ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Informational Session
October 25, 2007
AGENDA
I.
Committee Highlights & Liason Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
Student Liaison Reports
Teaching & Learning
Finance
Operations
Personnel
Pupil Services
Technology
Liaison Reports
II.
Building Update - Principals
III.
Adjournment
7:30 p.m.
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Legislative Meeting
October 25, 2007
8:00 p.m.
AGENDA
I.
Call to Order
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
III.
Professional Registration – Danielle Penza
Sharon Learn - Resignation
Fourth and Fifth Grade Accelerated Math Program – Media
Elementary School
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
VI.
Legislative Meeting of September 27, 2007
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
Pledge of Allegiance
Presentations and Awards
A.
B.
IV.
Roll Call
School Reports
Superintendent’s Report
Solicitor’s Report
President’s Report
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each)
A.
B.
RTMEA
Healthy Communities Initiative
VII.
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Old Business
A.
IX.
Rose Tree Media Residents
Procurement Card Policy #625 – Second Reading and Approval
See Attachment A
New Business
A.
B.
C.
D.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Sabbatical Leave
c.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
d.
Degree Advancement
e.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
f.
Supplemental Contracts
g.
Create New Position
h.
Other – See Attachment B and C
Overnight Trips
1.
Ice Hockey Team – Toronto, Canada
2.
Penncrest Wrestling Team – Solanco School District
3.
Penncrest Wrestling Team – Easton, PA
4.
Penncrest Future Business Leaders of America – State
College, PA
Policies
1.
Policy 609 – Investment of District Funds – First Reading –
See Attachment D
Addendum – Personnel
1.
Nomination
a.
Non-Instructional
2.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Degree Advance
X.
Finance
A.
B.
C.
D.
XI.
Purchasing
1.
None
General
1.
Capital Projects 2008 – Owner’s Representative – Attachment E
2.
Business Office Transition Procedures
3.
Change Orders
4.
Dr. Robert F. Sing – Medical Services Agreement 2007-2008
5.
Dr. Peter N. Christie – Medical Services Agreement 2007-2008
6.
Kate Phelan Williams – Agreement Dental Hygiene 2007-2008
7.
Ann Haslanger – Agreement Assistant Team Coordinator 2007-2008
8.
Pathway School Contract – 2007-2008
9.
Vanguard School Contract – 2007-2008
10.
KenCrest Consultants Contract 2007-2008
Financials for September 2007
Bill lists for September 2007
Adjournment
ANNOUNCEMENT
There will be an executive session of the School Board for matters of personnel at
6:30 p.m. prior to the Informational Session of November 29, 2007, at Springton
Lake Middle School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
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
Sharon A. Learn
Board Secretary
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent
Sharon A. Learn, Board Secretary
September 28, 2007
Minutes of the September 27, 2007 Legislative Meeting
I. Call to Order
Roll Call
Board Members in Attendance:
Nancy Mackrides, Board President
Veronica Barbato
Nancy Fronduti
William O’Donnell
Linda Fox
Jeffrey Pettit
William Campbell
William Montgomery
Absent: Stacey Benson
Pledge of Allegiance
Student Board Members:
Lepsi Jha
Jerry Thompson
Mike Pesce
Also in attendance:
Denise Kerr, Super. of Schools
Meg Barney, R&D Specialist
Baldino, Ron, Sup. Maint & Oper.
Pat Barta, Supv. Spec. Ed. Elem.
Bill Bennett, Principal, ILE
Eric Bucci, Ass’t. Principal, PCHS
Valerie Burnett, Director Pupil Services
Anne Callahan, Dir. of Human Resources
Karen Daugherty, Principal, RTE
Joe DiAntonio, Phys Ed. Supervisor
William Dougherty, Principal, GWE
Susan Evans, Ass’t Principal, PCHS
Angela Gilbert, Teaching & Learning Elem.
Ron Harris, Network Specialist
Ralph Harrison, Asst. Principal PHS
Joanne Horan, Asst. Principal SLMS
1
Anthony Jackowski, Ass’t. Principal SLMS
Judy Jalbert, Psychologist
Joyce Jeuell, Principal, SLMS
Mack Johnson, Management Sys. Admin
Bonnie Kinsler, Acting Transp. Dir.
Maria Kotch, Principal, Rose Tree Elem.
Sharon Learn, Board Secretary
Patti Linden, Dir. of Tech. & Infor.
Kim McCann, Info. Tech. Spec.
Danielle Penza, Accountant
Gregg Richard, Principal, PCHS
Sandra Shacklady White, Supv. Spec.
Educ. Pupil Services
Steve Taylor, Dir. Teaching & Learning
Secondary Educ.
Thomas Kelly, Solicitor
9/27/07
The Legislative Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Rose Tree Media School
District was held on Thursday, September 27, 2007, at Springton Lake Middle School. The
meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by President Mackrides.
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of August 23, 2007
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mr. Montgomery seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2007-2008 -10
Resolve that the Board approve the Legislative Meeting Minutes of
August 23, 2007.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote
being:
AYES:
NAYS:
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
IV.
None
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
Nancy Mackrides, Veronica Barbato, Nancy Fronduti,
William O’Donnell, Linda Fox, Jeffrey Pettit, William Campbell,
William Montgomery
None
Penncrest Exchange Program with Students & Teachers from
Valencia, Spain” – Dr. Steve Taylor; Tracy Jackson, RTM World
Language Supervisor; Penncrest host family Erinn Flandreau,
Gail Flandreau, and Jim Flandreau; Spanish exchange student
Anna Moncholi; and Spanish exchange teacher Juan Melo.
Reports
A.
B.
C.
School Reports – In Official Legislative Minutes of September 27, 2007
Superintendent’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of
September 27, 2007
Solicitor’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of September 27, 2007
2
9/27/07
D.
VI.
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each)
A.
B.
C.
VII.
President’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of September 27, 2007
RTMEA – Sandy Steiger, President RTMEA
RTM Education Foundation – Dr. Meg Barney, Exec. Director
Healthy Communities Initiative – Dana Riker
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to three minutes each)
A.
Rose Tree Media Residents
3
9/27/07
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Fox seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2007-2008 – 11
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional - None
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
2.
Susan Francek, Support Staff II, Media Elementary,
resignation, effective August 20, 2007.
Sally Phillips, Cafeteria Worker, Springton Lake Middle
School, termination, abandonment of position, effective
August 29, 2007.
Flora Fuller-Smith, Substitute Custodian, termination,
effective August 30, 2007.
Michael Hoffman, Support Staff II, Penncrest High
School, resignation, effective September 14, 2007.
Michael Ehrl, Substitute Custodian, resignation, effective
July 30, 2007.
Matthew Griglione, Substitute Custodian, termination,
effective September 10, 2007.
Emily Petrucci, Support Staff II, Glenwood Elementary,
termination, effective August 27, 2007.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
Deana Storey, Special Education Teacher, effective
August 27, 2007 at the annual salary of $43,292,
Bachelor’s/Step 2. Ms. Storey received her Bachelor’s
Degree from West Chester University. She served as a
Long Term Substitute Teacher during the 2006-2007
school year. She is assigned to Springton Lake Middle
School replacing Cynthia Garvin who was reassigned.
4
9/27/07
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
2.
Edmond Cubbage, Long Term Substitute English as a
Second Language Teacher, effective September 28,
2007 at the annual salary of $42,998, Bachelor’s/Step1.
Mr. Cubbage received his Bachelor’s Degree from
Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He comes to us from
Hatboro-Horsham School District. He is assigned to
Penncrest High School replacing Anjali DelPrato who is
on leave. NOTE: Mr. Cubbage is being hired pending
completion of his pre-employment paperwork.
3.
Sean Graham, Long Term Substitute Social Studies
Teacher, effective September 10, 2007 at the annual
salary of $47,082, Master’s/Step 1, pro-rated for the first
semester. Mr. Graham received his Bachelor’s Degree
from Penn State University and his Master’s Degree from
Temple University. He is assigned to Springton Lake
Middle School for the first semester replacing Maureen
Auerbach who is on leave. NOTE: Mr. Graham is being
hired pending completion of his pre-employment
paperwork.
4.
Linda Cardwell, Career Counselor for the 2007-2008
school year at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. Cardwell
is assigned to Penncrest High School.
5.
Recommend the Board recognize Hans Kalbach, Media
Elementary for the attainment of tenure, effective August
27, 2007.
6.
Maureen Keeney, Long Term Substitute Family and
Consumer Science Teacher, effective September 18,
2007 at the annual salary of $42,998, Bachelor’s/Step 1,
pro-rated for the first semester. Ms. Keeney received her
Bachelor’s Degree from Philadelphia University. She is
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School replacing
Robin Heckman who is reassigned for the first semester.
NOTE: Ms. Kenney is being hired pending completion of
her pre-employment paperwork.
5
9/27/07
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
Juanita Strowbridge, Secretary I Special Education,
effective September 17, 2007 at the annual salary of
$28,507. Ms. Strowbridge is assigned to Springton Lake
Middle School. This is a new position. NOTE: Ms.
Strowbridge is being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork.
2.
Nancy McHugh, Cafeteria Worker, effective September
10, 2007 at the rate of $8.45 per hour. Ms. McHugh is
assigned to Penncrest High School. NOTE: Ms. McHugh
is being hired pending completion of her pre-employment
paperwork.
3.
Elizabeth Stollsteimer, Support Staff I, effective
September 4, 2007 at the rate of $11.14 per hour. Ms.
Stollsteimer is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary
replacing Terri Flynn who resigned. NOTE: Ms.
Stollsteimer is being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork.
4.
Tawana Reason, Cafeteria Worker, effective September
28, 2007 at the rate of $8.45 per hour. Ms. Reason is
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School. NOTE: Ms.
Reason is being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork.
5.
Eileen Dolan, Support Staff II, effective September 10,
2007 at the rate of $13.06 per hour. Ms. Dolan is
assigned to Glenwood Elementary School replacing
Emily Petrucci who did not return for the 2007-2008
school year. NOTE: Ms. Dolan is being hired pending
completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
6.
Isobel Nation, .5 Support Staff II, effective September 17,
2007 at the rate of $13.06 per hour. Ms. Nation is
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School replacing
Belle Patton who resigned. NOTE: Ms. Nation is being
hired pending completion of her pre-employment
paperwork.
6
9/27/07
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
Non-Instructional
7.
Richard Epstein, Support Staff II, effective September
17, 2007 at the rate of $13.06 per hour. Mr. Epstein is
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School replacing
Joseph Cocola who resigned. NOTE: Mr. Epstein is
being hired pending completion of his pre-employment
paperwork.
8.
Amy Zeigler, Support Staff II, effective September 10,
2007 at the rate of $13.06 per hour. Ms. Zeigler is
assigned to Glenwood Elementary replacing Donna
Wilson who resigned. NOTE: Ms. Zeigler is being hired
pending completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
9.
Carol Neill, Cafeteria Worker, effective September 21,
2007 at the rate of $8.45 per hour. Ms. Neill assigned to
Indian Lane Elementary. NOTE: Ms. Neill is being hired
pending completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
10.
Recommend the Board approve the following personnel
to serve as Reading Tutors at Media Elementary School
for the 2007-2008 school at the rate of $14.00 per hour:
Melissa Sabatino
3.
Kathleen Hogan
11.
Mary McConville, Reading Associate for the 2007-2008
school year at the rate of $12.00 per hour. Ms.
McConville is assigned to Penncrest High School.
12.
Janet Domingos, Math Associate for the 2007-2008
school year at the rate of $12.00 per hour. Ms. Domingos
is assigned to Penncrest High School.
General
a.
Classification Change
1.
Craig Snyder from 1.0 Music Teacher to .8 Music
Teacher and .2 District Music Coordinator.
7
9/27/07
A.
Personnel
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
2.
b.
Alexandra Perilli from .6 Special Education Teacher to
1.0 Special Education Teacher effective August 27, 2007.
Ms. Perilli is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
Degree Advancement
1.
Recommend Board approval of the following personnel
for Degree Advancement and adjust their salaries
accordingly effective August 27, 2007:
Deana Dachiu
Jeffrey Davies
Brian Dougherty
Stacy Gallagher
Paul Graham
Bill Henderson
Veronica Kurash
Tina Loveland-Smith
Laura Mandia
Elishia Arias
Maureen Naylor
Kim Peckman
Felicia Quinzi
DeAnn Scherer
Megan Snyder
James Walls
Lovinda Weaver
Anna Wiegner
Courtney Williams
c.
Master’s Step 3
Master’s Step 5
Master’s Step12
Master’s +40 Step 5
Master’s +20 Step 6
Master’s +20 Step 8
Master’s +40 Step 7
Master’s +40 Step 5
Master’s Step 5
Master’s+40 Step 8
Master’s +40 Step 8
Master’s Step 8
Master’s Step 6
Master’s +40 Step 12
Master’s +20 Step 7
Master’s +60 Step 8
Permanent Step 6
Master’s Step 3
Master’s +40 Step 11
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
Rescind appointment of Karen Venuto
Coordinator for Indian Lane Elementary.
2.
Rescind appointment of Stefan Dashkiwsky as Fitness
Club Sponsor for Penncrest High School.
3.
Rescind appointment of Ashley Barr as 8th Grade Field
Hockey Coach for Springton Lake Middle School.
8
9/27/07
as
Math
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Christa Consadene, Communications Coordinator for the
2007-2008 school year at the annual salary of $2,700.
Ms. Consadene is assigned to the Education Center.
2.
Robert Casey, Communications Coordinator for the
2007-2008 school year at the annual salary of $2,700.
Mr. Casey is assigned to the Educational Resource
Center.
3.
Recommend Board approval for the following personnel
to serve as New Teacher Mentors for the 2007-2008
school year at the annual salary of $1,015:
Brian Reilly
Megan Snyder
Jean McPheeters
Craig Casner
4.
.5
.5
1.0
.5
Springton Lake
Springton Lake
Rose Tree
Penncrest
Recommend Board approval for the following Penncrest
personnel to serve Non-Athletic Supplemental Contracts
for the 2007-2008 school year:
E. Jay
L. Kilpatrick
D. Hoffman
D. Dachiu
S. Duffy
R. Heckman
C. Miller
M. Crouse
M. Mohring
P. Murphy
J. Verdeur
9
Event Chaperone
Event Chaperone
Event Chaperone
Event Chaperone
Event Chaperone
Event Chaperone
Event Chaperone
Event Chaperone
Fitness Club
All School Musical
All School Musical
$55 per event
$55 per event
$55 per event
$55 per event
$55 per event
$55 per event
$55 per event
$55 per event
$1,474.00
$1,269.00
$1,072.00
9/27/07
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Supplementals
5.
Recommend Board approval for the following Springton
Lake personnel to serve Non-Athletic Supplemental
Contracts for the 2007-2008 school year:
E. Battista (.5) Newspaper
D. Storey
(.5) Newspaper
M. Gilroy
(.5) Student Forum
S. Griffin
(.25) Student Forum
A. Harrison (.25) Student Forum
S. Miller
8th Grade SIGMA
A. Musacchio (.5) 7th Grade Homework Club
A. Musacchio Team Leader 7-3
$1,072.00
$1,072.00
$1,057.50
$ 502.50
$ 502.50
$ 670.00
$ 335.00
$ 804.00
6.
Andre Washington, Math Building Coordinator, Indian
Lane for the 2007-2008 school year at the annual salary
of $2,700.
7.
Recommend Board approval for the following Springton
Lake personnel to serve as Fall Athletic Coaches:
W. Carr
M. DeLeo
D. Puckett
Asst. Football
7th Grade Girls Soccer
Head Football
$2,278.00
$2,814.00
$3,150.00
8.
Kathy White, DVMSAC Coordinator for the 2007-2008
school year at the annual salary of $2,700. This is a
district-wide position.
9.
Heather Young, Cheerleading Coach for the 2007-2008
school year at the annual salary of $2,680.00. Ms. Young
is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School. NOTE: Ms.
Young is being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork.
10.
Michael Reese, Geography Club Sponsor for the 20072008 school year at the annual salary of $804.00. Mr.
Reese is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
10
9/27/07
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Supplemental Contracts
11.
Patrick Murphy, Service Club Sponsor for the 2007-2008
school year at the annual salary of $402.00. Mr. Murphy
is assigned to Media Elementary.
12.
Robin Heckman, Springton Lake Middle School, (.5) New
Teacher Mentor for the first semester of the 2007-2008
school year at the annual salary of $705.50.
13.
Samantha Abelson, Challenge Program Director,
Penncrest High School, at the annual salary of
$2,280.00.
14.
Paul DelPrato, Incentive Program Director, Penncrest
High School, at the annual salary of $1,340.00.
15.
Recommend the Board approve the following Penncrest
Personnel to serve as Challenge Program Mentor’s for
the 2007-2008 school year at the annual salary of
$536.00:
B. Cicalese
H. Douglas-Garrett
M. Hart
M. Ludwig
C. Penning
16.
N. Peters
L. Rice-Spring
L. Trimble
K. Walker
M. Woodward
Recommend the Board approve the following Springton
Lake personnel to serve as Fall Intramural Sponsors at
the rate of $27.00 per hour:
Jackie Baker
T. Bendistis
M. Gumienny
A. Kutney
G. Sycz
11
John Baker
V. Blair
D. Krugler
B. Laubach
C. Williams
9/27/07
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
Salary Correction
1.
e.
Pat Theodore, Technology Assistant II, Springton Lake
Middle School and Andrea Drinkwine, Technology
Assistant II, Penncrest High School from $43,382 to
$43,282. The salaries were incorrectly reported on the
June Board.
Create New Position
1.
Recommend Board approval for the creation of a .5
Support Staff II position for the P.M. Kindergarten at
Rose Tree Elementary.
Background
The afternoon kindergarten class at Rose Tree
Elementary School has exceeded the agreed upon 18
students per class, requiring additional personnel.
2.
f.
Recommend the Board approve the creation of two
Secretary I positions in the Special Ed Department. One
position will be at the Springton Lake Middle School and
the second at Penncrest High School.
Other
1.
Recommend Board approval of the agreement between
Nicholas Williams and Rose Tree Media School District.
2.
Recommend Board approval of the Handbook for Food
Service Workers effective July 1, 2007 through June 30,
2009. See Attachment A in Official Legislative Minutes of
September 23, 2007.
3.
Recommend Board approval of the agreement between
Rose Tree Media School District and Peggy A.
Levesque, t/a Reaching Beyond to provide student
relation services at Springton Lake Middle School for the
2007-2008 school year at the rate of $59.55 per hour not
to exceed $42,876. See Attachment B in Official
Legislative Minutes of September 23, 2007.
12
9/27/07
A.
Personnel
3.
General
f.
Other
4.
Recommend Board approval of the following pay rates
which were left off of the June Board:
Mary Rached
$13.45
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the
Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
B.
Nancy Mackrides, Veronica Barbato,
Nancy Fronduti, William O’Donnell, Linda Fox,
Jeffrey Pettit, William Campbell, William Montgomery
None
Policies
1.
Procurement Card Policy #609 – First Read
The Pennsylvania School Business Officials (PASBO) Accounting
Committee has recommended a new and improved investment of
district funds policy.
This policy was discussed at the September
Finance Committee Meeting. See Attachment C in Official Legislative
Minutes of September 23, 2007.
C.
Adoption of State Nutritional Guidelines
Mr. Pettit moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2007-2008 – 12
Recommend the Board fully implement Year One of the Pennsylvania
Department of Education’s new Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods in
Pennsylvania Schools. This recommendation was discussed at the
September Pupil Services Committee Meeting. See Attachment F in
Official Legislative Minutes of September 23, 2007.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote
being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Mackrides, Veronica Barbato, Nancy Fronduti,
William O’Donnell, Linda Fox, Jeffrey Pettit, William Campbell,
William Montgomery
None
13
9/27/07
IX.
New Business
D.
Addendum – Personnel
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mr. Montgomery seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2007-2008 – 13
Resolve, that the Board approve the following:
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
1.
Sharon Learn, Chief Operations Officer, resignation
November 1, 2007.
Background
Mrs. Learn joined the Rose Tree Media School District
Staff as the Director of Management Services in 1988.
She is resigning after 19 years of dedicated service to
Rose Tree Media School District.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the
vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Mackrides, Veronica Barbato, Nancy Fronduti,
William O’Donnell, Linda Fox, Jeffrey Pettit,
William Campbell, William Montgomery
None
14
9/27/07
X.
Finance
A.
B.
Purchasing - None
General
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Rose Tree Media Education Foundation
Delaware County School District Joint Purchasing Board
Change Orders
Concurrent Enrollment Agreements for Dual Enrollment –
See Attachments D and E
Settlement Agreement
Widener University Agreement
Mill Creek School Contract
Mercy Rehab Associates Contract
The Institute for Teaching & Learning Contract
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2007-2008 – 14
1.
Rose Tree Media Education Foundation
Resolve, that in accordance with the By-Laws of
the Rose Tree Media Education Foundation, Inc.,
Article VIII, Section 7, the Board of School Directors
does hereby dissolve the Rose Tree Media Education
Foundation effective this date; and
Further resolve, that in accordance with the Foundation’s
By-Laws at Article I, Section 4, the disposition of the
assets of the Foundation, if any, shall be in
accordance with the provisions set forth therein.
2.
Delaware County School District Joint Purchasing Board
Further resolve, that the Board appoint Roxanne Schupp as
the primary agent on the Joint Purchasing Board and
appoints Danielle Penza as the alternate agent for the
purpose of voting in the absence of the primary agent.
15
9/27/07
X.
Finance
B.
General
3.
Change Orders
Change orders are acted upon in accordance with
Resolution 1997- 98 - 124, as approved by
the School Board of Directors on April 23, 1998.
Further resolve, that the Board approve the following change
orders:
Paving Work
G. Antonini Construction, Inc.
Springton Lake Middle School
Replacement of unsuitable base.
$40,000
Indian lane Elementary School
$45,000
All of the paving at Indian Lane was added to the
scope of work. Tie trench drain into storm inlet.
Roofing Projects
Weatherproofing Technologies
Rose Tree Elementary
Change in shingle style/color
Replacement of deteriorated roof
sheathing
16
$ 3,048
$ 1,300
9/27/07
X.
Finance
B.
General
4.
Concurrent Enrollment Agreements for Dual
Enrollment
Further resolve, that the Board approve the attached
Concurrent Enrollment Agreements with Delaware
County Community College and Neumann College for
Dual Enrollment for the 2007-2008 school year. See
Attachments D and E in Official Legislative Minutes of
September 27, 2007
5.
Settlement Agreement
Further resolve, that the Board approve a settlement
agreement with the parents of G.C.
6.
Widener University Agreement
Further resolve, that the Board approve the Agreement with
Widener University for a school psychology intern. There is
no cost to the district.
7.
Mill Creek School Contract
Further resolve, that the Board approve two contracts with the
Mill Creek School for $32,400 each.
8.
Mercy Rehab Associates Contract
Further resolve, that the Board approve to renew the contract
with Mercy Rehab Associates for Physical Therapy. The cost is
$60.32 per hour.
17
9/27/07
X.
Finance
B.
General
9.
The Institute for Teaching & Learning Contract
Further resolve, that the Board approve a contract with
the Institute for Teaching and Learning for 24.5 days @
$1485.00 per day.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the
Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Mackrides, Veronica Barbato,
Nancy Fronduti, William O’Donnell, Linda Fox,
Jeffrey Pettit, William Campbell, William Montgomery
None
18
9/27/07
C.
D.
Financials for August 2007
Bill Lists for August 2007
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Fox seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2007-2008 – 15
Financial Reports
August 2007
August 2007
August 2007
August 2007
Treasurers Reports
Investment Reports
Summary Expenditure Status Report
Revenue Status Report
Bill Lists
August 2007
General Fund Bill List
$ 7,451,755.30
Augut
2007
Imprest Fund Bill List
$
852.00
August 2007
Capital Fund Bill List
$
49,635.00
August 2007
1992 Construction Fund Bill List
$
1,675.00
August 2007
Future Funding 1993 Issue Bill List
$
29,311.16
August 2007
Bond Series 2003 Bill list
$
68,641.00
September
2007 Bond Series 2004 Bill List
$
451,228.64
September
2007 Activities/Special Revenue Fund
$
2,201.69
$ 8,055,299.79
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Mackrides, Veronica Barbato, Nancy Fronduti,
William O’Donnell, Linda Fox, Jeffrey Pettit,
William Campbell, William Montgomery
None
19
9/27/07
XI.
Adjournment
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2007-2008 - 16
Resolve, that there being no further business to come before the Board, the
meeting adjourned.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Nancy Mackrides, Veronica Barbato, Nancy Fronduti,
William O’Donnell, Linda Fox, Jeffrey Pettit, William Campbell,
William Montgomery
NAYS:
None
__________________
Sharon A. Learn
Board Secretary
20
9/27/07
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
Professional Registration – Danielle Penza
Resolve, the board recognize Danielle Penza, Treasurer of the
Rose Tree Media School District, who has recently been
granted status as a Pennsylvania Registered School Business
Official by the Pennsylvania Association of School Business
Officials. Requirements for initial registration were met and a
professional commitment was made to keep management and
technical skills updated.
B.
Sharon Learn
Resolve, the board recognize Sharon Learn for her dedicated
service to the Rose Tree Media School District. Sharon is
retiring from Rose Tree Media after serving for 19 years as the
Chief Operations Officer. We wish Sharon much success in her
future endeavors.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
SCHOOL REPORT’S – October 2007
GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Glenwood’s students participated enthusiastically in our summer reading program. At the
end of school in June, each student received a grade-level list of suggested summer
reading titles, a reading record form, and a bookmark from Kathy Cook, library technician.
As students turned in their completed forms in September, they received a certificate of
achievement and a prize. The reading records have been used to compile “Top Ten” lists
of children’s favorites by grade level, posted on the bulletin board outside the library.
A special award was given to the student in each grade who read the most books over
the summer. These students read the most books in their grade levels: Madison Dickert,
grade 1; Kayla O’Connor, grade 2; a tie – Mark and Ryan Dumont, grade 3; Kelly
Kirchgasser, grade 4; and Jaclynne Polcino, grade 5. They were rewarded with a gift
certificate to Boarders Books and a special bookmark.
As part of Glenwood’s Back-to-School Night, library technician Kathy Cook arranged for
librarians from the Middletown Free Library to set up a table in the lobby for parents to
visit. Parents could sign up for library cards for their children and see the schedule of
special activities provided by the public library. This is a wonderful way to promote
connections between school and public libraries.
In guidance we are getting right into working in small group settings. Small groups help
students practice skills they can use during the rest of their time at school. We are also
starting up Student Ambassadors, which is our student council. Student Ambassadors
serve as leaders and role models in our school, and with their help we will be sure to
make this year at Glenwood great!
October brings the autumn air (eventually) and, with it, the “football weather” longed for by
the fifth grade students at Glenwood. The children have always loved flag football and it
is a unit that leaves them wanting more. Each year, there are a number of students who
are surprised by how much they enjoy the game. They discover they have “good hands”
or that they can pass a football with great accuracy. Many of their preconceived notions
go out the window because, with small teams, they all have the opportunity to make
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plays. Our third grade students have been practicing their four square skills and learning
the official rules of the game. This led to fewer misunderstandings on the playground and
they are developing a true appreciation for the game. For the younger students, October
is a fun month because they get to enjoy spooky obstacle courses, Halloween games,
and parachute play.
The Rose Tree Media nurses are very excited to be using our new, comprehensive
computer program for school nurses – SNAP. A full day of training was provided by the
company over the summer, and tech support, available by phone, has been a great help.
The nurses will be working on developing templates, problem solving, and sharing
successes, and entering data during the in-service as well as during flex workshops. This
new program is a huge asset to our practice. It standardizes and safeguards our nursing
notes, visit logs, and medication logs, and since it is a program widely used across the
nation, has sample letters, easily accessible medication information, and other features
that will improve the way we provide care for RTM students.
Last month, teams of teachers facilitated the DIBELS test to students in kindergarten
through third grade. This information was then analyzed to best meet the needs of every
student and ensure that they meet the standards set for their grade levels.
Our PIPS (Partners in Progress) Program will begin this month. It is a service
organization at Glenwood that exemplifies the spirit of cooperation and volunteerism.
Fourth and fifth grade students help kindergarten through third grade students with
academics, organization, and behavior. The program is beneficial to both the student
receiving the assistance and the PIP.
The Third Grade classes enjoyed a performance of Rumplestiltskin at Media Theater. We
also enjoyed learning how to use our new MP3 players in the classroom. They came in
handy for listening centers during Language Arts instruction and in recording students'
thoughts and ideas in other subject areas as well. In the Science Lab, Miss Robinson's
class and Mr. Davies's class began our experimentation with chemical properties. Miss
Pinsley's class is busy learning about magnetism and electricity.
Mr. G’s third grade AGP students will be using proportions to create a scale model of the
solar system in the hallway of their school. Mr. G’s fourth grade AGP classes are also
using Kid Biz to read articles pertaining to regions of the world and how their inhabitants
change their lifestyle to survive in different regions. Mr. G’s fourth grade AGP classes will
be studying the different regions of Pennsylvania. They are creating maps of their
classrooms, to better understand how cartographers make maps. They will then be
labeling their classroom maps for “terrain type” to better understand a topographer’s job.
Mr. G’s fifth grade AGP classes are discussing Ornithology, particularly how birds interact
with their ecosystems. They will be dissecting owl pellets to study what other animals live
in their ecosystem, based upon what they have eaten.
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INDIAN LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten
Mrs. Durant, Mrs. Huebner and Mrs. McMorrow’s Kindergarten classes have been
working collaboratively on special projects. In October and November they will meet
weekly for a math lesson, participate in “Fall Fun Day,” visit with a fireman, and go to the
Tyler Arboretum. We are having lots of fun learning, growing and playing together!
First Grade
First grade has been busy learning all of the new routines that a full-day brings! We have
created many class books which are examples of our shared writing. In social studies we
have completed a unit on School Helpers and in science we are now learning about the
weather. We have also had our first AGP session with Mr. Grisillo. We learned that
scientists OBSERVE! In math we are having a lot of fun learning while we play all of the
Investigations games. For example, games like “Compare” teach us how to order
numbers. On Oct. 5, we were treated to an assembly where American History was
presented through song and music. We have also recently participated in our first Dibels
screening.
Second Grade
Second Grade is on a roll! We have been very busy getting our year started - MAP
Testing, DIBELS, 100 Book Challenge screening - plus some reading, writing, and
arithmetic! Of course, we have had some fun as well. We are learning about Map skills
and communities in Social Studies. As part of our learning, we are going to take a trip
into Media and use maps to find our way around. Did you know that Media is made up of
grids? While there, we are going to visit the Police Station and the Media Theater. These
are two of the great places to go in our community.
Fourth Grade
The entire fourth grade will participate in Pumpkin Day. During this educational day,
students will have the opportunity to investigate pumpkins and collect data. They will sort
and count the number of seeds in various sizes of pumpkins, measure the circumference,
count the number of creases, and determine the weight of the pumpkins. This data will
then be graphed onto four different types of graphs (bar graph, pictograph, line graph,
and line plot). Once the class data is posted, students in pairs will calculate the mean,
median, mode, and range of the data sets. Also, before the investigations begin, students
will make estimates of the information to be collected and then calculate the difference
when the actual amounts are found. Later, the students will discuss how prior knowledge
helps us make good estimates and how their experiences during the pumpkin
explorations will help them become better at estimating similar types of things in the
future.
Students in Mrs. Haskell's class are authors! Working with an author team, Cyndy
DiSciullo and William Zigmont from Delaware, students prepared Spooky Two Word-er
Poems, illustrations and an “About The Author” biography. Their writings will be included
in a book containing a compilation of writings from various authors. The book, the second
in a series, will be titled A Week of Macabre Haunting and should be published by the end
of October. They are so excited to see their work and their names in print.
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AGP
Mr. Grisillo’s fifth grade AGP classes are discussing Ornithology, particularly how birds
interact with their ecosystems. They will be dissecting owl pellets to study what other
animals live in their ecosystem, based upon what they have eaten. Mr. Grisillo’s fourth
grade AGP classes will be studying the different regions of Pennsylvania. They are
creating maps of their classrooms, to better understand how cartographers make maps.
They will then be labeling their classroom maps for “terrain type” to better understand a
topographer’s job. They are also using Kid Biz to read article pertaining to regions of the
world and how their inhabitants change their lifestyle to survive in different regions. Mr.
Grisillo’s third grade AGP students will be using proportions to create a scale model of the
solar system in the hallway of their school.
Music
In music this month, fifth grade students have begun 3 of the 7 units they will be studying
on an ongoing basis this year. They started their recorder unit with a trip to the computer
lab (fourth graders were included in this also) to review music reading concepts and
create musical compositions with our “Music Ace” software. Their introduction to
American Composers began with a discussion of patriotism when learning about a
contemporary composer by the name of Charles Ives and his Variations on America.
Finally, our journey to discover the sounds of music around the world started with a trip to
the Middle East countries of Egypt and Israel. Soon all students will be able to sing a
song in Hebrew while dancing the Debke. This song will be performed by our 5th grade
chorus in the December All School Holiday Assembly.
ART
The first grade art classes at Indian Lane played tribute to Pablo Picasso this month.
Each child created a witch portrait using Picasso's famous cubist style. The children
enjoyed hearing how Picasso made many painted portraits of his friends, some flattering
and some not --- even witchlike! The second grade art classes are learning about pattern
and are creating oriental rugs in honor of the Middle East. The third grade art classes
have their cave art replicas in Indian Lane's new conference room! The fourth grade art
classes studied Pennsylvania artist Andy Warhol. They are making printed portraits in
honor of this artist. The fifth grade art classes completed their root creatures. These three
dimensional characters are made using yarn cones and roots which the children bring
from home. The roots are decorated using clay and fabric. This is a fun project for all and
a compliment to the fifth grade science unit.
Sally Foster Fund Raiser a SUCCESS!
As a result of our Sally Foster Fund Raiser, Indian
Lane was able to raise over $6,000 for our school by
selling over $12,000 in SF products. Great Job!
Congratulations to Mrs. Barton's first-grade class for
selling the most in the school. Their class will be
rewarded with a pizza party, and Mrs. Barton
received a special gift basket presented by
Mrs. Davis.
Way to go!
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“This Land is Your Land”
Ronnie Brandt, Executive Director of Children’s
Educational Assemblies, brought to Indian Lane a
“History Hoedown”! (Yee-haw!) Mr. Brandt’s program
incorporated guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and
keyboards as he used music to explore such topics as
our national flag, the Constitution, steam trains,
Washington’s crossing, the Alamo, and songs of pride
and patriotism that help define our American spirit.
Mr. Brandt has more than 25 years’ experience as an
international performer and student of American folk music. He serves as an Adjunct
Professor at Monmouth University, in West Long Branch, NJ, where he teaches a History
of Music class. In addition, he has written, produced and recorded several albums
released in the US and Europe. He was recently a featured “Comcast Newsmaker” on
CNN Headline News.
MAP Testing
MAP testing in grades 2-5 went off almost without a hitch. The data provided in reading
and math will provide our teachers and parents with valuable information to meet the
needs our students.
Mr. Bennett held the first Principals’ Advisory Board meeting. Seven parents and three
teachers attended and participated in a discussion of the recently received PSSA scores
and the No Child Left Behind law.
Bobcat Citizen Breakfast
One student from each first through fifth grade class is
recognized every month for being an all-around good
citizen at Indian Lane. This year, we began honoring
them and their parents at a breakfast. The first Bobcat
Citizen Breakfast was attended by more than 50 people!
The students received a certificate, a pencil, and were
visited by our mascot, Bobcat.
5
Walking Club is Off and Running!
Over 150 students participated in our first day of Walking Club. It was hot and humid, but
Phillies Fever was even hotter, as you can see from this photo of our first-grade walkers!
MEDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Author Visits Media School
The children of Media Elementary School got to meet a real live author, Dan Gutman.
Dan Gutman has written over 70 books, mostly for children. His life-long love of sports is
evident in his Baseball Card Adventure series. The series began with Honus and Me. His
latest addition to that series is Satch and Me. He has also written about soccer, golf,
skateboarding and basketball. Mr. Gutman authored a very successful series for younger
children that he calls “My Weird School.” Our Media students found Mr. Gutman to be
interesting, inspiring and entertaining. Every one of his books has been checked out of
our school library.
Book Clubs
Librarian Jacqueline Matusow is organizing book clubs during our core extension periods.
Participants, selected by their classroom teachers, read and discuss books in a format not
unlike an adult book club. Mrs. Matusow announces the book selection and students sign
up on a rotating basis. We hope that most children will experience a book club with Mrs.
Matusow before the year is over. The children come to the library prepared to share,
question, analyze, and make connections. It’s a great opportunity to dig into literature.
Mrs. Matusow is also working to give our students greater knowledge of computer based
tools. They were introduced to DESTINY (RTM’s district catalog on-line), and World Book
online. Children created their own book lists that they later used in the library. Throughout
the school year, some library classes will be held in the computer lab so that our children
can learn about the wealth of digital resources available to them. Exploring the digital
world gives our children access to richer materials for learning and new opportunities to
be creative thinkers and problem solvers.
Fall Theme
Kindergarten has been studying fall and the changes that happen in the season. They
had a fall theme day which involved many parents as helpers. The children prepared and
ate apple pancakes, completed sequencing activities about the life stages of an apple,
taste tested and graphed various types of apples, and painted apple tree pictures. Those
students who are enrolled in Virtual K are also learning about fall.
6
First Grade Differentiated Instruction
The first grade teachers have been using our four general school aides to assist with
small group instruction. Each aide comes to a class for forty-five minutes per day. They
lead a group of children in a language arts activity. Activities include reading and writing
sight words, comprehension skill work, sentence writing, handwriting, and dictation. Using
small groups enables the children to work on skills with materials that match their reading
level. The children really enjoy getting to know our general school aides in a classroom
setting.
Grade 2 Communities
The children in grade 2 have been exploring communities including the three types of
communities (urban, suburban, rural). They are learning map skills and practicing for their
Community Day presentation. During reading and writing, they are exploring new
vocabulary words while reading many silly stories and exciting read-alouds. They are
logging many steps in The 100 Book Challenge as well. In math, they are building their
concept of number relationships and reading and analyzing graphs. Mrs. O’Loughlin’s
class had an “Author Celebration” that was really great. Parents and other invited guests
joined the students to read and respond to their stories. At the end of the celebration each
student had several pages of comments to review and to use in his/her next writing
project.
Travel Brochures
Grade three students are creating travel brochures. They have learned about geography,
map skills, directions, natural resources, physical geography, and climate. The students
will demonstrate their knowledge be creating a brochure that tells about the physical
geography, climate, and natural resources of a location.
Persuasive Writing
Grade four has been writing persuasive pieces and working in one of our new word
study programs, MegaWords or Words Your Way. They are also enjoying sharing novels
from our new book room. They are also working on rounding, comparing and ordering
numbers, place value, and maps keep them busy.
KIDBIZ
Grade five has implemented small group reading, writing, and word study instruction
using MAP data and the Ganske assessment. Using data to form flexible groups and to
inform instruction has become a big focus in our work. Teachers in grades 3-5 attended a
workshop on KidBiz which is an online program that delivers appropriate instruction using
news articles. Every child in a class may be reading about the same content, but articles
about that content would be at different reading levels. KidBiz can be accessed from
home as well as at school. It is an excellent tool. Students in grades 2-5 have just
completed MAP assessments.
AGP News
Fifth grade students are producing, directing and airing the school-wide broadcast on
closed circuit TV once every six days. They are also studying the behavior of birds and
where they fit into the eco-system. Fourth grade students are about to take a virtual road
trip around Pennsylvania. Third grade is learning about our national parks. They
7
performed a Readers’ Theatre about John Muir. AGP students are also interviewing
students and teachers for an all-school newspaper.
Music in the Air
Come to Media on any Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m. and you can sit in on a Mustang
Chorale rehearsal. The group is comprised of fourth and fifth graders who will go out into
the community to perform at various venues throughout the school year. Be on the look
out for our students at The Media Business Authority’s Festival of Lights evening,
December 5th. Our first graders are having their first introduction to composition and
performance through the tasty theme of apples. They have written songs with the pitches
Do-Mi-Sol and performed them with boomwhackers. They sang apple songs, tasted three
colors of apples, and even learned a bit about Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman).
Art News
Students in grades one through three have been learning about art with the guidance of
Megan Howell, a student teacher from The University of the Arts. Miss Howell engages
the students with story boards, positive reinforcement, and well crafted lessons. Our art
teacher, Mrs. Maxwell designed a logo that will be used for t-shirts for our grade 5
students. The text, accompanied by two friendly mustangs, says, “There’s No Place for
Hate in the Class of ’08.” Look for the t-shirts in this year’s Veteran’s Day Parade in
Media. Mrs. Maxwell is also working with students to decorate a Nittany Lion that will be
used in a campaign sponsored by Penn State Delco. There should be specially decorated
Nittany Lions all over the county.
DVMSAC
Jana Maxwell, Lovinda Weaver and Jackie Matusow attended a conference held at The
University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Educational Leadership. The speaker was Dr.
John Diamond of Harvard University. The topic addressed was the achievement gap as it
exists in suburban school settings including why it happens and what steps we can take
to close the gap.
Teacher Published
Grade 2 teacher, Tricia O’Loughlin, had an article published in “Teaching Children
Mathematics”, October 2007. The title of the article is “Using Research to Develop
Computational Fluency in Young Mathematicians.” Kudos to Mrs..O’Loughlin for her work.
All-School Assembly
Our first all-school assembly honored our summer readers. Our mascot, Marty the
Mustang, made an appearance. We also honored our grade five students who completed
The Passport to History program as fourth graders. The Delaware County Historical
Society very generously provided a t-shirt, pin and framed certificate for each student.
Program director, Debbie Fredericks, met with our fourth graders to kick-off the program
this year. First graders also sang a song that they learned in music class.
Safe School Summit
Principal Maria Kotch, along with many colleagues, attended a Safe School Summit
hosted by The Garnet Valley School District. Presentations about the “one plan” and the
school house tragedy in Lancaster County were followed by table top drills. Mrs. Kotch
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also participated in Principal’s Conversations at The DCIU. The topic was “Having Difficult
Conversations with Teachers.”
Grandparents’/Special Friends Day
The guests were gracious and the goodies were plentiful when Media hosted its annual
Grandparents’/Special Friends Day. As usual, grandparents were very complimentary of
everything that they experienced in our school. Many teachers planned lessons that
included the guests and tapped them as sources of information about schools/childhood
in their era. Each guest was presented with a carnation and thank you as they left our
building. The grade five service club, H.O.M.E., hosted.
PTG Sponsored Activities
Our PTG sponsored a Book fair. Scholastic Books provided a great selection. They also
held a fundraising event at Coldstone Creamery. Check out our web site to see some our
celebrity scoopers hard at work. Donuts and Dads was a huge event. Children came to
school beginning at 8 o’clock accompanied by their dads or other special male friends.
The cafeteria was packed, the cider donuts from Linvilla orchards were delicious and
there were lots of hugs and smiles. A “New Family” Ice Cream social was another
popular event. New families were paired with mentor families (veterans) for an evening of
fun and fellowship. The ice cream sundaes hit the spot on an unseasonably warm
summer evening. The “Silly Circus” came to town. The stunts, juggling, and physical
challenges were quite entertaining. We were getting ready for this year’s Fall Masquerade
theme, “CIRCUS.”
ROSE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MAP Testing
MAP testing has been completed for grades 2-5. Data conferences were held with
individual teachers to create plans for all at-risk students. These plans will be monitored
throughout the year at periodic data conferences.
Book Study Group
An adult book study on the book The Secret was conducted during lunch. We are
encouraging all adults to participate in at least one book study throughout the school year.
Physical Education
During the month of October, first and second grade finished up their cooperative games
unit, and then began to focus on spatial awareness, locomotor movements, throwing and
catching. Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 finished up their cooperative games unit and the
Presidential Fitness Testing. Children in grades third and fourth grade worked on soccer
skills such as kicking, dribbling, shooting and game situations. Fifth grade students
worked on football skills such as passing, receiving, and game situations.
Library
In October, Library/Media Center classes concentrated on learning the technology that is
available to them, such as the Library Catalog, subscription databases and Power Library.
9
Second Grade Happenings
Second graders at Rose Tree participated in Fall Apple Day. The students enjoyed fiction
and non fiction literature about apples, constructed and interpreted an apple graph, wrote
stories about apples and participated in parent led learning centers about apple
circumference, money, The Giving Tree (sequencing activity) and a science center
related to how an apple seed grows into an apple tree.
Fourth Grade Happenings
The fourth grade had an introduction to the Passport to History Program sponsored by the
Delaware County Historical Society. Students received their passports and an explanation
was presented as to how they could earn stamps in their passports by visiting various
historical sites around Delaware County. Students who attend the "Haunted House Tour"
can earn 6 stamps! Fifth grade students who did get at least 5 stamps in their passports
as a fourth grader were presented with awards. Those students were: Emily Smith, Nina
Shah, Anastasia Brown, Alex Sredenschek, Paige Conley, Max Batytskiy, Alison
Neumann, Nicole Schulman, Noelle Graham, Taryna Hollinger, Abby Henry, and Katie
Campbell.
AGP
Fourth grade AGP students took a "virtual road trip" across Pennsylvania. Fifth grade
AGP students are learned about birds and where they fit in an ecosystem.
SPRINGTON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
At the October 2nd In-service, all teachers were presented with a laminated poster listing
Springton Lake Middle School's Framework for Reading and a laser pen.
Art
Ms. Sycz' grade eight students are completing their interesting abstract compositions
using the elements and principles of design. During their use of oil pastel to color their
artwork, students will continue to explore balance, pattern, contrast and emphasis.
Students will finish by reading about the principles that they use and analyze a work of art
uses those principles as a guide. Students will then prepare for a lesson focusing on the
art of the middle ages and lettering. Grade seven students are working towards
completing their portraits drawings by demonstrating the ability to create different values
by shading. Students will follow this hands-on project with a reading assignment in their
text based on the elements of design that they explored in the assignment. Students will
then prepare for their clay unit. Grade six students are finishing their leaf composition
using mixed media. Students will follow with class reading material which will reinforce the
classroom activity. The first projects of the year are beginning to line the hallways of
Springton Lake Middle School.
Mrs. Prior's eighth graders are meeting the challenge of using two point perspective to
create outdoor or indoor scenes such as Springton Lake Middle School and the fields
around it, basketball courts, board games, skating rinks, cityscapes, stores in the mall, or
10
rooms found in a house. Each student is using problem solving skills to render his or her
own idea. Seventh graders have used one point perspective to create compositions
utilizing their names and various shapes. Now they are using the text, Art, A Global
Pursuit to learn and review color vocabulary in preparation for adding color to their
compositions. Sixth graders have used one point perspective to illustrate school
hallways, classrooms, or rooms at home. They are practicing rendering techniques to
create various values and textures to be used on their drawings.
Mrs. Going's classes are moving into their second assignment. Eighth grades will review
color theory through the study of ancient China. Some will discover the humor and
fantasy of the Chinese Water Dragons and the 10 characteristics of these (imaginary??)
creatures. Some will construct and design an ancient Masu Box through the art of
Origami Folding (always a challenge for me) and then carry the design through to all
sides and a few may even study the tigers of China and how to blend color. Should be
pretty exciting as they begin! Seventh grade study American artist, Georgia O'Keeffe,
who believed color and shape were the most important factors in a painting. Students will
abstract designs, and create designs based on color families. They will also go on road
trip to Ms. O'Keeffe's museum (via the web) in New Mexico and search and find an
interesting painting or piece of sculpture to discuss. Sixth grades will begin a color and
depth perception study using mixed media. They will learn about the French artist Henri
Rousseau, his humble beginnings and rise to fame in France and around the world.
The 6th grades paintings will include oil pastel, watercolor and marker!!
Guidance
Sixth grade students will receive lessons this marking period on Friendship. Seventh
grade students will receive lessons on Self-Esteem and eighth grade students will receive
lessons on Diversity. Counselors are presently helping to administer MAP testing to
seventh grade students. Sue Griffin, transition counselor, is meeting with new students to
ensure that they transition smoothly. She will continue to work with those students who
need additional assistance and support. Each grade level had a pizza party for new
students. This gave students an opportunity to talk with one another about their transition
and to meet their grade level administrators in a small group setting. Margie Gilroy,
eighth grade counselor, attended the HCI presentation on October 10.
Library
Calvin Wong, who will be teaching a course in technology for prospective librarians at
Arcadia University in the spring, visited SLMS. He was interested in learning what
specific technologies middle school students used in researching and communicating
their findings. Mrs. Motley shared projects and instruction used at Springton Lake to help
Mr. Wong envision the context in which the technology is applied.
All district librarians have now completed the required training update required by Access
PA and POWER Library each fall. A full morning is devoted to Access PA changes and
expectations, while the afternoon focuses on updates, redesigns and new acquisitions for
the POWER Library.
Sixth grade language arts students received three introductory lessons in using the RTM
Catalog. First they learned how to search for authors, titles, subjects and series. Later,
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Mrs. Motley taught them to use the Boolean operators AND, OR and NOT to form
keyword searches to narrow or broaden their topics. They also learned how to construct
online bibliographies of materials they want in order to find them more efficiently in the
library. Mrs. Motley presented booktalks for seventh grade language arts students in Ms.
Bendistis’s classes in preparation for book chats her students were to do on the mystery
genre. Geometry students from the eighth grade classes of Mrs. Miller and Mr. Tsipras
researched mathematicians and the contributions they made to their field throughout
history. Having researched a mathematician of their choice, each student designed a
public relations ad using a poster, movies, comic books, or children’s book. Seventh
grade students from Mr. Reilly’s classes researched delegates to the Constitutional
Convention and then created a cover letter and resume for each which they presented to
the class. Ms. Stephens’s eighth grade AGP students have begun investigating topics for
their self-selected research this year. Their research will eventually result in a project for
the annual Celebration of the Mind evening. Family and consumer science students from
Mrs. Keeney’s eighth grade classes researched careers in conjunction with their housing
studies. Students used Vocational Biographies Online among other sources, to learn
about the jobs and their respective requirements for employment as well as the
compensation. French students from Madame Hensley’s seventh grade classes have
begun researching various monuments and tourists sites in Paris in preparation for
creating power points, posters and other visuals to assist them in sharing their findings
with their classmates. Seven photos taken by LaVerne Motley of Springton Lake students
appear in the new publication, Pennsylvania School Libraries: Key Players in Education.
Math
In Geometry, students are researching mathematicians. Once students have completed
their research, they have multiple avenues to choose from to showcase their work. In
Pre-Algebra, students are solving equations. Mrs. Laubach is using coins and bags to
teach solving equations to make a real-world connection for students. In Connected
Math, students are continuing to work with factors and multiples. Students recently solved
problems about cicadas and a Ferris wheel. Students were especially excited to solve the
cicada problem as students had recently looked at a cicada shell under a microscope in
science class.
Music
Over 50 singers from Springton Lake Middle School's Eighth Grade Chorus joined forces
with the Penncrest Choir to sing the National Anthem at the sold-out Phillies game. 350
guests of the choir, including administration, teachers, families, and friends, accompanied
them to the event. The Springton Lake Eighth Grade Chorus placed second at the annual
Renaissance Faire held near Lebanon Valley, PA. Dressed in period costumes, the
singers performed "All Ye Who Music Love," accompanying themselves on recorder and
hand drum. Competition included groups in senior high as well as junior high from a tristate area. The Eighth Grade Band from Springton Lake partnered with the Penncrest
band at a recent football game.
Science
Eighth grade science classes are still working on mass, volume and density of solids,
liquids and gases. We are also working on the Periodic table. The seventh grade
science department is finishing up a unit on the introduction to the atom. Students
12
worked on the following during this unit: 2 workbook assignments that introduced them to
the atomic structure, mathematical homework assignments for proton, electron and
neutron calculations. A power point activity that had them answer questions about the
molecular theory of matter, a lab based assignment that had them investigate 10 chosen
atoms from the periodic chart using calculations, line graphs and pie charts, a quiz on the
atomic structure, and a unit test that will be given on Friday on Lab format and Indirect
evidence and the work just completed on the atom. Sixth grade science classes are
learning about microscope use. They are also studying cells. Students will use
microscopes to view plant and animal cells.
Special Education
Middle school students receiving special education instruction for math have been
working from a new curriculum this year. Bill Henderson (6th grade teacher), Alexis Viso
(7th grade teacher), and Larry Twiss (8th grade teacher) have each been using the
appropriate level of the Saxon math curriculum. The program was selected after intensive
consideration facilitated by Sandra Shacklady-White, Supervisor of Secondary Special
Education. The text addresses grade-specific state standards and mandated assessment
content while using teaching and learning techniques helpful for special education
students. The program should also increase accountability and continuity for special
education math instruction throughout the middle school grades.
In addition to meeting with a Saxon curriculum representative on September 12,
secondary special education math personnel have been meeting regularly with
consultants from the Delaware County Intermediate Unit as they continue to seek new
ways to help all students achieve.
Our literacy consultant, Joy Mackenzie, will visit the building several times during the
school year to support language arts teachers as they continue with several literacy
initiatives that focus on phonemics, fluency, and comprehension. As part of this initiative,
we continue to gather baseline data on students’ reading—and math—abilities.
PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL
Art
Art major students Alexandra Pierce (11th grade, Art III) and Hannah Ballantine (12th
grade, Portfolio Prep) have had their artworks juried into the Finalist Exhibition for the
Pennsylvania K-12 Women in the Arts Exhibition. The opening reception is Saturday,
October 6 in Harrisburg. Their works will then travel to Philadelphia and Washington D.C.
in 2008 (dates and details yet to be determined).
Rotary Students
The Rotary students of the month for September were Samuel Moffat, grade 11 and
Gabrielle Capozzoli, grade 12. They were honored at the Rotary luncheon at the Towne
House Restaurant.
13
Language Arts Winners
Four Penncrest 11th-grade students have entered the winners' circle for this year's
Philadelphia Young Playwrights Festival. Congratulations to our winning playwrights and
to English teacher Felicia Quinzi, the host teacher for the Philadelphia Young Playwrights
artist-in-residence program at Penncrest: Second Place Winner--Jordan Mirarchi, The
Guardian, Third Place Winners-Sarah Gaudioso, Neverland, Jillian McGonigle, Photo
Album and Joseph Turnbull, Gossip
Senior Jeff Ayars has been named a winner of the NCTE (National Council of Teachers of
English) Achievement Awards in Writing. This is a nationally-recognized competition that
invites every high school in the country to nominate its best writers to compete. Students
complete a rigorous impromptu writing sample and prepare a portfolio of creative work for
NCTE judging.
Math Honor Society
Mu Alpha Theta (the math honor society) will begin tutoring Penncrest students in math
on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:15 – 3:00 pm. Any Penncrest student that
would like extra help with math is welcome.
Back-to-School Night
The annual Penncrest Back-to-School Night was held on Thursday, October 4 and was
very well attended. The evening is designed to provide an opportunity for parents to meet
their child’s teachers, learn the year’s objectives and expectations, see the facility and get
a sense of how their child spends the day here at Penncrest.
National Merit Semi Finalists and Commended Students
Penncrest students John Cardone, Emily Miller, Scott Teal and Dustin Volz were named
National Merit Semi Finalists. Commended Students are Gwyneth Bohara, Brian Kenney,
Dylan McAndrew, Patrick Myers, Jesse Ru, Natalie Scherer and Emily Wright.
World Language Department
After a tearful goodbye on Saturday, September 29, our Spanish Exchange visitors
returned home safely. PHS students involved in the Spanish Exchange are anxiously
awaiting their trip to Spain and being reunited with their Spanish brother/sister in March
2008.
Students interested in the Phyllis Kavanaugh scholarship to travel/study abroad attended
an information meeting on September 25. Applications for the scholarship are due to
Mrs. Tracy Jackson by October 26.
After a parent meeting on October 3, preparations for the 2008 French Immersion trip to
Quebec are underway.
Athletics
The athletic department at Penncrest High School experienced a very successful month
of September. Many outstanding individual and team accomplishments were achieved
during this time period. The Penncrest High School Boys Cross Country Team finished
undefeated in the Central league to earn the 2007 Central league title. The team is
14
coached by George Munro and is currently ranked tenth in the state of Pennsylvania.
Jessica Maroney and Nick Bonaventure were selected as Penncrest’s student Athletes of
the Month for September. Jessica, a junior at Penncrest, leads the field hockey team in
goalie saves and wins. Nick, a junior at Penncrest, placed first in the Mill St. Run and
broke the Penncrest cross country course record with a time of 15 minutes and 50
seconds.
Congratulations to both for their outstanding accomplishments.
Congratulations are in order for Julian Heller, a freshman at Penncrest High School. A
member of the varsity golf team, Julian qualified for the PIAA District One Golf
Championship by shooting a 78 at the Central league Championships.
HCI Town Meeting
“What’s Up with Our Kids” was the subject of the HCI Town Meeting held at Penncrest on
Wednesday evening, October 10. Many RTMSD student representatives shared their
perspectives on the Search Institute’s Attitudes and Behavior Survey results, contributing
to a successful event.
15
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6000
Fax 610.891.0959
www.rtmsd.org
Sharon A. Learn
Board Secretary
Chief Operations Officer
Board Secretary
Management Services Department
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D. Superintendent
From:
Sharon A. Learn, Chief Operations Officer
Date:
October 5, 2007
Subject:
October 9, 2007 – 8:00 PM Finance Committee Agenda
Chairman: Bill O’Donnell
_____________________________________________________________________
In attendance:
Bill Montgomery
Stacey Benson
Bill Campbell
Nancy Mackrides
Nancy Frondutti
Veronica Barbato
Also present:
Denise Kerr
Ron Baldino
Dennis Cini
Danielle Penza
Roxanne Schupp Sharon Learn
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Requests for Proposals Audit - Barbacane Thornton & Company
The three year agreement with Barbacane Thornton expires at the conclusion of
the 2006 – 2007 audit. Barbacane Thornton is proposing a three year extension
to the current agreement Proposed agreement will cost: 2008, $25,400; 2009,
$26,700’ 2010, $28,100.
Follow up: Following a discussion, the committee agreed to ask Pam Baker to
take another look at the cost of the proposal as the district cannot agree the
proposed substantial increase in fees.
2. The Procurement Card Policy - #625
The Procurement Card Policy – Policy #625 was on the September 27, 2007
Legislative Agenda for a first reading. A revised policy is attached for review.
Action: The second reading and approved of this policy will be on the October
Legislative Agenda.
1
3. Investment of District Funds - #609
Investment of District Funds – Policy #609 was briefly discussed at the
September committee meeting. The committee requested a comparison with
other districts.
The following districts have the same policy as recommended by Rose Tree
administration: Chichester
Marple Newtown
Radnor
Wallingford Swarthmore
The following districts have an older, outdated version of an investment policy,
Tradryffin Eastown Garnet Valley
Action: The first reading and adoption of the revised investment policy will be on
the October Legislative agenda.
4. Corporate Sponsorship Program Policy
Dr. Meg Barney presented a draft policy to the committee. The draft policy must
be reviewed by the school solicitor
Follow up: There is at least one other school board policy that may be
incorporated into the corporate sponsorship program. The policies will be
reviewed by the superintendent and the school solicitor. This item will be on the
November committee agenda.
5. 2008 – 2009 General Fund Budget FIRST LOOK
The school district’s adjusted index for fiscal year 2008 – 2009, in accordance
with Special Session Act 1 of 2006 is 4.4%. The index represents the allowed
percentage increase in the millage rate.
Follow up: The budget calendar will be discussed at the November committee
meeting.
6. Recommended Transitional Procedures
Signature on checks - District Treasurer Danielle Penza along with Board
President.
Signature on purchase requisitions, purchase orders, tax exempt forms, etc. –
Supervisor of Business Operations Roxanne Schupp
Action: The October Legislative Agenda will include items necessary for a
smooth transition.
The next finance committee meeting will be on November 13, 2007 at 8:00 PM
2
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6000
Fax 610.891.0959
www.rtmsd.org
Sharon A. Learn
Board Secretary
Chief Operations Officer
Management Services
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
___
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D. Superintendent
From:
Sharon A. Learn, Chief Operations Officer
Date:
October 12, 2007
Subject:
October 9, 2007 - 9:00 PM - Operations Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Bill Montgomery
__________________________________________________________________
In attendance:
Bill Montgomery
Stacey Benson
Bill Campbell
Nancy Mackrides
Nancy Frondutti
Veronica Barbato
Also present:
Denise Kerr
Ron Baldino
Dennis Cini
Danielle Penza
Roxanne Schupp Sharon Learn
___________________________________________________________________
1. Capital Projects 2007 – 2008
Dennis Cini presented the attached proposal for owner representative services
for the 2008 capital projects program. The capital projects budgets must be
prepared and approved by the Board of School Directors. Mr. Cini will
incorporate the projects identified by Hayes Large as well as other projects
previously identified by the maintenance department and the administration.
Action: The owner’s representative proposal will be on the October Legislative
Agenda.
2. Springton Lake Middle School Additions and Renovations Project
Pete Medica presented three options for the renovation of the middle school.
The preliminary project schedule for the additions and renovations is attached.
Follow up: Pete will return to the November committee meeting with the FTE’s
calculation for options S-2 and S-3. He will also present a preliminary look at
placing an administration addition onto Springton Lake Middle School.
This item will remain on the Operations Committee agenda until the project has
been completed.
The next operations committee meeting will be on November 13, 2007 9:00 p.m.
1
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610.627.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Anne D. Callahan
Director of Human Resources
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent
From:
Anne D. Callahan, Director of Human Resources
Date:
October 16, 2007
Subject:
Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting – October 9, 2007
Board Members in attendance: W. Campbell, J. Pettit, S. Benson, Chair,
V. Barbato, N. Mackrides
Also in attendance: A. Callahan, D. Kerr,
I.
Items for Legislative Meeting – Anne Callahan
Anne Callahan reviewed the items to be included on the agenda of the
legislative meeting of October 25, 2007. The Board members present were
asked to contact Anne with any questions about the items included.
Action: All items reviewed will be placed on the agenda of the legislative
meeting of the Board of School Directors for a vote of the full Board.
II.
Sick Leave Bank – Secretaries and Educational Support Personnel
Association
The Rose Tree Media Secretaries and Educational Support Personnel
Association has asked to exercise their right, agreed to in a Memo of
Understanding, to initiate a sick leave bank similar to the one being operated
by the Rose Tree Media Education Association. The committee reviewed the
Sick Leave Bank document and gave its approval to place the item on the
agenda of the legislative meeting for a vote of the full board.
Action: The Rose Tree Media Secretaries and Educational Support
Personnel Association Sick Leave Bank document will be placed on the
agenda of the legislative meeting of October 25, 2007, for a vote a of the
full board.
III.
Executive Session
An executive session was held to discuss matters of personnel.
The next meeting of the Personnel Committee will be held on Tuesday,
November 20, 2007, at 7PM in the Education Center Board Room.
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6028
Fax 610.565-5317
www.rtmsd.org
Valerie L. Burnett
Director of Pupil Services
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D. Superintendent
From:
Valerie Burnett
Date:
October 3, 2007
Subject:
October 2, 2007 Pupil Services Minutes
Chairperson: Mrs. Veronica Barbato
Minutes
Board Members in Attendance: Veronica Barbato, Nancy Fronduti, Linda Fox, Nancy
Mackrides, Jeff Pettit, Stacy Jackson Benson,
Others in Attendance: Dr. Kerr, Valerie Burnett, Pat Barta, Sandy Shacklady-White,
Bernadette Dacanay, Meg Barney, Steve Taylor, Sue Evans
Search Institute Results and Town Meeting Presentation
Home and School Visitor Bernadette Dacanay provided an overview of the survey
Results from the Spring 2007 administration of the Search Institute “Profiles of Student
Life - Attitudes and Behaviors.” The survey was funded by HCI and coordinated and
administered in grades 7-12 to assess the presence of risk taking behaviors as well as
developmental assets reported by our students. A town meeting will be held on October
10, 2007 at Penncrest High School to review the results with the community. There will
also be a provider fair in the cafeteria where community members can connect with
agencies and youth activities that will support healthy youth.
Gifted Program Update
Eligibility for gifted services has become a litigious topic in the district with one due
process hearing and three mediation sessions underway. The PA school code provides
specific eligibility criteria for gifted support, with some allowances for intervening criteria
such as being an English language learner, being disabled and gifted, or socioeconomic status. Students must have a measured IQ of 130 or above along with
multiple criteria including academic performance at least a year above grade level,
expertise in technology or foreign language, a rate of acquisition and retention that is
highly indicative of gifted ability, and excellence in academics demonstrated by portfolio
or criterion referenced teacher judgment (such as collections of published poetry).
The due process hearing was settled with a concurrent mediation session with the
district providing an independent evaluation and parent consultation in return for the
parent dismissing claims for compensatory education.
Overnight Trips
The Ice Hockey team will travel to Toronto, Canada on December 5-7, 2007 for a
tournament. The student costs for the trip is $400.00 for travel and lodging. The entire
district cost is $150.00 for two substitute teaching days.
Action: A resolution for the trip will be on the October 2007 Legislative Agenda.
The Penncrest Wrestling team will compete in the Solanco Mule Classic Tournament
on December 7-8, 2007. The booster club will fund the trip with the district providing the
cost for transportation with van rental @ $198.00 and fuel estimated at $150.00 for a
total of $448.00
Action: A resolution for the trip will be on the October 2007 Legislative Agenda.
The Penncrest Wrestling team will compete in the Easton Invitational Wrestling
Tournament on January 4-5, 2008 in Easton, PA. The booster club will fund the trip with
the district providing the cost for transportation by school bus @ $750.00 and
registration at $150.00 for a total of $900.00.
Action: A resolution for the trip will be on the October 2007 Legislative Agenda.
The Future Business Leaders of America will travel to State College, PA on October
21-22, 2007 for the State Leadership Workshop. The cost to the district will be one
substitute day @ $75.00.
Action: A resolution for the trip will be on the October 2007 Legislative Agenda.
Contracts
Dr. Robert F. Sing provides physicals for high school and elementary students as well
as consultation services for the district’s health services. His contract is for $25,578.00.
Students are charged $20.00 per sports physical which provides offsetting revenue for
this contract.
ACTION: Approval will be on the October 2007 Legislative Agenda
Dr. Peter N. Christie provides physicals for Springton Lake students, district custodians,
and bus drivers. His contract is for $9,366.82. Students are charged $20.00 per sports
physical which provides offsetting revenue for this contract. Bus driver physicals are
billed at $55.00 each with a $20.00 for the biannual Mantoux Tuberculin test.
ACTION: Approval will be on the October 2007 Legislative Agenda
Kate Phelan Williams provides dental hygiene services to students in our public and
non-public schools. Her annual contract is for $2,000.
ACTION: Approval will be on the October 2007 Legislative Agenda
Ann Haslanger provides coordination of the Student Assistance Program (SAP) at
Penncrest High School for an annual cost of $37,193.00.
ACTION: Approval will be on the October 2007 Legislative Agenda
A student with significant disabilities is in need of a one on one aide while attending
Pathway School. The cost of the aide is $28,379.00 for the school year.
ACTION: Approval will be on the October 2007 Legislative Agenda
Two students attend the Vanguard School for special needs. The tuition for each
student is $38,400.00.
ACTION: Approval will be on the October 2007 Legislative Agenda
Ken Crest will be providing support to Penncrest Life Skills students. The students are
in need of additional education and guidance in understanding appropriate social
behaviors, avoiding inappropriate contact and understanding adult relationships. The
course will be co-taught with Penncrest staff so we may provide the instruction directly
in subsequent years. The facilitator will also be providing direct counseling to one male
student at $92.00/ hour.
ACTION: Approval will be on the October 2007 Legislative Agenda
The next meeting of the Pupil Services Committee will be November 6, 2007 at 9:00
PM.
OFFICE OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
TO:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Dr. Denise Kerr, Superintendent
FROM:
Dr. Angela Gilbert, Director of Teaching and Learning - Elementary
Dr. Steve Taylor, Director of Teaching and Learning - Secondary
DATE:
October 3, 2007
RE:
October 2, 2007, Teaching & Learning Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Mr. Jeff Pettit
Board Members in Attendance: Veronica Barbato, Stacy Benson, Bill Campbell, Linda
Fox, Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell, Jeff Pettit
Also in Attendance: Rebecca Norman, Susan Evans, Meg Barney, Angela Gilbert,
Denise Kerr, Steve Taylor
Meet the Fulbright Exchange Teacher
Dr. Gilbert introduced our Fulbright Exchange Teacher, Rebecca Norman, to the Board.
For the 2007-2008 school year, Rebecca has traded teaching positions and houses with
Rose Tree Elementary teacher Joann Mrozoski, who is now teaching at Rebecca’s
school in England. Rebecca shared her first impressions of American schools with the
Board, and commented on a few of the differences between the educational systems in
England and America.
Permission to Seek Funding for International Baccalaureate Program
After a presentation by Dr. Taylor and discussion, the Board granted permission for the
district to seek funding from outside sources, such as grants, corporations, and other
donors, to make an International Baccalaureate program possible at Penncrest High
School. Funding is needed for annual fees, testing fees, ongoing professional
development, materials, and personnel. The International Baccalaureate Diploma
Programme is a comprehensive, two-year course of study based on international
standards. It is considered the gold standard of high school educational programs
around the world, and it complements a district’s existing Advanced Placement (AP)
program, which allows students to take college-level courses in high school. Districts
must apply to the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) in order to operate an
approved program. The extensive application process takes a year or two, and the
earliest an IB program could begin in RTM, once approval and funding is obtained, is
September 2010.
Status of Accreditation for Growth (AFG) at Penncrest
Penncrest High School’s next accreditation cycle is scheduled to begin in November
2008, when a team from the Middle States Association is scheduled to visit. Dr. Taylor
and Dr. Evans reviewed the reasons Penncrest would prefer not to participate in the next
cycle of accreditation. With a sound strategic planning process now in place in the
district, with a clear agenda and direction for the future established by the Board, and
with the high level of public accountability under NCLB, the AFG process has much less
value for the district now than it did in the last cycle. Programs established under the
current AFG plan, such as the Challenge Team, can continue. Dr. Evans shared
information about the many comparable districts which are not now participating in
accreditation through Middle States. After discussion, the Board agreed not to have
Penncrest participate in the upcoming accreditation cycle. Our understanding is that in
the future it would be possible to step back into an accreditation cycle with Middle States.
Dr. Taylor will work with the high school and with Dr. Kerr to craft a communications plan
to notify the public about this action.
Summer Session 2007
The Board received a written report on this past summer’s Summer School.
Cindy Garvin Sabbatical Report
The Board received a written report on Cindy Garvin’s Compensated Leave in 20062007.
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6000
Fax 610.891.0959
www.rtmsd.org
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent
From:
Patti Linden
Date:
October 3, 2007
Subject:
Technology Committee Meeting Minutes for October 2, 2007
Chairperson: Mrs. Linda Fox
Patti Linden
Director of Technology
and Information Science
Board Members in attendance: Veronica Barbato, Nancy Mackrides, Linda Fox, Jeff Pettit,
Nancy Fronduti, Stacey Benson
Also in attendance: Patti Linden, Mack Johnson, Kim McCann, Christa Consadene, Meg
Barney
Virtual K Demonstration Lesson
Christa Consadene gave a demonstration of a few lessons from the Virtual K website. She
explained how parents can log in with their child, how the assignments are accessed, and how
she communicates with parents who have enrolled. We currently have 85 kindergarten students
using Virtual K and parents communicate with Christa using both voice mail and e-mail.
Review of Technology Audit
Mack Johnson presented a summary of the recent information technology audit from the PA
Department of the Auditor General. The audit was part of the performance audit of RTMSD for
the Fiscal Years ended June 30, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003. The request for information
included provision of contracts, maintenance agreements, and an IT Security Policy covering
topics such as privacy, access, accountability, authentication, and violations/incidents. The audit
also included a request for forms for adding, changing, and deleting user id’s, and copies of any
written procedures. In order to “pass” the audit, Mack submitted a draft of an “Information
Technology Use” Board policy. This draft will be reviewed and revised before it is presented to
the Board of School Directors for first reading.
Projector Grant Awards
Patti Linden presented information about the distribution of classroom projectors for this school
year. A total of 57 projectors were distributed across all schools, with 17 at Penncrest, 16 at
Springton, 5 at Glenwood, 3 at Indian Lane, 12 at Media, and 4 at Rose Tree. Departmental and
grade level distribution was also presented. This brings the total amount of projectors distributed
to 97 over the course of 2 years. Additionally, 23 projectors have been distributed as a result of
the E-Tools summer workshop.
Next meeting: Tuesday, November 13, at 7:00 p.m. in the Education Center Board Room
VIII.
Old Business
A.
Procurement Card Policy #625 – Second Reading & Approval
Resolve, that the Board adopt Policy #625 Procurement Card. This
is the second reading of The Procurement Card Policy #625.
Attachment A
Background
Pennsylvania School Business Officials (PASBO) Accounting
Committee has recommended a new and improved investment of
district funds policy. This policy was on the September 27, 2007
Legislative Meeting for first reading.
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
2.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
Carol Hoyt, Bus Driver, resignation effective October
31, 2007.
2.
Judy Parent, Bus
September 24, 2007.
3.
Kathy Archer, Cafeteria Worker, resignation effective
October 1, 2007.
4.
Tawana Reason, Cafeteria Worker, termination,
effective October 1, 2007.
Aide,
resignation
effective
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
b.
Karen Kraycik, Long Term Substitute Teacher,
effective October 22, 2007 at an annual salary of
$42,998 to be pro-rated for the first semester. She
received her Bachelor’s Degree from Temple
University. Ms. Kraycik is assigned to Media
Elementary replacing Santina Loveland-Smith
who is on leave for the first semester.
Non-Instructional
1.
Amber Gibson, Substitute Cafeteria Worker, effective
October 26, 2007 at the rate of $9.50 per hour. Ms.
Gibson is assigned to Penncrest High School. NOTE:
Ms. Gibson is being hired pending completion of her
pre-employment paperwork.
2.
William Harmon II, Support Staff II, effective October
4, 2007 at the rate of $13.06 per hour. Mr. Harmon
currently serves as a (.3) Math Teacher. He is
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
3.
Non-Instructional
3.
Brian Roberson, Substitute Custodian, effective
October 8, 2007 at the rate of $12.00 per hour. Mr.
Roberson is assigned to Penncrest High School.
4.
Colleen Knowles, Substitute Cafeteria Worker,
effective October 26, 2007 att he rate of $9.50 per
hour. NOTE: Ms. Knowles is being hired pending
completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
5.
Janice Treen, Custodian, effective October 26,
2007 at the rate of $13.14 per hour. Ms. Treen is
assigned to Glenwood Elementary replacing
Diane Burgess who resigned. NOTE: Ms. Treen is
being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork.
7.
Evan O’Neill, Support Staff I, Computer Lab Aide,
effective September 26, 2007 at the rate of $11.64
per hour. Mr. O’Neill is assigned to Penncrest
High School replacing Charron Verica who has
been reassigned.
8.
Tammy Baillis, Cafeteria Worker, effective
October 11, 2007 at the rate of $10.00 per hour.
Ms. Baillis is assigned to Springton Lake Middle
School. NOTE: Ms. Baillis is being hire pending
completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
General
a.
Classification Change
1.
Bethany Zeleznick, from Cafeteria Worker to Support
Staff I, effective October 1, 2007 at the rate of $11.64
per hour. Ms. Zeleznick is assigned to Penncrest High
School replacing Rita Tyson who resigned.
2.
Linda Rowley, from Medical Arts Liason to Support
Staff I effective October 8, 2007 at the rate of $11.64
per hour. Ms. Rowley is assigned to Penncrest High
School replacing Margaret Sprout who resigned.
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
a.
b.
Classification Change
3.
Kelli Trusty from Substitute Cafeteria Aide to PartTime Cafeteria Aide effective October 8, 2007 at
the rate of $10.00 per hour. Ms. Trusty is assigned
to Indian Lane Elementary.
4.
Sheila Hollinger from Substitute Bus Driver to
Regular Full Time Driver effective October 15,
2007.
Sabbatical Leave
1.
c.
Jana Maxwell, Elementary Teacher, Media
Elementary requests Sabbatical Leave for the
second semester effective January 28, 2008 and
terminating June 30, 2008.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
Jennifer Simmons requests an unpaid leave of
absence for the purpose of child rearing commencing
August 27, 2007 and terminating January 25, 2008.
2.
Kristine Acker requests an unpaid leave of
absence for the purpose of child rearing
commencing April 16, 2008 and terminating June
30, 2008.
3.
Santina Loveland-Smith requests an unpaid leave
of absence for the purpose of child rearing
commencing November 20, 2007 and terminating
January 28, 2008.
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
Degree Advancement
1.
Recommend the Board approve the following
personnel for Degree Advancement and adjust their
salaries accordingly effective August 27, 2007:
Gemma Deady
Paul Norris
Bridget Mason
Elizabeth McKelvey
Maureen Naylor
Kate Robinson
e.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
f.
Master’s/Step 4
MEQ/Step 9
Master’s+40/Step 6
Master’s+60/Step 15
Master’s+40/Step 8
Master’s/Step 5
Rescind appoint of Shawna Cliff as (.5) Homework
Club Sponsor for the 2007-2008 school year.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Santina Loveland-Smith, Media Elementary (.5)
Technology Building Coordinator for the second
semester 2007-2008, at the annual salary of
$1,350.00.
2.
Sue Williamson, Media Elementary (.5) Technology
Building Coordinator for the first semester 2007-2008,
at the annual salary of $1,350.00.
3.
Recommend Board approval for the following
personnel to serve as PSAT Review Session
Teachers at the rate of $75.00 per session:
Deanna Dachiu
Beth Matlock
4.
Christine Price
Sharon Smith
Recommend Board approval for the following
personal to serve as Event Chaperones at Penncrest
High School at the rate of $55.00 per event:
Lisa Blake
Kristen Maze
Amy Recupero
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
f.
Supplemental Contracts
5.
Katherine White, 6th Grade Homework Club Sponsor
for the 2007-2008 school year at the annual salary of
$670.00.
6.
Ray Lavoie, Assistant Football Coach, Springton Lake
Middle School, at the annual salary of $2,278.00.
7.
Patricia Kinard, (.5) Drama Club Sponsor for the
2007-2008 school year at the annual salary of
$402.00.
8.
Suzanne Yanchek, New Teacher Mentor for the
2007-2008 school year at the annual salary of
$1,015.
9.
Jana Maxwell, Art Club Sponsor for the 2007-2008
school year at the annual salary of $450.00.
8.
Maureen Keeney, Cookie Club Sponsor for the first
semester of the 2007-2008 school year at the annual
salary of $402.00.
9.
Carin Newsome, 6th Grade Homework Sponsor for
the 2007-2008 school year at the annual salary of
$670.00
10.
Kevin Reilley, (.5) Saturday Detention Supervisor, at
the annual salary of $469.00.
11.
William Harmon, (.5) Saturday Detention Supervisor,
at the annual salary of $469.00.
12.
Jennifer Blythe, Girls 8th Grade Field Hockey Coach,
at the annual salary of $2,814.00.
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
f.
Supplemental Contracts
13.
Recommend Board approval for the following
personnel to serve as Homebound Instructors for
the 2007-2008 school year at the rate of $42.50 per
hour:
S. Abelson
T. Durant
T. Long
D. Montich
S. Sweeney
K. Waler
M.Edelman
C. Koontz
K. Warren
g.
E. Coulter
A. Johnson
C. McGeehan
D. Storey
J. Wade
M. Woodward
C. Grassano
J. Williamson
Create New Position
1.
h.
T. Bendistis
M. Hart
B. Mason
D. Schnaars
C. Taddeo
S. Wilson
M. Fisher
C. Lund
Recommend Board approve the creation of two
new positions, Chinese Club Sponsor at
Springton Lake Middle School and Penncrest
High School with a supplemental pay to be
determined through a meet and discuss with
RTMEA and consistent with other similar clubs.
Other
1.
Recommend Board approval of the Cafeteria Workers
pay rates for the 2007-2008 school year. See
Attachment B.
2.
Recommend Board approval of the Rose Tree
Media Secretaries and Educational Support
Personnel Association Sick Leave Bank. See
Attachment C.
3.
Correction of hire date: Deana Storey, Long Term
Substitute Special Education Teacher, effective
August 27, 2007 through September 11, 2007.
Contract effective September 12, 2007. Ms Storey
is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
1.
Ice Hockey Team – Toronto, Canada
Resolve, that the Board approve the Ice Hockey team overnight trip
to Toronto, Canada.
Background
The Ice Hockey team will travel to Toronto, Canada on December
5-7, 2007, for a tournament. The student costs for the trip is $400
for travel and lodging. The entire district cost is $150 for two
substitute teaching days. This item was discussed at the October
2007 Pupil Services Committee Meeting.
2.
Penncrest Wrestling Team – Solanco County School District
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to the Solanco
County School District
Background
The Penncrest Wrestling team will compete in the Solanco Mule
Classic Tournament on December 7-8, 2007. The booster club will
fund the trip with the district providing the cost for transportation
with van rental @ $198 and fuel estimated at $150 for a total of
$448. This item was discussed at the October 2007 Pupil Services
Committee Meeting.
3.
Penncrest Wrestling Team – Easton, PA
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to the Easton
Invitational Wrestling Tournament in Easton, PA.
Background
The Penncrest Wrestling team will compete in the Easton
Invitational Wrestling Tournament on January 4-5, 2008 in Easton,
PA. The booster club will fund the trip with the district providing the
cost for transportation by school bus @ $750 and registration at
$150 for a total of $900. This item was discussed at the October
2007 Pupil Services Committee Meeting.
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips (continued)
4.
Penncrest Future Business Leaders of America – State College, PA
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to the Future
Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Workshop
in State College, PA.
Background
The Future Business Leaders of America will travel to State
College, PA on October 21-22, 2007, for the State Leadership
Workshop. The cost to the district will be one substitute day @
$75. This item was discussed at the October 2007 Pupil Services
Committee Meeting.
C.
Policies
1.
Investment of District Funds – Policy #609 - First Reading
This is a first reading of the Investment of District Funds Policy
#609 and does not require a vote.
Background
This was discussed at the September & October Finance Meetings
and will be on the November Finance Committee meeting.
Attachment D
ADDENDUM
IX.
New Business
D.
Addendum - Personnel
1.
Nominations
a.
Non-Instructional
1.
2.
Gail Boettcher, Board Secretary, effective
November 1, 2007, at the rate of $27.05 per hour.
This is in addition to Mrs. Boettcher’s current
position as Administrative Assistant to the
Superintendent.
General
a.
Classification Change
1.
b.
Maureen Reuther, .3 Physical Education Teacher to
.4 Physical Education Teacher, effective October
29,2007. Ms. Reuther is assigned to Penncrest
High School.
Degree Advance
1.
Recommend the Board approve Robert Simpson for
Degree Advancement to Master’s Degree +40/Step
14 and adjust his salary accordingly effective
August 27, 2007:
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
A.
Purchasing – None
B.
General
1.
Capital Projects 2008 – Owner’s Representative
Resolve, that the Board accept the Owner’s Representative
proposal dated September 24, 2007, prepared by Dennis Cini. The
scope of work is detailed in the attached document. The cost is
based on a time-spent fee not to exceed $95,652. Attachment E
Background
Mr. Cini has worked on district capital projects at the Transportation
Department, Maintenance Department, Springton Lake Middle
School, Media Elementary School, Rose Tree Elementary School,
and Indian Lane Elementary School for more than a year. This was
discussed at the September and October Committee meetings.
2.
Business Office Transition Procedures
Resolve, that the Board authorize Danielle Penza, Treasurer, as a
signatory along with the School Board President on all bank checks
and vouchers.
Further resolve, that the Board authorize Roxanne Schupp,
Supervisor of Business Operations, to review, approve and/or reject
school district requisitions and purchase orders in accordance with
school board policies. Requisitions and purchase orders in excess
of $500,000 will require a dual signature on the requisition by the
Superintendent of Schools.
Background
Sharon Learn, Chief Financial Officer, has resigned from the district
effective October 31, 2007. The transition procedures were
discussed at the October Finance Committee Meeting.
1
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
3.
Change Orders
Change orders are acted upon in accordance with Resolution 199798 - 124, approved by the School Board of Directors on April 23,
1998
Resolve, that the Board approve the following change orders:
CO #001 – McGoldrick Electric Inc.
Penncrest High School Chemical Storage Room
Deduct for reinstallation of existing smoke
Detector in lieu of purchase of a new detector
CO #P1-G. Antonini Construction, Inc.
Rose Tree Elementary School Paving
Additional milling, stone base repair, and
asphalt binder.
G. Antoni Construction, Inc.
Indian Lane Elementary School
Deduct for school paving
($145.00)
$39,160.00
($5,000.00)
Background
This was discussed at the October Operations Committee Meeting
2
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
4.
Dr. Robert F. Sing – Medical Services Agreement 2007-08
Resolve, that the Board approve an agreement with Dr. Robert F.
Sing of Springfield Sports Emergency Medical Corporation for
medical services for $25,578.
Background
Dr. Robert F. Sing provides physicals for high school and
elementary students as well as consultation services for the
district’s health services. His contract is for $25,578. Students are
charged $20.00 per sports physical which provides offsetting
revenue for this contract. This item was discussed at the October
2007 Pupil Services Committee Meeting.
5.
Dr. Peter N. Christie – Medical Services Agreement 2007-08
Resolve, that the Board approve an agreement with Dr. Peter N.
Christie for medical services of $9,366.82, $55 per bus driver
physical, and $20 for biannual Mantoux.
Background
Dr. Peter N. Christie provides physicals for Springton Lake
students, district custodians, and bus drivers. His contract for the
student physicals is for $9,366.82. Students are charged $20.00
per sports physical which provides offsetting revenue for this
contract. Bus driver physicals are billed at $55.00 each with a
$20.00 for the biannual Mantoux Tuberculin test. This item was
discussed at the October 2007 Pupil Services Committee Meeting.
3
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
6.
Kate Phelan Williams – Agreement Dental Hygiene 2007-08
Resolve, that the Board approve an agreement with Kate
Phelan Williams for dental hygiene services for $2,000.
Background
Kate Phelan Williams provides dental hygiene services to
students in our public and non-public schools. Her annual
contract is for $2,000. This item was discussed at the
October 2007 Pupil Services Committee Meeting.
7.
Ann Haslanger – Agreement Assistant Team Coordinator
2007-08
Resolve, that the Board approve an agreement with Ann
Haslanger for Student Assistance Team Coordinator for
$37,193.
Background
Ann Haslanger provides coordination of the Student
Assistance Program (SAP) at Penncrest High School for an
annual cost of $37,193. This item was discussed at the
October 2007 Pupil Services Committee Meeting.
8.
Pathway School Contract – 2007-08
Resolve, that the Board approve a contract with the Pathway
School for the 2007-2008 school year for $28,379.
Background
A student with significant disabilities is in need of a one on
one aide while attending Pathway School. The cost of the
aide is $28,379 for the school year. This item was discussed
at the October 2007 Pupil Services Committee Meeting.
4
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
9.
Vanguard School Contract – 2007-08
Resolve, that the Board approve two contracts with the Vanguard
School for the 2007-2008 school year for $38,400 each.
Background
Two students attend the Vanguard School for special needs. The
tuition for each student is $38,400. This item was discussed at the
October 2007 Pupil Services Committee Meeting.
10.
KenCrest Consultants Contract 2007-08
Resolve, that the Board approve a contract with KenCrest
Consultants for the 2007-2008 school year for $92.00/ hour.
Background
KenCrest will be providing support to Penncrest Life Skills students.
The students are in need of additional education and guidance in
understanding appropriate social behaviors, avoiding inappropriate
contact and understanding adult relationships. The course will be
co-taught with Penncrest staff so we may provide the instruction
directly in subsequent years. The facilitator will also be providing
direct counseling to one male student at $92.00/ hour. This item
was discussed at the October 2007 Pupil Services Committee
Meeting.
5
No. 625
Attachment A
Rose Tree Media
School District
SECTION:
FINANCES
TITLE:
PROCUREMENT CARDS
ADOPTED:
REVISED:
625. PROCUREMENT CARDS
1. Authority
SC 510
The Board approves the use of procurement cards for permissible purchases by
designated employees to improve the efficiency of purchasing activities, reduce
processing expenses, improve controls for small-dollar purchases, and streamline
vendor payment. The Board directs the administration to establish safeguards to
prevent misuse of such cards.
The Board shall purchase adequate insurance coverage for procurement card misuse.
2. Definition
Procurement card - a corporate charge card designed to reduce the cost and
bureaucracy of small-dollar purchases.
3. Delegation of
Responsibility
A list of authorized users of procurement cards shall be maintained in the business
office and shall include employees in designated positions.
All use of procurement cards shall be supervised and monitored on a regular basis by
the Chief Operations Officer or designee who shall ensure the use of such cards is in
accordance with the funds budgeted for this purpose.
Proper accounting measures for the use of procurement cards shall be developed,
distributed, implemented, and monitored by the Chief Operations Officer or
designee.
An employee authorized to use a procurement card shall maintain adequate security
of the card while it is in his/her possession. Under no circumstances may the card be
used by another individual.
4. Guidelines
Each employee using a district procurement card shall sign a card usage agreement
and receive training on applicable policies and procedures.
Procurement cards shall be used only for authorized district purchases and shall not
be used for personal purchases. The district retains the authority to revoke any
procurement card used for unauthorized or personal purposes.
Pol. 317, 417, 517
Violations of this policy by an employee shall result in disciplinary action.
Page 1 of 2
625. PROCUREMENT CARDS - Pg. 2
The established procedure for processing purchases by employees using
procurement cards shall be as follows:
1. Employee deals directly with the vendor.
2. Business office receives the consolidated invoice for payment.
3. Cardholder verifies receipt of purchased items, reconciles the billing statement
with purchases, and attaches receipts.
The following list includes but is not limited to items authorized for purchase,
without obtaining bids or quotes, by employees using procurement cards:
( x ) Stationery, office supplies.
( x ) Minor repair items.
( x ) Computer parts and accessories.
( x ) Food for use in curriculum.
( x ) Food and specialty items for cafeteria.
( x ) Industrial arts supplies.
( x ) Sheet music.
SC 751, 807.1
Pol. 610, 611
Procurement cards shall not be used to circumvent the required bidding process.
Purchases over $4,000.00 shall require the use of a purchase order in accordance
with established Board policy and procedures.
SC 751, 807.1
Procurement cards shall not be used for purchases that could be anticipated at the
beginning of the school year and would circumvent the required bidding process.
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 510, 751, 807.1
Board Policy – 317, 417, 517, 610, 611
Page 2 of 2
CAFETERIA 2007-2008 Rates
Food Serv Coord
Food Serv Coord
Assistant Food Serv Coord
(Team Leader)
(Team Leader)
(Team Leader)
Substitute Cafeteria
Attachment B
Gildea, Patricia
Lorenz, Louise
Bendak, Linda
SL
IL
EC
$18.50
$18.50
$11.25
Phipps, Cynthia (4.5)
Casey, Lisa (4.5)
GW
GW
$11.00
$10.50
Clements, Jennifer (5.5)
Grant, Jeannette (5.0)
Neill, Carol (4.0)
Thomson, Janet (4.5)
IL
IL
IL
IL
$12.00
$11.00
$10.00
$10.00
Pednick, Andrea (4.5)
King, Debbie (4.0)
Lejman, Cathy (4.0)
M
M
M
$11.00
$11.00
$11.00
Yachetti, Lois (4.5)
VanLeer, Margie (4.5)
RT
RT
$11.00
$11.00
Eckerd, Joyce (6.25)
Hoppus, Suzanne (4.25)
Netwall, Laura (4.0)
Alonso, Dawn
Anderson, Amiee
Powers, Stephanie
Duncan, Christine
SL
SL
SL
SL
SL
SL
SL
$11.00
$11.00
$12.00
$10.50
$10.50
$11.00
$11.00
Ettien, Elisa (6.5)
Iannucci, Catherine (4.0)
Lomas, Christine (4.0)
Schoenberger, Sandra
Moreland, Alisha
Connell, Amy
Berner, Carl
Steward, Diane (4.0)
Tyson, Debbie (4.0)
Simpson, Kathleen
Potter, Robin
Swantek, Diane
McHugh, Nancy
PC
PC
PC
PC
PC
PC
PC
PC
PC
PC
PC
PC
PC
$12.00
$11.00
$11.00
$11.00
$10.00
$10.50
$11.00
$11.00
$11.00
$10.50
$10.00
$10.50
$10.00
Trusty, Kelli
Carletti, Marguerite
Stevenson, Tina
Liggett, Jeanette
Lorenz, Katherine
Cartwright, Dorlores
Krynski, Elaine
$9.50
$10.50
$9.50
$10.50
$9.50
$10.50
$9.50
Attachment C
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6040
Fax 610.892.8693
www.rtmsd.org
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Anne D. Callahan
Director of Human Resources
Rose Tree Media Secretaries and Educational Support
Personnel Association
Sick Leave Bank
Rose Tree Media School District and RTM Secretaries and Educational Support
Personnel Association (ESPA) shall jointly maintain a Sick Leave Bank to which
employees may contribute days of personal sick leave. The sick leave bank shall be
administered under the following regulations:
1.
Membership in the Bank shall be voluntary. Membership shall be open only to
permanent, employees who are members of the ESPA. The Sick Leave Bank
shall not be put into operation unless at least sixty percent (60%) of the
bargaining unit choose to join.
2.
The Sick Leave Bank Committee shall consist of two (2) members of the
bargaining unit, selected by ESPA, and two (2) members of the administration,
selected by the Superintendent. The Bank Committee shall meet when
necessary to consider requests for withdrawal of benefits from the Bank by
eligible employees. In the event of a tie vote, the Superintendent will make the
final decision.
3.
Initial applications for membership shall be submitted, in writing, to the Sick
Leave Bank Committee. During the first year, enrollments must be submitted
prior to December 1, 2007, for membership to begin in the 2007-2008 school
year. New members must enroll no later than October 15th of each school year.
New employees must enroll by October 15th or within 45 days of hire.
4.
Members will initially contribute one (1) day of accumulated sick leave to the
bank. Except as otherwise provided in these regulations, an additional
contribution of one (1) day shall be required of all members at the beginning of
each subsequent year of bank operation. Members joining in subsequent years
will be required to contribute one (1) day for each year that the employee has
been eligible, except newly hired employees who need contribute only one (1)
day.
Sick Leave Bank
Page 2
5.
Contributed days shall remain in the Bank and may not be withdrawn for any
individual reason. If membership falls below fifty percent (50%), Bank operation
shall be suspended. At the time of suspension, those receiving benefits will
continue to receive them up to maximum withdrawal. Disposition of days
remaining in the sick leave bank after distributions are complete will be
determined by the committee.
6.
In the event contributed sick days become depleted, the Bank Committee may, at
its discretion, assess further contributions against its members or suspend
operation of the Bank until the beginning of the next school year.
7.
Bank benefits shall be available to any member under the conditions set forth in
these regulations for illness or disability normally covered by sick leave. Bank
benefits shall not be available to employees on child rearing leave or other long
term leaves of absence, except extended sick leave.
8.
Initial withdrawal of Bank benefits shall not commence until a member has
exhausted all of his/her accumulated sick leave and five (5) days of absence
have been suffered without pay. If the loss of days is not consecutive, ten (10)
days of absence without pay is required prior to eligibility for withdrawal. By
majority vote of the Bank Committee, required days of absence without pay may
be reduced in any individual case for good reason. In the event of a tie vote, the
Superintendent will make the final decision.
9.
The Bank Committee may require of any employee using the bank benefits, a
doctor’s report, examination by a physician, progress report on illness, or such
other steps as may be reasonably necessary to protect the integrity of the Bank
and prevent abuse of its benefits.
The Board retains its right under the School Code to require a statement from a
physician or other practitioner prior to payment of sick leave, whether or not
payable out of Bank benefits.
10.
Maximum withdrawal from the Bank shall be thirty (30) days per year for any
individual. By majority vote of the Bank Committee, the maximum number of
days may be increased in any individual case for good reason.
11.
At the discretion of the Bank Committee, any individual member of the Bank may
be permitted to donate sick days from his/her own accumulated sick leave to any
other Bank member who has exhausted his/her own sick leave and utilized
his/her maximum withdrawal from the Bank. To provide for accurate record
keeping by the District, all such transactions must be approved and documented
in writing by the Bank Committee prior to the donation. Such donated days may
not be subsequently repaid to the donor by the recipient. The maximum donation
allowable by any one donor shall be two (2) days per year. The maximum
donation receivable by any one individual for any one illness shall be thirty (30)
days.
Sick Leave Bank
Page 3
12.
If the Bank accumulates one thousand (1,000) days as of September 1st of any
year, further donations may be waived except for newly joining members.
13.
If relevant portions of this Sick Leave Bank are declared illegal or in violation of
the School Code or other applicable statutes by an Appellate Court of last resort
or other Court of competent jurisdiction, the Bank shall forthwith be dissolved or
mutually amended to conform with such decisions. In the event of dissolution the
days shall be returned pro rata to the members. On the request of the ESPA, the
parties will meet and discuss concerning implementation of a new Bank
complying with the legal requirements of such decision or opinion.
14.
Bank operation shall be suspended at the end of any school year in the event of
substantially increased use of accumulated sick leave benefits among members
of the Bank. An increased incidence of sick leave absence by the members in
excess of twenty percent (20%) over averages per year since 2006 - 2007 levels
shall, in the absence of an epidemic or other such discernible cause, be deemed
conclusive evidence justifying such suspension. In the event of a suspension of
Bank operation under the provisions of this section, the parties shall meet and
discuss concerning appropriate modifications of these regulations to allow
renewed operation of the Bank.
15.
Record keeping will be the responsibility of the committee. Medical information
obtained by the committee will be kept in strict confidence.
10/2/2007
No. 609
Attachment D
SECTION:
FINANCES
TITLE:
INVESTMENT OF
DISTRICT FUNDS
ADOPTED:
REVISED:
609. INVESTMENT OF DISTRICT FUNDS
1. Purpose
It shall be the policy of the Board to optimize its return through investment of cash
balances in such a way as to minimize noninvested balances and to maximize return
on investments.
The primary objectives of investment activities, in priority order, shall be:
Legality - All investments shall be made in accordance with applicable laws of
Pennsylvania.
Safety - Safety of principal shall be of highest priority. Preservation of capital in
the portfolio of investments shall be ensured through the mitigation of credit
risk and interest rate risk.
Liquidity - Investments shall remain sufficiently liquid to meet all operating
requirements that are reasonably anticipated. A fiscal year operations
anticipated cash flow shall be developed so that investments can be made as
early as possible, with maturities concurrent with anticipated cash demands.
Yield - Investments shall be made with the objective of attaining a marketaverage rate of return throughout the budgetary and economic cycles, taking
into account the investment risk constraints and liquidity needs.
2. Authority
SC 440.1, 621,
622, 623
All investments of the school district made by an officer and/or employee of the
district shall be made in accordance with this policy and a Board-approved
investment program.
3. Definitions
Short-term - any period thirteen (13) months or less.
Long-term - any period exceeding forty-eight (48) months' duration.
Mid-range - any period between short-term and long-term.
Page 1 of 6
609. INVESTMENT OF DISTRICT FUNDS - Pg. 2
Concentration of credit risk - the risk associated with the consolidation of
investments in a single pool, institution, or instrument.
Credit risk - the risk of loss of principal due to the failure of the security issue or
backer of the issue.
Custodial credit risk - the risk of loss associated with consolidation of investments
with a single institution where the district may rely on the institution to hold
investments on behalf of the district or through collateral action when the
instruments are not in the district name.
Foreign currency risk - the risk associated with investment in foreign currency that
is subject to market fluctuation and associated currency conversion.
Interest rate risk - the risk that the market value of securities will fall due to
changes in general interest rates.
Investment program - the specifically enumerated and Board-approved investment
strategy.
4. Delegation of
Responsibility
SC 440.1
The Board shall delegate to a designated individual the responsibility to manage the
district's investment program, in accordance with written, Board-approved
procedures for operation of the investment program.
An annual review of the investment program shall be prepared by the designated
individual, based upon the anticipated cash flow of all district funds, i.e. general,
capital reserve, bond, etc. The investment program shall be submitted to the Board
{ } during the month of _____________.
{ } no later than thirty (30) days after adoption of the annual budget.
{ } no later than sixty (60) days after adoption of the annual budget.
SC 440.1
The designated individual responsible for investments shall report monthly to the
Board the following:
1.
Amount of funds invested.
2.
Interest earned and received to date.
3.
Types and amounts of each investment and the interest rate on each.
Page 2 of 6
609. INVESTMENT OF DISTRICT FUNDS - Pg. 3
4.
Names of the institutions where investments are placed.
5.
Current market value of the funds invested.
{ } Other information required by the Board.
The Board directs the Superintendent to have developed written procedures that will
ensure compliance with this policy. Such procedures shall include a disclosure form
for designated individuals involved in the investment process and/or required written
statements for advisors and bidders.
5. Guidelines
SC 440.1
Investments permitted by this policy are those defined in Section 440.1 of the School
Code, as amended, which are collateralized in accordance with applicable laws.
All securities shall be purchased in the name of the school district, and custody of
the securities shall be specified within the district's investment program.
17 CFR
Part 270
An exception to purchases in the name of the school district is permitted for the
purchase of shares of an investment company that is or conducts business voluntarily
in compliance with SEC section 2a7.
SC 440.1
All investment advisors or bidders shall verify in writing that they have received a
copy of this policy. Such written statement shall indicate that they have read and
understand this policy and all applicable statutes related to school district
investments, along with their intent to comply fully with these requirements.
The district shall require all investment advisors/bidders to submit annually any or
all of the following, as appropriate:
{ } Audited financial statements.
{ } Proof of National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) certification.
{ } Proof of state registration.
{ } Provide annually the rating from a recognized rating agency.
{ } Other (specify) ______________________.
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609. INVESTMENT OF DISTRICT FUNDS - Pg. 4
Disclosure
65 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 1101 et seq
Designated officers and employees involved in the district's investment process shall
disclose any personal business activity that could conflict with the proper execution
and management of the investment program or could impair their ability to make
impartial decisions.
Audit
The Board directs that all investment records be subject to annual audit by the
district's independent auditors.
The audit shall include but not be limited to independent verification of amounts and
records of all transactions, as deemed necessary by the independent auditors.
It shall be the responsibility of the investment advisor and/or bidder to maintain
necessary documents to permit independent audit of the district's investments.
Bond Proceeds
53 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 8001 et seq,
8224
Bond proceeds shall be invested in accordance with the Local Government Unit
Debt Act and applicable federal and state laws, subject to approval by the solicitor
and/or bond counsel and the School Board.
Investment transactions arising from bond proceeds shall be reported monthly to the
Board, in accordance with this policy.
Compliance With GAAP
SC 218
GASB Stmt 40
The following is intended to guide district investments as limited by Section 440.1
of the School Code:
1. District funds shall not be invested in foreign currency and shall not have any
related risk that would require disclosure pursuant to GASB Statement 40.
2. District investments shall limit the exposure to loss of principal due to market
changes in interest rates. To accomplish this, investments of this nature shall be
limited to not more than
{ } ___ percent of district funds available for investment on any single
maturity date.
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609. INVESTMENT OF DISTRICT FUNDS - Pg. 5
3. District investments in authorized instruments that are not backed by the “full
faith and credit” of the federal or state government shall be limited to those with
{ } the highest credit rating available for such instruments issued by a
recognized organization.
{ } the highest two (2) credit ratings available for such instruments issued
by a recognized organization.
{ } Other (specify) _______________________________.
If, after purchase, the rating of any instrument is reduced and is no longer in
compliance with this policy, the individual responsible for district investments
shall
{ } advise the Board at the earliest opportunity of such action and make
recommendations for altering investments.
{ } replace the investment immediately upon receipt of notice of the rating
change and notify the Board of the rating change, action taken and replacement
investment.
{ } Other (specify)___________________________________________.
4. When district funds are invested in any one (1) issuer other than designated
depository accounts (which includes external investment pools), and securities
issued or explicitly guaranteed by the U.S. Government (owned directly by the
district), the amount of the investment shall be
{ } unlimited, but the Board shall be notified of such investment
{ } monthly.
{ } quarterly.
{ } only at time of investment.
{ } limited to _____ percent of total funds available for investment.
5. For purposes of interest rate disclosure in the annual financial report, the method
of determining interest rate risk shall be based on weighted average maturity.
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609. INVESTMENT OF DISTRICT FUNDS - Pg. 6
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 218, 440.1, 621, 622, 623
Public Officials and Employee Ethics Act – 65 Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 1101 et seq
Local Government Unit Debt Act – 53 Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 8001 et seq, 8224
Investment Companies, Title 17, Code of Federal Regulations – 17 CFR Part 270
Governmental Accounting Standards Board, Statement No. 40
PSBA Revision 3/06
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