leave, and shall be available only after the employee has
used two (2) personal days.
2.
Employees will submit in writing the reason for the leave. In an emergency
such written explanation may be submitted upon the employee’s return to
work.
3.
The leave may be extended, with pay, at the discretion of the Superintendent.
9
ARTICLE III. Continued
C.
ASSOCIATION LEAVE
Any teachers who shall be authorized by RTMEA to attend Association-related
business meetings shall be granted such leave of absence as is necessary for such
purposes to a limit of fourteen (14) total days per year for the bargaining unit. No
member shall take more than five (5) days during a school year unless approved by
the Superintendent. Such absences shall not be charged to the employee’s sick or
personal leave. No expenses incident to attendance at such meetings shall be paid
by the Board, and RTMEA shall pay and reimburse the Board the wages for the
substitute teacher engaged, during the teacher’s absence. RTMEA will submit
appropriate paperwork for such leave in advance. Teachers in their first year of
teaching in the Rose Tree Media School District are not eligible for this benefit.
D.
COURT APPEARANCE
1.
A bargaining unit member who is called for jury duty shall suffer no loss in
salary during the period of his/her actual jury service provided that he/she shall
furnish the District with a statement from the appropriate Clerk of Court
attesting to the period of such service and provided that he/she shall turn back
to the District any amounts paid for such service during such period of service.
2.
A bargaining unit member who is directed to appear by lawful process as a
witness by the District in a court proceeding, or who is a party to a suit against
the District as a result of or relating directly to the discharge of his/her duties
as an employee of the District while acting within the scope of his/her duties
shall suffer no loss in salary during the period of his/her appearance in court,
provided that the proceeding has not been initiated by the employee or the
Association. Such bargaining unit member shall furnish the District with a
copy of the applicable document together with a statement from the Clerk of
Court attesting to the period of appearance in court and shall turn back to the
District any witness fees received.
3.
A bargaining unit member who is directed to appear by lawful process as a
witness in any other court proceeding, and who actually appears in such
proceeding, shall suffer no loss of pay for two days of his/her testimony or
attendance, provided that:
a.
He/she is not a party to the proceeding; and,
b.
The Association is not a party to the proceeding; and
c.
He/she furnishes a copy of the applicable document and a statement
from the Clerk of Court attesting to his/her attendance as a witness;
and,
10
ARTICLE III, Continued
4.
d.
He/she turns the applicable witness fee back to the District. If the
bargaining unit member is required to testify or attend on more than one
day in the same proceeding, days of attendance after the first day shall
be charged to unused personal leave until the employee’s allowable
personal leave is exhausted. Thereafter, the employee shall be
considered to be on authorized unpaid leave. For days of absence
subsequent to the first such day the employee shall not be required to
turn the applicable fee back to the District.
e.
The court proceedings do not involve a district employee who is suing
the district.
A bargaining unit member who is directed to appear by lawful process as a
witness in a court proceeding in a matter directly relating to the discharge of
his/her duties as an employee of the District while acting within the scope of
his/her duties involving a former or current student, where neither the teacher
nor the Association is a party, and who actually appears in such proceeding,
shall suffer no loss of pay for the first week of his/her testimony or attendance,
provided that he/she furnishes a copy of the applicable document and a
statement from the Clerk of court attesting to his/her attendance as a witness
and he/she turns the applicable witness fee back to the District.
In such a court proceeding, if the bargaining unit member is required to testify
or attend for more than one week in the same proceeding, the District will
continue to pay the bargaining unit member’s salary, provided that the salary
of the bargaining unit member’s substitute will be deducted. In such cases,
the bargaining unit member shall furnish a statement from the Clerk of Court
attesting to the days of his/her attendance as a witness.
E.
RELEASED TIME FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT BUSINESS
Whenever any representative of the Association or any professional employee is
jointly scheduled by the parties to participate during working hours in negotiations,
grievance proceedings, conferences, or meetings, he/she shall suffer no loss in pay
and shall be provided with released time from his/her regular duties.
F.
UNPAID LEAVE OF ABSENCE
General
Definition - An unpaid leave of absence for a specified period of time during which a
teacher provides no service to the district, receives no salary yet is retained as a
district employee with certain rights, benefits, and responsibilities. Except as
otherwise provided, leave commencement and termination dates shall be the first
and third quarters to coincide with the end of marking periods. This leave is available
to those who have taught for two years in this District.
11
ARTICLE III, Continued
The Superintendent shall make recommendations to the Board, which shall consider
each case individually. The sole consideration in granting such leave shall be the
welfare of students and the availability of suitable replacements. The maximum
number of unpaid leaves of absence is limited to 10% of the number of teachers in
each school. Sabbatical leaves are excluded from this 10% allotment.
Application forms are available in Principals’ offices.
Teachers taking leave under this Agreement shall return under the terms of this
Article of this Agreement.
1.
Detached Service
a.
Definition - Where teacher is earning remuneration for the
following:
1) study at accredited institution in a program directly related to
his/her professional responsibility;
2) participation in a foreign or military teaching program;
3) full-time participation in programs such as the Peace Corps,
Teachers’ Corps, Job corps; AmeriCorps, or
4) participation in a work program directly related to his/her
professional responsibility.
b.
Rights - Upon completion of leave, teacher shall resume position
previously held or comparable position.
c.
Responsibilities - The teacher shall apply for such leave at least six
months in advance of effective date. He/she shall fulfill his/her stated
intentions and return to Rose Tree Media School District’s service on
the specified date for a period equal to the length of his/her leave.
Upon return to service, he/she will not terminate his/her Rose Tree
Media School District employment prior to the close of any school year
unless by mutual consent this responsibility is modified. Leave duration
shall not exceed two (2) consecutive years to coincide with the
beginning of a marking period.
d.
Benefits - Teacher may retain his/her membership in the Pennsylvania
Public School Employees’ Retirement System, hospitalization and other
insurance plans in effect on the effective date of leave. Board shall
contribute neither the employee’s share, nor its own share to the cost of
the membership retention. Teachers shall neither lose nor accrue
seniority or salary step entitlement during the leave.
12
ARTICLE III, Continued
2.
Professional Growth
a.
Definition - Where teacher is earning no remuneration for the following:
1) cultural travel or activity directly related to his/her professional
responsibility; or
2) study at accredited institution in a program directly related
to his/her professional responsibility.
3.
b.
Rights - Same as in 1, b.
c.
Responsibilities - Same as in 1, c.
d.
Benefits - Same as in 1, d., except Board will contribute its share to the
teacher’s retirement, hospitalization and other insurance plans.
Political Activities
a.
Definition
1) to campaign for his/her election to state or federal public office; or
2) to serve as a full-time elected public official.
b.
Rights - A teacher may return to the position formerly held within four
(4) calendar weeks after the effective date of leave commencement for
campaigning purposes. Such return shall be within one (1) week of the
election.
If he/she wins the election, he/she may return to the same or
comparable position within two (2) years after taking office. The
effective date of leave termination shall be the beginning of the first
quarter year to coincide with the beginning of a marking period.
c.
Responsibilities - Teacher shall apply for four weeks or less campaign
leave at least two months prior to effective date of leave
commencement.
Application for service as office holder shall be made the day following
election. Leave shall commence on date of inauguration into office. If
orientation is held prior to taking office, leave shall commence one (1)
week prior to swearing-in. Following the term of office, he/she shall
return to Rose Tree Media School District service. Should the teacher
seek re-election and win, the Board may require the teacher’s
resignation effective on the last day of his/her first term.
d.
Benefits - Same as in 1, d.
13
ARTICLE III, Continued
4.
5.
Medical or Surgical Emergencies
a.
Definition - Medical or surgical emergencies after exhaustion of all other
appropriate leave possibilities.
b.
Rights - Teacher shall return to the same or similar position.
c.
Responsibilities - Teacher shall apply for leave as early as possible
under the circumstances. Teacher shall return to Rose Tree Media
School District service on the specified date. Leave duration shall not
exceed two (2) consecutive years.
d.
Benefits - Same as 1, d.
Child-Rearing Leave
a.
An employee who is expecting or whose spouse is expecting the birth
of a child or who expects to adopt a child, and who wishes to continue
employment following a period of absence taken for the purpose of
rearing the child, shall be granted a child-rearing leave of absence
without pay.
b.
An employee who wishes a child-rearing leave of absence without pay
must submit a request for such leave, in writing, to the Office of the
Superintendent no later than forty-five (45) days prior to the proposed
effective date of the child-rearing leave.
c.
The written request for child-rearing leave shall specify the expected
date of birth or adoption of the child and shall specify the proposed
period of leave.
d.
Unless otherwise approved by the Board, all child-rearing leaves shall
be for at least one quarter (1/4) of the school year (ordinarily at least
forty-five (45) days) and shall terminate effective with the beginning of
the first and third quarters to coincide with the end of marking periods.
Child-rearing leave must begin no later than one full quarterly marking
period after the birth of the child, except that if a child is born during the
fourth quarter, the child-rearing leave must begin by the beginning of
the first quarter of the following school year.
e.
The maximum length of the leave may be six (6) quarters.
f.
Approval of a request for child-rearing leave shall be reflected upon the
minutes of the Board and shall specify the period of the leave.
14
ARTICLE III, Continued
g.
An employee who has been granted a child-rearing leave of absence
and who wishes to terminate the leave prior to the approved termination
date may request approval of an earlier termination date. A request for
an early termination of an approved child-rearing leave must be made
in writing to the Office of the Superintendent at least thirty (30) days
prior to the new termination date requested. Reinstatement at an early
termination date is contingent upon the existence of a vacancy for
which the teacher is certified. A position which is filled by a long-term
substitute is not considered a vacancy for purposes of early termination.
h.
An employee who has been granted a child-rearing leave of absence
and who wishes to have the leave extended may request approval of an
extension by making a written request for extension to the Office of the
Superintendent.
i.
An employee who has been granted a period of child-rearing leave
should give notice of intention to return to the Office of the
Superintendent. If the approved termination date is at the conclusion of
a fall quarter (the second quarter of the school year), notice should be
given by September 15th; if the approved termination date is at the
conclusion of a spring quarter (fourth quarter of the school year), notice
should be given by February 15th.
j.
Upon termination of the leave, the District shall reinstate the employee
to the position held prior to the leave, if available, or to a substantially
equal position if the position is available. If such position is not
available, the employer may offer the employee any other available
position for which the employee is qualified.
k.
Employees on authorized child-rearing leave of absence without pay,
pursuant to this Article, shall not be considered to be active employees
of the School district during the period of the leave and shall not be
entitled to any benefits, including but not limited to salary, fringe
benefits, sick leave, personal leave, or other types of paid benefits,
which are granted active employees. Employees shall neither lose nor
accrue seniority or salary step entitlement during the leave.
l.
No employee shall be entitled to a period of absence or leave allowed
or authorized under any other Article of this Agreement during any
period of absence approved under this Article.
15
ARTICLE III, Continued
m.
Employees granted child-rearing leave may be allowed to remain a
member of the District group insurance plans during the leave at their
own expense, subject to approval of the carrier(s), if they request that
they be allowed to remain a member of the plans prior to the beginning
of the child-rearing leave. Because the District pays premiums one
month in advance, the employee must submit monthly premium
payments to the Business Office at least one month in advance of the
date that each premium payment is due.
n.
The time limits expressed in this section may be waived by written
approval of the superintendent in the event of extenuating
circumstances which the Superintendent, in his/her sole discretion,
deems sufficient.
16
ARTICLE IV
ASSOCIATION RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A.
RIGHT TO ORGANIZE
The Board hereby agrees that every teacher shall have the right freely to organize,
join and support the Association and its affiliates for the purpose of engaging in
collective negotiations and other concerted activities for mutual aid and protection.
B.
C.
MAINTENANCE OF MEMBERSHIP
1.
Employees who are members of the Association on the effective date of this
agreement or who become members during its term shall maintain their
membership for the term of this agreement by paying annual dues and/or
assessments. Any Teacher-Association member leaving the employ of the
District prior to the end of a school year shall pay the balance of that year’s
dues and/or assessments to the Association. Such dues and/or assessments
shall be deducted from said member’s final paycheck.
2.
Employees may resign from membership in the Association fifteen (15) days
prior to the expiration date of this agreement.
3.
The Board shall not take dismissal action against any teacher for his/her
failure to maintain membership in the Association.
FAIR SHARE
1.
Bargaining unit employees who are not members of the Association shall be
required to pay to the Association a “Fair Share Fee” for services rendered as
the exclusive bargaining agent, as provided under Act 84 of 1988.
2.
The District, on or before September 15th of each year, will provide the
Association with a list of the names and addresses of all bargaining unit
members. The District will also provide the Association with the name and
address of any employee hired after September 15th, such notice to be
provided within thirty (30) days after the date of hire.
3.
By October 15th of each year, the Association shall provide the District with
the names of employees who are non-members of the Association, the
amount of the “Fair Share Fee,” and a payment schedule for the deduction of
the fee. For employees hired after September 15th of each year, the
Association will provide the District with the amount of the fee and a payment
schedule for deduction of the fee. The District will deduct such fee from the
paychecks of each non-member in accordance with the schedule provided,
and shall promptly transmit the amount deducted to the Association Treasurer.
17
ARTICLE IV, Continued
4.
D.
The Association will indemnify, defend and hold the District harmless against
any and all claims, demands, suits, plaintiff’s attorney’s fees awarded as a
result of any action taken against the District, or other forms of liability that
shall arise out of or by reason of action taken by the District to comply with the
provisions of this section.
ADVISORY ROLE OF ASSOCIATION
The Association President will meet regularly with the Superintendent, at
mutually agreeable times, in order to discuss matters of significance. Where
appropriate the Superintendent shall exercise his/her discretion to provide
release time for the Association President. That decision is not subject to the
grievance procedure.
1.
Principal’s Advisory Boards
A Principal’s Advisory Board in each school shall meet at least monthly with
the Principal and his designees at times most agreeable to all parties. The
Advisory Board shall consist of the Association Advisory Board Committee (2
members) and up to seven (7) parents of children in that school, all of whom
shall be designated by the parent-teachers’ organization in that school. The
Principal may designate an additional teacher.
Principal’s Advisory Board membership shall be subject to annual revision by
the contributing organizations. The Association recognizes the importance of
the Principal’s Advisory Board and will encourage the attendance of its
designees.
Meetings may be canceled by the Principal when it becomes apparent that
less than one-half (1/2) of the regular members shall attend. Twenty-four (24)
hours notice shall be given whenever possible.
2.
Building Committee
An Association Building Committee in each school shall meet at least monthly
with the Principal and his designees, at mutually acceptable times to discuss
school matters. The Association Building Committee shall consist of three (3)
teachers from that school, (four (4) in secondary schools), who serve as
Building Representatives of the Association. Meeting may be canceled by
mutual consent.
18
ARTICLE IV, Continued
3.
Meet and Discuss
The Board agrees that a committee be formed composed of Board and
Association representatives to meet at the request of either party at
reasonable times and to discuss recommendations submitted by the
Association, provided that any decisions or determination on matters so
discussed shall remain with the Board and be deemed final on any issue or
issues raised. This committee shall deal with policy matterS affecting wages,
hours and details and conditions of employment not included in this
Agreement.
4.
Board Meetings
A representative of the Association shall be given a place on the agenda of all
regular Board meetings.
5.
Policy Review
The Board agrees to make a reasonable effort to maintain present policies
relating to terms and conditions of professional employment and working
conditions.
The Board agrees that prior to the adoption of policies relating to terms and
conditions of professional employment and working conditions, it shall make
the School Board agenda and policies to be discussed available to review by
the Association, and upon request shall provide the Association an opportunity
to advise the Board as to the Association viewpoint. The agenda is to be
available seventy-two (72) hours prior to board consideration.
If, after the above, the Board adopts a policy relating to conditions of
professional employment and working conditions, the Association may submit
the policy to Meet and Discuss, within thirty (30) calendar days of adoption,
with a State Mediator present.
6.
General Orientation Program
The Association shall be allowed sufficient time on the agenda of such general
orientation programs for new teachers as are scheduled by the Board to
explain services available through the Association. The Association shall also
maintain a place on the agenda of the first general meeting of all teachers at
the opening of school.
19
ARTICLE IV, Continued
7.
Inservice Programs
The Board shall seek the Association’s advice on arranging inservice courses,
workshops, conferences and programs designed to improve the quality of
instruction in the Rose Tree Media School District. Such advice shall be
coordinated through the Professional Development Committee.
E.
ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT VISITATIONS
The President of the Association shall be allowed to visit schools during lunch period,
before and after school, and other times as approved by the Superintendent to
investigate working conditions, teacher complaints or problems, or for other purposes
relating to Association affairs. The President must arrange a conference with the
Principal within twenty-four (24) hours after his/her visit, if requested by the Principal,
for the purpose of reviewing his/her findings with the understanding that confidential
activities should not need to be discussed.
F.
BULLETIN BOARD
The Association shall have in each school building, the exclusive use of a bulletin
board in each faculty lounge or teachers’ room.
G.
BUILDING USE
The Association and its representatives shall normally be allowed the use of school
buildings for meetings after school hours. Arrangements for such use shall be made
with the Principal of the building in which the meeting is planned, or with the staff
member in charge of such building. The Association must complete and submit a
Building Use form for the use of school buildings after school hours.
20
ARTICLE V
HOURS
A.
TEACHER YEAR
1.
The normal teacher year shall consist of the following number of days as
scheduled by the Board:
New Hires
2014-2015
2015-2016
2016-2017
2017-2018
189
189
191
193
194
194
196
198
New hires, in their second year of employment with the District shall be
required to attend three additional inservice days for which they shall be
compensated at the summer workshop rate. Notice of the dates for these
additional days shall be provided to the affected employees by no later than
April 1 of each year.
For the 2014-2015 school year only, the parties agree to schedule a number of
inservice programs outside the normal teacher day in accordance with the
Flex Plan. For the year 2014-2015 there shall be two (2) flex days available
and one (1) teacher set up day. The two flex days will accrue hourly for a total
of fifteen (15) hours. The District agrees to allow the Association input when
scheduling flex days with the understanding that the designation of when the
flex days are taken is at the discretion of the District and with the
understanding that programs/courses approved for flex days must be directly
related and supportive of the bargaining unit member’s area of instruction.
2.
One (1) teacher set up day will continue each year. Effective July 1, 2015, the
two (2) flex days shall be abolished and utilized for inservice by the District.
21
ARTICLE V, Continued
B.
TEACHER DAY
The normal teacher day shall be seven (7) hours and thirty (30) minutes as assigned
by the Board.
Two times per month, the teacher day shall be eight (8) hours to allow for additional
time for meetings and in-service. These days will be designated on the school
calendar no later than September 1st of each year. The days will be determined by
each building level (elementary, middle, high). The elementary schools will
incorporate the additional time into the teacher day in the morning. Secondary
schools will add the additional time to the teacher day in the afternoons.
The District and the Association recognize that there may be times when meetings
and/or inservice do exceed one half (1/2) hour and extend the normal teacher day
beyond eight hours. Administration shall provide seventy-two (72) hours notice to the
Bargaining Unit Members should a meeting/inservice be planned or likely to extend
the normal teacher day. Administration shall make every effort to ensure that when
the need arises that the meetings do not exceed an additional on half (1/2) hour for a
total teacher day of eight and one half (81/2) hours. Bargaining unit members who
have outside commitments (supplementals, child care issues, etc.) shall advise
administration of his/her prior commitment and shall be excused from the extended
portion of the meeting. This shall not occur more than two (2) times per year.
22
ARTICLE V, Continued
C.
D.
LUNCH
1.
Within their normal day of seven (7) hours and thirty (30) minutes, and for the
two (2) days per month that may be eight (8) hour days, teachers are entitled
to a duty-free, uninterrupted lunch period of no less than thirty-five (35)
minutes.
2.
A teacher has the right to leave a building for his/her lunch period.
Appropriate notification procedures designed by the building Principal shall be
followed.
FACULTY MEETINGS
All faculty meetings at which attendance is required shall be held during the defined
school day.
E.
PLANNING PERIODS
Under normal circumstances, the Board agrees to provide each teacher with a
minimum of five (5) individual duty-free planning periods per week. These planning
periods should occur within the student instructional day, in at least forty (40) minute
segments, totaling a minimum of 240 minutes per week.
Prior to scheduling the use of a bargaining unit member's planning period, the District
shall consult with the bargaining unit member in advance, with the understanding
that the District retains the right to schedule the time as needed.
If a scheduled planning period is used by the district, payment will be made at the
rate of $30 per planning period. The District is responsible for requesting payment
from the payroll department. While the bargaining unit is aware that there are
legitimate reasons for the loss of a planning period, it is the parties’ intention to keep
such instances to a minimum.
F.
CONFERENCE DAYS
There will be a minimum of three (3) parent conference days for teachers in the
middle and elementary schools as per current format.
G.
SEMESTER PREPARATION
There will be a three (3) hour teacher preparation period at the mid-point of the
school year at the secondary level and as scheduled at the elementary level at the
school district’s discretion.
23
ARTICLE VI
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
A.
BASE COMPENSATION
1.
Salary Schedules
SALARY SCHEDULE 2014-2015
STEP
BACHELOR
PERMANENT
MASTERS
MEQ
MASTERS
+20
MASTERS
+40
MASTERS
+60
DOCTORATE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
$45,953
$46,091
$46,229
$46,368
$46,507
$46,647
$46,786
$46,927
$47,068
$48,251
$48,434
$48,617
$48,800
$48,983
$49,166
$49,349
$49,532
$49,715
$49,898
$51,270
$56,858
$63,056
$69,929
$78,905
$53,076
$53,299
$53,522
$53,745
$53,968
$54,191
$54,414
$54,637
$58,767
$62,999
$67,534
$72,397
$77,610
$83,197
$89,665
$58,383
$58,726
$59,069
$59,412
$59,755
$60,098
$60,441
$60,784
$61,127
$65,345
$69,854
$74,674
$79,826
$85,334
$91,633
$64,222
$64,889
$65,556
$66,223
$66,890
$67,557
$68,224
$68,891
$69,558
$73,209
$77,053
$81,098
$85,356
$89,837
$94,848
$70,644
$71,109
$71,574
$72,039
$72,504
$72,969
$73,434
$73,899
$74,364
$77,896
$81,596
$85,472
$89,532
$93,785
$98,330
$78,415
$79,846
$81,303
$82,787
$84,298
$85,836
$87,403
$88,998
$90,622
$92,276
$93,960
$95,674
$97,421
$99,198
$100,757
a.
Teachers shall not progress to the Masters + tract of the salary
schedule without an earned Master’s Degree.
24
SALARY SCHEDULE 2015-2016
Employees hired prior to March 10, 2015:
STEP
BACHELOR
PERMANENT
MASTERS
MEQ
MASTERS
+20
MASTERS
+40
MASTERS
+60
DOCTORATE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
$46,374
$46,513
$46,653
$46,792
$46,933
$47,074
$47,215
$47,357
$47,499
$50,247
$48,692
$48,862
$49,033
$49,205
$49,377
$49,550
$49,723
$49,897
$50,072
$50,247
$55,070
$60,356
$66,149
$72,499
$79,458
$53,562
$53,776
$53,991
$54,207
$54,424
$54,642
$54,861
$55,080
$59,178
$63,496
$68,128
$73,098
$78,431
$84,153
$90,293
$58,918
$59,271
$59,627
$59,985
$60,344
$60,707
$61,071
$61,437
$61,806
$66,075
$70,639
$75,519
$80,735
$86,312
$92,274
$64,809
$65,263
$65,720
$66,180
$66,643
$67,109
$67,579
$68,052
$68,529
$72,427
$76,548
$80,903
$85,506
$90,371
$95,512
$71,290
$71,860
$72,435
$73,015
$73,599
$74,188
$74,781
$75,379
$75,982
$79,411
$82,994
$86,739
$90,653
$94,743
$99,018
$79,132
$80,550
$81,993
$83,461
$84,956
$86,478
$88,027
$89,604
$91,209
$92,843
$94,506
96,199
$97,923
$99,677
$101,462
Employees hired as of March 10, 2015
a.
STEP
BACHELOR
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
$46,374
$46,513
$46,653
$46,792
$46,933
$47,074
$47,215
$47,357
$47,499
MASTERS
MASTERS
+30
DOCTORATE
$53,562
$53,776
$53,991
$54,207
$54,424
$54,642
$54,861
$55,080
$59,178
$63,496
$68,128
$73,098
$78,431
$84,153
$90,293
$62,647
$64,542
$66,494
$68,506
$70,578
$72,713
$74,912
$77,179
$79,513
$81,919
$84,397
$86,950
$89,580
$92,290
$95,082
$79,132
$80,550
$81,993
$83,461
$84,956
$86,478
$88,027
$89,604
$91,209
$92,843
$94,506
$96,199
$97,923
$99,677
$101,462
Teachers shall not progress to the Masters + tract of the salary
schedule without an earned Master’s Degree.
25
SALARY SCHEDULE 2016-2017
Employees hired prior to March 10, 2015:
STEP
BACHELOR
PERMANENT
MASTERS
MEQ
MASTERS
+20
MASTERS
+40
MASTERS
+60
DOCTORATE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
$48,036
$48,180
$48,325
$48,470
$48,615
$48,761
$48,907
$49,054
$49,201
$52,049
$50,437
$50,614
$50,791
$50,969
$51,147
$51,326
$51,506
$51,686
$51,867
$52,049
$56,842
$62,077
$67,794
$74,038
$80,857
$55,482
$55,704
$55,927
$56,151
$56,375
$56,601
$56,827
$57,054
$61,074
$65,376
$69,981
$74,911
$80,188
$85,836
$91,883
$61,030
$61,396
$61,764
$62,135
$62,508
$62,883
$63,260
$66,462
$69,825
$73,359
$77,072
$80,973
$85,071
$89,376
$93,899
$67,132
$67,602
$68,076
$68,552
$69,032
$69,515
$70,002
$72,933
$75,987
$79,170
$82,485
$85,939
$89,538
$93,287
$97,194
$73,846
$74,436
$75,032
$75,632
$76,237
$76,847
$77,462
$80,050
$82,726
$85,490
$88,347
$91,300
$94,351
$97,504
$100,762
$81,969
$83,331
$84,717
$86,125
$87,556
$89,012
$90,492
$91,996
$93,525
$95,080
$96,660
$98,267
$99,900
$101,561
$103,249
Employees hired as of March 10, 2015:
MASTERS
a.
STEP
BACHELOR
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
$48,036
$48,180
$48,325
$48,470
$48,615
$48,761
$48,907
$49,054
$49,201
$55,482
$55,704
$55,927
$56,151
$56,375
$56,601
$56,827
$57,054
$61,074
$65,376
$69,981
$74,911
$80,188
$85,836
$91,883
MASTERS
+30
DOCTORATE
$64,892
$66,771
$68,703
$70,692
$72,738
$74,843
$77,009
$79,238
$81,532
$83,892
$86,320
$88,818
$91,389
$94,034
$96,756
$81,969
$83,331
$84,717
$86,125
$87,556
$89,012
$90,492
$91,996
$93,525
$95,080
$96,660
$98,267
$99,900
$101,561
$103,249
Teachers shall not progress to the Masters + tract of the salary
schedule without an earned Master’s Degree.
26
SALARY SCHEDULE 2017-2018
Employees hired prior to March 10, 2015:
STEP
BACHELOR
PERMANENT
MASTERS
MEQ
MASTERS
+20
MASTERS
+40
MASTERS
+60
DOCTORATE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
$48,334
$48,479
$48,625
$48,771
$48,917
$49,064
$49,211
$49,359
$49,507
$52,372
$57,266
$50,750
$50,928
$51,106
$51,285
$51,465
$51,645
$51,826
$52,007
$52,189
$52,372
$57,266
$62,618
$68,471
$74,870
$81,867
$55,827
$56,050
$56,274
$56,499
$56,725
$56,952
$57,180
$57,409
$61,507
$65,899
$70,604
$75,645
$81,045
$86,832
$93,031
$61,409
$61,777
$62,148
$62,521
$62,896
$63,273
$63,653
$66,926
$70,368
$73,987
$77,792
$81,793
$86,000
$90,423
$95,073
$67,549
$68,022
$68,498
$68,978
$69,460
$69,947
$70,436
$73,443
$76,578
$79,847
$83,256
$86,810
$90,516
$94,380
$98,409
$74,304
$74,898
$75,497
$76,101
$76,710
$77,324
$77,943
$80,610
$83,369
$86,222
$89,173
$92,225
$95,381
$98,645
$102,022
$82,478
$83,886
$85,318
$86,775
$88,257
$89,764
$91,297
$92,856
$94,441
$96,054
$97,694
$99,362
$101,059
$102,785
$104,540
Employees hired as of March 10, 2015:
a.
STEP
BACHELOR
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
$48,334
$48,479
$48,625
$48,771
$48,917
$49,064
$49,211
$49,359
$49,507
MASTERS
MASTERS
+30
DOCTORATE
$55,827
$56,050
$56,274
$56,499
$56,725
$56,952
$57,180
$57,409
$61,507
$65,899
$70,604
$75,645
$81,045
$86,832
$93,031
$65,295
$67,215
$69,191
$71,226
$73,320
$75,476
$77,695
$79,979
$82,331
$84,751
$87,243
$89,809
$92,449
$95,167
$97,966
$82,478
$83,886
$85,318
$86,775
$88,257
$89,764
$91,297
$92,856
$94,441
$96,054
$97,694
$99,362
$101,059
$102,785
$104,540
Teachers shall not progress to the Masters + tract of the salary
schedule without an earned Master’s Degree.
27
2.
Degree Advancement
a.
Placement on degree columns shall be determined on or before
September 1st of 2015, September 1st of 2016 and September 1st of
2017.
b.
All credentials for advancement must have been submitted and
approved by October 1st of the applicable school year.
c.
Credits must have been earned subsequent to the degree to which they
are attached and approved by the Office of the Superintendent.
d.
Credits and degrees must be earned in an area in which the teacher is
certified, or in education.
e.
Bargaining unit members may not move more than one column in any
school year, commencing with the Master’s Degree column.
The following provisions shall apply to new hires (those bargaining unit members hired as of
March 10, 2015).
a.
Degree advances will occur with an earned Master’s Degree, M+30
credits or an earned doctorate only. All credits beyond the Master’s
degree must be part of an approved doctoral program.
b.
The District reserves the right to determine which degree programs and
which courses will be acceptable for degree advancement. If a dispute
arises relating to courses taken by the professional employee for
degree advancement, the discretion of the superintendent or his/her
designee will be final.
c.
Official transcripts showing the awarding of the degree must be
submitted and approved by October 1 of the school year in which the
degree advances to take effect.
d.
Degree must have been earned in an area in which the teacher is
certified or in education.
28
ARTICLE VI, Continued
3.
Extended School Year Salary
The Board has designated that middle school and high school guidance
counselors will work an extended school year. They shall be paid at their per
diem rate.
The Board may designate other positions which exceed the length of the
school year. Teachers occupying such positions shall be paid at a per diem
rate.
4.
National Board Certification
Teachers holding National Board Certification will receive a one-time payment
of $2,500 in addition to their regular salary.
B.
SUPPLEMENTAL COMPENSATION
The Board has the right to create and delete all supplemental contract positions as
they deem necessary for the good of the School District. Salaries to be paid for any
new supplemental contract positions shall be determined at a Meet and Discuss
session.
For the life of the agreement supplemental salaries will be based on the number of
units times the level of years of granted experience, as follows. The District will give
credit for years of experience per current scale.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
1-3 years
4-6 years
7-9 years
10+years
Unit Values
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
145
152
162
173
29
ARTICLE VI, continued
1.
ATHLETIC SUPPLEMENTALS
Senior High School Athletics
Units
Note:
Athletic Director
Athletic Director
Assistant
Assistant
50
50
Football
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Freshman Assistant Coach
Freshman Assistant Coach
57
36
36
36
36
31 (33)
25
Soccer (Girls)
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Head Freshman Coach
Assistant Freshman Coach
39
25
25
23(25)
17
Soccer (Boys)
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Freshman Head Coach
Freshman Assistant Coach
39
25
25
23 (25)
17
Field Hockey
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Freshman Assistant Coach
Freshman Assistant Coach
39
25
25
23 (25)
17
Volleyball
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Freshman Assistant Coach
39
25
23 (25)
Cross Country
Head Coach (Boys)
Head Coach (Girls)
27
27
Golf
Head Coach
23
Cheerleading (Fall)
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Freshman Assistant Coach
27
21
21
Units in parenthesis should be used if the coach is participating with the varsity team in summer camp.
30
ARTICLE VI, Continued
Senior High School Athletics, continued
Units
Tennis
Head Coach (Girls)
Head Coach (Boys)
25
25
Basketball (Boys/Girls)
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Freshman Assistant Coach
44
31
31
25(27)
Wrestling
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
44
31
Swimming
Head Coach (Boys)
Head Coach (Girls)
Diving Coach
31
31
20
Indoor Track
Head Coach (Boys)
Assistant Coach
Head Coach (Girls)
Assistant Coach
34
26
34
26
Cheerleading (Winter)
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Freshman Coach
23
19
19
Baseball
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Freshman Assistant Coach
39
25
25
25
23(25)
Softball
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Freshman Assistant Coach
39
25
25
25
23(25)
Track
Head Coach (Boys)
Head Coach (Girls)
Assistant Coach (Boys)
Assistant Coach (Boys)
Assistant Coach (Girls)
Assistant Coach (Girls)
39
39
27
27
27
27
31
ARTICLE VI, continued
Senior High School Athletics, continued
Lacrosse (Boys)
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Head JV Coach
Assistant JV Coach
Units
39
25
25
23
17
Lacrosse (Girls)
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
JV Assistant Coach
JV Assistant Coach
39
25
25
23
17
Post Season Play
Varsity Coach
Assistant Coach
$40/day
$30/day
Middle School - Athletics
Athletic Director
Note:
31
Football
Head Coach unlimited
Head Coach lightweight
Assistant Coach unlimited
Assistant Coach lightweight
21 (23)
21 (23)
17
17
Soccer
Head Coach
Head Coach
Head Coach
Head Coach
21 (23)
21 (23)
21 (23)
21 (23)
Field Hockey
Head Coach 7th Grade
Head Coach 8th Grade
21 (23)
21 (23)
Volleyball
Head Coach 7th Grade
Head Coach 8th Grade
21 (23)
21 (23)
Basketball
Head Coach
Head Coach
Head Coach
Head Coach
21(23)
21(23)
21(23)
21(23)
Wrestling
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
(Boys/Grade 8)
(Boys/Grade 7)
(Girls/Grade 8)
(Girls/Grade 7)
(Boys/Grade 8)
(Boys/Grade 7)
(Girls/Grade 8)
(Girls/Grade 7)
21(23)
17
Units in parenthesis should be used if the coach is participating with the varsity team in summer camp.
32
ARTICLE VI, Continued
Middle School athletics, continued
Units
2.
Baseball
Head Coach (Grade 8)
Head Coach (Grade 7)
21(23)
21(23)
Track
Head Coach (Boys)
Head Coach (Girls)
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
21
21
17
17
Lacrosse
Head Coach (Girls/Grade 8)
Head Coach (Girls/Grade 7)
Head Coach (Boys/Grade 8)
Head Coach (Boys/Grade 7)
21(23)
21(23)
21(23)
21(23)
Softball
Head Coach (Grade 8)
Head Coach (Grade 7)
21(23)
21(23)
Cross Country
Head Coach
21
Tennis
Head Coach
21
Cheerleading
Fall Coach
Winter Coach
20
18
NON-ATHLETIC SUPPLEMENTALS
Senior High School Non-Athletics
Units
Activities Coordinator
Student Council
Stage Manager/Tech Crew
Yearbook
Literary Magazine
Band
Band Director
Band Front Guard Coordinator
Assistant Band Director
Assistant Band Director
Indoor Drum Line
Jazz Band Director
25
18
20
35
10
33
50
25
20
20
10
10
ARTICLE VI, continued
2.
`
NON-ATHLETIC SUPPLEMENTALS, continued
Junior Variety Show Director
Assistant Junior Variety Show Director
Emanon
Readers Theatre
Winter Production
Children's Theatre
Assistant Director
Coordinator
All-School Musical Director
All-School Musical Assistant Director
Choral Director
Orchestra Director
Freshman Class Advisor
Sophomore Class Advisor
Junior Class Advisor (2)
Senior Class Advisor (2)
Hi-Q Sponsor
Intramurals Director
Fitness Club
National Honor Society
Mathematics Honor Society
History Honor Society
Foreign Language Honor Society
Art Honor Society
Human Relations Club
Detention Supervisor (2)
Morning Director
Morning Supervisor
Supplies Coordinator
SADD Coordinator
Model UN
History Day Sponsor
Envirothon
Assistant Envirothon
Student Mentors
International Club
Future Business Leaders of America
Eco Club
Dance Team
English Honor Society
34
15
10
11
17
13
11
7
25
20
26
26
10
10
20 (each)
20 (each)
18
15
15
15
8
8
8
8
8
10 (each)
20
8
8
8
8
8
18
10
4
8
18
8
8
8
ARTICLE VI, continued
2.
NON-ATHLETIC SUPPLEMENTALS, continued
TV Production Club/Team Assist
Interact Club
Physics Olympics Coach
Physics Olympics Assistant Coach
Science Olympiad Coach
Science Olympiad Assistant Coach
Science Olympiad Assistant Coach
Medical Scholars
Middle School Non-Athletics
19
8
18
10
18
10
10
8
Units
Special Area Team Leader
Team Activity (9)
SIGMA Math Competition Sponsor (3)
After School Activity Bus Supervisor
School Newspaper
School Yearbook
School Photographer
Intramural Director
Chorus Director - 7th and 8th Grade
Chorus Director - 6th Grade
Band Director
Jazz Band Director
Orchestra Director
Student Forum Sponsors
Special Student Activities Sponsor
Evening Concerts Chaperones (3)
Detention Supervisor (2)
Saturday Detention Supervisor (2)
SADD Sponsor
Jr. Science Olympiad
Team Activity Leaders (9)
Drama/Theater Director
Musical/Theater Director
Stage Manager/Tech Crew
Homework Club
After School Clubs
Multicultural Student Union
Art Club
Environmental Club
French Club
Robotic Club
Archery Club
Video Production Club
Dance Club
Debate Club
Applied Engineering Club
35
6
6 (each)
5 (each)
10
16
16
8
15
13
6
20
10
7
20
5
2 (each)
5 (each)
7 (each)
6
14
6 (each)
17
26
10
25 (total)
6 (each)
ARTICLE VI, continued
2.
NON-ATHLETIC SUPPLEMENTALS, continued
Elementary Schools Non-Athletics
Chorus
Clubs
8
75(each bld.)






Each school has 75 units for clubs.
Units are earned based on how often the club meets:
o 75% to 100% of the year
8
o 74% to 50% of the year
6
o 49% to 25% of the year
4
o up to 24% of the year
2
Clubs meet for at least 60 minutes.
A minimum of 2% of the school’s student population must be
involved to be considered a club.
One additional unit added if more than 10% of the student
population is involved.
Teacher prep time and number of meetings should be
considered when calculating units.
District-Wide Non-Athletics
District-wide Coordinators
3.
Elementary Intramurals (Hourly Rate)
2014 - 2018
4.
39
$21.26
Summer Workshops
For the life of this Agreement compensation for summer workshops shall be at
the following daily rates:
$160
5.
Building Coordinators
Curriculum
Communications
Technology
Professional Development
36
20 units
20 units
20 units
10 units
ARTICLE VI, continued
6.
Nurses, Homebound and Due Process
For the life of this Agreement, members of the bargaining unit working after
their normal workday as nurses at an athletic event, or as homebound
instructors, or attending IEP meetings or due process hearings shall be
compensated at the following hourly rates:
$46.00
Whenever the teacher is advised, in writing, by the Board, at least forty-eight
(48) hours prior to a special education due process hearing, that his/her
attendance is not required by the Board, the teacher may elect to attend the
hearing but will not be compensated.
7.
Mentors
8 units
8.
Saturday Detention
$46.00
37
ARTICLE VI, continued
C.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
1.
Health and Hospitalization
a.
Contributions
1)
All RTMEA bargaining unit members who are full time, regular
employees shall pay 9% of the applicable premium cost each
year.
2)
Effective July 1, 2014, the School District shall offer the
following plans:
a.
(Plan 1) – Independence Blue Cross Personal Choice
Option 20/30/70 or equivalent.
b.
(Plan 2) – Independence Blue Cross Personal Choice
Option 10/20/70 or equivalent.
c.
(Plan 3) – Independence Blue Cross Personal Choice
Option 10 or equivalent.
The District will pay its share of the applicable premium
for all bargaining unit members who choose Plan 1 as set
forth in Section 2.a. above. All bargaining unit members
who choose Plan 2 or Plan 3 above, must pay the
difference between the applicable premium of Plan 1 and
the Plan selected which shall be collected through payroll
deduction.
3)
The School district shall offer the following prescription plan for
the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 school years:
4.)
Effective July 1,2015 the District will offer the following plans:
a.
(Plan1) Blue Cross Personal Choice HDHP, HD3-HC1 or
equivalent.
The District will pay the full cost of the premium and will
contribute fifty percent (50%) of the deductible in an HSA
annually.
38
ARTICLE VI, continued
b.
(Plan 2) Independence Blue Cross Personal Choice,
Option 20/30/70 or equivalent.
The District will pay its share of the applicable premium
for Plan 1 as set forth in 3. above. All bargaining unit
members who choose Plan 2 above must pay the
difference between the applicable premium of Plan 1 and
the applicable premium of Plan 2 which shall be collect
through payroll deduction.
b.
5)
Effective July 1, 2016, the District shall offer the prescription plan
through the Blue Cross Personal Choice HDHP HD3-HC1 or
equivalent.
6)
If at any time during the term of this contract or before a
successor contract is reached, it becomes known to the Board
that any of the healthcare plans provided by the Board to the
Bargaining Unit members will incur the excise tax imposed on
employers by the federal government through the Affordable
Care Act, then the Board and the Association agree to the
following:
a.
To meet one (1) year prior to plan implementation to
select a new healthcare plan for bargaining unit membrs
that will not be subject to the excise tx and to eliminate the
health care plan(s) for bargaining unit members that will
incur the tax.
b.
If the Board or Association cannot mutually agree upon a
new plan within 30 days, both parties agree to expedited
arbitration and both parties agree to accept the plan
recommended by the arbitrator that does not incur the
excise tax. The cost of the arbitrator will be shared
between the Board and the Association.
Withdrawal Bonus:
1)
Each employee who chooses not to elect health and hospital
coverage with Rose Tree Media School District shall receive
monthly payments equal to single employee contribution rates. If
the employee chooses to re-enter the plan, the first re-entry shall
be at no cost to the employee. The maximum monthly payment
under the provisions of this section shall be two hundred fifty-five
dollars ($255). No withdrawal bonus will be paid to any spouse
of a district employee who is covered by the School District’s
plan.
39
2)
2.
Any subsequent re-entry shall cost the employee twenty-five
percent (25%) per month of the contribution rate for one year.
Dental
a.
Contributions
Employees shall contribute six dollars and fifty cents ($6.50) per
month toward the premium cost which shall be paid through payroll
deduction.
b.
Coverage:
Basic:
Basic Delta Dental Plan or equivalent. The Board has the right to select
the insurance carrier.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery (100% UCR)
Prosthetics ( 50% UCR)
Periodontics ( 50% UCR)
Delta Dental Oral Surgery Plan or equivalent. The Board has the right
to select the insurance carrier.
Orthodontics
The lifetime orthodontics benefit shall be increased to one thousand six
hundred dollars ($1,600).
Delta Dental Orthodontics Plan or equivalent. The Board has the
right to select the insurance carrier.
40
ARTICLE VI, continued
3.
4.
Vision
a.
Contributions:
Board shall contribute the following amount per month toward teacher’s
subscription: $6.00 per month.
b.
Coverage:
Vision Benefits of America or the equivalent. The Board has the right to
select the insurance carrier.
Disability Income Protection
a.
Base plan for all personnel in the first two years in the District
amounts to approximately 60% of monthly salary payable for one
year. Board pays teacher’s share; payment will begin after thirty
(30) consecutive days of disability or end of accumulated sick leave,
whichever is greater, to a maximum of $6,000 per month. Payment will
be made for a maximum of one year of disability The Board has the
right to elect the insurance carrier.
b.
Long-Term Disability: Board pays teacher’s share. Available to
employees in their third year or more of employment in the District.
Payment will begin after 30 consecutive days of disability or end of
accumulated sick leave, whichever is greater, and amounts to
approximately 60% of monthly salary to a maximum of $6,000 per
month. This benefit is payable to the age of 65 and will be reduced after
age 61.
c.
Benefits under this section shall not be reduced by any compensation
received from privately funded disability insurance.
d.
During the term of a disability, a claimant may select either:
 a disability claim as outlined in a. and b. or:
 the use of sick days, but not both concurrently.
41
ARTICLE VI, continued
5.
Life Insurance
Each teacher shall receive at Board expense, life insurance equal to 1.0 times
the base salary rounded up to the nearest 100, which shall in no case be more
than the following amounts:
$65,000
The Board has the right to elect the insurance carrier. Teachers will be able to
purchase additional life insurance from the provider as per past practice.
6.
Part-time Benefits
All teachers who are employed on a part-time basis, provided they work at
least 40% of a FTE, will assume the cost of all benefits in the same proportion
as their part-time hours relate to full-time. For example, if a teacher works 40%
of full-time schedule, the School District will assume 40% of the premium paid
for a full time employee and the employee will be responsible for the remaining
cost.
D.
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
The following payroll deductions shall be available to teachers for benefits through
the official agencies of the Board only:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Health Service Insurance
Hospitalization Insurance
Major Medical Insurance
Life Insurance
Supplemental Life Insurance
Christmas Club*
Bonds
Savings
Loans *
Vacation Club *
United Way
Dental Insurance
Teacher Association
Tax Sheltered Annuities
* IF OFFERED BY BANK
42
ARTICLE VI, continued
E.
F.
STUDENT ORGANIZATION DUES
1.
The Board shall pay the total cost of dues for teacher membership in any
organization where such membership is a prerequisite for student participation
in any activity endorsed by said organization.
2.
The above provision shall apply to all educationally-related organizations
except NEA, PSEA, RTMEA, and AFT.
MILEAGE
Any teacher who is not provided with an automobile and is assigned to use his/her
own automobile in pursuance of assigned duties shall be reimbursed the rate allowed
by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
G.
COMPLEMENTARY TICKETS
Teachers shall receive, upon request, two complimentary tickets to all schoolsponsored activities, including athletic events. Attendance shall be on a first-come,
first-served basis, as it is with the general public. Provisions on this Article do not
apply to those student, club or class-sponsored activities which are intended to raise
funds for the respective groups.
H.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
All medical examinations and tests related to application and retention requirements
shall be paid for by the Board when physicians appointed or designated by the Board
are used.
I.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
The Board shall reimburse all teachers (exclusive of Long Term Substitutes) one
hundred (100%) tuition up to the rate of six (6) graduate credits at the West Chester
University. Courses must be earned at an accredited college or university and may
be taken on campus or on-line provided the college/university has a physical campus
and has a live instructor who meets with students either face to face or on-line. In
addition, the Board will reimburse for in-service courses through the Intermediate Unit
with the understanding that such in-service courses will continue to not be credited
toward degree advancement. All courses are subject to pre-approval of the
Superintendent or his/her designee. Should a dispute of any kind arise relating to the
qualifications of the course taken by a professional employee for reimbursement, the
decision of the Superintendent or his/her designee shall be final. The Board shall
spend a maximum of $140,000.
43
ARTICLE VI, continued
1.
The fund shall be divided as follows:
Fall: $46,600
Spring: $46,700
Summer: $46,700
All paperwork for fall courses shall be submitted no later than October 1; paperwork for
spring courses shall be submitted no later than February 1; paperwork for summer courses
shall be submitted no later than June 1. Reimbursement shall be paid upon the District’s
receipt of transcript and paid receipts.
Employees who leave employment with the District within 2 years from the date of receiving
tuition reimbursement will be obligated to repay the District in accordance with the following
schedule:
Within one year ---100% of the amount reimbursed by the District
Within two years – 50% of the amount reimbursed by the District
The Superintendent may waive this provision in cases where the employee leaves the
district due to circumstances out of his/her control such as illness, relocation of spouse, etc.
2.
Fall
a.
All applicants will receive full or partial reimbursement for first course.
b.
All pre-approval forms should be submitted no less than two weeks
prior to the beginning of the course.
c.
Calculate average tuition (e.g. $37,000 divided by number of first
course requests received by January 31).
d.
Courses falling below average tuition cost will be paid in full.
e.
Recalculate average tuition (e.g. remaining dollars divided by number of
remaining first course applicants whose course costs were average or
above).
f.
Any leftover funds will be divided equally among those applying for
second fall courses.
g.
Any transcripts and receipts received by the Personnel Office after
January 31 will be processed with the winter/spring transcripts.
44
4
ARTICLE VI, continued
3.
4.
5.
J.
Winter/Spring
a.
Distribute funds and submit pre-approval forms following the same
procedure as outlined for Fall.
b.
All transcripts/receipts must be received by the Personnel Department
Office no later than June 30.
c.
All transcripts/receipts received by the Personnel Office after June 30
will be processed with the summer transcripts.
Summer
a.
Distribute funds and submit pre-approval forms following the same
procedures as outline for the Fall.
b.
All transcripts must be received by the Personnel Office no later than
September 30.
c.
Any transcripts received by the Personnel Office after September 30
will be processed in the Fall transcripts.
Reimbursement
Reimbursement will be paid when an official transcript and paid receipt are
received in the Human Resource Office. During the first year of the
agreement a committee consisting of RTMEA representatives and the Human
Resource Administrator will meet to review the method of distribution.
ACCRUED EARNINGS
If a teacher leaves the employ of the District for any reason prior to the completion of
a school year, his/her accrued or deferred earnings (those amounts of money
withheld for work done during the normal teacher year for payment in summer
months) shall not be affected. Such accrued or deferred earnings shall be paid to the
teacher within thirty (30) days of his/her departure.
45
ARTICLE VI, continued
K.
CLASS COVERAGE
If a substitute teacher is not secured at any time that an absence is charged to a
teacher or a teacher is unavailable due to being assigned to district business, the
teacher to cover the class during his/her planning period shall be paid the sum of
$30.00. The District will ensure that the form for payment will be given to the
employee.
At the elementary level, such payment shall be made for each hour that a teacher
must take in another class when no substitute is available.
L.
SICK LEAVE BUY-BACK
The teacher must have completed fifteen (15) years of continuous employment with
the Rose Tree Media School district as a permanent member of the instructional staff
to be eligible for this benefit.
For the duration of this contract, the Board will pay the teacher upon termination of
his/her employment with the Rose Tree Media School District:
Days 1 - 100
Days over 100
M.
$60.00
$70.00
SICK LEAVE BANK
The parties agree to maintain the Sick Leave Bank under the terms and conditions
previously agreed to.
46
ARTICLE VII
TEACHING CONDITIONS
A.
MINOR CHANGES, TEACHING CONDITIONS
Minor changes in teaching conditions shall be discussed by the Principal with the
Building Committee prior to their implementation.
B.
C.
SAFETY AND PROTECTION
1.
In the event an unsafe and/or hazardous condition exists where the safety of
students or staff is seriously jeopardized, the teacher shall bring the hazardous
condition to the attention of the Principal, in writing, who shall attempt to
resolve the unsafe condition. If the Principal is unable to resolve the condition,
the teacher and the Principal shall together advise the Superintendent. The
Superintendent will attempt to correct the unsafe or hazardous condition.
2.
Teachers who report hazardous conditions will not be held liable. This Article
VII, B, Safety and Protection, shall not be subject to the grievance procedure.
3.
The Rose Tree Media School District Emergency Management Team will
include at least one member of each bargaining unit from each building.
CLASS INTERRUPTIONS
Principals, in consultation with Association Building Committees, shall adopt
practices aimed at minimizing interruption of classroom sessions by intercom
announcements, messages, etc.
D.
FACILITIES
1.
Lunchroom, Lounge, Etc.
The Board shall provide adequate lunchroom, restroom, lounge and lavatory
facilities exclusively for adult use.
2.
Duplicating Facilities
The Board shall attempt to provide in each school, adequate word processing
and copying facilities for teachers in their preparation of instructional materials.
3.
Classroom Equipment and Supplies
The Board shall attempt to provide suitable and adequate desk, closet and
storage space, computers, chalkboards, whiteboards, dictionaries, texts in
use, grade books and other such material required in the daily teaching
responsibility.
47
ARTICLE VII, Continued
4.
Vending Machines
Upon request of the Association, the Board shall attempt to have vending
machines installed in teachers’ lounge and lunchroom areas. Teachers shall
assume all responsibility for such machines except, where possible, insurance
coverage shall be included under the Board’s policy.
E.
SENIORITY
1.
Seniority shall mean the total length of a bargaining unit member’s continuous
service in the District from his/her last date of hire.
2.
Seniority shall be broken only for resignation, retirement, lawful discharge or
death.
3.
For all bargaining unit members hired before July 1, 1998, ties in seniority
were broken by lottery conducted by representatives of the District and the
Association. For bargaining unit members hired on or after July 1, 1998,
seniority shall be determined by the date and time indicated on the District’s
transmittal. Any ties shall be broken by lottery conducted by representatives of
the District and the Association, if and when necessary.
4.
The District shall provide to the Association on or before November 1 of each
year, a list reflecting the seniority and area(s) of certification of each
bargaining unit member.
5.
Any exception to this list must be filed in writing with the Human Resource
Administrator within thirty (30) calendar days of the posting. The seniority list
shall be amended to reflect the deletion or addition of areas of certification as
they occur and reported annually. It shall be the responsibility of the
bargaining unit member to notify the District of any changes to his/her
certification.
6.
Seniority shall accrue during suspension (furlough/lay-off) and all approved
leaves of absence. Suspension (furlough/lay-off) shall be in accordance with
Section 1124 and Section 1125.1 of the School Code of 1949 as amended.
48
ARTICLE VIII
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
A.
B.
DEFINITIONS
1.
Grievance - an alleged violation of any provisions of this Agreement
2.
Days - working days, exclusive of weekends or holidays.
3.
Representative - as used in this Agreement shall mean only a duly authorized
member of this Association.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
1.
In the event a grievance is filed on or after June 1st, the parties agree to make
a good faith effort to process the grievance as rapidly as possible, so that it
can be resolved by the end of the school year. If the grievance has not been
resolved by the end of the school year, the steps shall be continued through
the summer recess, with the regular time limits being observed, unless
waivers on time limits are requested by any of the parties involved.
2.
In the event a grievance is in process on the date this Agreement terminates,
the grievance shall continue to be processed under the terms of this
Agreement and this Article, and not under any succeeding Agreement.
3.
At all levels of the grievance procedure after it has been formally presented,
the aggrieved person shall have the right to representation and to present
witnesses at scheduled meetings, hearings, appeals or other proceedings
required. He/she shall inform the official participating in the grievance
proceeding of the number and identity of the persons accompanying him/her.
The official may be accompanied by other officials and present witnesses.
4.
There shall be a ten (10) day limit for initiating a grievance, in writing, from the
time of the alleged violation.
5.
All written communications among the parties to the grievance shall be by U.S.
Mail, inter-office mail or e-mail. If by US mail, the postmark shall constitute
evidence as to whether a response has been made within the specified time
limit.
6.
Time limits may be extended by mutual consent of both parties.
49
ARTICLE VIII, Continued
C.
INDIVIDUAL PROCESS
1.
2.
3.
Level 1
a.
The grievance shall first be discussed with the appropriate
administrator, either individually or through the Association’s school
representative or accompanied by the representative with the object of
resolving the matter informally.
b.
In the event that informal discussions with the administrator do not
resolve a grievance, the aggrieved person shall send a written notice to
that administrator within ten (10) days of the occurrence of the alleged
grievance summarizing the points at issue.
c.
The Level 1 administrator shall send his/her decision, in writing, within
five (5) days following the receipt of the grievance notice to the
aggrieved person, the Association and to all persons present at the
initial conference.
Level 2
a.
Within five (5) days of receipt of the decision rendered by the Level 1
administrator, the decision may be appealed to the Office of the
Superintendent. The appeal shall include a copy of the decisions being
appealed and the grounds for regarding the decision as incorrect. It
shall also state the names of all persons officially present at the prior
hearing and such persons shall receive a copy of the appeal.
b.
Appeals to the Office of the Superintendent shall be heard within ten
(10) days of receipt of the formal request. Written notice of the time
and place of the hearing shall be given at least five (5) days prior to the
hearing to the aggrieved person and his/her representatives and the
Association.
c.
Within five (5) days of hearing the appeal, the Superintendent of
Schools shall communicate to the Association, the aggrieved person
and all other parties officially present at the hearing his/her written
decision, which shall include supporting reasons therefore.
Level 3
a.
Within five (5) days of receipt of a decision by the Office of the
Superintendent, that decision may be appealed to the Board. The
appeal shall include a copy of the decision being appealed and grounds
for regarding the decision as incorrect. It shall also state the names of
all persons officially present at the prior hearing and such persons shall
receive a copy of the appeal.
50
ARTICLE VIII, continued
b.
4.
Appeals to the Board shall be heard within twenty (20) days of receipt
of the appeal at a Committee of the Whole meeting of the Board. The
written decision of the Board shall be sent to the aggrieved and the
Association within twenty (20) days of the hearing.
Level 4
If the action in Level 3 above fails to resolve the grievance within ten (10) days
after receipt of Board decision to the satisfaction of the Association, the
grievance shall be referred to binding arbitration as provided in Section 903, of
Act 195 with the understanding that nothing herein shall preclude the District
from utilizing the grievance procedure, including arbitration, in the appropriate
circumstances.
D.
GROUP PROCESS
Where members of the Association in more than one school have a grievance, the
chairman of the Grievance Committee, in the name of the Association on their
request, may initiate a group grievance in their behalf. In such a case, a written
grievance may be filed originally with the Superintendent and such information copies
of the grievance shall be sent simultaneously to the supervisor(s) of the employee
involved.
E.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.
No prejudice shall attend any person by reason of utilizing or participating in
the procedure contained in this Agreement.
2.
The filing or pendency of any grievance under the provisions of this Article
shall in no way operate to impede, delay or interfere with the right of the Board
to take the action complained of, subject however, to the final decision of the
grievance.
3.
Teachers not desiring Association representation may process any complaints
that they may have in accordance with any procedures made available to them
by the Board. Such complaints shall not be subject to the grievance
procedure. The Association shall have the right to be present and make
known its view at such hearings.
4.
An aggrieved person may withdraw from the grievance procedure at any time
and the Association may withdraw its representation of an aggrieved person at
any time.
51
ARTICLE VIII, continued
5.
Failure at any step of this procedure to communicate the decision, in writing,
on a grievance within the specified time limits shall permit the aggrieved
person to proceed to the next step. Failure at any step of this procedure to
appeal a grievance to the next step within the specified time limits shall be
deemed to be acceptance of the decision rendered at that step.
6.
All documents, communications and records dealing with the processing of a
grievance shall be filed separately from the personnel files of the participants.
7.
Forms for processing grievances shall be jointly prepared by the
Superintendent and the Association. The forms shall be printed by the Board
and given appropriate distribution by the parties so as to facilitate operation of
the grievance procedure. Forms shall be available in the Principal’s offices.
8.
Public information shall be available to the Association and individuals filing
grievances.
52
Attachment D
RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PLAN – ROSE TREE MEDIA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
2014-2015 School Year
Each Rose Tree Media Education Association member who retires from the Rose Tree Media
School District in accordance with the regulations of the Public School Employee’s Retirement
System shall be eligible for an insurance benefit as set forth below.
Eligibility
A.
The applicant has submitted a letter of intent to retire to the District Superintendent
between March 1, 2015, and May 15, 2015.
B.
The applicant will, during the fiscal year of his or her retirement, complete at least 10
years of continuous full-time employment with the Rose Tree Media School District as a
permanent member of the instructional staff.
C.
Eligible employee will terminate employment with Rose Tree Media School District on or
before June 30, 2015.
D.
Eligible employee must actually retire pursuant to the Public School Employees’
Retirement Code within 60 days of termination of employment in the district.
E.
Eligible employee has attained the age of 55 by July 1, 2015.
Incentive
A.
Provided that an eligible retiree has met all of the requirements for the district Retirement
Incentive Plan, the following incentive will be paid as indicated:
1. The district will make a contribution of $6500 annually into a Health Retirement Plan
(Section 109 IRS Code). Payments will be made on a quarterly basis.
2. Payments will continue for seven years or until the attainment of Medicare eligible
age whichever comes first.
3. If a retiree has attained the age of 65 at the time of retirement, there will be a onetime payment of $6500 payable into a 403 (b) account at the time of retirement.
4. There will be no right of survivorship. Payments will cease upon the death of the
retiree.
5/13/2015
Attachment F
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
2015 Homestead Exclusion Resolution
RESOLVED, by the Board of School Directors of the Rose Tree Media School District, that
homestead exclusion real estate tax assessment reductions are authorized for the school year
beginning July 1, 2015, under the provisions of the Homestead Property Exclusion Program Act
(part of Act 50 of 1998) and the Taxpayer Relief Act (Act 1 of 2006), as follows:
1.
Aggregate amount available for homestead and farmstead real estate tax reduction.
The following amounts are available for homestead and farmstead real estate tax reduction for
the school year beginning July 1, 2015:
a.
Gambling tax funds. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has
notified the School District that PDE will pay to the School District during the school year
pursuant to Act 1, 53 P.S. § 6926.505(b), as a property tax reduction allocation funded by
gambling tax funds, the amount of $1,633,130.67.
b.
Other sources. Funds will be available during the school year for real estate
reduction from other sources, namely the undistributed gambling tax funds from 2014, in the
amount of $112.42.
c.
Aggregate amount available. Adding these amounts, the aggregate amount
available during the school year for real estate tax reduction is $1,633,243.09.
2.
Homestead/farmstead numbers. Pursuant to Act 50, 54 Pa. C.S. § 8584(i), and Act 1,
53 P.S. § 6926.341(g)(3), the County has provided the School District with a certified report
listing approved homesteads and approved farmsteads as follows:
a.
Homestead property number. The number of approved homesteads within the
School District is 7,539.
3.
Real estate tax reduction calculation. Dividing the paragraph 1(c) aggregate amount
available during the school year for real estate tax reduction of $1,633,243.09 by the paragraph
2(a) number of approved homesteads of 7,539, the maximum real estate tax reduction amount
applicable to each approved homestead is $216.64.
4.
Homestead exclusion calculation. Dividing the paragraph 3 maximum real estate tax
reduction amount of $216.64 by the School District real estate tax rate of 23.8080 mills
(.0238080), the maximum real estate assessed value reduction to be reflected on tax notices as a
homestead exclusion for each approved homestead is $9,099.
-1-
5.
Homestead exclusion authorization – July 1 tax bills. The tax notice issued to the
owner of each approved homestead within the School District shall reflect a homestead exclusion
real estate assessed value reduction equal to the lesser of: (a) the County-established assessed
value of the homestead, or (b) the paragraph 4 maximum real estate assessed value reduction of
$9,099. For purposes of this Resolution, “approved homestead” shall mean homesteads listed in
the report referred to in paragraph 2 above and received by the School District from the County
Assessment Office on or before May 1 pursuant to Act 1, 53 P.S. § 6926.341(g)(3), based on
homestead applications filed with the County Assessment Office on or before March 1. This
paragraph 5 will apply to tax notices issued based on the initial tax duplicate used in issuing
initial real estate tax notices for the school year, which will be issued on or promptly after July 1,
and will not apply to interim real estate tax bills.
-2-