Board Meeting: Februrary 28, 2000
Minutes
BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT FEBRUARY 28, 2000
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
REGULAR MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Bethlehem Area
School District was held on February 28, 2000, beginning at 7:17 p.m., in the
Auditorium, at East Hills Middle School, 2005 Chester Road, Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania.
MEMBERS PRESENT
The Board Secretary called the roll:
Members present: Directors Amato, Craig, Gallagher, Leeson, Venanzi, Williams,
and Koch - 7. Members absent: Directors Glancy and Heske - 2. Student member
representative Joseph Svetecz was also present.
OTHERS PRESENT
Others present: Thomas J. Doluisio, Superintendent of Schools; Paul Stevens and
Sean Blake, Solicitors; Stanley J. Majewski, Jr., Board Secretary;
administrators; members of the press and other interested citizens and staff
members.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At this point in the meeting, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
SILENT MEDITATION
President Koch requested that the audience observe a moment of silent meditation.
SPECIAL MEETINGS
Mr. Doluisio reported the following executive session of the board:
An executive session of the Board of School Directors was held this evening.
Student discipline and a personnel matter were discussed.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
The following persons addressed the Board of School Directors:
1. Kevin Harwick, 2021 Catasauqua Road, stated his concern is with his
children's safety. They are attending Rosemont until next year when they
will return to Clearview. He stated his understanding is that there are no
school zone signs at either location. At numerous times he has seen children
almost getting hit by people not slowing down. He has contacted Bethlehem Police
Department and was told that because there are no signs, they cannot enforce a
school zone speed limit. Upon talking with the Traffic Department there, it is
his understanding that PennDOT no longer handles that part of our town; it falls
back on the township. They had come to the school board with a proposition of
sharing the cost of installing these signs. He stated he would like to see
something done. He contacted Lt. Mills of the traffic department who stated
that a traffic study will be done. It is being sent to the Public Works Department
to be handled.
Mr. Harwick also pointed out that Airport Road and Schoenersville Road will be
under construction for the next 2-1/2 years. That is a major route from
Pennsylvania Avenue to Catasauqua Road. The traffic there will become a lot
worse.
Mr. Harwick would like school zone speed limit signs placed in front of Rosemont
and Clearview. Mr. Harwick presented a petition signed by 44 parents sharing his
concerns.
2. Rosemary Henzel, fifth grade teacher at James Buchanan Elementary School,
stated that she and Patrice Masluk, fifth grade teacher at Hanover, are
co-chairpersons of the BEA/BASD Spelling Bee. The spelling bee was held at
Spring Garden Elementary School on February 23. All participants were given a
certificate and a Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee pin. The district winners
received a sweatshirt and savings bonds. She introduced the winners. This
year's contest lasted 15 rounds and 188 words. The word "vulgar" was the winning
word. She introduced the winners and presented a plaque to each of them. The
district winner was Stephanie Hank, eighth grader at East Hills Middle School,
the daughter of Julieann Hank. First runner up was Kaitlin Angione, daughter of
Dennis and Barbara Angione, fourth grader at Miller Heights Elementary School.
Second runner up was Zachary Reph, son of Keith and Lynne Reph, fifth grader at
Governor Wolf Elementary School. These exceptional spellers will represent the
Bethlehem Area School District at the regional bee to be held at Lafayette
College on Tuesday, March 14. She and Ms. Masluk wished them g-o-o-d l-u-c-k.
Ms. Masluk invited everyone to cake and coffee in recognition of our school board
members at the conclusion of the meeting.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Mr. Doluisio stated that he had comments to make at the end of the meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School - Director Craig reported that the
Vo-Tech Board met on Wednesday, February 9. He stated there are two items the
board should be aware of. A committee was formed to re-evaluate the policies the
vo-tech school abides by because there have been some recent recommendations
submitted by the state. He, Director Venanzi, and a board member from
Northampton School District are members of that board. The committee met on
February 24, reviewed all of the new policies, made some recommendations and
changes to be brought to the superintendents and the Vo-Tech Board in the near
future. The second issue concerned renovations at Vo-Tech which will begin this
year. Bids were approved for the work that will begin in spring.
Human Resources Committee - Director Venanzi reported that the Human Resources
Committee met on Monday, February 14. Dr. Bonnie Coyle, director of community
health at St. Luke's, gave an overview of the partnership including the mobile
health vans at Liberty and Freedom High Schools. She stated that the vision
initiative has already provided lenses and frames to over 100 students in our
district. The dental initiative provided preventative and restorative care to
over 200 students. She asked for the district's approval to conduct a survey.
The last high school students' general health survey was in 1995-96. Dr. Coyle
was granted approval to survey the students about their general health needs. The
remainder of the meeting was in executive session.
Facilities Committee - Director Leeson reported that the Facilities Committee met
on Monday, February 7. Mr. Villani reported that construction projects are all
on schedule. The committee unanimously approved six new capital improvements.
One capital improvement, a six-lane track with minimal site improvements, was
approved with parent volunteers offering help to raise approximately $250,000
towards that project. The other projects are: an addition to the Education
Center print room with an elevator, renovations to the Freedom High School
Network Center, ADA accessibility at the stadium, air conditioning for the
Liberty High School cafeteria and auditorium.
Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 - Director Williams reported that the IU met twice
in February, on February 1 and 23, because the January meeting was canceled due
to snow. At the February 1 meeting an affiliation with Lehigh University was
announced. It is a partnership funded through the IU and the Department of
Education where interns would research the best and most promising practices from
around the world and report back to superintendents, curriculum coordinators,
etc. on a regular basis. A second intern would provide research and complete
special projects for the Intermediate Unit on special education, curriculum,
human services, etc. The third intern would be an international fellow at no
cost to the Intermediate Unit and would be available to school districts on a
proposal basis to provide research which would enhance educational opportunities
for the students of the districts.
In addition, the committee had a presentation on some special education issues at
the IU. This was of particular interest because we have had a hearing from a
charter school.
On February 23, Dr. Mickley told the committee about a visit he had made to a
facility in Houston, an alternative education program, costing about $13,000 per
student. He felt that Second Chance Academy is superior. He also showed survey
results that represent an initial attempt to look at which degree-granting
institutions are providing better prepared educational staff. The IU is ready to
print tax bills for school districts needing this service. They have a very
advanced printing service to offer.
Director Williams directed the board's attention to a Leadership Academy folder
and the May 4 meeting. The topic is the "The Principal's Role in Creating a
Learning Community."
Curriculum Committee - Director Williams reported that the Curriculum Committee
met on February 7. At that meeting the board was given a presentation on the
David Project. The purpose of the presentation was to provide initial data
regarding attendance, conduct, and academic performance of the students assigned
to the David teams. There was a terrific turn out of teachers which indicated
their support of this program. Attendance and academic improvements were noted
because of the program. The administration is currently analyzing how students
moving through David will fit into the eleventh grade curriculum. The committee
saw a video on the David program as part of the New Standards video project.
The committee was also presented with a Code of Conduct annual report. Director
Williams reminded the board that it can e-mail any questions on the report to
Mrs. Justice for Mr. Perfetti's attention to be addressed at the next curriculum
committee meeting. This reports compares three years of the actual Code of
Conduct and provides a more accurate reflection of how students are responding to
the expectations defined in the Code. Increases and decreases in specific areas
of conduct can in some cases be attributed to reporting, so it is important to
look at not just the numbers, but also why things occur. There is a significant
decrease in level 3 infractions at the elementary level. It is an important
thing because we hope that as students are taught to respect issues in the Code,
incidences will reduce at the secondary level.
Finance Committee - Director Williams reported that the Finance Committee met on
February 14. There was a question regarding busing costs that might be incurred
to the district for the Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School which may
project about 400 students currently not being bussed by the district to that
location. It was estimated that this might add eight additional busses at a cost
of approximately $480,000. The annual operations cost for this would, perhaps,
add another $100,000.
The committee was also presented with the Northampton County Community College
budget which is on tonight's agenda. The budget is $1,638,240, representing a
3.27% increase from last year.
The committee received some clarification on bond money expenditure. Mr.
Majewski informed the committee that money must be obligated and spent within
three years. The district typically has spent funds obtained from financing
within five years.
Northampton Community College - President Koch reported that the Northampton
Community College Committee met on Thursday, February 3. The committee heard an
update on the south side Bethlehem project, the Monroe expansion, and building
renovation.
The community college is updating a policy dealing with concurrent enrollment by
high school seniors. A requirement for a high school senior to attend the
community college is obtaining the superintendent's approval, even if that
student is enrolled in a private school. If that is not the case, the student
must be 18 years old to attend. Another point is that if a student has been
expelled or dropped out of high school, he would not be eligible for the
concurrent enrollment.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Directors Craig and Venanzi to approve the minutes of the
January 10, 2000, Special Board Meeting and January 31, 2000, Regular Board
Meeting. The motion carried by voice vote.
The board commented favorably about having the minutes available on the
district's website.
MR. DOLUISIO PRESENTS
Mr. Doluisio presented the following recommendations of the administration.
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
Director Craig made a motion (item 17a) that the Board of School Directors
readmit student number 947636 to the Bethlehem Area School District effective
Monday, March 6, 2000, subject to the parents executing the agreement setting
forth the conditions for the return of the student. Director Williams seconded
the motion. The question was called and roll call was as follows: Yea,
Directors Williams, Koch, Amato, Craig, Gallagher, Leeson, and Venanzi - 7.
Motion passed 7 - 0.
MR. DOLUISIO
Mr. Doluisio thanked the cabinet for the fine job of research and analysis. He
congratulated the board for spending much time on the two charter school
proposals. Sean Blake also did an immense amount of work in the background and
in preparation of documentation, guiding the district through both hearings.
SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION
Mr. Doluisio spoke about School Board Recognition Month, which is January. Board
recognition was postponed until this evening because of bad weather. Mr.
Doluisio explained that he primarily wanted to speak to the community in
attendance so that they would absolutely know what school boards do on behalf of
children in every community in the 501 school districts in the Commonwealth. It
takes a lot of things to make a great school district, including a fine work
force. In addition, it takes a professionally-oriented, intelligent, courageous,
and well-focused school board. Bethlehem is blessed in having such a
hard-working and dedicated board. The nine members represent the finest in terms
of community service. School board members are not paid any money. They receive
compensation in other ways in the reward of what they do for children in our
community. The Pennsylvania School Boards Association, which the district is a
member of, was the first school boards group in the nation, founded in 1895.
82.7% of all school directors have post high school education. 34% of all school
directors are female. School directors oversee multimillion dollar public
education budgets, serving 984,830 elementary students and 831,736 secondary
students. 53.2% of public school funding comes from local support. The 3,203
school buildings in Pennsylvania are staffed by more than 112,000 teachers, 6,200
administrative employes, and 90,000 full and part-time support personnel. 45% of
Pennsylvania's 4,509 school directors spend between 11 and 20 hours per month on
school board business, while another 24% spend between 21 and 30 hours. More
than 93,000 students are served by the 80 vocational-technical schools in the
Commonwealth. Many local board members serve both on the local and vo-tech
board, as is the case with five of our board members who also serve on the joint
operating committee of the BAVTS. Pennsylvania school directors are charged with
policy making, planning, goal setting, care of facilities, financial matters - in
the case of Bethlehem over $100,000,000, budget making, taxation, state
legislation and regulations, labor relations, legal issues. 65% of all
Pennsylvania school directors have two or three children in their families. 93%
of the children attend public schools. One-quarter of all school directors site
state regulations and control as the most difficult area of school board
operations to understand. On behalf of the school district, the children, and
the community, Mr. Doluisio thanked and congratulated our board for a very, very
good job and for their continued support for all the things that are important to
the community in terms of the education of our children. Mr. Doluisio passed out
a token of recognition of the fine work the board does on behalf of the
community. Their efforts are not taken for granted.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
No one wished to address the Board of School Directors.
ADJOURNMENT
Directors Gallagher and Craig moved to adjourn the meeting which carried by voice
vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Attest,
Stanley J. Majewski, Jr. Board Secretary
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