ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Legislative Agenda
September 26, 2013
7:30 p.m.
I.
Call to Order
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
B.
C.
III.
None
Penncrest High School Guidance Updates – Rick Gregg, Principal
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VI.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
Bid Opening Minutes – September 9, 2013 – Springton Lake Middle
School – Interior Window Trim
Special Legislative Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2013
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
Roll Call
Presentations and Awards
A.
IV.
Pledge of Allegiance
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
September 26, 2013
VII.
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Old Business
A.
IX.
Rose Tree Media Residents
None
New Business
A.
B.
C.
D.
Agenda
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.
Elimination of Position
f.
Create New Position
g.
Other – See Attachments A and B
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Student Council Leadership to PASC State
Conference, Boyerstown, PA
PSBA Leadership Vote
1.
President – Roll Call Vote
a.
William S. LaCoff
b.
Mark B. Miller
2.
Vice-President – Roll Call Vote
a.
Larry B. Breech
b.
Charles H. Ballard
3.
Treasurer – Roll Call Vote
a.
Norman Hasbrouck
b.
Otto W. Voit, III
4.
At-Large Representative – Roll Call Vote
a.
Maura Buri
b.
Robert M. Schwartz
Addendum Personnel
1.
Terminations – None
2.
Nominations
2
September 26, 2013
X.
Finance
A.
B.
C.
D.
XI.
Purchasing
1.
Bid Opening
General
1.
State Audit Report and Commendation, Attachments C and D
2.
Budgetary Transfers
3.
403(b) Third Party Administrator
4.
CareMark Agreement
5.
Change Orders
6
Donations
7.
Johnson Controls, Inc. Case Study
8.
Pool Management Agreement for Springton Lake Middle School
9.
Concurrent Enrollment Agreements for Dual Enrollment
10.
Choice Literacy Subscription Renewal
11.
DIBELS Data System Billing Agreement
12.
1:1 Instructional Assistant Contract – Elwyn-Davidson Student
13.
Interquest Detection Canines Contract
14.
CritiCare Nursing Services Contract
15.
Jeanne Kluger Arabia Investigative Services Contract
16.
Center on Central Music Therapy Contract
17.
Parent Transportation Contract
18.
Bayada Nursing Services Contract
Financials for August 2013
Bill Lists for August 2013
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 October 24, 2013, at Penncrest High
School. The Legislative Meetings are recorded on tape.
Agenda
3
September 26, 2013
R ose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Mr. James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
I.
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
Director of Management Services
Members of the Board of School Directors
James Wigo, Superintendent
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
September 26, 2013
Minutes of the August 22, 2013 Legislative Meeting
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
___________________________________________________________________________
Board Members in Attendance:
John Hanna, President
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Vice President
Peter Barry
Tracy Barusevicius
Nancy Mackrides
Elizabeth Schneider
William O’Donnell
Students: Riley George
Rahmi Halaby
Talia Kaplan
Michaela Rheil
Absent:
Chris Guilday
Nancy Fronduti
Also in Attendance:
Ron Badino, Maintenance and Operaions
Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, Dir.PS and Sp. Ed.
Grace Eves, Dir. Management Services
Thomas Kelly, Esq., Solicitor
Patti Linden, Supv. Technology
Chip Olinger, Athletic Director
Steve Taylor, Asst. Superintendent
James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
1
September 26, 2013
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of June 27, 2013
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Ms. Kinsler-Fox seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 3
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Legislative
Meeting Minutes of June 27, 2013.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair,
the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
B.
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Linda
Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, and
Elizabeth Schneider
None
Nancy Fronduti and Chris Guilday
Special Legislative Meeting Minutes of July 30, 2013
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Ms. Kinsler-Fox seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION:
2013 – 2014 4
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Special
Legislative Meeting Minutes of July 30, 2013.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair,
the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Linda
Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, and
Elizabeth Schneider
None
Nancy Fronduti and Chris Guilday
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
2
September 26, 2013
II. Approval of Minutes
C.
Bid Opening Minutes of July 26, 2013 – SLMS Window Trim
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Ms. Kinsler-Fox seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION:
2013 – 2014 5
Resolve, the Board approve the Bid Opening Minutes of July 26, 2013
– SLMS Window Trim
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair,
the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
III.
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Linda
Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, and
Elizabeth Schneider
None
Nancy Fronduti and Chris Guilday
Presentations and Awards
A.
Scoreboard Donation
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt
the following resolution:
RESOLUTION:
2013 – 2014 6
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors award the Rose Tree
Media School District Award to the following groups for their Louis
Scott Stadium Scoreboard donation: Field Hockey Boosters, Boys’
Soccer Boosters, Girls’ Soccer Boosters, Football Boosters, Boys’
Lacrosse Boosters, Girls’ Lacrosse Boosters, Boys’ Track Boosters,
Girls’ Track Boosters and the Class of 2013.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair,
the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
IV.
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Linda
Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, and
Elizabeth Schneider
None
Nancy Fronduti and Chris Guilday
Educational Presentation
None
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
3
September 26, 2013
V.
V.
Reports
A.
Student Liaison Reports
B.
Board Liaison Reports
C.
Committee Highlights and Reports
D.
School Reports – In Official Legislative Minutes of August 22, 2013
E.
Superintendent’s Report – In Official Legislative Minutes of August 22,
2013
Reports
F.
Solicitor’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of August 22, 2013
a.
Peter and Valerie Bradley Real Estate Tax Assessment –
2013
Nancy Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 7
Resolve, that the Board approve the Solicitor’s request for
authorization to settle this real estate tax assessment appeal in
accordance with the attachment (See Solicitor’s Report In Official
Legislative Minutes of August 22, 2013.)
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair,
the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
V.
Reports
G.
VI.
RTMEA – Bob Higgins
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
President’s Report – In Official Legislative Minutes of August 22, 2013
Scheduled Presentations (limited to Five Minutes Each)
A.
VII.
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Linda
Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, and
Elizabeth Schneider
None
Nancy Fronduti and Chris Guilday
Rose Tree Media Residents - 3 residents spoke
Old Business
A.
None
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
4
September 26, 2013
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 – See Attachments A-E
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 8
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following New Business:
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
1.
b.
Judy Jalbert, School Psychologist retirement
effective September 30, 2013. Ms. Jalbert joined
the staff of Rose Tree Media School District in
1996. She is retiring after 17 years of dedicated
service.
Non-Instructional
1.
Dawn Alonso, Food Service, Springton Lake
Middle School, resignation effective August 9,
2013.
2.
Melonie Kaczynski, Support Staff II, Penncrest
High School, resignation effective August 5, 2013.
3.
Lisa McCallion, Food Service, Penncrest High
School, resignation effective July 31, 2013.
4.
M. Andrew Fernandez, Support Staff II, Penncest
High School, resignation effective August 13,
2013.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
5
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
Alexis Azeff, Language Arts Teacher, effective
August 20, 2013 at the annual salary of
$52,309.00, Master’s Degree/Step 1. Ms. Azeff
received her Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State
University and her Master’s Degree from West
Chester University. Ms. Azeff is assigned to
Springton Lake Middle School replacing Randy
Harp who retired. NOTE: Ms. Azeff is being hired
pending completion of her pre-employment
paperwork.
2.
Carley Dillon, Director of Night School for the
2013-2014 school year at the annual salary of
$2,500.00. Ms. Dillon will serve in the position for
the first semester.
3.
Debra Schnaars, Director of Night School for the
2013-2014 school year at the annual salary of
$2,500.00. Ms. Schnaars will serve in the position
for the second semester.
4.
Mary Dempsey, Reading Specialist effective
August 20, 2013 at the annual salary of
$53,056.00, Master’s Degree/Step 6. Ms.
Dempsey received her Bachelor’s Degree from
Temple University and her Master’s Degree from
Chestnut Hill College. She comes to us from
Upper Darby School District where she served as
a Reading Specialist. Ms. Dempsey is assigned
to Penncrest High School. This is a new position.
5.
John Phillips, Long Term Substitute English
Teacher effective August 20, 2013 at the annual
salary of $45, 289.00, Bachelor’s Degree/Step 1
to be pro-rated for the first semester. Mr. Phillips
received his Bachelor’s Degree from West
Chester University. He is assigned to Penncrest
High School replacing Michelle Kirk who is on
leave. NOTE: Mr. Phillips is being hired pending
completion of his pre-employment paperwork.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
6
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
6.
b.
Nicole Zulli, Long Term Substitute Special
Education Teacher effective August 20, 2013 at
the annual salary of $45,289.00, Bachelor’s
Degree/Step 1. Ms. Zulli received her Bachelor’s
Degree from Kutztown University. She is
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School
replacing Tiffany Bendistis who reassigned for the
2013-2014 school year.
Non-Instructional
1.
John Corcoran, Substitute Bus Driver, effective
August 26, 2013 at the rate of $21.96 per hour.
Mr. Cocoran is assigned to the Transportation
Department. NOTE: Mr. Corcoran is being hired
pending completion of his pre-employment
paperwork.
2.
Lisa Malara, Substitute Food Service Worker,
effective August 26, 2013 at the rate of $10.76
per hour. NOTE: Ms. Malara is being hired
pending completion of her pre-employment
paperwork.
3.
Leslie Virbitsky, Substitute Food Service Worker
effective August 26, 2013 at the rate of $10.76
per hour. NOTE: Ms. Virbitsky is being hired
pending completion of her pre-employment
paperwork.
4.
Alison Koechig, Substitute Aide for ESY effective
July 8, 2013 at the rate of $16.21 per hour.
5.
Recommend Board approval for the following Bus
Drivers to serve as Bus Aides for the summer at
the rate of $14.43 per hour and return to Driver
status effective August 16, 2013:
Shannon Walls
Patrick Wilson
Joseph McGrath
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
7
Andrea Worley
Allen Kannapel
BarbaraResnick-Polcino
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
Non-Instructional
6.
Kay Buchanan, Technology Assistant I, effective
September 3, 2013 at the annual salary of
$33,557.00. Ms. Buchanan is assigned to Media
and Rose Tree Elementary Schools replacing
Jane Battaglia who was reassigned. NOTE: Ms.
Buchanan is being hired pending completion of
her pre-employment paperwork.
7.
Carl Berner, Substitute Bus Aide, effective
September 3, 2013 at the rate of $14.43 per hour.
Mr. Berner is assigned to the Transportation
Department. NOTE: Mr. Berner is being hired
pending completion of his pre-employment
paperwork.
8.
Mary McConville, Reading Associate for the
2013-2014 school year at the rate of $16.00 per
hour. Ms. McConville is assigned to Penncrest
High School.
9.
Theresa Shannon, Support Staff II, effective
August 26, 2013 at the rate of $15.47 per hour.
Ms. Shannon is assigned to Media Elementary
replacing Christy Thompson who was reassigned.
NOTE: Ms. Thompson is being hired pending
completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
10.
Recommend Board approval for the following
personnel to serve as Theme Readers for the
2013-2014 school year at the rate of $300.00 per
month:
Michael Bury
Mary McConville (2 positions)
John Pritchard
Elaine Prizzi (2 positions)
Nancy Wooding (3 positions)
11.
Melissa Sabatino, Reading Tutor for the 20132014 school year at the rate of $16.00 per hour.
Ms. Sabatino is assigned to Media Elementary.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
8
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
Non-Instructional
12.
3.
Debbie Linn, Custodial Nigh Supervisor for the
2013-2014 school year at the annual salary of
$1,000.00. Ms. Linn is assigned to Rose Tree
Elementary.
General
a.
Classification Change
1.
Lindsi Ciuffetelli from Title I Math at Glenwood to
Title I Math Media Elementary effective August
26, 2013.
2.
Christine Seeley from Title I Math to RTII, Media
Elementary effective August 26, 2013.
3.
Eileen Hunger from RTI at Springton Lake to
Elementary at Media Elementary effective August
26, 2013.
4.
Coleen Fickes, from (.5) Support Staff II to 1.0
Support Staff II effective August 26, 2013 at the
rate of $17.19 per hour. Ms. Fickes is assigned to
(.5) Indian Lane and (.5) Glenwood Elementary.
This is a new position.
5.
Cynthia Santa Maria from Secretary 1 to Clerk III
effective September 9, 2013 at the annual salary
of $40,071.81. Ms. Santa Maria is assigned to the
Education Center replacing Jeanne Kampmeyer
who was reassigned.
6.
Michelle Cropper, from (.5) Support Staff II to 1.0
Support Staff II effective August 26, 2013 at the
rate of $17.19 per hour. Ms. Fickes is assigned to
Indian Lane Elementary
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
9
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
c.
Megan Snyder requests an unpaid leave of
absence effective October 8, 2013 through
January 24, 2014 for the purpose of child rearing.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Recommend Board approval of the appointment
of District Personnel to serve as Building
Coordinators for the 2013-2014 school year. See
Attachment A
2.
Recommend Board approval of the Springton
Lake Middle School Non-Athletic Supplemental
contracts effective July 1, 2013. See Attachment
B
3.
Recommend Board approval of the Springton
Lake Middle School Fall Athletic Supplemental
contracts effective July 1, 2013. See Attachment
C
4.
Recommend Board approval of the Penncrest
High School Non-Athletic Supplemental contracts
effective July 1, 2013. See Attachment D
5.
Recommend Board approval of the Penncrest
High School Fall Athletic Supplemental contracts
effective July 1, 2013. See Attachment E
6.
Karen Battavio, Chorus Director for the 20132014 school year at the annual salary of
$1,296.00. Ms. Battavio is assigned to Indian
Lane Elementary.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
10
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
c.
Supplemental
7.
Recommend Board approval of the following
personnel to serve as New Teacher Mentors for
the 2013-2014 school year:
Julie Denton (.5)
Stacy McMorrow
Karen Meile (.5)
Jackie Arbutina (.5)
Ryan Lewis (.5)
Gemma Amoroso (.5)
Erin Scheivert (2.5)
Keith Sharp
Lisa Sukanich(1.5)
Carly Lloyd (.5)
Jeanette Verdeur (.5)
Brenda Millette (.5)
Dana Welc (.5)
Elizabeth Coulter (.25)
Sandra Gruber (.25)
Jodi Strevig (.5)
Lorraine Bury
Paul Graham (.5)
William Carr (.5)
Sarah Debessay
Jerry Diaz (.5)
Joseph Fisher
Susan Griffin (.5)
Margie Gilroy (.5)
Kay Roberts
Belle Patton (.5)
Paul Norris (.5)
Carleen Megow
Jennifer McLeod (.5)
Winnie Host
Sharon Williams
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
11
Glenwood
Indian Lane
Indian Lane
Indian Lane
Indian Lane
Media
Media
Media
Media
Media
Media
Media
Media
Media
Media
Penncrest
Penncrest
Penncrest
Springton
Springton
Springton
Springton
Springton
Springton
Springton
Springton
Springton
Springton
Springton
Springton
Springton
$ 580.00
$1,160.00
$ 580.00
$ 580.00
$ 580.00
$ 580.00
$2,900.00
$1,160.00
$1,740.00
$ 580.00
$ 580.00
$ 580.00
$ 580.00
$ 290.00
$ 290.00
$ 580.00
$1,304.00
$ 580.00
$ 580.00
$1,160.00
$ 580.00
$1,160.00
$ 580.00
$ 580.00
$1,160.00
$ 580.00
$ 580.00
$1,160.00
$ 580.00
$1,160.00
$1,160.00
September 26, 2013
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair,
the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
B.
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Linda
Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, and
Elizabeth Schneider
None
Nancy Fronduti and Chris Guilday
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Student Leadership Trip to Worton, MD
2.
Penncrest High School French Students to Canada
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt
the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 9
B.
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Student Leadership Trip to Worton, MD
Resolve, that the Board approve an overnight field trip for the
Penncrest Student Leadership Team to Worton, MD from
11/22/13 to 11/24/13. A student leadership retreat will be held
at the YMCA Tockwogh Conference Center in Worton, MD
from 11/22/13 to 11/24/13. Transportation fees of $1,400.64
and substitute fees of $816 will be paid by the District. A cost
of $130/student for lodging will be paid for by the student.
2.
Penncrest High School French Students to Canada
Further resolve, that the Board approve an offering of an
Immersion trip to Canada for students studying French. The
students will visit Montreal and Quebec City from March12,
2014 through March 16, 2014. The costs for this trip will be
paid by the student and their families. This trip is a French
immersion trip for students studying French at Penncrest.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair,
the vote being:
AYES:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Linda
Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, and
Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
None
ABSENT:
Nancy Fronduti and Chris Guilday
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
12
September 26, 2013
X.
Finance
A.
B.
Purchasing
1.
None
General
1.
Elwyn Psychological Counseling Contracts
2.
Devereux Ascent Services Contract
3.
Dr. Peter Christie Renewal Contract to Review IEPs
4.
Camphill Special Schools Contract
5.
Melmark Contract
6.
Lifeworks Academy Contract
7.
Jessica Knowles Bardy Contract
8.
Dr. Peter N. Christie, DO Contract to Provide Physicals to Bus
Drivers and Students
9.
Dr. Robert Sing Contract
10.
Drexel University Affiliation Agreement
11.
Settlement Agreements
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 10
X.
Finance
A.
Purchasing
None
B.
General
1.
Elwyn Psychological Counseling Contracts
Resolve, that the Board approve two contracts with Elwyn to
provide psychological counseling services to special education
students at the secondary level. The two contracts are for a
therapeutic facilitator 2.5 days/week at Penncrest and .5
days/week at the Simon Youth Academy at the rate of
$73.26/hour and at Springton Lake for 2 days/week at
$70.00/hour. Students in the emotional support program
receive psychological services as part of the related services in
their Individual Education Plan. Specifically identified regular
education students may also receive these services as part of
a student support team referral.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
13
September 26, 2013
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Devereux Ascent Services Contract
Further resolve, that the Board approve a contract with
Devereux Ascent Services to provide transition support to a
special education student. The contract calls for up to 10
hours/week of community based instruction and 10 hours per
school year for behavior analyst services. The contract cost for
the summer of 2013 and the 2013-2014 school year is capped
at $15,120. Transition services are required for special
education services under the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act.
3.
Dr. Peter Christie Renewal Contract to review IEPs
Further resolve, that the Board approve the renewal contract
with Dr. Peter Christie to review Individual Education Plans, for
the 2013–2014 school year at a cost of $25.00/IEP. Dr. Peter
N. Christie reviews the IEP’s of special education students as
required by Access. A fee of $25.00 is assessed for each
review. This contract is an annual renewal with the same
conditions and pricing structure as the 2012-2013 contract.
4.
Camphill Special Schools Contract
Further resolve, that the Board approve a contract that has
been submitted by Camphill Special Schools for a special
education student. This contract covers residential and
educational costs for a student with significant disabilities in the
amount of $71,499.84. This placement is required based on the
special education needs of this student in accordance with the
requirements of federal law.
5
Melmark Contract
Further resolve, that the Board approve a tuition contract for a
special education student to attend Melmark for the 2013-2014
school year. The tuition is $479.73 per diem. This is a special
education placement for a student with significant special
education needs and is required by his Individual Education
Plan.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
14
September 26, 2013
X.
Finance
B.
General
6.
Lifeworks Academy Contract
Further resolve, that the Board approve a contract for a special
education student to receive special education programming at
Lifeworks Academy for the 2013-2014 school year. The cost of
the tuition contract is $78,142.50. These educational services
are required based on the students Individual Education Plan.
7.
Jessica Knowles Brady Contract
Further resolve, that the Board approve a contract with Jessica
Knowles Brady to provide dental screenings to students during
the 2013-2014 school year. Dental examinations are required
by Article 14 of the Public School Code of 1949.
8.
Dr. Peter N. Christie, DO Contract to Provide Physicals to Bus
Drivers and Students
Further resolve, that the Board approve a contract with Dr.
Peter N. Christie, DO, to provide physicals to staff (bus drivers
and students. The cost of the 2013-2014 contract is $9,366.82
plus $55.00 for bus driver examinations and $20.00 per
Mantoux-PPD. The provision of these services are required
according to the Rose Tree Media School District Agreement
with the RTM Bus Drivers/Custodial Maintenance Association.
9.
Dr. Robert Sing Contract
Further resolve, that the Board approve a contract with Dr.
Robert Sing of Springfield Sports Emergency Medical
Corporation for a School Doctor for schools and assignments
by the School District. The cost of the contract is not to exceed
$25,578. Dr. Sing provides medical examinations and services
required under the School Health Act.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
15
September 26, 2013
X.
Finance
B.
General
10.
Drexel University Affiliation Agreement
Further resolve, that the Board approve an affiliation
agreement with Drexel University to provide supervision and
guidance of Jacqueline Lombardi, an RN-BSN student at
Drexel University, for 40 hours of supervised clinical training.
Judy Stingle will be the supervising nurse. Judy Stingle, school
nurse at Penncrest, will provide 40 hours of direct clinical
supervision at Penncrest High School to Jacqueline Lombardi,
a nursing student at Drexel University.
11.
Settlement Agreement
Further resolve, that the Board approve a Settlement
Agreement for a compensatory education claim for a student
from the 2010-2011 school year in the amount of $5,000 for
reimbursement of legitimate educational costs and $5,000 for
attorney fees. The student is no longer a resident of Rose Tree
Media School District. This agreement settles all past and
present claims against the District for the provision of special
education services.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair,
the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Linda
Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, and
Elizabeth Schneider
None
Nancy Fronduti and Chris Guilday
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
16
September 26, 2013
X.
Finance
C.
Financials for June and July 2013
D.
Bill Lists for June and July 2013
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt
the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 11
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following:
X.
Financial Reports & Bill Lists
C.
Financial Reports
June/July
June/July
June/July
June/July
D.
2013
2013
2013
2013
Treasurers Reports
Investment Reports
Summary Expenditure Status Report
Revenue Status Report
Bill Lists for June 2013
June 2013
General Fund Bill List
$ 2,563,931.28
June 2013
Imprest Fund Bill List
$
210.00
June 2013
Capital Fund Bill List
$
196,106.07
June 2013
Bond Series 2011 Bill List
$
34,285.93
June 2013
Bond Series 2012 Bill List
$ 1,010,311.00
June 2013
Scholarship Fund Bill List
$
2,000.00
Jun 2013
Activities/Special Revenue Fund
$
41,746.05
$ 3,848,590.33
Bill Lists for July 2013
July 2013
General Fund Bill List
$ 10,093,651.19
July 2013
Capital Fund Bill List
$
280,131.70
July 2013
Bond Series 2011 Bill List
$
731.70
July 2013
Bond Series 2012 Bill List
$ 1,621,446.00
July 2013
Activities/Special Revenue Fund
$
7,170.15
$ 12,003,130.74
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
17
September 26, 2013
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair,
the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
XI.
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Linda
Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, and
Elizabeth Schneider
None
Nancy Fronduti and Chris Guilday
Adjournment
Mrs. Mackdride moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 12
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:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Linda
Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, and
Elizabeth Schneider
None
Nancy Fronduti and Chris Guilday
Grace A. Eves
School Board Secretary
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 22, 2013
18
September 26, 2013
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BID OPENING MINUTES
A bid opening was held on September 9, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the Education Center, 308
North Olive Street, Media, PA 19063.
Present were: Dennis Cini, Peter Medica, Bonnett Associates, Grace Eves and six
bidders.
Bids in the following category were opened and read by Grace Eves:
Springton Lake Middle School-Interior Window Trim
A Cutting Edge Corp.
Brookhaven, PA
Bass II Enterprises
Vineland, NJ
Donald E. Reisinger, Inc.
West Chester, PA
Garozzo & Scimeca Construction, Inc.
Williamstown, NJ
Symphony Glass
Collingdale, PA
The Fayette Group, Inc.
Norristown, PA
Walter Brucker, & Co. Inc.
Dublin, PA
Bids will be tabulated and presented to the Board of School Directors.
________________
Grace A. Eves
Board Secretary
II. Bid Opening – September 9, 2013 SLMS Window Trim
1
September 26, 2013
R ose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Mr. James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
I.
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
Director of Management Services
Members of the Board of School Directors
James Wigo, Superintendent
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
September 26, 2013
Minutes of the Special Legislative Meeting of September 10, 2013
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
___________________________________________________________________________
Board Members in Attendance:
John Hanna, President
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Vice President
Tracy Barusevicius
Peter Barry
Chris Guilday
Nancy Mackrides
William O’Donnell
Absent
Nancy Fronduti
Elizabeth Schneider
Also in Attendance:
Ron Baldino, Maintenance and Operations
Anne Callahan, Dir. Human Resources
Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, Dir.PS and Sp. Ed.
Grace Eves, Dir. Management Services
Patti Linden, Supv. Technology
Steve Taylor, Asst. Superintendent
James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of June 27, 2013
1
August 22, 2013
II.
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
None
III.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 13
A.
Personnel
1.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
Patrick Bader, Long Term Substitute Business
Computer Information Tech Teacher effective
September 3, 2013 for the 1st semester at the
annual
salary
of
$52,309.00,
Master’s
Degree/Step 1, pro-rated. Mr. Bader earned his
Bachelor’s Degree from the University of
Scranton and his Master’s Degree from Temple
University. He comes to us from William Penn
School District where he served as a Business
Education Teacher. Mr. Bader is assigned to
Springton Lake Middle School replacing Mark
Yanchek who is on leave. NOTE: Mr. Bader is
being hired pending completion of his preemployment paperwork.
2.
Kamilah McGill, Long Term Substitute Math
Teacher effective September 3, 2013 for the first
semester at the annual salary of $45,289.00,
Bachelor’s Degree/Step 1 to be pro-rated. Ms.
McGill received her Bachelor’s Degree from
Ursinus College. She is assigned to Springton
Lake Middle School replacing Megan Snyder who
is on leave. NOTE: Ms. McGill is being hired
pending completion of her pre-employment
paperwork.
II. Special Legislative Meeting of September 10, 2013
2
September 26, 2013
III.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Nominations
a.
Professional
3.
b.
Megan Pashley, School Psychologist, effective
November 11, 2013 at the annual salary of
$93,148.00. Ms. Pashley received her Bachelor’s
Degree from Ursinus College and her Master’s
Degree from Bryn Mawr College. She comes to
us from Abington School District where she
served as a School Psychologist. Ms. Pashley is
assigned to Glenwood and Indian Lane
Elementary Schools replacing Judy Jalbert who is
retiring. NOTE: Ms. Pashley is being hired
pending completion of her pre-employment
paperwork.
Non-Instructional
1.
Anita Garber, Part Time Secretary I, effective
August 30, 2013 at the annual salary of
$18,096.35. Ms. Garber is assigned to Springton
Lake Middle School replacing Suzannah Emmons
who was reassigned.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair,
the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
IV.
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Chris Guilday, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Bill
O’Donnell
Nancy Fronduti and Elizabeth Schneider
Any Other Business to Come Before the Board
None
II. Special Legislative Meeting of September 10, 2013
3
September 26, 2013
V.
Adjournment
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. Guilday seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 14
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:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Chris Guilday, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Bill
O’Donnell
Nancy Fronduti and Elizabeth Schneider
Grace A. Eves
School Board Secretary
II. Special Legislative Meeting of September 10, 2013
4
September 26, 2013
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:
September 10, 2013
RE:
September 10, 2013 Curriculum & Instruction Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Mr. Peter Barry
Board Members in Attendance: Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Chris Guilday, Nancy Mackrides, Liz Schneider
Also in Attendance: Anne Callahan, Grace Eves, Steve Taylor, Jim Wigo, Patti Linden,
and members of the community.
Update on Chapter 4 Revisions
Dr. Taylor updated the Board with a PowerPoint on the latest revisions to Chapter 4, the
portion of the Pennsylvania School Code that governs Standards and Assessments.
These revisions include the removal of the requirement for a formal Strategic Plan, the
establishment of Keystone Exams as a graduation requirement beginning with the class
of 2017, new language on Graduation Requirements, requirements for Project-Based
Assessments, which provide a safety net for students who cannot pass the Keystone
Exams, and an update on Pennsylvania’s version of the national Common Core
Standards. Dr. Taylor explained the controversy about the Common Core and the steps
Pennsylvania has taken to address concerns. The proposed Chapter 4 Revisions were
scheduled to be voted on by the State Board of Education at its meeting on September
12th.
Preview of Anticipated Curriculum & Instruction Agenda Items for 2013-2014
Dr. Taylor previewed anticipated agenda items for this year’s Curriculum & Instruction
Committee meetings.
Online Subscription Renewal
The Board granted permission for a renewal of RTM’s subscription to Choice Literacy to
appear on the September Legislative Agenda. Choice Literacy is an online resource
used by Language Arts Coordinators at the elementary level to support the teaching of
literacy. It includes weekly newsletters, podcast, videos, pictures, books lists, and other
resources.
DIBELS Data System Billing Agreement
The Board granted permission for this Billing Agreement to appear on the September
Legislative Agenda. DIBELS is a non-profit program from the University of Oregon
Center on Teaching & Learning. It provides the resources for RTM elementary teachers
to administer the DIBELS assessments to students three times a year. It costs RTM $1
per elementary student.
Concurrent Enrollment Agreements
2013-2014 will the ninth year Penncrest High School students participate in Dual
Enrollment courses, which are college courses taken at local college campuses, and for
which students earn credits at both Penncrest and the post-secondary institution. Dr.
Taylor asked the Board’s permission to include on the September Legislative Agenda
Concurrent Enrollment Agreements with Delaware County Community College,
Neumann University, and Penn State Brandywine University. These agreements clarify
the eligibility, costs, and other conditions of participation for students who take Dual
Enrollment courses. Twelve Penncrest students will be taking fifteen courses at DCCC
this fall semester. The Board granted permission for these agreements to appear on
the Legislative Agenda.
Summer School 2013 (Written Report only)
A written report on Summer School 2013 was included in the packet for the meeting.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
R ose Tree M edia School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Service
Mr. James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James M. Wigo, Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
September 13, 2013
Subject:
September 9, 2013 Finance Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Bill O’Donnell
______________________________________________________________________
Attendance: Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Linda Kindler-Fox, Chris Guilday, Nancy
Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell and Elizabeth Schneider
Absent: Nancy Fronduti and John Hanna
Also in Attendance: Anne Callahan, Grace Eves and James Wigo
______________________________________________________________________
1. State Audit Report
The State audit report was issued by the Auditor General. The audit covered the
period of July 16, 2010 through October 26, 2012 as well as state subsidies and
reimbursements for fiscal years ending June 30, 2009 and 2010. The audit
contained no findings or observations. The District received a letter from William
Harner, acting Secretary of Education, congratulating the Board of School
Directors and the administration for this accomplishment. The audit stated that
the District complied, in all significant respects, with applicable state laws,
contracts, grant requirements and administrative procedures. A special audit of
the details for the District’s former superintendent’s retirement found that the
District complied, in all significant respects with applicable state laws, contracts
and administrative procedures.
Action: This item will be moved to the September 26th Legislative meeting for
approval.
2. Local Audit Dates
Barbacane, Thornton & Company LLP will be on site September 23rd through
October 4th.
Action: Discussion
3. Budgetary Summary Comparison
The purchase of Professional & Technical services is lower compared to last
August due to the timing of paying the tuition invoices for the DCIU. Purchase
Property Services is higher compared to last August due to the Apple lease.
Other Purchased Services is higher compared to last August due to the timing of
tuition payments for out of District placements and the payment of the District’s
property insurance. Other Uses of Funds is higher compared to last August due
to the timing of the annual transfer to Capital Fund for technology and
transportation.
Local revenue is lower compared to last August due to the final day for discount
payment falling on the weekend. The discount date was extended from August
31st to September 3rd.
Action: Discussion
4. Budgetary Transfers
FY 14-1 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction – New Equipment
$39,153.00
TO: Instruction - Software
AMOUNT: $39,153.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase software for STEM program at SLMS.
FY 14-2 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Alternative Education - Salaries
$8,500.00
TO: Alternative Education – Contracted Services
AMOUNT: $8,500.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for contracted service. The service was provided in the
previous school year by an employee.
FY 14-3 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Technology Support Services – New Equipment
$4,200.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction – Education Software
$4,200.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase educational software license.
FY 14-4 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction - Supplies
$2,770.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction & Curriculum Development – Workbooks
$2,770.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase teacher manuals associated with
educational software.
FY 14-5 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Operation of Building Services - Supplies
$1,964.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Operation of Building Services – New Equipment
$1,964.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase floor finish applicator and vacuums.
FY 14-6 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Industrial Arts Education – New Equipment
$1,500.00
TO: Industrial Arts Education – Supplies
AMOUNT: $1,500.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of supplies for Industrial Arts
Department.
Action: This item will be moved to the September 26th Legislative meeting for
approval.
5. 403(b) Third Party Administrator Agreement
In 2008 IRS regulations required school districts to hire a third party administrator
to handle 403(b) transactions. Through Kades Margolis, the District has used the
services of Employer Admin Services, EASI, since 2008. EASI is now charging a
fee for this service. Kades Margois has found another TPA that is willing to
provide the same service at no fee to the employer. The agreement has been
reviewed by the District’s solicitor.
Action: This item will be moved to the September 26th Legislative meeting for
approval.
6. CareMark Agreement
The District participates through the DCIU for prescription coverage. The
agreement is a renewal of our current plan.
Action: This item will be moved to the September 26th Legislative meeting for
approval
Public Comment: One member of the public was present.
The next Finance Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, October 8, 2013
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
From:
Anne D. Callahan, Director of Human Resources
Date:
September 20, 2013
Subject:
Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting
R ose Tree M edia 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
Board Members in attendance: P. Barry, C. Guilday, L. Kinsler-Fox, chair, N.
Mackrides, T. Barusevicius, L. Schneider
Also in attendance: A. Callahan, J. Wigo, G. Eves, P. Linden and one member of
the public
I.
Items for Legislative Meeting – Anne Callahan
Items to be included on the agenda of the legislative meeting of September 26
were reviewed by the committee. All items will be included on the agenda for a
vote of the full board. Additional items will be added prior to the legislative
meeting and submitted to the Board of School Directors for review on the Friday
preceding the meeting.
II.
Request for Additional Instructional Assistants (3)
The administration presented a proposal to add three (3) additional instructional
assistants to serve the needs of two new special education students at Indian
Lane Elementary School and one student from Penncrest High School who will
be attending the Folcroft Vocational/Technical School this fall.
The committee approved moving these items forward to the legislative meeting
for a vote of the full Board.
III.
Request for Additional Bus Aides (1.5)
The administration presented a proposal from the Transportation Department to
add 1.5 bus aides. One aide will accompany a special needs student on the bus
to and from Coopertown School. A .5 aide will accompany a special needs
student on the ride home from Melmark School in the afternoon.
The committee approved moving these items forward to the legislative meeting
for a vote of the full Board.
IV.
Supplemental Position – Springton Lake Middle School
The committee discussed a proposal from Springton Lake Middle School
principal Dr. Robert Salladino to delete the supplemental position of Drama
Coach at 6 units and to replace it with a Robotics Club also at 6 units. The
Drama Coach position was not filled last year or this year and the needs of those
students are being met through the new theater program at Springton Lake
Middle School.
The committee approved the proposal and recommended it be placed before the
Board at the legislative meeting for a vote of the full Board.
V.
Executive Session
There was an executive session held to discuss matters of personnel.
The next meeting of the Personnel Committee will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2013
in the Board Room at the Education Center.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Services
Mr. James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
___
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Mr. James M. Wigo, Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
September 13, 2013
Subject:
September 10, 2013 - Operations Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Nancy Mackrides
___________________________________________________________________
Attendance: Pete Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Linda Kindler-Fox, Chris Guilday, Nancy
Mackrides and Elizabeth Schneider
Absent: Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna and Bill O’Donnell
Also in Attendance: Ron Baldino, Anne Callahan, Dennis Cini, Grace Eves and James
Wigo
_____________________________________________________________________
1.
2013/2014 Capital Projects Update
HVAC Replacements:
Penncrest Trainer’s Room and AD’s office
Penncrest Auxiliary Gym Fans
Rose Tree Elementary Sever Room, Computer Room, Faculty Room
Media Gym Exhaust Fan/Louver
• Penncrest
o Trainer’s Room and AD office substantially complete
• Rose Tree Elementary
o Faculty Room substantially complete.
o Server room in progress
o Computer lab unit scheduled to arrive by 9/13
• Media Elementary
o Louvers scheduled for delivery by 9/13
• All work to be completed by 9/30
Indian Lane Intercom/Master Clock Replacement:
•
•
Master clock and intercom installation was substantially complete on 8/29.
Minor punch list items to be completed by 9/13.
Security Card Access (Penncrest HS, Glenwood Elem., Indian Lane Elem., Rose
Tree Elem., Media Elem., Education Center):
•
•
Installation of card access equipment started on 9/4.
Completion scheduled for 9/30.
Flooring Replacements:
Glenwood Classrooms (8) VAT Removal
Glenwood Classrooms (8) New VCT Flooring
Indian Lane Lobby
Rose Tree Elementary Stairs
•
•
•
Glenwood Elementary VAT removal and new VCT flooring complete.
Indian Lane Elementary lobby flooring 95% complete- punch list items and
floor logo remains to be completed.
Rose Tree Elementary Stairs treads complete.
Replacement of Exterior Steel Doors (Penncrest HS, Glenwood)
•
•
New doors and hardware in fabrication. Installation scheduled to start by 9/16.
Work to be performed after school hours.
Interior Painting
Media Elementary Lobby and 2nd FL. Hallway
Penncrest Classrooms (8)
•
Painting at Penncrest and Media Elementary substantially complete with
minor punch list items remaining.
Stage Curtain Replacements (Penncrest HS, Indian Lane Elem.)
•
Installation scheduled for September 23rd.
Rose Tree Elementary Toilet Partition/Wall Panels
•
Toilet partitions and wall panels in classroom toilet rooms complete.
Glenwood Ceiling Tile/Grid Replacement
•
Complete
Indian lane Masonry/Concrete Repair
•
•
Complete
Change order in the amount of $2,650 to remove mildew/algae stains from
EFIS.
Springton Lake Fencing at Athletic Field
•
Complete
Springton Lake Walking Trail
•
•
•
Preliminary approval received from Conservation District and DEP
Bid documents being completed
Bidding scheduled for end of September for sitework.
Action: Discussion
2.
Change Orders
1) Recommend approval of Change Order No. GC-01 in the amount of $2,650 to
Ernel and Company to remove exterior mildew/algae stains from exterior
EIFS wall.
2) Recommend approval of Change Order No. CO-1 in the amount of $1,584.55
to Sage Technologies for installation of Aiphone camera/door release system
at the Education center visitor/staff entrance.
Action: This item will be moved to the September 26th Legislative agenda for
approval.
3.
Springton Lake Middle School Window Trim Bid Results
The District received bids from seven vendors to install window trim and for the
installation of window shades at the Springton Lake Middle School. The shades
are being provided through E R Stuebner’s contract. The lowest bid is $48,700.
The work will be completed after school hours.
Action: This item will be moved to the September 26th Legislative agenda for
approval.
4.
Pool Management RFP for Springton Lake Middle School
Proposals were sent to Rocky Run YMCA and IMS Pool Management. A third
vendor could not compete with the two larger firms and did not want to submit a
proposal. Proposals are due back by September 20. Presentations for the pool
committee are scheduled for September 24.
Action: This item will be moved to the September 26th Legislative agenda for
approval.
5.
PSBA Leadership Vote
Votes for President, Vice-President, Treasurer and At-Large Representative
(East) will be electronically cast before October 1, 2013. Information on the
candidates was distributed to the Board of School Directors. The vote will be
taken during the September 26th Legislative meeting.
Action: This item will be moved to the September 26th Legislative agenda for
approval
6.
Use of Facilities
March of Dimes is sponsoring a walk through Media Borough on September 29th.
They have completed a use of facility form for the use of Media Elementary
School. They anticipate 500 walkers
Action: Discussion
7.
Penncrest Donation
Diane Swantek (RTM parent and employee) has offered to donate a ping pong
table to the Penncrest High School Ping Pong Club. Chris Guilday has also
offered to donate a ping pong table to be used by the District.
Action: This item will be moved to the September 26th Legislative agenda for
approval
8.
Johnson Controls, Inc. Case Study
Johnson Controls, Inc. would like to showcase the District’s Compressed Natural
Gas, CNG, project as part of their case study document. The District has final
approval on the content of the case study. The draft of the case study will be
distributed to the Board of School Directors before final approval. The agreement
was reviewed by District’s Solicitor.
Action: This item will be moved to the September 26th Legislative agenda for
approval.
Public Comment: One member of the public was present.
The next Operations Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6000
Fax 610.565.5317
www.rtmsd.org
James M. Wigo
Superintendent of Schools
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:
September 11, 2013
Subject:
September 10, 2013 Pupil Services/Special Education Committee Meeting
Minutes
Chairperson: Ms. Nancy Fronduti
Board Members in Attendance: Peter Barry, Tracey Barusevicius, Christopher Guilday,
John Hanna, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, Elizabeth Schneider,
Others in Attendance: James Wigo, Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, Anne Callahan, Grace
Eves, 1 Community members
Overnight Field Trips
A request for an overnight field trip has been submitted for the Student Council
Leadership to attend the 2013 PASC State Conference in Boyerstown, PA from
11/14/13-11/16/13. Six students and one chaperone will be attending. A
registration fee of $105.00 and transportation costs of $210.00 are being paid by
Student Council. District costs total $284.00 and include costs for a substitute and
hotel/meals. Student costs are $75.00/student.
Action: Approval will be on the September 2013 Legislative Agenda.
Contracts
A contract has been submitted for the provision of a 1:1 instructional assistant for a
RTM special education student who is enrolled at the Elwyn-Davidson program at
a per diem rate of $160.34.
Action: Approval will be on the September 2013 Legislative Agenda.
A contract with Bayada Nursing Services has been submitted to provide substitute
nursing services on an as needed basis at the rate of $49.75/hour for RN services.
Action: Approval will be on the September 2013 Legislative Agenda.
A contract has been submitted by Interquest Detection Canines to provide canine
contraband inspection services at the rate of $225.00 for three hours or $450.00
for six hours, plus a $50.00 transportation charge.
Action: Approval will be on the September 2013 Legislative Agenda.
A contract has been submitted by CritiCare to provide nursing services on an as
needed basis at the rate of $55.00/hour for RNs, $45.00/hour for LPNs,
$25.00/hour for CNAs, and $22.00/hour for PCA’s.
Action: Approval will be on the September 2013 Legislative Agenda.
A contract has been submitted by Jeanne Kluger Arabia to provide investigative
services relative to residency issues. Ms. Arabia will serve as an independent
contractor and be paid on a fee-for-service basis at the following rate:
$500.00/case up to an including 10 hours and 100 miles/case; $60.00/hour for 11+
hours and $.35/mile for 101+ miles.
Action: Approval will be on the September 2013 Legislative Agenda.
A contract has been submitted by Center on Central to provide music therapy for
two (2) one-hour sessions/weekly and art therapy services for one (1) hour
sessions/weekly services to the developmental kindergarten program at the rate of
$90.00/hour.
Action: Approval will be on the September 2013 Legislative Agenda.
An agreement has been submitted to reimburse a parent of a special education
student for transporting their child home from HMS School for Children with
Cerebral Palsy in lieu of the District providing transportation.
Action: Approval will be on the September 2013 Legislative Agenda.
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
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
Patti Linden
Director of Technology
and Information Science
Members of the Board of School Directors
James, M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
Patti Linden
September 13, 2013
Technology Committee Meeting Minutes for September 10, 2013
Chairperson: Mr. Christopher Guilday
Board Members in attendance: Chris Guilday, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Elizabeth Schneider, Nancy Mackrides and Tracy Barusevicius
Also in attendance: Patti Linden, Jim Wigo, Anne Callahan, Grace Eves and 1
Member of the community
Technology Rollout Update
The iPad rollout at the high school was conducted in a very smooth, organized, and
constructive manner. After months and months of collaborative planning meetings with
central office administrators, the Technology Department, and high school
administrators, all high school students went home with a configured, working iPad.
During the two day rollout with only half the high school student population present on
each day, we set up a Help Desk in the high school rotunda manned by all Technology
Department members, several teacher leaders and a number of upperclass student
leaders to assist with any problems that students had in configuring their iPads. Most of
the problems we encountered centered on personal Apple ID issues that students had
not resolved before they came to school, despite the several communication reminders
they had over the summer. All problems were easily resolved. The high school
administrators arranged each of the two days so that students rotated from station to
station with their homeroom groups. They received instructions on the iPad
configuration from their homeroom teacher, the new Responsible Use Policy from the
Assistant Principals, the Naviance program from the guidance counselors, and a
session on note-taking apps from other assigned teachers. Every teacher had a role to
play for each of the sessions and the Technology Department monitored bandwidth
usage and wireless access throughout each of the sessions. Patti Linden displayed a
photo slideshow of the events of the week during this update.
Action: No Board action required.
Next meeting: Tuesday, October 8, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. in the Education Center
Board Room
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
SCHOOL REPORT’S – September 26, 2013
GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Art Class with Mr. Sharp
Art Club started for all interested fifth grade students. Throughout the first half of the year,
students will meet weekly and after school to work on a variety of projects – working with
clay, papermaking, faux batik, and much more. Fourth and Fifth graders voluntarily drew
a poster for and entered the Pennsylvania School Board Association Poster Contest.
Students were asked to create a poster depicting their goals and aspirations, and what
type of future the student believes their education will bring. Fifth graders also voluntarily
entered the Seventeenth Annual Attorney General Drug-Free Calendar Contest. Students
were asked to create an illustration that includes a drug-free message.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students have listened to The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn and done an
art project related to it. We have worked really hard at practicing routines and greeting
each other at Morning Meeting. We have had a great start to our school year so far!
First Grade
First grade is adjusting very well to their full day schedule. Staying for lunch and
attending special area classes has been a big hit. We are also very excited to be in full
swing of “Reading Workshop.” We are currently working on the mechanics and routines
of reading workshop as well as building good reading habits.
Second Grade
Second graders are deeply immersed in reading, daily acquiring new skills and strategies
to add to their toolbox of resources. They are learning the expectations and routines
necessary to develop as readers to their fullest potential. Students are being held more
accountable for independent reading, recording details about their reading in logs that can
be used to develop breadth and variety in their reading choices.
Third Grade
Glenwood’s third grade has been getting into the swing of learning! Everyone has been
excited to learn their locker combinations and they are getting closer to mastering them
each day. We have started Reader’s Workshop, Writer’s Workshop, Math, and Content
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area and everyone is working very hard! We are excited to succeed and meet our goals in
third grade.
Fourth Grade
Glenwood’s fourth graders are off to a great start! The students are very excited to begin
Reading Workshop again this year. We are reviewing and building upon all of the good
habits we learned last year to “hit the ground running” during Reading Workshop. In
math, students are getting to know each other better by surveying one another and
graphing the results. We look forward to a successful year!
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade is piloting a new writing program this year. The year started off with narrative
writing. Students came into fifth grade with a wealth of knowledge already and they put
that to good use as they began generating ideas for stories and looking at their stories in
various ways. They began to live like writers looking for stories at home and everywhere
they went. They jotted down what they noticed and brought that back to the classroom.
By hearing the words of published authors, they realized that even if they couldn’t use
that story now, it might be useful in the future.
INDIAN LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Indian Lane teachers and staff welcomed 444 students back to school on September 3rd.
They came back to school and were greeted with a few visible changes. The first was a
new lobby floor, which brightens their day as soon as they walk through the doors. Also,
during hot weather and after recess, they can enjoy air conditioning in the cafeteria.
Speaking of the cafeteria, we have new stage curtains! They look amazing. A new clock
and PA system was added so every corner of the building has the ability to clearly hear
the paging system as well as outside on the playground and in the courtyard. The WiFi
was also updated throughout the building. All instructional area uni-vents were updated
from pneumatic controls to electronic controls with new valve systems installed as well.
On the outside, there were some sidewalks replaced and some mortar and pointing work
done on portions of the building.
We have been working on learning and internalizing procedures and expectations in our
classrooms. All students attended an Opening Assembly on September 4th where Mr.
Bennett reviewed these expectations.
The students were introduced to the new Reading Workshop method. It is based on
instructing students at their level and focuses on students reading for the joy of reading
itself. Several of our teachers had been implementing Readers Workshop for several
years and will be invaluable resources for their colleagues.
In moving to this different philosophy, we are discontinuing the 100 Book Challenge
program that required students to read for at least 30 minutes a night and to record their
time. We then rewarded students based on how much they read. Reading every night is
still required, but the philosophy has shifted away from extrinsic rewards.
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Another new initiative involves the elementary schools implementing a School-wide
Positive Behavior Support Plan. While the discipline issues we deal with are few and
relatively minor, we will be implementing shared vocabulary that will filter into the middle
school. The three basic tenets of the program are: - Be Ready - Be Respectful - Be
Responsible
Teachers will be reviewing what these ideas mean in every classroom setting so students
will get a clear understanding of what they look like.
DIBELS assessments have begun for Kindergarten through third grade students. These
important assessments are given three times per year to track early literacy development.
MAP testing will begin in late September and the results will be used to plan for
instruction and monitor student growth.
Staff members are proposing numerous clubs to be held after school for our students.
The plans include Intramural Sports, Student Council, Board Games, Reading Olympics,
Scrapbooking, and Lego Robotics. Our students are lucky!
Fifth grade students are getting ready for Student Council officer elections. The primary
election was held to nominate candidates who will speak to the entire student body. We
will tell you the results next report.
Developmental
This month the Developmental 2nd and 3rd grade has been working very hard to perform
assessments to get students baseline beginning of the year data. We also have been
taking time to review school and classroom rules, along with allowing students to create
some new ones that they feel are important. We have started working on mathematics, as
well two new curricula; Handwriting Without Tears and the Sonday Reading System.
Kindergarten
In Kindergarten we are spending time getting to know each other, learning each other's
names, and learning our way around our new school and classroom. We are learning our
new routines through Responsive Classroom morning meetings, activities, and emergent
readers. The children are being introduced to our new reading program by learning about
taking care of books and reading ABC books and emergent readers. The children are
enjoying stories such as The Kissing Hand, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Brown Bear,
Brown Bear, and The Ginger Bread Man. We are introducing the children to math
manipulatives, the calendar, the days of the week, the months of the year, patterns and
counting. The children are also learning to form letters correctly.
First Grade
First graders have been busy getting to know each other, learning classroom and school
routines and expectations. They are learning to eat lunch in the cafeteria for the first time
and building their stamina for a full school day. Time has been spent learning the
procedures of both reading and writing workshops. Students have also been reviewing
important math skills from Kindergarten such as accurate counting, using a number a line
and hundreds chart. Our first graders even started practicing their addition facts with
Math Minutes.
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Second Grade
We have used our Morning Meeting sessions as a time to get to know one another. This
special time will also be utilized to prepare ourselves for a day of learning and refine
our communication skills. In Reading Workshop, we are learning how to take care of
books and our classroom library. We are also learning about ourselves as readers. This
includes how to discover what types of books we enjoy and how to determine if a book is
a "good fit". The children have been busy learning all about becoming authors during our
Writing Workshop. They have lots of great ideas and are learning how to not only get
these ideas down on paper, but also why writers write and what types of writing they
compose. They have created "heart maps" and "memory chains" to assist them in always
having fresh ideas of which to write. In math, the children are reviewing concepts such as
data collection and graphing. We discussed why graphs are beneficial for organizing
information. Through building objects with cubes, the children also created various ways
to make the number 10, as represented with a number sentence.
Fourth Grade
After attending the Reading Workshop Summer Institute 4th grade teachers are
developing their students reading skills, through a component of Reader's workshop
called interactive read aloud. Most days, student are listening to different picture books,
and then interacting with the text through discussion and activities that support the
strategies that students are learning in Reader's workshop. Students have enjoyed this
different activity, and it has brought higher leveled thinking in, instead of just being read to
by a teacher. Courage, The Toolbox, Splat the Cat, and Thank you, Mr. Falker are just
some of the titles that launched our interactive read aloud.
AGP
The AGP students are currently working on a Family History Unit of Study. The students
are in the process of analyzing their family structure, investigate their family history, and
identifying important events that their family has experienced. At the conclusion of the
unit, the students will develop an interactive product reflecting their family tree and
history.
MEDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Welcome Home!
The anticipation was greater than usual as we prepared for our annual Back to School
OPEN HOUSE. Many of our students had, in fact, never set foot in the “real” Media
School. Those who had were very anxious to view the result of the year long construction
project. The positive energy was palpable as students and parents commented on how
beautiful the building looked. The third floor project got rave reviews. “It’s so big,” “Wow,”
and “It’s great to be back,” were comments that were heard over and over again. Our
message was not “Welcome Back,” but “Welcome Home.” And just like Dorothy said in
The Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home.”
Back to School Pot Luck Supper
The first week of school concluded with a Back to School Pot Luck Supper. It was the
perfect night to be outside and a good portion of our school community took advantage of
the PTG’s generous invitation. Food and fun, including face painting and jugglers, were
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the order of the night. Fair Trade had a table to help educate the school community about
becoming a Fair Trade school.
Assessment
Our assessment schedule began immediately with the administration of D.I.B.E.L.S. and
B.O.Y. (math beginning of year test). Our goal is to complete beginning of year
assessments as quickly and accurately as possible so that we can use the information to
inform instruction.
Kudos
Kudos to the many departments that contributed to a smooth opening of school. The
buses were running on time, the cafeteria food was delicious, and the custodial and
maintenance crews did an incredible job of getting our building ready. Teachers spent
many extra hours getting their rooms ready.
First Grade Gets Ready
In August, the first grade teachers at Media Elementary met on three different occasions
to plan for Reader’s Workshop and The Responsive Classroom. Collaboratively, we
prepared lessons and organized for routines/expectations within our first grade
classrooms. We look forward to a school year full of more time for collaboration, as we
roll out new programs and new technology within our classrooms.
Second Grade Checks In
Second Grade teachers have been busy unpacking and getting settled back into the
familiar surroundings of Media School. Moving back was a daunting task but our
classrooms are ready and planning for the 2013-2014 is underway. Open House was a
success with many families and children anxious to visit their new classrooms and meet
their new teachers. It was a very warm welcome to our return home to Media Elementary
and the new school year. Overall, our Open House was a very positive experience.
Second grade students have been busy getting acclimated to Media, new classroom
routines and procedures. The students are responding enthusiastically to the beginning of
another school year!
Happy New Year!
Third and fourth graders began the year by making New Year’s resolutions about their
reading and writing goals. This was part of the reading and writing workshop.
Fifth Grade Musical
Fifth graders had the opportunity to audition for our fifth grade musical, “Alice in
Wonderland.” All fifth graders will be involved in the production, although those with
speaking and solo roles will have to attend extra rehearsals. The date of the performance
is December 11.
News from the Gym
Our new physical education teacher, Timothy Fink, has gotten off to a great start. This is
what he is working on with students during the month of September:
• The students have started to review the daily procedures & rules in the gymnasium
through role-playing & classroom discussions.
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•
•
The students are exploring and communicating the ideas of fair play, sharing
equipment, safety, and sportsmanship in playground & outdoor activities.
The students will begin fitness testing to pre-assess and measure their
cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility
throughout the month of September.
ROSE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
First Grade
Rose Tree students are launching into first grade with flying colors. Reading and writing
workshop are underway with lots of favorite titles and stories to share. Children are
learning the routines of the cafeteria and bus dismissal. We are finding out what it looks
like to be ready, respectful, and responsible.
Third Grade
The third grade at Rose Tree is off to a terrific start. All of the children came to school
with their supplies and were ready to learn. We have been working on the Rose Tree
School-Wide Positive Behavior Program. Daily lessons were taught in what it looks,
sounds and feels like to be ready, respectful and responsible during Morning Meeting.
We have also spent our math time this month working on data analysis. The children can
now categorize, organize and interpret data. We learned to find books that were “just
right” for us in reading class. We also learned about where we fit in on the Earth. We
know our hemisphere, our continent, our country, our state and our town. All in all, it has
been a busy month and we are very happy to be back in school.
Music
In the general music classroom, Mr. Sikorski and the students reestablished a strong
musical foundation for which the rest of the year will be built upon. In addition to
reviewing fundamental musical concepts, the students also discovered the Rose Tree
School-Wide Positive Behavior Program and how it applies to them in the music room.
The students also discussed how to apply these same initiatives outside the music room.
1st grade discovered and identified what an echo is, dynamic markings piano and forte
utilizing Joseph Hayden’s “Surprise Symphony,” and singing and performing with a steady
beat. 2nd grade began work on continued rhythm reading and the music and instruments
of Marine marching band conductor John Phillip Sousa. 3rd grade began identifying the
fundamentals of musical notation if preparation for recorder. 4th and 5th grade began
the next additions of their recorder books. 4th grade learning and performing the music
of Beethoven, and 5th grade began their listening journals, a monthly discussion and
written assessment, utilizing musical vocabulary to describe music outside of the music
classroom. 5th grade also begin rehearsing selections for our winter concert. In addition
to curriculum, recruitment for two extracurricular groups, Rose Tree Rumblers and Hand
Chime Choir, has begun as well as plans for a spring musical.
Art Department Happenings
New student artworks were installed in a gallery setting in the main office area of Rose
Tree Elementary School. The artworks featured a variety of media, including painted still
lives, cut paper collage and printmaking. Students, staff, and RTE community members
enjoyed seeing the student voices communicated through the artworks. The exhibit space
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will feature a variety of changing artworks throughout the year. All students in grades one
through five completed motif drawings to represent themselves. The drawings were
displayed in the art room for Back to School Night, forming a colorful display.
Meg Barney offered a paper craft workshop at the Media Arts Council's Second Saturday
event in September. Free of charge and open to all ages, the workshop used newspaper
to create paper balls, magic beanstalks and paper hats.
SPRINGTON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
The school year is off to a wonderful start. Students returned to school eager and ready
for an action-packed school year full of new opportunities and challenges. In setting the
tone for the school year, we have focused on a theme from one of the 6th grade summer
reading titles, Wonder. A key premise of this book about a group of kids learning to
navigate the world of middle school is “choose kind.” In opening meetings with all three
grade levels, the importance of each student playing an important role in creating a
positive and welcoming environment at Springton Lake was emphasized. We will continue
to revisit this throughout the school year. New this year to Springton Lake is Project
Wisdom. This character education program is incorporated as part of our daily
announcements. Daily messages that highlight voices and quotes from various cultures
are shared with students several times each week. The announcements conclude with
the tag line, “Make it a great day – or not – the choice is yours.”
Art
Ms. Sycz’ grade eight students have begun learning about the importance of planning a
composition before starting a work of art. Two works of art including an abstract painting
by Kandinsky and a realistically rendered still life drawing have been compared and
contrasted illustrating the importance of composition regardless of style. Students have
been given the challenge of creating an interesting composition which has an active
background yet still a focal point is evident. At this stage of the process, students are
thinking of a main subject for their artwork and thinking of images to be used in the
background which relate in some way to the main subject. Students also have begun
measuring the paper drawing a grid to help organize the planned pattern that will be the
foundation of the background. The importance of the principles of design has been
reviewed. Grade seven students have been given the challenge of drawing a revealing
and interesting portrait. Different artists' portraits will be studied but at this time only some
work by Vincent van Gogh has been shown to the students. Students are thinking of a
character to portray and a story to go with the portrait. Students have been challenged to
think of images that will communicate to the viewer the identity of the character and the
circumstances without using any words. Students are in the process of gathering their
thoughts and resource images to assist in the rendering of their portraits. Grade six
students have been challenged to create an interesting artwork using only simple shapes
at this stage. The students have been shown samples artwork illustrating the principles of
balance, pattern and contrast. Students are now deciding on which balance their design
will be planned around. The importance of composing an artwork is being stressed.
The New Year is off to a terrific start in Mrs. Going’s classroom. Seventh and eighth
grades are excited to begin art classes once again and sixth grades are just "wowed" by
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the whole new experience for art! Sixth Grades begin with a Line and Shape Design.
This assignment kick starts a review of the Elements of Design with an introduction to the
Principles of Design and a focus on the art of Wassily Kandinsky. Seventh Grades will
start with an Abstraction Painting creating a view finder and search for the perfect subject!
Painting style will be based on the art of Georgia O'Keeffe with a review of Color Theory.
Eighth Grades begin with 20th century art as the theme: French Fauve artist, Henri
Matisse or Pop Artist, Andy Warhol and James Rosenquist. All work will generate a
review of the Elements and the Principles of Design!
Mrs. Prior is hosting student teacher, Miss Casey Bialek, a graduate student from the
University of the Arts. During our introductory classes, sixth graders showed off their
knowledge of the “Elements of Art” such as line, shape, form, value, space, color, and
texture. Now they are illustrating the elements on their first assignment of the year.
Seventh graders are using drawing skills to form block letters that have uniform height,
thickness, proportion, and spacing. Students will then learn how to use one point
perspective to make their names dimensional. Eighth graders read about the
Renaissance and the difference between one point and two-point perspective in their text,
A Global Pursuit. Now, they have the task of creating dimensional boxes using two-point
perspective in order to make more complex structures later.
Guidance
The Guidance Department has been busy getting all of the middle school students settled
in their new classes. Over 30 new students were registered since June and are now
getting acclimated to our building. Placement tests were administered so that schedules
could be created that meets the needs of these transitioning students. Several orientation
sessions were held prior to the start of school and the counselors met with students as a
group at the end of the first week.
Language Arts
The sixth grade has welcomed an exceptional group of students into Springton Lake this
year! We are excited to share the activities and curriculum with them. The very start of
the year is full of ‘get to know you’ activities such as letters to the teachers, peer
interviews, and overviews of expectations. Our summer reading requirements included
the novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio, which tells the story of a young boy, born with a severe
facial deformity that begins attending public school for the first time. The story is full of
the difficulties associated with being ‘different’ and lessons about accepting others.
“Choose Kind” is the message from the book that we hope to spread across the grade
level throughout the year. To wrap up summer reading, activities will include introductions
to book chats and more creative book brag projects, utilizing technology and writing skills.
Seventh graders have hit the ground running this year in Language Arts classes. So far,
they have experienced multiple writing formats, ranging from introductory letters to poems
capturing the essence of the first week of seventh grade. The students are engaged with
their summer reading books, revisiting expectations, working on projects highlighting
multimodal learning styles, and preparing for tests on these titles. Likewise, eighth
graders have kept up a similar pace in their first week. The students have written several
pieces, ranging from short introductory pieces to longer literary response essays about
their summer reading titles, and have been demonstrating their artistic and analytic skills
by creating book jackets for their second summer reading titles.
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Math
Geometry students have begun their exploration of this year's curriculum. Naturally,
Chapter 1 lays out the basic foundation that will be necessary for students and teacher to
communicate properly. Students identify their first theorems, vocabulary terms, and
formulas. Both geometry classes are helping support all SLMS students by piloting Khan
Academy. So far, students are excited about the level of personalization and ageappropriateness. Our Algebra I students are excited to start the year with brand new
textbooks as they begin their year with a review of prior concepts—reading, writing, and
evaluating expressions, equations, and inequalities, and order of operations. Chapter 1 is
setting the groundwork for skills we will need to be very confident with as we move on to
more difficult, complicated concepts in Chapters 3 and beyond. In eighth grade CMP2,
we begin the year with studying linear relationships using Moving Straight Ahead. The
primary goal of this unit is for students to develop an understanding of linear relationships
or linear functions. Students recognize linear functions by the constant rate of change
between two variables in a verbal context, a table, a graph, or an equation. This idea is
introduced in Investigation 1 with an experiment in which students determine their walking
rates. This allows students to understand the central idea of constant rate of change
between two variables. Identifying, representing, and interpreting linear relationships is
another central idea in this unit. Solving linear equations and writing equations for lines is
also explored and will be revisited with more complexities in later units. Seventh Graders
moved into a new year by assessing their prior knowledge. We reviewed Covering and
Surrounding concepts, area, perimeter, and circumference of two-dimensional figures.
Students also began working with scale factor, ratios, and proportions in the book
Stretching and Shrinking. We have had a wonderful start to a new school year in seventh
grade!
Sixth graders began the year with a unit on measures of central tendency. The unit
entitled, Data About Us, gave students an opportunity to collect data about themselves
and then students used that data to describe various measures of center. The most
meaningful investigation within the unit was an investigation on truly understanding what it
means to find the mean. Students made six stacks of blocks, each of varying heights, and
then they had to make all six stacks the same height by moving the cubes. This was an
excellent visual representation of what happens when we find the mean of a set of data.
Sixth grade accelerated math students began the year with a unit about similarity. The
most engaging investigation within this unit was when students drew the Wump family.
“The members of the Wump family are various sizes, but they all have the same shape.”
(Stretching and Shrinking, page 22). In order to create the members of the Wump family,
students needed to follow a rule to find the coordinates of the points. This was the
introduction to what happens to the shape of a figure when you multiply or divide
coordinates by a decimal versus what happens when you add numbers to or subtract
numbers from each coordinate. Students thoroughly enjoyed this investigation.
Physical Education
The 2013-2014 school year for Physical Education has started well for all of the students.
Each class was given the expectations and outline for the school year for Physical
Education. Students were introduced to a new component to the curriculum, the physical
activity journal. Students will be responsible to complete a daily journal based on a
template given by their Physical Education teacher. Students each day will write two to
three sentences about their physical activity or what they did instead on the template
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provided. As was expressed to the students, we want students to be more consciously
aware of how physical activity affects their short term and long-term health. In addition,
students will have an opportunity to open up a dialogue with their Physical Education
teacher on activity that they enjoy doing for lifetime fitness. Students were able to see the
various units they will experience throughout the year. The students will have the
opportunity to try a variety of activities in Physical Education and will have exposure to
individual, team, adventure, swimming, multicultural, traditional and other activities.
Students received their gym lockers. Students who were here the previous year were
able to keep the same lockers and students new to the school took over those from the
eighth grade class of last year. The students in addition to the locker rooms were able to
take tours of the many facilities available for use in the Physical Education curriculum.
Science
Sixth grade science students are getting to know their new building and new teachers.
They will be making observations and inferences during September. Students will use
the Explore Learning Gizmos program to better understand the scientific method. The
year in seventh grade science begins with the review of the scientific method. Students
become familiar with direct and indirect evidence as it relates to observations and
inferences. These concepts are investigated in class with the Obscertainer Lab. Students
make prediction of unseen patterns using indirect evidence. Graphing of data is also
utilized in this unit.
In eighth grade science, students have been learning about the differences between
observation and inference, and independent and dependent variables. We have been
able to explore this through various demonstrations and activities, such as Sewer Lice - a
demonstration that uses raisins and Mountain Dew to illustrate the importance of careful
observation. We have also been doing labs to allow for true inquiry-based learning, such
as “Come Fly with Me”, where students build different paper airplanes and compare
independent and dependent variables. In addition, our Science Skills Station Lab
illustrates the importance of measuring, hypothesizing and communicating. Finally,
students have reviewed metric system conversions specific to physical science, as we
have begun exploring physical properties of matter such as mass and volume, collecting
and graphing data on various objects.
Social Studies
The sixth grade students started the year by making a personal flag to represent their
lives and share some personal stories/preferences with their new classmates. In addition,
the students have completed a timeline of their own personal histories to assist them with
understanding time as a historical reference. Since the start of the new school year, the
students have been studying world geography and general geographic concepts. The
focus of this unit includes geographic skills, geographic terminology, and political
geography and physical geography of the world. The students have been learning about
the importance of understanding the physical and political geographic world as a
prerequisite for understanding individual countries or regions. The seventh grade
students started the year reviewing U.S. geography including physical geography and
states and capitals. Also, the students have been learning about the Constitutional
Convention and the importance of the leaders in creating the document. The eighth grade
students have engaged in lessons that teach them how to think like a historian. Through
the use of a prehistoric replica skull, students are differentiating between facts and
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inferences. Students are also learning how to accurately record events on a timeline and
how to use timelines as a graphic tool which enables sequencing. All eighth grade social
studies classes are participating in a project entitled "Who are you?" which asks them to
share their family's history and interests with their teachers and other classmates. Student
writing, public speaking and listening skills will be assessed, along with the ability to
manage time when dealing with long term projects.
Special Education
This year we welcome Karen Kampmeyer to Springton. Karen is from Elwyn, and she will
assist students in the Emotional Support program attain their IEP goals. Students in
special education language arts and math classes completed the RLI, GRADE and MLI
standardized tests. These tests assess reading comprehension, vocabulary skills and
math skills. These scores are used to help measure students’ annual progress and guide
IEP development. We continue to work on structuring resource room time to
accommodate the changing needs of our students. Teachers review and practice
academic skills and assist with study skills, such as note-taking, organization, and test
preparation.
World Language
Sixth graders began their Rose Tree Media language experiences by adding either
French or Spanish to their schedules this year. High school and middle school students
await the arrival of the Spanish exchange students. The Spanish students will visit
Springton Lake and our students will have the opportunity to interact with them in class
and after school.
PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL
Guidance Department News
The Penncrest Guidance Department looks forward to an exciting and productive year in
support of Penncrest students! In the weeks prior to the start of the 2013-2014 school
year, the Guidance Department assisted students and parents, meeting with new RTM
students to conduct placement testing, record reviews, as well as schedule construction
and adjustment. During the first week of school, the Guidance Department presented
assemblies with all grade levels. Counselors met in group settings with their student
caseloads to review the year and discuss expectations. In addition, counselors discussed
the use of Naviance to support and extend career exploration and college searches, as
well as the college application process for seniors. During the first six weeks of school,
the Guidance Department hosts grade-specific evening programs for parents. The
informative sessions help parents understand the requirements and expectations for
students in each of their high school years.
Science Department News
The freshman class participated in a field study at Ridley Creek State Park and Glen
Province Park this month. They studied forest and pond ecosystems by collecting data for
analysis. Science teacher Mrs. Laura Diksa is preparing to implement changes to the AP
Chemistry curriculum as specified by College Board. Specifically, the laboratory
component will be modified to include more inquiry-based experiments. The exciting
change is expected to increase student exposure to experimental chemistry. Students in
School Reports
11
September 26, 2013
level 1 biology and level 1 chemistry will be using new iBook’s, which offer many exciting
resources for our students to use. Teachers are working to develop a remediation plan for
any students who were not proficient or advanced on last May’s Keystone Exam in
biology. Students currently enrolled in biology be preparing for second administration of
the Pennsylvania Keystone Biology Exam. Biology teachers are developing web
resources and refining the curriculum and instruction to enhance our students’
preparation for the exam this spring. Students in physics and chemistry now have the
advantage of immediate access to WebAssign assessments that drive instruction thanks
to the new student iPads. The WebAssign format allows for the submission of work with
immediate feedback and instruction. Biology II, level 1, a human anatomy and physiology
course, is offered for the first time to seniors at Penncrest. The course scope, sequence,
and pacing is designed to prepare students for coursework at the university level where it
is a core requirement for students in the Allied Health Sciences. Students in the course
will follow a rigorous schedule that will hone core academic skills and allow hands-on
experiences through a variety of dissections. Students with interest in pursuing a career
in the Health Sciences are participating in the Penncrest Medical Scholars Club. This
year students will participate in the tenth annual Annenberg High School Science
Symposium sponsored through MainLine Health and Lankenau Hospital. Students attend
live surgery, research current topics in health with the assistance of local medical
professionals and present their findings at Riddle Hospital in a competition held in the
spring of 2014.
Music Department News
The Ambassador Choir performed their first concert on the season at Media's Dining
Under the Stars. This event has become an annual fall and spring tradition for our premier
ensemble and is always well received with accolades from the Mayor of Media as well as
the Executive Director of the Media Business Authority. Our choirs perform throughout
the year at a variety of venues in the community. The full performance schedule is
available on Mrs. Gaertner's Penncrest webpage. Please contact Choir Director Sherre
Gaertner if you have a school, professional, or private event that would be enhanced by a
choir performance. Our students always appreciate the opportunities to sing, perform, and
compete.
English Department News
The 2013 Gryphon was one of four high-school literary magazines in the state to earn a
Gold rating from the Pennsylvania School Press Association. The magazine is now in the
running for a Keystone Award.
World Language Department News
Over the summer, Latin teacher, Mr. Enoch Stevenson took 17 of his Latin students to
Italy for an 11-day cultural immersion trip. They visited Rome, Pompeii, and the territories
of the Romans in-between. Mr. Stevenson was accompanied by chaperons, Mrs. Susan
Coates and Ms. Lisa Lobitz. Twenty-one Spanish Exchange students arrived from
Tavernes de la Valldigna, Spain, this month. These students have each been paired with
a Penncrest student who is currently studying Spanish 4 or AP Spanish 5. While visiting
the area, the Spanish students take daily trips to local historical and cultural sites. They
will also take a day trip to Washington, D.C. as well as a trip to Baltimore and Lancaster.
The cultural exchange is enhanced by a covered dish dinner which takes place in the
PHS cafeteria and is an annual favorite. The first interest meeting for the 2013-2014
School Reports
12
September 26, 2013
Phyllis Kavanaugh scholarship for study abroad was held in the PHS library this month.
The 2013 recipient Sebastian Weinmann shared photographs and stories from his
experience in China last summer.
Health and Physical Education Department News
Physical education students have begun their fall fitness program. The staff is looking
forward to observing many students reach or exceed goals they set for themself in the
spring.
Rose Tree Media Simon Youth Academy (RTMSYA) News
The 2013-14 RTMSYA school year is off to a great start! During the first week back, Mrs.
Christa Consadene presented Google Academy to our students who look forward to using
all of the features offered in Google to enhance learning and communication at school.
RTMSYA has a new curriculum! This year we are offering French I and II using a cohort
group model. Mr. Patrick O’Neill joins the staff and will provide French instruction for the
2013-14 school year.
Seniors are visiting Delaware Community College this month. They tour the school and
take the math Accuplacer exam.
Our Back to School Night takes place on Thursday, October 3, at 7:00 p.m.
Freshmen Orientation
Penncrest High School recently hosted their annual Freshman Orientation Night for all
incoming ninth graders and their parents. The well-attended event was divided into two
sessions. The first session, for parents and students, presented an introduction to the
high school and outlined student programs and expectations. Students were then invited
to tour the building with the assistance of current PHS student ambassadors. Students
culminated their tour in the cafeteria and were treated to ice cream while they waited for
their parents. As students toured the building, parents were offered an overview of the
new PHS iPad initiative. Nat Evans, from the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office,
presented information to parents about the potential dangers of the Internet and recent
laws developed to protect children while online.
iPad Rollout
Penncrest students received their iPads and technology training during the first week of
school. Homeroom teachers worked with students to set up the iPads correctly; Assistant
Principals Mr. Harrison and Mr. Dougherty reviewed important policies with students, and
faculty led students through the investigation of important apps. Students were also
introduced to the Digital Driver's License, an online responsibility education tool. A team
of 28 students worked with teacher-leaders during August to refine and rehearse the roll
out procedures. Seventeen of those students served as student trainers during the rollout period. Mrs. McCann, Mr. Harris, Mrs. Consadene, and Mrs. Linden were on hand to
help students with difficulties and to trouble shoot any system stalls. The entire process
worked smoothly, and students were able to get their devices up and running for the
weekend!
School Reports
13
September 26, 2013
Academic Excellence Celebration
In September, thirty students in grades 10 through 12 were honored at the Academic
Excellence Celebration. Students were recognized for their outstanding academic
achievement, which is based on their having earned, at the close of the 2012-2013 school
year, the highest ten weighted grade point averages in their respective classes.
Congratulations to: Grade 10: Tanner Daggy, Samantha Daugherty, Seth Fein, Vy-Linh
Gale, Rachel Hooker, Teresa Lawrence, Derek Leung, Michael Murphy, Julia Pearse, and
Daniel Rosenberger. Grade 11: Michael Chang, Charles Frindt, Riley George, Lucy Hall,
Michael Ann Henne, William “Schafer” Hudson Ortyn, Abigail Pearse, Jade Phillips, Nina
Shah, and Michael Yee. Grade 12: Gabriel Bury, Cheyenne Davis, Ethan Fein,
Samantha Hunt, Talia Kaplan, Kimberly Kreider, Andrew LeCours, John McLaughlin, Kira
Panzer, and Olivia Zhou.
School Reports
14
September 26, 2013
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.”
August 26, 2013
September 10, 2013
September 26, 2013
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 October 24, 2013, at Penncrest
High School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
Presidential Announcement
1
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
2.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
Jacqueline Wise, Secretary I, Springton Lake Middle
School, termination due to abandonment of position,
effective September 26, 2013.
2.
Anthony DiScala, Custodian, Indian Lane Elementary,
resignation effective August 9, 2013.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
Ronni Miller, SYA Summer School Teacher, effective
July 29, 2013 through August 15, 2013, at the rate of
$203.50 per day.
2.
Mary Dempsey, Reading Specialist, Penncrest High
School change in start date from August 20, 2013 to
be determined.
3.
Recommend Board approval of the following
personnel to serve as Homebound Instructors for the
2013-2014 school year at the rate of $46.00 per hour:
Samantha Abelson
Tiffany Bendistis
Susan Coyne
Dorothee Diaz
Thomas Durant
David Enterlin
Kim Enterlin
Vince Eppolito
Crystal Grace Green
Sean Hobdell
Adrienne Kutney
Jason Lazarow
Anthony Lombardo
Amanda Morris
IX. New Business
1
Theresa Long
Cheryl Lund
Laura Nemec
Lauren Newman
Kelly Piecara
Catherine Poulos
Heather Reed
Debbie Schnaars
Lynda Seery
Jeremy Smith
Amy Somerville
Jodi Strevig
Michele Woodward
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
4.
Recommend the Board recognize the following
personnel for attainment of tenure, effective August
26, 2013:
Julia Davis
Bridget Martin
Johannah Timbario
Colleen Hoy
b.
3.
Non-Instructional
1.
Terry Mawson, Substitute Food Service Worker,
effective September 9, 2013 at the rate of $10.76 per
hour.
2.
Christina DiGregorio, Math Tutor for the 2013-2014
school year at the rate of $16.00 per hour for a
maximum of 540 hours. Ms. DiGregorio is assigned to
Indian Lane.
3.
Katherine Helm, Interventionist, effective September
20, 2013 at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. Helms is
assigned to Glenwood Elementary. NOTE: Ms. Helm
is being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork.
General
a.
IX. New Business
Indian Lane
Indian Lane
Rose Tree
Penncrest
Classification Change
1.
Robin Pancher, from Substitute Cafeteria Worker to
Cafeteria Trainee effective August 28, 2013 at the
rate of $11.31 per hour. Ms. Pancher is assigned to
Indian Lane Elementary replacing Carol Neil who was
reassigned.
2.
Catherine Dragone from Substitute bus Aide to
Regular Bus Aide effective September 9, 2013 at the
rate of $14.43 per hour.
2
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
c.
d.
IX. New Business
James Tiedemann, Support Staff II, Indian Lane
Elementary, requests an unpaid leave of absence
effective August 26, 2013 through November 14,
2013.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
Rescind appointment of Julie Denton as New Teacher
Mentor for the 2013-2014 school year.
2.
Rescind appointment of Vernon Dreyer as Assistant
Freshman Soccer Coach for the 2013-2014 school
year.
3.
Rescind appointment of Kristen Manderachi as Head
Freshman Soccer Coach for the 2013-2014 school
year.
4.
Rescind appointment of Eileen Hunger as Homework
Club Sponsor for the 2013-2014 school year.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Carly Cagle, Freshman Volleyball Assistant Coach,
effective September 4, 2013 at the annual salary of
$3,335.00. Ms. Cagle is assigned to Penncrest High
School replacing Jessica Weyhmuller who resigned.
NOTE: Ms. Cagle is being hired pending completion
of her pre-employment paperwork.
2.
Timothy Knowlton, Assistant Band Director, effective
September 23, 2013 at the annual salary of
$2,900.00. Mr. Knowlton is assigned to Penncrest
High School.
3
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
IX. New Business
Supplemental Contracts
3.
Kevin McDonald, Freshman Assistant Football Coach
effective August 30, 2013 at the annual salary of
$2,863.00. Mr. McDonald is assigned to Penncrest
High School.
4.
Kyle Abbott, Assistant Director JV Show at the annual
salary of $1,450.00. Mr. Abbott is assigned to
Penncrest High School.
5.
Kathleen Maguire, 6th Grade Homework Club for the
2013-2014 school year at the annual salary of
$725.00. Ms. Maguire is assigned to Springton Lake
Middle School.
6.
Brian Lynch, Grade 8-2 Team Leader for the 20132014 school year at the annual salary of $870.00. Mr.
Lynch is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
7.
Michelle Shaw, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the first
semester at the annual salary of $580.00. Ms. Shaw
is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
8.
Sharon Williams, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the first
semester at the annual salary of $580.00. Ms.
Williams is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
9.
James Butz, Assistant Football Coach, effective
September 10, 2013 at the annual salary of
$2,465.00. Mr. Butz is assigned to Springton Lake
Middle School.
10.
Brian Rosa, Assistant Band Director effective
September 23, 2013 at the annual salary of $725.00.
Mr. Rosa is assigned to Penncrest High School.
4
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
Supplemental Contracts
11.
Recommend Board approval for the following
Springton Lake Middle School personnel to serve as
Intramural Workers for the 2013-2014 school year at
the rate of $27.00 per hour:
Vince Eppolito
Joseph Fisher
Beth Gumienny
Kelly Hogan
Matthew Johnston
Jessica Levy
Brian Lynch
IX. New Business
Paul Norris
Maureen Reuther
Michele Shaw
Megan Snyder
Sean Spratt
Andrew Virtue
12.
Patrick Bader, Robotics Club Sponsor for the 1st
semester of 2013-2014 school year at the annual
salary of $870.00. Mr. Bader is assigned to Springton
Lake Middle School.
13.
Donna Schied, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the 20132014 school year at the annual salary of $580.00. Ms.
Schied is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
14.
Kay Roberts from 1.0 New Teacher Mentor to (.5)
New Teacher Mentor for the 2013-2014 school year
at the annual salary of $580.00.
5
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
Supplemental Contracts
15.
Recommend Board approval for the following
Springton Lake personnel to serve as Event
Chaperones for the 2013-2014 school at the rate of
$42.50 per event:
Azeff, Alexis
Bader, Patrick
Blythe, Jen
Cliff, Shawna
Crossman, Mark
Debessay, Sarah
Dizon, Jo
Eppolito, Vince
Fisher, Joseph
Gilroy,Margie
Going, Nancy
Goldsmith, Leslie
Gregg, Pam
Griffin, Sue
Gumienny, Martha
Hartzell, Devon
Heckman, Robin
Hemenway, Sue
Hogan, Kelly
Howe, Susan
Johnston, Matt
Judge, Caitlin
IX. New Business
6
Kelly, Patricia
Spratt, Sean
Laubach, Bridget Turicik, Ashley
Lazarow, Jason
Virtue, Andy
Levy, Jessica
Williams, Courtney
Lutterman, Brittani Williams, Sharon
Lynch, Brian
Wolf, Joyce
Maguire, Kathy
Zulli, Nicole
McCarthy, Lisa
McGill, Kamilah
Megow, Carleen
Miller, Stefanie
Morris, Amanda
Newsome, Carin
Nixon, Mark
Patton, Mary Belle
Piecara, Kelly
Prior, Sharon
Rago, Britt
Raichek, Judy
Shaw, Michelle
Simmington, Phoebe
Somerville, Amy
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
Supplemental Contracts
16.
Recommend Board approval for the following
Penncrest High School personnel to serve as Game
Workers for the 2013-2014 school year:
Carter, Sandy
Casner, Craig
Clark, Michael
Clarke, Jennifer
Clements, Elizabeth
Commale, Alicia
Dashkiwsky, Stephan
Davis, Jean
DelPrato, Paul
Diksa, Laura
Dougherty, Brian
Doyle, Michael
Doyle, Michelle
Duffy, Svetlana
Durant, Tom
Emmons, Suzannah
Ettiene, Elise
e.
Mescanti, Steve
Miller, Cynthia
Miller, Dave
Munro, George
Murphy, Beth
Nemec-Osbourne, Laura
Nolan, Christine
Pettit, Evan
Reed, Heather
Ritter, Jason
Rowley, Linda
Santelli, Alicia
Silva, Steve
Smith, Jeremey
Stern, Diane
Stingle, Judy
Williams, Mark
Elimination of Position
1.
f.
Groy, Lindsay
Harmon, Will
Heckman, Robin
Higgins, Robert
Host, Winnifred
Ikeler, Andy
Jacobs, Greg
Jay, Elaine
Johnston, Matthew
Kilpatrick, Linda
King, Joan
Kuntz, Christiana
Ludwig, Michael
Manderachi, Kristen
Matthews, David
Mathisen, Alicia
Merk, Charlene
Recommend Board approval for the elimination of the
Drama Coach position at Springton Lake Middle
School at 6 units. The position has not been filled the
past two year.
Create New Position
1.
Recommend Board approval of two additional
Personal Instructional Assistants at Indian Lane.
Background
Two personal Instructional Assistants are needed at
Indian Lane Elementary to meet the requirements of
IEP’s for a developmental Kindergarten student and a
second grade learning support student.
IX. New Business
7
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
f.
Create new Position
2.
Recommend Board approval of a (.5) additional
Personal Instructional Assistant to accompany a
student to the Folcroft Vocational Technical School.
3.
Recommend Board approval of 1.5 additional Bus
Aides.
Background
A Bus Aide is needed to assist a special needs
student who is being transported to Melmark School.
A .5 Bus Aide is needed to assist a special needs
student on the return trip from Coopertown School in
Haverford. The student is able to ride a different bus
in the morning which already has an aide.
3.
g.
Recommend approval of a Robotics Club at Sprinton
Lake Middle School. The supplemental position will
be at 6 units.
Other
1.
Recommend Board approval of the following
Springton Lake Middle School Game Worker rates for
the 2014-2014 school year:
Game Worker Position
Crowd Control
Scoreboard Operator
Timer
Starter
IX. New Business
8
Rate
$30.00
$40.00
$30.00
$50.00
Approximate
Hours
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
Hourly
Rate
$15.00
$20.00
$15.00
$25.00
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
g.
Other
2.
Recommend Board approval of the following
Penncrest High School Game Worker Rates for the
2013-2014 school year:
GAME WORKER POSITION
Approximate
Hours per Event
DISTRICT
Hourly
Rate
NONDISTRICT
V Football Timer
V Football Announcer
V Football Tickets
V Football Chains
JV Football Timer
JV Football Chains
FR Football Timer
FR Football Chains
V/JV Hockey Timer
V Boys Soccer Timer
V Girls Soccer Timer
Soccer Timer Night
V/JV Volley Ball Timer
FR Volley Ball timer
V/JV Girls Lacrosse Timer
V Boys Lacrosse Timer
Lacrosse Timer Night
Track/Dual Head Timer
Track Tri Head Timer
Track/Dual Attendant
Track/Tri Attendant
V/JV Boys Basketball Timer
V/JV Boys Basketball Scorer
V/JV Boys Basketball Tickets
V/JV B. Basketball Crowd Control
FR Basketball Timer
FR Basketball Scorer
V/JV Girls Basketball Timer
V/JV Girls Basketball Scorer
V/JV Girls Basketball Tickets
V/JV G. Basketball Crowd Control
V/JV Wrestling Timer/Announcer
V/JV Wrestling Tickets
V/JV Wrestling Crowd Control
3.0
3.0
3.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
3.0
1.5
1.5
1.5
3.0
3.0
1.5
3.0
1.5
1.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.0
3.0
2.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
2.0
3.0
2.5
2.5
2.5
$51.50
$51.50
$40.50
$41.00
$43.50
$41.00
$43.50
$41.00
$56.50
$43.50
$43.50
$61.50
$56.50
$28.50
$56.50
$43.50
$61.50
$39.00
$49.50
$42.50
$46.50
$57.50
$57.50
$35.50
$38.50
$31.50
$38.50
$57.50
$57.50
$35.50
$38.50
$56.50
$35.50
$36.50
$17.17
$17.17
$13.50
$13.67
$14.50
$13.67
$14.50
$13.67
$18.83
$14.50
$14.50
$20.50
$18.83
$18.83
$18.83
$14.50
$20.50
$13.29
$14.14
$12.14
$13.29
$19.17
$19.17
$17.75
$12.83
$10.50
$14.50
$19.1
$19.17
$17.75
$12.83
$22.60
$14.20
$14.60
$45.50
$45.50
$35.50
$36.00
$38.50
$36.00
$38.50
$36.00
$49.50
$38.50
$38.50
$56.50
$49.50
$24.50
$49.50
$38.50
$56.50
$39.00
$42.50
$36.50
$9.51
$49.50
$59.50
$33.50
$33.50
$27.50
$38.50
$49.50
$49.50
$33.50
$33.50
$49.50
$33.50
$33.50
IX. New Business
9
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
g.
B.
Other
3.
Recommend Board approval of the employment
contract of Grace Eves, Director of Management
Services for the period of July 1, 2013 through June
30, 2018. See Attachment A
4.
Recommend Board approval of the employment
contract of Anne Callahan, Director of Human
Resources for the period of July 1, 2013 through June
30, 2016. See Attachment B
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Student Council Leadership to PASC State
Conference, Boyerstown, PA
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve an overnight
field trip for the Student Council Leadership to attend the 2013
PASC State Conference in Boyerstown, PA from 11/14/1311/16/13.
Background
Six students and one chaperone will be attending. A registration fee
of $105.00 and transportation costs of $210.00 are being paid by
Student Council. District costs total $284.00 and include costs for a
substitute and hotel/meals. Student costs are $75.00/student.
IX. New Business
10
September 26, 2013
IX.
New Business
C.
PSBA Leadership Vote
Resolve, the Board of School Directors vote for PSBA President – Roll
Call Vote
1.
President
a.
William S. LaCoff
b.
Mark B. Miller
Resolve, the Board of School Directors vote for PSBA Vice-President –
Roll Call Vote
2.
Vice-President
a.
Larry B. Breech
b.
Charles H. Ballard
Resolve, the Board of School Directors vote for PSBA Treasurer – Roll
Call Vote
3.
Treasurer
a.
Norman Hasbrouck
b.
Otto W. Volit, III
Resolve, the Board of School Directors vote for PSBA At-Large
Representative – Roll Call Vote
4.
At-Large Representative
a.
Maura Buri
b.
Robert M. Schwartz
Background
Information on the candidates was distributed to the Board of School
Directors. This was discussed at the September 10, 2103 Operations
Committee meeting.
IX. New Business
11
September 26, 2013
ADDENDUM
IX.
New Business
D.
Addendum – Personnel
1.
Terminations - none
2.
Nominations
1.
Hilary Alexander, Math Tutor, effective September 30,
2013 at the rate of $16.00 per hour. Ms. Alexander is
assigned to Glenwood Elementary.
2.
Lisa Wren, Interventionist, effective September 30,
2013 at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. Wren is
assigned to Indian Lane Elementary.
3.
Shelly Bolinger, Interventionist, effective September
30, 2013 at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. Bolinger
is assigned to Rose Tree Elementary.
4.
Rosemary Angelina, Math Tutor, effective September
30, 2013 at the rate of $16.00 per hour. Ms. Angelina
is assigned to Rose Tree Elementary.
5.
Jacqueline
Guerri,
Interventionist,
effective
September 30, 2013 at the rate of $25.00 per hour.
Ms. Guerri is assigned to Springton Lake Middle
School.
IX. New Business Addendum
1
September 26, 2013
X.
Finance
A.
Purchasing
1.
Bid Opening
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, that the Board of School Directors award the following bid for
Springton Lake Middle School Window Trim and shade installation.
Walter Brucker & Co., Inc.
Base Bid
$40,500
Alternate
$ 8,200
Total
$48,700
Background
This item was discussed at the September 10, 2013 Operations
Committee meeting.
B.
General
1.
State Audit Report and Commendation
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors accept the State Audit
report from the Auditor General which includes the period of July
16, 2010 through October 26, 2012, state subsidies and
reimbursements audit for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2009 and
2010 and special audit. The audit report did not contain any
findings or observations.
William E. Harner, Ph.D., Acting
Secretary of Education, commended Mr. Wigo and his staff for this
accomplishment.
Background
This item was discussed at the September 10, 2013 Finance
Committee meeting.
2.
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 approve the following Budgetary Transfers:
X. Finance
1
September 26, 2013
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Budgetary Transfers (continued)
FY 14-1 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction – New Equipment
$39,153.00
TO: Instruction - Software
AMOUNT: $39,153.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase software for STEM
program at SLMS.
FY 14-2 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Alternative Education - Salaries
$8,500.00
TO: Alternative Education – Contracted Services
AMOUNT: $8,500.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for contracted service. The service
was provided in the previous school year by an employee.
FY 14-3 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Technology Support Services – New Equipment
$4,200.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction – Education Software
$4,200.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase educational software
license.
X. Finance
2
September 26, 2013
X.
Finance
2.
General
2.
Budgetary Transfers (continued)
FY 14-4 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction - Supplies
$2,770.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction & Curriculum Development – Workbooks
$2,770.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase teacher manuals
associated with educational software.
FY 14-5 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Operation of Building Services - Supplies
$1,964.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Operation of Building Services – New Equipment
$1,964.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase floor finish applicator
and vacuums.
FY 14-6 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Industrial Arts Education – New Equipment
$1,500.00
TO: Industrial Arts Education – Supplies
AMOUNT: $1,500.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of supplies for
Industrial Arts Department.
X. Finance
3
September 26, 2013
X.
Finance
B.
General
3.
403(b) Third Party Administrator
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the contract
with TSA Consulting Group, Inc. to provide third party
administrative services for the District’s 403(b) plans in compliance
with IRS regulations.
Background
This item was discussed at the September 10, 2013 Finance
Committee meeting.
4.
Carmark Addendum
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the addendum
with Caremark for prescription drug coverage.
Background
This item was discussed at the September 10, 2013 Finance
Committee meeting.
5.
Change Orders
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the following
change orders:
Ernel and Company – Indian Lane Elementary School
Change Order GC-01 in the amount of $2,650 for exterior cleaning
Sage Technologies – Education Center
Change Order CO-01 in the amount of $1,584.55 for the installation
of a Airphone camera/door release system.
Background
This item was discussed at the September 10, 2013, Operations
Committee meeting.
X. Finance
4
September 26, 2013
X.
Finance
B.
General
6.
Donations
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors accept the donation of
a ping pong table from Diane Swantek to the Penncrest High
School Ping Pong Club.
Further resolve, that the Board of School Directors accept the
donation of a ping pong table from Chris Gilday for use within the
District.
Background
This item was discussed at the September 10, 2013 Operations
Committee meeting.
7.
Johnson Controls, Inc. Case Study
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the agreement
with Johnson Controls, Inc. for the District’s participation with their
compressed natural gas, CNG, case study document.
Background
This item was discussed at the September 10, 2103, Operations
Committee meeting.
8.
Pool Management Agreement for Springton Lake Middle School
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve an agreement
with IM Pools Management, Inc. to provide pool management
services at an annual rate of $33,000 plus $14 per hour for life
guard services and $15 per hour for supervision and instruction
services for the Springton Lake Middle School pool.
Background
This item was discussed at the September 10, 2013 Operations
Committee meeting
X. Finance
5
September 26, 2013
X.
Finance
B.
General
9.
Concurrent Enrollment Agreements for Dual Enrollment
Resolve, that the Board approve the attached Concurrent
Enrollment Agreements with Delaware County Community College,
Neumann University, and Penn State Brandywine for Dual
Enrollment for the 2013-2014 school year.
Background
The Dual Enrollment program endorsed by the Pennsylvania
Department of Education enables high school students to take
courses at participating post-secondary institutions and to earn
concurrent credits at those institutions and at their local high
schools. Through this program, students at Penncrest High School
have the opportunity to take courses at Delaware County
Community College, Neumann University, and Penn State
Brandywine. The Concurrent Enrollment Agreements spell out the
terms and conditions for students' participation, including the
eligibility requirements, fees, specific course offerings and
equivalents, and other administrative details. Students and their
parents pay all costs for these courses. These agreements were
previewed by the Board at the September 10, 2013 Curriculum &
Instruction Committee meeting.
10.
Choice Literacy Subscription Renewal
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve an online
subscription renewal for Choice Literacy.
Background
Under Policy 109, the Board of School Directors approves resource
materials for use in Rose Tree Media schools. The renewal of
Choice Literacy, in the amount of $495, represents a contract that
must be approved by the Board. The online subscription renewal
was discussed at the September 10, 2013 Curriculum & Instruction
Committee Meeting.
X. Finance
6
September 26, 2013
X.
Finance
B.
General
11.
DIBELS Data System Billing Agreement
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a billing agreement
with the DIBELS Data System to provide DIBELS assessments for
the 2013-2014 school year.
Background
The DIBELS Data System, which is administered by the University
of Oregon, provides literacy assessments for students in grades K5 three times a year at a cost of $1 per student. The billing
agreement was discussed at the September 10, 2013 Curriculum &
Instruction Committee Meeting.
12.
1:1 Instructional Assistant Contract – Elwyn-Davidson Student
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve a contract for
the provision of a 1:1 instructional assistant for a RTM special
education student who is enrolled at the Elwyn-Davidson program
at a per diem rate of $160.34.
Background
This provision is required by the student’s special education
program. This contract was discussed at the September 10, 2013
Pupil Services Committee meeting.
13.
Interquest Detection Canines Contract
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve a renewal
contract by Interquest Detection Canines to provide canine
contraband inspection services at the rate of $225.00 for three
hours or $450.00 for six hours, plus a $50.00 transportation charge.
Background
Interquest Detection Canines provide random contraband searches
at Penncrest High School and Springton Lake Middle School. The
cost to the district is the same as last school year ($225 for 3 hours)
and will not exceed $3,000.00. There will be approximately 10
visits at SLMS and PHS during the 2013-2014 school year. This
contract was discussed at the September 10, 2013 Pupil Services
Committee meeting.
X.
Finance
X. Finance
7
September 26, 2013
B.
General
14.
CritiCare Nursing Services Contract
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve a contract
with CritiCare to provide nursing services on an as needed basis at
the rate of $55.00/hour for RNs, $45.00/hour for LPNs, $25.00/hour
for CNAs, and $22.00/hour for PCA’s.
Background
CritiCare is one of the substitute nursing agencies that provide
substitute nurses as needed. The hourly rate for a Registered
Nurse is the same as last year: $55.00 per hour. This item was
discussed at the September 2013 Pupil Services Committee
Meeting.
15.
Jeanne Kluger Arabia Investigative Services Contract
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve a renewal
contract for Jeanne Kluger Arabia to provide investigative services
relative to residency issues. Ms. Arabia will serve as an
independent contractor and be paid on a fee-for-service basis at
the following rate: $500.00/case up to an including 10 hours and
100 miles/case; $60.00/hour for 11+ hours and $.35/mile for 101+
miles.
Background
Investigative services are utilized to determine and clarify residency
for families claiming to be residents of the School District in which
there is a question of legal residency.
16.
Center on Central Music Therapy Contract
Resolve, that the Board approve a contract with Center on Central
to provide music therapy for two (2) one-hour sessions/weekly and
art therapy services for one (1) hour sessions/weekly services to
the developmental kindergarten program at the rate of $90.00/hour.
Background
This service is provided as part of the special education services
delivered in the developmental kindergarten special education
classrooms.
X. Finance
8
September 26, 2013
X.
Finance
B.
General
17.
Parent Transportation Contract
Resolve, that the Board approve a contract to reimburse a parent of
a special education student for transporting their child home from
HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy in lieu of the District
providing transportation.
Background
A student who attends the HMS School for Children with Cerebral
Palsy located at 4400 Baltimore Pike, Philadelphia, PA, requires
parental transportation due to medically necessary private
therapies and treatment scheduled in the afternoons.
18.
Bayada Nursing Services Contract
Resolve, that the Board approve a contract with Bayada Nursing
Services to provide substitute nursing services on an as needed
basis at the rate of $49.75/hour for RN services.
Background
Bayada Nurses is one of the substitute nursing agencies that
provide substitute nurses as needed. The hourly rate for a
Registered Nurse is the same as last year: $49.75 per hour. This
item was discussed at the September 2013 Pupil Services
Committee Meeting.
X. Finance
9
September 26, 2013
AGREEMENT
THE AGREEMENT (hereinafter “the Agreement”), made this, ______________by and
between the ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT, a school district situate in Delaware
County, Pennsylvania with its administrative offices at 308 N. Olive Street, Media (hereinafter
referred to as the “School District’) and Grace Eves, currently residing in Upper Providence
Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania (hereinafter referred to as the “Director of
Management Services”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors (hereinafter referred to as the “School
Board”) of the School District, pursuant to Article 10, Section 1089, et seq. of the Public School
Code 1949, as amended (hereinafter referred to as the “School Code”), (24 P.S. §10-1089), by
action taken at its meeting on ______________, elected to retain the services of Director of
Management Services commencing on July 1, 2013; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto, in consideration of the covenants and promises contained
herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby for themselves, their respective heirs,
successors and assigns, agree as follows:
1.
Effective Date and Term - The effective date of the Agreement is July 1, 2013
and shall be for a term of five (5) years, commencing on July 1, 2013 and
terminating on June 30, 2018.
2.
Duties - The Director of Management Services shall, subject to the supervision
and authority of the School Board and its successors, serve as Director of
Management Services for the School District, performing those duties as set forth
in the School Code, the School Board Policies of the School District as the same
may be amended from time-to-time, and such other duties and responsibilities as
may be assigned to the Director of Management Services from time-to-time by
the Superintendent and as further delineated in paragraph five (5) hereafter.
3.
Compensation
a)
Annual Base Salary
During the first year of the Agreement, the School District shall pay the
Director of Management Services a base salary of $147,944, in bi-weekly
equal installments. The Director of Management Services salary will be
further increased on July 1 of each year by the Act 1 index the School
District is subject to for that year. The increase shall be capped at three
percent (3%) per year of the then base salary.
1
b)
Annual Performance Bonus
The Director of Management Services may be eligible for an annual
performance bonus equal to any performance incentive contained in the
ADSUP I Agreement.
c)
Tax Sheltered Annuity
Each year the School District will pay the Director of Management
Services a non-elective employer contribution to a 403(b) or 457 plan of
her choice equal to 3.75 % of her annual base salary. The IRS Code shall
govern such employer contributions and the Director of Management
Services will have no cash option. The Payment will occur in June of
each year of the agreement.
4.
Benefits
a)
Medical/Dental/Vision/Prescription
The Director of Management Services and the Director of Management
Services’s spouse shall enjoy the same benefits including, but not limited
to, medical, dental, vision and prescription, as those provided in the
Administrators and Supervisors I Handbook; provided, however, that to
the extent that the benefits provided for by the Agreement exceed those set
forth in the Handbook, the Agreement shall control. In the event that the
Handbook is amended during the term of the Agreement for all or any of
these benefits, the Director of Management Services and the Director of
Management Services’ spouse, if applicable, shall receive those benefits
as enumerated in the amendment(s) to the Handbook to the extent that
such benefits exceed those provided for by the Agreement. The Director
of Management Services may elect to waive any or all benefits and, to the
extent that she elects such a waiver, the School District shall pay her the
value of the contribution and/or payment that the School District would
otherwise have made for such benefit(s). The Director of Management
Services may, at any time thereafter, elect to revoke her waiver and she
and her spouse shall then be entitled to such benefit(s) that were formerly
waived, in which case the School District shall no longer pay to her the
cost of such benefit(s).
2
b)
Vacation
In the first year of the Agreement, the Director of Management Services
shall be entitled to twenty-eight (28) days of paid vacation. On the first
anniversary of the Agreement, and on every anniversary thereafter, an
additional day of vacation shall be added to the total to which the Director
of Management Services was entitled to the prior year. The School
District will credit the Director of Management Services with the balance
of vacation days she has currently in the Rose Tree Media School District.
The Director of Management Services must take at least ten (10) vacation
days per year but may receive payment for up to ten (10) days of unused
vacation each year which may be deposited by the School District into a
tax sheltered annuity at the discretion of the Director of Management
Services. The rate of pay for each day of vacation for purposes of
payment shall be the sum of the annual base salary in the year of the
Agreement when the payment is to be made, divided by 260 days
(hereinafter “the per diem rate of pay”). The Director of Management
Services may carry over from one year to the following year under the
Agreement no more than thirty (30) unused vacation days. Upon her
retirement, resignation or termination from employment, except for cause,
with the School District, the Director of Management Services may
receive severance payment for not more than fifty (50) unused vacation
days at the Director of Management Services’s per diem rate of pay in
effect at the time she ceases employment with the School District.
c)
Sick Leave
The Director of Management Services shall be entitled to twelve (12)
work days sick leave annually. Upon her retirement, resignation or
termination from employment, except for cause, with the School District,
the Director of Management Services shall receive severance payment for
unused sick leave days at 50% of her per diem rate of pay in effect at the
time of separation from employment. The School District shall credit the
Director of Management Services with the full balance of unused sick
days she has currently in the Rose Tree Media School District.
d)
Disability Insurance
The School District shall provide to the Director of Management Services,
through insurance or otherwise, with weekly disability benefits in an
3
amount equal to 66 2/3% of her annual base salary then being paid. These
weekly disability benefits shall commence upon the exhaustion by the
Director of Management Services of her accrued, unused sick leave, and
shall continue for a maximum period of two (2) years from the
commencement of benefits or, earlier, if she is no longer disabled. The
amount of the disability benefits shall be reduced by the amount of any
benefit payable from worker’s compensation, social security disability or
any other benefits payable from retirement or disability plans.
e)
Personal Leave
The School District shall provide the Director of Management Services
five (5) personal days to be used for personal business at the discretion of
the Director of Management Services. Unused personal days will be
converted to sick leave at the end of each school year.
f)
Life Insurance
The School District shall provide a level term life insurance policy
(hereinafter “the Policy”) for the Director of Management Services
through the district’s group life insurance plan in the amount of three (3)
times the Director of Management Services’s annual base salary, as set
forth in paragraph 3(a) above, with the Director of Management Services
to name the beneficiary(s) under the Policy.
g)
Physical Examination, Medical Expenses and Prescriptions.
The Director of Management Services shall undergo an annual physical
examination performed by a physician licensed in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, who shall provide the School District with a statement
certifying the Director of Management Services’s physical fitness. Such
statement shall be filed in the Director of Management Services’s
personnel file and shall be strictly confidential. In addition to providing
the Director of Management Services with health insurance pursuant to
paragraph 4(a), the School District shall reimburse the Director of
Management Services for out of pocket medical expenses including, but
not limited to, those for physical examinations, prescriptions and health
club memberships, in a total amount not to exceed $1,500.
h)
Automobile Allowance
The School District shall provide the Director of Management Services
with an annual automobile allowance of $4,800 payable in twelve (12)
4
equal monthly installments to cover the cost of all automobile expenses
including, but not limited to, insurance, fuel, maintenance and other
miscellaneous automobile expenses, incurred by the Director of
Management Services in the performance of her duties for the School
District. In light of the automobile allowance, the Director of
Management Services shall not be reimbursed for mileage.
i)
Conferences, Professional Memberships and Civic Organization
Memberships
The School District shall pay up to three thousand dollars ($3,000)
annually for the Director of Management Services to attend professional
conferences, conventions and other meetings, and for the dues for
professional and civic organization memberships. Such payments shall
not require prior School District approval, but instead shall be made at the
direction of the Director of Management Services. In the event that, in
any given year, the total of such expenses and dues exceeds $3,000, the
School Board must approve all additional expenditures in excess of that
amount.
j)
Professional Development Reimbursement
Subject to the Superintendent’s approval, the Director of Management
Services may continue her professional development by attending courses
or programs related to her position with the School District for which the
School District shall reimburse the Director of Management Services up to
$3,000 annually. The reimbursement(s) shall be made at such time as the
Director of Management Services provides the School District’s Business
Office with a paid receipt for the cost of the course or program together
with documentation of satisfactory completion of the course or program .
k)
Medical Benefits until Medicare Eligible Age
Following the termination of the Agreement due to the retirement of the
Director of Management Services pursuant to paragraph 9(b), and
continuing until the Director of Management Services is eligible for
Medicare, the School District shall provide the Director of Management
Services and the Director of Management Services’s spouse, if applicable,
with the health insurance plan offered to Administrators as set forth in the
Administrators’ and Supervisors’ Handbook, as may be amended from
time to time. The School District shall pay 91% of the premium charges
for such medical coverage, while the Director of Management Services
shall pay the balance.
5
l)
Liability Insurance Coverage
The Director of Management Services shall be covered by the School
District’s Errors and Omissions Liability Insurance in an amount that shall
be no less than the coverage in existence at the time of the approval of the
Agreement.
m)
Leaves
The Director of Management Services shall be entitled to leaves of
absence as provided for professional school employees by the Public
School Code and the policies of the School District.
5.
6.
Duties and Responsibilities - The Director of Management Services shall be
charged with the responsibility of the administration of business affairs, and
operational functions under the direction of the Superintendent including, but not
limited to District finances, budgeting, auditing, general accounting, construction
projects, facility maintenance, food service and pupil transportation. The Director
of Management Services also serves as School Board Secretary and Open Records
Officer. The Director of Management Services shall work with the superintendent
in the direction and assignment of administrators and other employees under her
supervision; shall from time-to-time suggest the regulations, rules and procedures
deemed necessary for the efficient and proper operation of the School District;
and, in general, shall perform all duties incidental to the office of the Director of
Management Services and such other duties as may appropriately be prescribed
by the Superintendent and the School Board from time-to-time and as set forth in
the Public School Code.
Performance Evaluation - The School District and Director of Management
Services agree that an annual formal assessment of the performance of the
Director of Management Services shall be conducted by the Superintendent on an
evaluation process and guidelines as mutually agreed between the Superintendent
and Director of Management Services. The performance evaluation shall be
conducted in a private session limited to the Superintendent and Director of
Management Services. Each judgment in the evaluation shall be supported by
rational and objective standards. The performance evaluation shall be set forth in
writing by the Superintendent. Both the School Board and Superintendent agree
that the written performance evaluation made shall be privileged and the School
Board and Superintendent shall respect the confidentiality of the discussions
related to the written performance evaluation. The performance evaluation shall
be used for the following purposes:
a)
To strengthen the working relationship between the School District and
the Director of Management Services;
6
b)
To enhance the Director of Management Services’s effectiveness;
c)
To clarify for the Director of Management Services, Superintendent and
individual School Board members the responsibilities which the School
Board relies upon the Director of Management Services to fulfill;
d)
To discuss and establish goals and objectives for the ensuing school year;
and
e)
To establish the annual compensation and other benefits for the Director
of Management Services for the ensuing school year in accordance with
the compensation and benefits provisions of the Agreement.
7.
Teaching/Consulting - The Director of Management Services may teach
elsewhere, other than in the School District, and/or may provide consulting
services to parties other than the School District, or its employees, so long as
those activities do not interfere with the Director of Management Services’s
ability to discharge her duties and responsibilities to the School District.
8.
Termination - The Agreement may be terminated by:
a)
Mutual agreement. In the event the Director of Management Services
unilaterally decides to seek termination of the Agreement, she shall notify
the School Board no later than May 1 of any year of the Agreement in
order to give the School Board sufficient opportunity to select and appoint
a successor.
b)
Retirement.
c)
Disability. Should the Director of Management Services
be unable to perform her duties by reason of illness, accident or other
cause beyond her control, and said disability continues for a period of
more than three (3) calendar months beyond all sick or other usable leave
to which the Director of Management Services is entitled under the
Agreement, and if the said disability is determined by an agreed upon
physician to be permanent or irreparable, the School District may
terminate the Agreement whereupon the respective duties, rights, and
obligations contained herein shall terminate except as otherwise provided
in the Agreement; provided, however, that the School District’s
obligations pursuant to paragraphs 4(e) and (k) shall not terminate but
instead shall remain in full force and effect. The School District shall
provide disability insurance as described under Section 4(d) of the
Agreement.
7
d)
Dismissal. The Director of Management Services shall, throughout the
term of the Agreement, be subject to termination of the Agreement for
valid and just cause. However, the School District shall not arbitrarily and
capriciously call for her dismissal without first providing the Director of
Management Services with written charges, adequate notice of a hearing, a
fair and impartial hearing, all elements of due process, and the right to
appeal to a court of competent jurisdiction. If the Director of Management
Services is found innocent of charges made, the School District shall be
responsible for paying any and all costs she incurred in her defense
including, but not limited to, reasonable counsel fees.
e)
Death.
9.
Reappointment - The School District shall notify the Director of Management
Services in writing by certified mail, no later than January 31st of the final year of
the Agreement, of the School District’s intent not to reappoint the Director of
Management Services. Should the Director of Management Services not be
timely notified, by the School District of the School District’s intention not to
reappoint him, the Director of Management Services shall be automatically
reappointed for a term of years not less than the length of the expiring term of the
Agreement and the terms and conditions of the Agreement shall be incorporated
in a Successor Agreement, unless mutually agreed otherwise by the School Board
and the Director of Management Services. Similarly, the Director of
Management Services shall notify the School District in writing no later than
January 31st of the final year of the Agreement of her intention not to seek
reappointment. If the Director of Management Services fails to timely notify the
School District by January 31st of her intention not to seek reappointment, and
subsequently seeks to terminate the Agreement, the Director of Management
Services shall forfeit her right to be paid for unused vacation days and sick days at
the time of her termination of employment with the School District.
10.
Savings Clause - If any term, condition, clause or provision of the Agreement
shall be determined or declared to be void or invalid at law, or otherwise, then
only that term, condition, clause or provision shall be stricken from the
Agreement and in all other respects the Agreement shall be valid and continue in
full force, effect and operation.
11.
Obligations - The Agreement shall be binding upon and shall enure to the benefit
of the parties hereto, their heirs, successors and/or assigns.
12.
Statutory References - All references to the Public School Code contained herein
shall also refer to and incorporate any amendment or recodification of said Code.
8
13.
Applicable Law - The Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and
governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
14.
Entire Agreement - The Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between
the parties and, except as expressly set forth herein, supersedes all prior oral or
written communications, proposals, representations, warranties, covenants,
understandings or agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter of
the Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the School District, through its duly authorized officers, and the
Director of Management Services have set their hands and seals the day and year first above
written.
Attest:
Rose Tree Media School District
John R. Hanna, III, President,
Board of School Directors
Witness:
____________________________
____________________________
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Services
9
AGREEMENT
Attachment B
THIS AGREEMENT (hereinafter “the Agreement”), made this ___________________,
by and between the ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT, a school district situate in
Delaware County, Pennsylvania with its administrative offices at 308 N. Olive Street, Media
(hereinafter referred to as the “School District’) and Anne D. Callahan, currently residing in
Aston Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania (hereinafter referred to as the “Director of
Human Resources”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors (hereinafter referred to as the “School
Board”) of the School District, pursuant to Article 10 Section 1089, et seq. of the Public School
Code 1949, as amended (hereinafter referred to as the “School Code”), (24 P.S. §10-1089) by
action taken at its meeting on ________________, elected to retain the services of the Director
of Human Resources commencing on July 1, 2013; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto, in consideration of the covenants and promises contained
herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby for themselves, their respective heirs,
successors and assigns, agree as follows:
1.
Effective Date and Term - The effective date of the Agreement is July 1,
2013and shall be for a term of three (3) years, commencing on July 1, 2013 and
terminating on June 30, 2016.
2.
Duties - The Director of Human Resources shall, subject to the supervision and
authority of the School Board and its successors, serve as Director of Human
Resources for the School District, performing those duties as set forth in the
School Code, the School Board Policies of the School District as the same may be
amended from time-to-time, and such other duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned to the Director of Human Resources from time-to-time by the
Superintendent and as further delineated in paragraph six (5) hereafter.
3.
Compensation
a)
Annual Base Salary
During the first year of the Agreement, the School District shall pay the
Director of Human Resources a base salary of $147,944, in bi-weekly
equal installments. The Director of Human Resources’ salary will be
further increased on July 1 of each year by the Act 1 index the School
District is subject to for that year. The increase shall be capped at three
percent (3%) per year of the then base salary.
b)
Annual Performance Bonus
The Director of Human Resources may be eligible for an annual
performance bonus equal to any performance incentive contained in the
ADSUP I Agreement.
c)
Tax Sheltered Annuity
Each year the School District will pay the Director of Human Resources a
non elective employer contribution to a 403(b) or 457 plan of her choice
equal to 3.75 % of her annual base salary. The IRS Code shall govern
such employer contributions and the Director of Human Resources will
have no cash option. The Payment will occur in June of each year of this
agreement.
4.
Benefits
a)
Medical/Dental/Vision/Prescription
The Director of Human Resources and the Director of Human Resources’
spouse, if applicable, shall enjoy the same benefits including, but not
limited to, medical, dental, vision and prescription, as those provided in
the Administrators and Supervisors I Handbook; provided, however, that
to the extent that the benefits provided for by this Agreement exceed those
set forth in the Handbook, this Agreement shall control. In the event that
the Handbook is amended during the term of the Agreement for all or any
of these benefits, the Director of Human Resources and the Director of
Human Resources’ spouse, if applicable, shall receive those benefits as
enumerated in the amendment(s) to the Handbook to the extent that such
benefits exceed those provided for by this Agreement. The Director of
Human Resources may elect to waive any or all benefits and, to the extent
that she elects such a waiver, the School District shall pay her the value of
the contribution and/or payment that the School District would otherwise
have made for such benefit(s). The Director of Human Resources may, at
any time thereafter, elect to revoke her waiver and she and her spouse, if
applicable, shall then be entitled to such benefit(s) that were formerly
waived, in which case the School District shall no longer pay to her the
cost of such benefit(s).
2
b)
Vacation
In the first year of this Agreement, the Director of Human Resources shall
be entitled to twenty-eight (28) days of paid vacation. On the first
anniversary of the Agreement and on every anniversary thereafter, an
additional day of vacation shall be added to the total to which the Director
of Human Resources was entitled to the previous year. The School District
will credit the Director of Human Resources with up to thirty vacation
days she currently has accumulated in Rose Tree Media School District.
The Director of Human Resources must take at least ten (10) vacation
days per year but may receive payment for up to ten (10) days of unused
vacation each year which may be deposited by the School District into a
tax sheltered annuity at the discretion of the Director of Human Resources.
The rate of pay for each day of vacation for purposes of payment shall be
the sum of the annual base salary in the year of the Agreement when the
payment is to be made, divided by 260 days (hereinafter “the per diem rate
of pay”). The Director of Human Resources may carry over from one year
to the following year under the Agreement no more than thirty (30) unused
vacation days. Upon her retirement, resignation or termination from
employment, except for cause, with the School District, the Director of
Human Resources may receive severance payment for not more than fifty
(50) unused vacation days at the Director of Human Resources’ per diem
rate of pay in effect at the time she ceases employment with the School
District.
c)
Sick Leave
The Director of Human Resources shall be entitled to twelve (12) work
days sick leave annually. Upon her retirement, resignation or termination
from employment, except for cause, with the School District, the Director
of Human Resources shall receive severance payment for unused sick
leave days at 50% of her per diem rate of pay in effect at the time of
separation from employment. The School District shall credit the Director
of Human Resources with the full balance of unused sick days she has
currently in the Rose Tree School District.
d)
Disability Insurance
The School District shall provide to the Director of Human Resources,
through insurance or otherwise, with weekly disability benefits in an
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amount equal to 66 2/3% of her annual base salary then being paid. These
weekly disability benefits shall commence upon the exhaustion by the
Director of Human Resources of her accrued, unused sick leave, and shall
continue for a maximum period of two (2) years from the commencement
of benefits or, earlier, if she is no longer disabled. The amount of the
disability benefits shall be reduced by the amount of any benefit payable
from worker’s compensation, social security disability or any other
benefits payable from retirement or disability plans.
e.
Personal Leave
The School District shall provide to the Director of Human Resources five
(5) personal days to be used for personal business at the discretion of the
Director of Human Resources. Unused personal days will be converted to
sick leave at the end of each school year.
f)
Life Insurance
The School District shall provide level term life insurance for the Director
of Human Resources through the district’s group life insurance plan in the
amount of three (3) times the Director of Human Resources’ annual base
salary, as set forth in paragraph 3(a) above, with the Director of Human
Resources to name the beneficiary(s) under the Policy.
g)
Physical Examination, Medical Expenses and Prescriptions.
The Director of Human Resources shall undergo an annual physical
examination performed by a physician licensed in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, who shall provide the School District with a statement
certifying the Director of Human Resources’ physical fitness. Such
statement shall be filed in the Director of Human Resources personnel file
and shall be strictly confidential. In addition to providing the Director of
Human Resources with health insurance pursuant to paragraph 4(a), the
School District shall reimburse the Director of Human Resources for out
of pocket medical expenses including, but not limited to, those for
physical examinations, prescriptions and health club memberships, in a
total amount not to exceed $1,500.
h)
Automobile Allowance
The School District shall provide the Director of Human Resources with
an annual automobile allowance of $4,800 payable in twelve (12) equal
4
monthly installments to cover the cost of all automobile expenses
including, but not limited to, insurance, fuel, maintenance and other
miscellaneous automobile expenses, incurred by the Director of Human
Resources in the performance of her duties for the School District. In light
of the automobile allowance, the Director of Human Resources shall not
be reimbursed for mileage.
i)
Conferences, Professional Memberships and Civic Organization
Memberships
The School District shall pay up to three thousand dollars ($3,000)
annually for the Director of Human Resources to attend professional
conferences, conventions and other meetings and for the dues for
professional and civic organization memberships. Such payments shall
not require prior School District approval, but instead shall be made at the
direction of the Director of Human Resources. In the event that, in any
given year, the total of such expenses and dues exceeds $3,000, the School
Board must approve all additional expenditures in excess of that amount.
j)
Professional Development Reimbursement
Subject to the Superintendent’s approval, the Director of Human
Resources may continue her professional development by attending
courses or programs related to her position with the School District for
which the School District shall reimburse the Director of Human
Resources up to $3,000 annually. The reimbursement(s) shall be made at
such time as the Director of Human Resources provides the School
District’s Business Office with a paid receipt for the cost of the course or
program together with documentation of satisfactory completion of the
course or program.
k)
Medical Benefits until Medicare Eligible Age
Following the termination of this Agreement due to the retirement of the
Director of Human Resources pursuant to paragraph 9(b), and continuing
until the Director of Human Resources and the Director of Human
Resources spouse, if applicable, is eligible for Medicare, the School
District shall provide the Director of Human Resource with the health
insurance plan offered to Administrators as set forth in the Administrators’
and Supervisors’ Handbook, as may be amended from time to time. The
School District shall pay 91% of the premium charges for such medical
coverage, while the Director of Human Resources shall pay the balance.
5
l)
Liability Insurance Coverage
The Director of Human Resources shall be covered by the School
District’s Errors and Omissions Liability Insurance in an amount that shall
be no less than the coverage in existence at the time of the approval of this
Agreement.
m)
Leaves
The Director of Human Resources shall be entitled to leaves of absence as
provided for professional school employees by the Public School Code
and the policies of the School District.
5.
Duties and Responsibilities - The Director of Human Resources shall be charged
with the responsibility for administration of Human Resource functions under the
direction of the Superintendent. These duties shall include, but not be limited to
contract negotiations, contract administration, development and administration of
compensation policies, benefits administration, staffing, personnel budgeting, and
legal compliance including serving as the district’s Title IX Officer. The Director
of Human Resources shall work with the Superintendent and Assistant
Superintendent in the direction and assignment of teachers, administrators and
other employees under her supervision; shall from time-to-time suggest the
regulations, rules and procedures deemed necessary for the efficient and proper
operation of the School District; and, in general, shall perform all duties incidental
to the office of the Director of Human Resources and such other duties as may
appropriately be prescribed by the Superintendent and the School Board from
time-to-time and as set forth in the Public School Code.
6.
Performance Evaluation - The School District and Director of Human Resources
agree that an annual formal assessment of the performance of the Director of
Human Resources shall be conducted by the Superintendent on an evaluation
process and guidelines as mutually agreed between the Superintendent and
Director of Human Resources. The performance evaluation shall be conducted in
a private session limited to the Superintendent and Director of Human Resources.
Each judgment in the evaluation shall be supported by rational and objective
standards. The performance evaluation shall be set forth in writing by the
Superintendent. Both the School Board and Superintendent agree that the written
performance evaluation made shall be privileged and the School Board and
Superintendent shall respect the confidentiality of the discussions related to the
written performance evaluation. The performance evaluation shall be used for the
following purposes:
a)
To strengthen the working relationship between the School District and
the Director of Human Resources;
6
b)
To enhance the Director of Human Resources’ effectiveness;
c)
To clarify for the Director of Human Resources, Superintendent and
individual School Board members the responsibilities which the School
Board relies upon the Director of Human Resources to fulfill;
d)
To discuss and establish goals and objectives for the ensuing school year;
and
e)
To establish the annual compensation and other benefits for the Director
of Human Resources for the ensuing school year in accordance with the
compensation and benefits provisions of the Agreement.
7.
Teaching/Consulting - The Director of Human Resources may teach elsewhere,
other than in the School District, and/or may provide consulting services to parties
other than the School District, or its employees, so long as those activities do not
interfere with the Director of Human Resources’ ability to discharge her duties
and responsibilities to the School District.
8.
Termination - This Agreement may be terminated by:
a)
Mutual agreement. In the event the Director of Human Resources
unilaterally decides to seek termination of the Agreement, she shall notify
the School Board no later than May 1 of any year of the Agreement in
order to give the School Board sufficient opportunity to select and appoint
a successor.
b)
Retirement.
c)
Disability.
Should the Director of Human Resources be unable to
perform her duties by reason of illness, accident or other cause beyond her
control, and said disability continues for a period of more than three (3)
calendar months beyond all sick or other usable leave to which the
Director of Human Resources is entitled under the Agreement, and if the
said disability is determined by an agreed upon physician to be permanent
or irreparable, the School District may terminate the Agreement
whereupon the respective duties, rights, and obligations contained herein
shall terminate except as otherwise provided in the Agreement; provided,
however, that the School District’s obligations pursuant to paragraphs 4(e)
and (k) shall not terminate but instead shall remain in full force and effect.
The School District shall provide disability insurance as described under
Section 4(d) of the Agreement.
7
d)
Dismissal. The Director of Human Resources shall, throughout the term
of the Agreement, be subject to termination of the Agreement for valid
and just cause. However, the School District shall not arbitrarily and
capriciously call for her dismissal without first providing the Director of
Human Resources with written charges, adequate notice of a hearing, a
fair and impartial hearing, all elements of due process, and the right to
appeal to a court of competent jurisdiction. If the Director of Human
Resources is found innocent of charges made, the School District shall be
responsible for paying any and all costs she incurred in her defense
including, but not limited to, reasonable counsel fees.
e)
Death.
9.
Reappointment - The School District shall notify the Director of Human
Resources in writing by certified mail, no later than January 31st of the final year
of the Agreement, of the School District’s intent not to reappoint the Director of
Human Resources. Should the Director of Human Resources not be timely
notified, by the School District of the School District’s intention not to reappoint
her, the Director of Human Resources shall be automatically reappointed for a
term of years not less than the length of the expiring term of the Agreement and
the terms and conditions of the Agreement shall be incorporated in a Successor
Agreement, unless mutually agreed otherwise by the School Board and the
Director of Human Resources. Similarly, the Director of Human Resources shall
notify the School District in writing no later than January 31st of the final year of
the Agreement of his intention not to seek reappointment. If the Director of
Human Resources fails to timely notify the School District by January 31st of her
intention not to seek reappointment, and subsequently seeks to terminate the
Agreement, the Director of Human Resources shall forfeit her right to be paid for
unused vacation days and sick days at the time of her termination of employment
with the School District.
10.
Savings Clause - If any term, condition, clause or provision of the Agreement
shall be determined or declared to be void or invalid at law, or otherwise, then
only that term, condition, clause or provision shall be stricken from the
Agreement and in all other respects the Agreement shall be valid and continue in
full force, effect and operation.
11.
Obligations - The Agreement shall be binding upon and shall enure to the benefit
of the parties hereto, their heirs, successors and/or assigns.
12.
Statutory References - All references to the Public School Code contained herein
shall also refer to and incorporate any amendment or recodification of said Code.
8
13.
Applicable Law - The Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and
governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
14.
Entire Agreement - The Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between
the parties and, except as expressly set forth herein, supersedes all prior oral or
written communications, proposals, representations, warranties, covenants,
understandings or agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter of
the Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the School District, through its duly authorized officers, and
the Director of Human Resources have set their hands and seals the day and year first above
written.
Attest:
Rose Tree Media School District
Grace Eves, Secretary
John R. Hanna, III, President,
Board of School Directors
____________________________
Witness
____________________________
Anne D. Callahan
Director of Human Resources
9
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
DELAWARE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT
JULY 2013
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Eugene A. DePasquale - Auditor General
Department of the Auditor General
The Honorable Tom Corbett
Governor
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
Mr. John R. Hanna, III, Board President
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19603
Dear Governor Corbett and Mr. Hanna:
We conducted a performance audit of the Rose Tree Media School District (District) to
determine its compliance with applicable state laws, contracts, grant requirements, and
administrative procedures. Our audit covered the period July 16, 2010 through
October 26, 2012, except as otherwise indicated in the report. Additionally, compliance specific
to state subsidies and reimbursements was determined for the school years ended June 30, 2010
and June 30, 2009. Our audit was conducted pursuant to 72 P.S. § 403 and in accordance with
Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.
Our audit found that the District complied, in all significant respects, with applicable state laws,
contracts, grant requirements, and administrative procedures.
On September 13, 2012, the Department of the Auditor General (Department) initiated a special
audit of the details surrounding the District’s former superintendent’s retirement on
June 30, 2011, the end of her contract. This performance audit covered the period
November 1, 2007 through June 30, 2011, and was conducted pursuant to 72 P.S. § 403 and in
accordance with Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States. This performance audit was separate and distinct from the District’s cyclical
performance audit, which was conducted simultaneously and the results of which are described
in the following pages of the audit report. The Department conducts its cyclical performance
audits approximately every two years.
The Department’s special audit of the former superintendent’s retirement found that the District
complied, in all significant respects, with the applicable state laws, contracts, and administrative
procedures related to our specific audit objectives. However, the Department still strongly
recommends that the Commonwealth’s local education agencies try to avoid prematurely altering
the employment of their contracted employees. Our audit work has shown that engaging in such
changes frequently leads to the inappropriate and/or inefficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Consequently, we will continue to monitor these issues.
We appreciate the District’s cooperation during the conduct of the audit.
Sincerely,
July 11, 2013
EUGENE A. DEPASQUALE
Auditor General
cc: ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT Board of School Directors
Table of Contents
Page
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................
1
Audit Scope, Objectives, and Methodology ............................................................................... 2
Findings and Observations ..........................................................................................................
5
Status of Prior Audit Findings and Observations .......................................................................
6
Distribution List ..........................................................................................................................
7
Executive Summary
Audit Work
Audit Conclusion and Results
The Pennsylvania Department of the
Auditor General conducted a performance
audit of the Rose Tree Media School District
(District). Our audit sought to answer
certain questions regarding the District’s
compliance with applicable state laws,
contracts, grant requirements, and
administrative procedures and to determine
the status of corrective action taken by the
District in response to our prior audit
recommendations.
Our audit found that the District complied,
in all significant respects, with applicable
state laws, contracts, grant requirements, and
administrative procedures. We report no
findings or observations in this report.
Status of Prior Audit Findings and
Observations. With regard to the status of
our prior audit recommendations to the
District from an audit released on
January 4, 2011, we found that the District
had taken appropriate corrective action in
implementing our recommendations
pertaining to internal control weakness
regarding Memoranda of Understanding
(see page 6).
Our audit scope covered the period
July 16, 2010 through October 26, 2012,
except as otherwise indicated in the audit
scope, objectives, and methodology section
of the report. Compliance specific to state
subsidies and reimbursements was
determined for the 2009-10 and 2008-09
school years.
District Background
The District encompasses approximately
30 square miles. According to the 2010
federal census data, it serves a resident
population of 35,282. According to District
officials, the District provided basic
educational services to 3,745 pupils through
the employment of 282 teachers,
270 full-time and part-time support
personnel, and 21 administrators during the
2009-10 school year. Lastly, the District
received $10 million in state funding in the
2009-10 school year.
Rose Tree Media School District Performance Audit
1
Audit Scope, Objectives, and Methodology
Scope
What is a school performance
audit?
School performance audits allow
the Pennsylvania Department of
the Auditor General to determine
whether state funds, including
school subsidies, are being used
according to the purposes and
guidelines that govern the use of
those funds. Additionally, our
audits examine the
appropriateness of certain
administrative and operational
practices at each local education
agency (LEA). The results of
these audits are shared with LEA
management, the Governor, the
Pennsylvania Department of
Education, and other concerned
entities.
Objectives
What is the difference between a
finding and an observation?
Our performance audits may
contain findings and/or
observations related to our audit
objectives. Findings describe
noncompliance with a statute,
regulation, policy, contract, grant
requirement, or administrative
procedure. Observations are
reported when we believe
corrective action should be taken
to remedy a potential problem
not rising to the level of
noncompliance with specific
criteria.
Our audit, conducted under authority of 72 P.S. § 403, is
not a substitute for the local annual audit required by the
Public School Code of 1949, as amended. We conducted
our audit in accordance with Government Auditing
Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United
States.
Our audit covered the period July 16, 2010 through
October 26, 2012.
Regarding state subsidies and reimbursements, our audit
covered the 2009-10 and 2008-09 school years.
While all districts have the same school years, some have
different fiscal years. Therefore, for the purposes of our
audit work and to be consistent with Pennsylvania
Department of Education (PDE) reporting guidelines, we
use the term school year rather than fiscal year throughout
this report. A school year covers the period July 1 to
June 30.
Performance audits draw conclusions based on an
evaluation of sufficient, appropriate evidence. Evidence is
measured against criteria, such as laws and defined
business practices. Our audit focused on assessing the
District’s compliance with applicable state laws, contracts,
grant requirements, and administrative procedures.
However, as we conducted our audit procedures, we sought
to determine answers to the following questions, which
serve as our audit objectives:
9
Did the District have sufficient internal controls to
ensure that the membership data it reported to PDE
through the Pennsylvania Information Management
System was complete, accurate, valid, and reliable?
9
Did the District, and any contracted vendors, ensure
that their current bus drivers were properly qualified,
and did they have written policies and procedures
governing the hiring of new bus drivers?
Rose Tree Media School District Performance Audit
2
Methodology
What are internal controls?
Internal controls are processes
designed by management to
provide reasonable assurance of
achieving objectives in areas
such as:
Effectiveness and efficiency
of operations.
Relevance and reliability of
operational and financial
information.
Compliance with applicable
laws, contracts, grant
requirements, and
administrative procedures.
9
Were there any declining fund balances that may pose
a risk to the District’s fiscal viability?
9
Did the District pursue a contract buy-out with an
administrator and if so, what was the total cost of the
buy-out, what were the reasons for the
termination/settlement, and did the current
employment contract(s) contain adequate termination
provisions?
9
Did the District take appropriate steps to ensure school
safety?
9
Did the District have a properly executed and updated
Memorandum of Understanding with local law
enforcement?
9
Were votes made by the District’s Board of School
Directors free from apparent conflicts of interest?
9
Were there any other areas of concern reported by
local auditors, citizens, or other interested parties?
9
Did the District take appropriate corrective action to
address recommendations made in our prior audit?
Government Auditing Standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain sufficient, appropriate evidence
to provide a reasonable basis for our results and
conclusions based on our audit objectives. We believe that
the evidence obtained provides a reasonable basis for our
results and conclusions based on our audit objectives.
The District’s management is responsible for establishing
and maintaining effective internal controls to provide
reasonable assurance that the District is in compliance with
applicable laws, contracts, grant requirements, and
administrative procedures. In conducting our audit, we
obtained an understanding of the District’s internal
controls, including any information technology controls, as
they relate to the District’s compliance with applicable state
laws, regulations, contracts, grant requirements, and
administrative procedures that we consider to be significant
within the context of our audit objectives. We assessed
whether those controls were properly designed and
implemented. Any deficiencies in internal control that
Rose Tree Media School District Performance Audit
3
were identified during the conduct of our audit and
determined to be significant within the context of our audit
objectives are included in this report.
In order to properly plan our audit and to guide us in
possible audit areas, we performed analytical procedures in
the areas of state subsidies and reimbursements, pupil
transportation, pupil membership, and comparative
financial information.
Our audit examined the following:
Records pertaining to bus driver qualifications and
financial stability.
Items such as board meeting minutes and policies
and procedures.
Additionally, we interviewed select administrators and
support personnel associated with the District’s operations.
Lastly, to determine the status of our audit
recommendations made in a prior audit report released on
January 4, 2011, we performed additional audit procedures
targeting the previously reported matters.
Rose Tree Media School District Performance Audit
4
Findings and Observations
F
or the audited period, our audit of the Rose Tree Media School District resulted in no
findings or observations.
Rose Tree Media School District Performance Audit
5
Status of Prior Audit Findings and Observations
O
ur prior audit of the Rose Tree Media School District (District) released on January 4, 2011,
resulted in one observation. The observation pertained to an internal control weakness
regarding Memoranda of Understanding. As part of our current audit, we determined the status
of corrective action taken by the District to implement our prior recommendations. We
performed audit procedures and interviewed District personnel regarding the prior observation.
As shown below, we found that the District did implement our recommendations related to
internal control weakness regarding Memoranda of Understanding.
Auditor General Performance Audit Report Released on January 4, 2011
Observation:
Internal Control Weakness Regarding Memoranda of
Understanding
Observation Summary:
Our prior audit of the District’s records found that the Memoranda of
Understanding (MOU) between the District and its three local law
enforcement agencies were signed in May 2006 and in October 2007,
and had not been updated. As a result of our audit, the District
obtained MOUs with its law enforcement agencies in May 2010.
Recommendations:
Our audit observation recommended that the District:
Adopt a policy requiring the administration to review and re-execute
the MOUs every two years.
Current Status:
During our current audit, we found that the District did implement our
recommendations. Two MOUs were updated in June 2012, and one
was updated in October 2012. The delays in updating were due to
legal concerns of the law enforcement agencies. Additionally, each of
the MOUs provides that the MOU must be reviewed and re-executed
within two years of the date of its original execution, and every two
years thereafter.
Rose Tree Media School District Performance Audit
6
Distribution List
This report was initially distributed to the Superintendent of the District, the Board of School
Directors, our website at www.auditorgen.state.pa.us, and the following stakeholders:
The Honorable Tom Corbett
Governor
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, PA 17120
The Honorable William E. Harner
Acting Secretary of Education
1010 Harristown Building #2
333 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17126
The Honorable Robert M. McCord
State Treasurer
Room 129 - Finance Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Ms. Lori Graham
Acting Director
Bureau of Budget and Fiscal Management
Pennsylvania Department of Education
4th Floor, 333 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17126
Dr. David Wazeter
Research Manager
Pennsylvania State Education Association
400 North Third Street - Box 1724
Harrisburg, PA 17105
Mr. Tom Templeton
Assistant Executive Director
School Board and Management Services
Pennsylvania School Boards Association
P.O. Box 2042
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Rose Tree Media School District Performance Audit
7
This report is a matter of public record and is available online at www.auditorgen.state.pa.us.
Media questions about the report can be directed to the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor
General, Office of Communications, 231 Finance Building, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120; via
email to: news@auditorgen.state.pa.us.
Rose Tree Media School District Performance Audit
8