DRAFT – NOT APPROVED BY THE BOARD
QUAKERTOWN COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
DISTRICT SERVICES CENTER (DSC)
100 Commerce Drive, Quakertown, PA 18951
Minutes of the Thursday, February 27, 2014 Regular Meeting
I.
CALL TO ORDER: 7:08 pm
President, Paul Stepanoff called the meeting to order with a quorum present as indicated
in the roll call below. He announced the meeting is being recorded by the board secretary.
An Executive Session was held prior to tonight’s meeting to discuss a student matter, a
legal matter and a personnel matter. An Executive Session will be held after tonight’s
meeting to discuss a personnel matter.
II.
FLAG SALUTE
III.
ROLL CALL:
Board of School Directors
Mr. Paul Stepanoff, President
Mr. Gary Landes, Vice President
Mr. Dwight Anderson
Mrs. Anna Cattie
Mrs. Joyce King
Mr. Stephen Ripper
Mr. Charles Shermer
Mr. Robert Smith
Mrs. Fern Strunk
Dr. William Harner, Superintendent (Non-voting Member)
Mrs. Alice K. Bishop, Non-Member Secretary
Present
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Absent
Others Present
Ms. Nancianne Edwards, Director of Human Resources
Dr. Suzanne Laverick-Stone, Assistant to the Superintendent
Mr. Robert Riegel, CPA, Business Administrator/Treasurer
Mr. Jeffrey P. Garton, Esquire, Begley, Carlin & Mandio, LLP
IV.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May I have a motion to approve the minutes of the January 23, 2014 meeting of the
Board of School Directors of the Quakertown Community School District.
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Motion:
Second:
Result:
Stephen Ripper
Anna Cattie
Motion passed unanimously
V. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Manuel Alfonso, Milford Township addressed the board regarding public comment at school
board meetings and asked for a revision to policy 903 to allow the distribution of materials and
handouts at board meetings and for board members to make presentations without pre-approval.
Linda Varichione, Richland Township addressed the board regarding the availability of a track
for the spring track season. She will contact Mr. Riegel as a follow up.
Ruth Barndt Quakertown Borough congratulated Dr. Harner as the new substitute superintendent
and the 25 year staff members who are being recognized tonight for their service. She reported
on poor conditions at various school buildings and asked the board to review the outsourcing of
the custodians.
Mr. Ripper reported that he and Dr. Harner took a tour of the high school and noted some
discrepancies between the condition of the buildings and their report. Dr. Harner reported that he
and Mr. Riegel met with the district manager of GCA and GCA was given one month to show
improvement. Inspections will be conducted periodically. A survey was given and the board will
receive the first feedback.
VI.
REPORTS
SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Snapshot of Excellence
A. Upper Bucks County Tech School Skills USA Awards
Dr. Harner recognized the Upper Bucks County Skills USA champions.
1st place
Dylan King, Automated Manufacturing Technology, grade 12
Nathan Mann, Teams Works in Construction Technology, grade 11
John Leigh, Job Interview, grade 10
2nd place
Kelsey Sheeran, Baking, grade 12
Brandon Hoffman, CNC Milling, grade 12
B. National Merit Scholarship Finalist
Colin Fowler was recognized by Dr. Harner who noted his extraordinary
achievement and congratulated him and his parents.
C. QCHS Logo Design
Lincoln Kaar was commended by Dr. Harner for his design of the new
Quakertown Community High School logo.
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Dr. Harner reported that the Superintendent Report will include a Snapshot of Excellence
to recognize staff and students for their achievements at the second board meeting of each
month.
He commended the Pfaff Elementary School teachers that were discussing their students
at a team teacher meeting.
D. 25 Year Staff Recognition
Dr. Harner recognized the following 25 year staff members and congratulated them for
their service in education.
 Theresa Kelly, High School Teacher
 Shirley Moyer, Supervisor of Special Education
 Kathleen Mease, Milford Middle School Teacher
 Linda Grosella, District Services Center Secretary
 Patrick Tannous, Assistant Principal at the High School
 Jacqueline Clymer, Strayer Middle School Teacher
 Nancy Lubenetski, Tohickon Valley Elementary Teacher
 Mark Lutz, Tohickon Valley Elementary Teacher
 Craig Stephens, High School Teacher
E. Board Appreciation
 Dr. Harner congratulated Mr. Stepanoff for his eight years of service and
presented a certificate from PSBA
 Dr. Harner handed out awards and calendars from PSBA for each board member
 Each Building Principal presented a library book to the board to honor their
service to the district.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRESENTATION
Mr. Zach Williard, PFM provided handouts and information on the Upper Bucks County
Technical School Debt borrowing.
REDISTRICTING
Dr. Harner reported that he and Mr. Stepanoff held a community meeting on February 6
and gleaned feedback from many parents on the issue of redistricting. The administration
decided not to redistrict next school year. A study will be done in the future on
enrollment. Future predictions show that enrollment figures decline to about 4900
students.
START TIMES
Dr. Harner reported on the extracurricular events at the high school level and the lost
instruction time for Upper Bucks County Technical School students. He noted that the
first pick up for middle school students is 6:18 am.
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FACULTY/PARENT COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Dr. Harner reported that he has been attending faculty meetings and TPO meetings at all
school buildings.
TRANSPORTATION COSTS
Dr. Harner reported that transportation costs reflect 4% of the district budget. He noted
the high cost of mandated transportation for charter school students, special needs
students and private schools.
President Stepanoff clarified the discussion so far: the board is delaying open area
discussions and before next school year, the board will look at the process for redistricting, the start times and transportation costs. The re-districting process will involve
the community. He asked the policy committee to look at the issue of students being
moved to different schools. Mr. Garton noted that there is no law limiting the number of
times students can be switched.
Dr. Harner noted that the issue of start times will be on the agenda in one month or so.
Mr. Finnerty clarified the loss of instructional time for students.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADING PROCESS
Mr. Stepanoff reported that the committee made a recommendation on the HS Grading
process to the administration. The board is comfortable using the HS grading process as a
model for the middle school grading. The next Education/Curriculum committee meeting
is March 5 and a survey will be developed using the HS parameters. Dr. Harner will
report back to the board.
BOARD RETREAT REPORT
Dr. Harner reported that the board met with Mr. Tom Templeton on Saturday and one
item on the agenda was a Full Day Kindergarten Pilot Program for the most needy
students. The Education/Curriculum committee will review the statistics and
recommendations on Monday, March 3. The meeting will focus on kindergarten.
Dr. Harner is working with Dr. Holler on differentiated curriculum at the middle school
level to align secondary social studies curriculum for 2014-15 year and a significant realignment for the next school year.
K12 Insight is working on a base line guidance survey for grades 6-12.
PRESIDENT REPORT
Search for a permanent superintendent
The board began the process by meeting this week with community leaders to gain an
understanding of what qualities and characteristics the community wants in a
superintendent. President Stepanoff announced an executive session on the search will be
held after tonight’s meeting.
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Board retreat
President Stepanoff reported that the board would like to hold a follow up retreat in the
spring and another in the summer to discuss district goal for next year.
Policy revision
President Stepanoff asked the policy committee to look at policy 903 to allow the public
to hand out appropriate information at board meetings. Mr. Garton advised the board to
set clear guidelines on what will be permissible. Mrs. King wants to move forward with
the current revisions and the policy committee will continue to review.
Work session meeting location
Mr. Stepanoff began a discussion on holding board work sessions at the school buildings.
He noted that in the past the meetings at alternate locations were well attended by parents
from those school buildings. Discussion continued on the logistics of moving the board
work sessions to alternate locations.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
BUCKS COUNTY INTERMEDIATE UNIT
Mrs. Strunk reported on the most recent BCIU meeting.
QUAKERTOWN COMMUNITY EDUCATION FOUNDATION –
Mrs. Cattie reported that the 2nd annual 5K Run/Walk will be held on June 7 and directed
the board to register and sign up on the district website.
UPPER BUCKS COUNTY TECH SCHOOL –
Mr. Anderson reported on the current events at the UBCTS
FACILITIES COMMITTEE REPORT
Mr. Smith reported that the board took a tour of the high school renovations last week.
He noted that there are potential change orders for the next meeting agenda. Mr. Riegel
reported that the stadium renovations are out for bid and the results will be reviewed by
the Facilities committee at their March 6 meeting.
POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT
Mrs. King reported on the following revisions;
005 ORGANIZATION – The Nomination committee section was eliminated. The Board
discussed the length of the UBCTS and BCIU terms.
006 MEETINGS – Mrs. King reported that a change was made to add public comment
prior to each consent agenda. Mr. Garton suggested a minor revision to the executive
session topic list.
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903 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN BOARD MEETINGS – The time limit for public
comment will be five minutes. The committee will further discuss the issue of placards
and banners and allowing handouts.
909.1 RELATIONS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Mrs. King reported that this is a new policy that Mr. Garton reviewed and provided some
revisions/additions.
VII. ITEMS FOR BOARD ACTION (Possible Executive Session)
A. PUBLIC COMMENT
B. FISCAL CONSENT AGENDA
1. NEW BORROWING - SERIES OF 2014 BONDS FOR UPPER BUCKS
COUNTY TECHNICAL SCHOOL
The Board of Directors (“Board”) of Quakertown Community School District
(“School District”) adopts a Resolution, the full text of which is incorporated
into this Motion by specific reference, authorizing the incurring of nonelectoral debt in concert with certain other school districts participating in the
Upper Bucks County Technical School (“Technical School”); determining to
issue said debt to provide funds for certain renovations, alterations, additions,
improvements, furnishings and equipment to the Technical School;
establishing that the maximum aggregate principal amount of such debt shall
be $22,625,000; establishing the initial share of the debt for this School
District in an amount not to exceed $9,063,575; determining that such debt
shall be incurred as lease rental debt to be evidenced by a series of Guaranteed
School Lease Revenue Bonds, Series of 2014 (“Bonds”), to be authorized and
to be issued by State Public School Building Authority under an indenture,
lease and sublease or supplements thereto; authorizing a filing of required
documents with the Department of Community and Economic Development,
and containing a covenant of guaranty of this School District with respect to
payment of its proportionate share of the principal of and interest on the
Bonds; approving the form of the Agreement of Lease and Sublease
Agreement and making certain other covenants and provisions in respect to
the Bonds.
May I have a motion to approve the above resolution
Motion:
Joyce King
Second:
Gary Landes
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Joyce King
Anna Cattie
Dwight Anderson
Charles Shermer
Fern Strunk
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Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Robert Smith
Stephen Ripper
Gary Landes
Paul Stepanoff
Result:
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
With a vote of Nine (9) Ayes and Zero (0)
Nays, the motion passed.
2. BILLS LIST
The Business Services Department is requesting approval of the bills list for
the month ending January 2014 in the amount of $4,858,200.82.
3. TREASURER’S REPORT
The Business Services Department is requesting approval of the Treasurer’s
Report for the month ending January 2014.
4. BUDGET TRANSFERS
The Business Services Department is requesting approval of the Budget
Transfers for the month ending January 2014.
5. BUCKS COUNTY INTERMEDIATE UNIT #22 PROGRAMS & SERVICES
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR THE 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit’s 2014-2015 Programs & Services and
Instruction Materials & Research Budgets are being presented for board
approval. Quakertown Community School District’s share is $57,572 a
decrease of $1,409 over last year’s budget.
6. LEHIGH UNIVERSITY IACOCCA HALL
The Business Services Department is requesting that the board approve the
agreement with Lehigh University for services for the 2014 Junior Prom to be
held on April 26, 2014.
7. QUAKERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR
The Business Services Department is requesting that the board approve the
below agreements for the Quakertown High School Choir trip to Washington,
DC leaving on April 15, 2014 and returning on April 19, 2014:
a) Easton Coach Company – Transportation
b) Courtyard Marriott – Lodging
c) Spirit Cruises – Dinner Cruise
d) Kennedy Center – Admission
e) National Aquarium – Admission
f) Bubba Gump Shrimp Co – Banquet
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8. TAX MATTERS
The Business Services Department is recommending the board approve the
following tax matters:
Real Estate Liens
Date items sent to Lien 1/9/14
Municipality
2013
Haycock
121,582.33
Milford
355,451.77
Quakertown
357,953.42
Richland
507,472.01
Richlandtown
31,150.50
Trumbauersville
30,770.44
Total
1,404,380.47
2012
1,020.52
1,743.65
3,815.15
2011
551.18
758.05
118.07
1,845.05
436.32
7,015.64
3,272.35
Total
122,133.51
357,230.34
359,815.14
513,132.21
31,150.50
31,206.76
1,414,668.46
2013 Real Estate & Interim Exempt/Exon'd- Current Year-As of Jan 31, 2014 Month
End Reports
Municipality
Haycock
Milford
Quakertown
Richland
Richlandtown
Trumbauersville
Total
2013
1,542.82
9,442.45
6,044.64
509.33
17,539.24
Delinquent Taxes for Submission to Berkheimer Associates
Lien Date 2/1/14 Per Capita Bill Date 8/1/2013
2013 Per
Municipality
Capita
Haycock
2,660.00
Milford
12,100.00
Quakertown
15,010.00
Richland
18,510.00
Richlandtown
2,250.00
Trumbauersville
1,620.00
Total
52,150.00
Exempt/Exon'd - Current Year-As of Jan 1, 2014 Month End Reports (Per Capita Bill
Date 8/1/2013)
2013 Per
Capita
150.00
490.00
520.00
Municipality
Haycock
Milford
Quakertown
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Richland
Richlandtown
Trumbauersville
Total
670.00
70.00
70.00
1,970.00
May I have a motion to approve the above fiscal items.
Motion:
Second:
Discussion:
Result:
C.
Gary Landes
Anna Cattie
Mr. Riegel explained that the tax matters include real estate
and per capita liens and exons/exemptions.
Motion passed unanimously
HUMAN RESOURCES
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
1. Leaves
a. Michael Murphy – Teacher – sabbatical for professional development –
Effective: For the 2014-2015 school year only.
b. Prakash Patel – Teacher – sabbatical for professional development –
Effective: For the 2014-2015 school year only.
2. Resignation
Adam Lynn – Teacher – Effective: April 04, 2014
3. Employment
Content Specialist
Jennifer Froshour (1/2) – Elementary Math
4. Change in Employee Status – Tenure 2013/2014 School Year
Erk, Allison
January 16, 2014
SUPPORT STAFF
1. Leave
a. William Handel - Maintenance – paid/unpaid intermittent leave –
Effective: January 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, 2014.
b. Wayne Gilbert – Custodian – paid leave extension – Effective: February
14, 201 through May 04, 2014.
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2. Resignations
a. Aida Basso – Aide (A) – Effective: February 28, 2014
b. Heather Daniels – Secretary – Effective: March 05, 2014
3. Employment
a. Aubree Oswald – Aide (B) – Effective: January 10, 2014 – rate of pay:
$13.84/ hour.
b. Eleanor Wilson – Part-time Café Helper (B) – Effective: *TBD – rate
of pay: $9.15/ hour.
c. Beverley Claus – Part-time Café Helper (B) – Effective: *TBD – rate
of pay: $9.15/ hour.
4. Transfer
Linda Ossman – From Part-time Library Secretary (B) to Facilities Secretary
– rate of pay: $21.78/ hour.
SUBSTITUTES
1. Employment
a. Additions to the 2013-2014 Teacher Substitute List
Bishop, Debra
McCrea, Denise
b. Additions to the 2013-2014 Aide Substitute List
Thomas, Laura
Waite, Michele
Micucci, Christy
2. Resignations
a. Sabah Morcos – Substitute Aide
b. Michele Waite – Substitute Aide
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UNIT PAY FOR THE 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR
1. Employment
a. Athletics
ACTIVITY
Baseball
Baseball
Spring Track – Boys
Spring Track – Boys
Spring Track – Boys
Spring Track – Girls
Spring Track – Girls
Spring Track – Girls
Tennis – Boys
Tennis – Boys
Volleyball – Boys
Volleyball – Boys
Softball
Softball
Softball
Softball
Baseball
Baseball
Softball
Spring Track
b.
ACTIVITY
Supervision
Supervision
SCHOOL
Senior High
Senior High
Senior High
Senior High
Senior High
Senior High
Senior High
Senior High
Senior High
Senior High
Senior High
Senior High
Senior High
Senior High
Senior High
Senior High
Milford
Milford
Milford
Milford
LNAME
Babiasz
Maiorino
Stetler
Farrell
Kucharski
Anderson
*Huber
Parsons
Perez
Perez
Snyder
Snyder
Scott
Fox
*Weaver
Kirschman
Makoul
Lancos
Hunsicker
Glaunert
FNAME
Anthony
James
Sean
John
Justin
Jason
Abigail
James
Fernando
Beth
Andrew
Wendy
Richard
Raymond
Brian
Vanessa
John
Paul
Katlynn
Christopher
SALARY
$3,242.58
$2,026.62
$4,863.89
$2,026.62
$810.65
$4,863.89
$2,026.62
$810.65
$4,053.24
$810.65
$4,863.89
$3,242.58
$4,863.89
$1,621.29
$1,621.29
$810.65
$2,431.94
$1,621.29
$1,621.29
$810.65
Activities
ACTIVITY
Color Guard
Jazz Band
c.
POSITION
Assistant I
Assistant II
Head Coach
Assistant II
Assistant III
Head Coach
Assistant II
Assistant III
Head Coach
Assistant III
Head Coach
Assistant I
Head Coach
Co-Assistant I
Co-Assistant I
Assistant III
Head Coach
Assistant I
Assistant I
Assistant III
POSITION
Director
Director
SCHOOL
Senior High
Senior High
LNAME
Robinson
Parker
FNAME
Franko
Frank
SALARY
$1,804.34
$2,405.79
Clubs
POSITION
Photography Club
Key Club
SCHOOL
Senior High
Senior High
LNAME
Mathis
Shaak
*Contingent on submission of required paperwork
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FNAME
Bernadette
Kelly
SALARY
$130.75
$130.75
RESOLVED THAT, subject to the terms and conditions of any applicable agreements
which are ratified or affirmed herewith, the Quakertown Community School district
approves the personnel items as presented.
May I have a motion to approve the personnel items as presented.
Motion:
Second:
Result:
D.
Gary Landes
Stephen Ripper
Motion passed unanimously
POLICY AND PROGRAMS
1. APPROVE REVISED SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 2013-2014
The Administration is recommending the Board adopt the revised calendar for
the 2013-2014 school year to include February 17, May 20, June 17 and June
18 as regular school days and April 21 and June 19 as future weather
emergency days due to the high volume of snow make up days this winter.
2. AGREEMENT WITH PATHWAY SCHOOL
The Administration recommends the board approve a contract for 2013-2014
School Year Program Services for the emotional support program for one
student at a cost of $27,703.80 from January 17, 2014 through June 13, 2014.
May I have a motion to approve the above policy and program resolutions.
Motion:
Second:
Result:
Charles Shermer
Gary Landes
Motion passed unanimously
VIII. INFORMATION ITEMS
A. COMMUNICATION
Statement of financial interest forms must be filled out by each board member by
May 1 and returned to the Board Secretary.
Financial statements – The board requested no paper copies. The report is posted on
Business Office Webpage.
B. BOARD COMMENT (New Business)
Mr. Anderson began a discussion on 360 evaluations. This will be on a future agenda.
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
Jessica Roth, Quakertown Borough noted that she is involved in the PIE organization
and they need a non-profit number. They are not permitted to use the school district
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number. Discussion ensued. She is also concerned that the retention pond for the
artificial turf at the stadium will result in a loss of playground space. Mr. Riegel
described how the design will provide playground space in that area.
Stephanie Zajkowski, Richland Township requested some clarification on
establishing a 501(c)3 status for the Richland TPO. Mr. Garton could review if he had
all the information on the various TPO’s and booster clubs. A suggestion was made to
have all the organizations combined and run their money through the district business
office.
Brett Dean, Richland Township addressed the board regarding the search committee
for a permanent superintendent. President Stepanoff explained the process and that
the board will discuss further in executive session.
Eileen Dowling, Richland Township asked President Stepanoff for clarification on
the committee’s discussion on the qualities and characteristics for a superintendent.
She noted that the community wants to be part of the process for a permanent
superintendent.
Brett Dean, Richland Township asked how the community members were chosen for
the committee meeting. Mrs. King clarified the parent selection.
D. DATES FOR BOARD MEMBERS CALENDARS
Monday, March 3, 2014
6:00 pm
Education/Curriculum Comm Mtg
Community Room A
Thursday, March 6, 2014
6:00 pm
Facilities Committee Meeting
Community Room A
Thursday, March 13, 2014
7:00 pm
Work Session, DSC
Friday, March 21, 2014
8:15 am
Board Breakfast
Quakertown Elementary
Thursday, March 27, 2014
7:00 pm
Regular Voting Meeting, DSC
IX. ADJOURNMENT
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May I have a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion:
Second:
Result:
Gary Landes
Robert Smith
Motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 9:45PM
_____________________________
Paul R. Stepanoff, Board President
________________________________
Alice K. Bishop, Board Secretary
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