Board Meeting - January 29, 2001
Minutes
BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT JANUARY 29, 2001
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 January 29, 2001, beginning at 7:12 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, Glancy, Heske, Leeson,
Venanzi, Williams, and Koch - 9. Student member representatives Katie Jo Righi
and Patricia Matthews were also present.
OTHERS PRESENT
Others present: Thomas J. Doluisio, Superintendent of Schools; Paul Stevens,
Solicitor; 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.
Personnel matters and student discipline were discussed.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
The following persons addressed the Board of School Directors:
1. Bob Fyrer, 1427 Elm Street, Bethlehem, spoke representing the ice hockey
teams of Liberty and Freedom High Schools. He referred to information included
in the board's agenda packets. With the help of the parents, a binder has been
assembled containing information on both clubs. Ice hockey, behind in-line
hockey, is the fastest growing sport in the world right now. Liberty and Freedom
have had member clubs in the Lehigh Valley Scholastic Hockey League since its
inception in 1990. The league was formed to give each high school's students a
chance to represent their schools proudly. This they have done. Currently there
are 14 members of the Lehigh Valley Scholastic Hockey League, most of which, like
Liberty and Freedom, field both varsity and JV level teams. The possibility of
extending the program to include a middle school level is being explored. The
League would like to do this within the school system and within the township
because sometimes the travel is not feasible for parents. To the surprise of
many, the focus of hockey is not to inflict pain upon one's opponent as shown in
television coverage of professional ice hockey by ESPN and ABC. This is amateur
hockey. The League's philosophy is that each player should learn the values of
sportsmanship, team work, and hard work through a competitive, yet educational,
environment. Ensuring that this is going on is the job of the coaches, managers,
and parents. Each player in the program is responsible to adhere to the League's
code of conduct, the BASD athletic code of conduct, as well as USA Hockey's zero
tolerance policy. Instances read about or seen on TV are the extreme exception.
If anyone has seen a local youth hockey game, you see a lot of positive energy
focused from the parents towards the players. Mr. Fyrer explained that the
League is not looking for any financial support. It is looking for consideration
to be classified as a "club varsity sport" as Lehigh University does with their
team. The League is asking for the use of available tools and resources to
produce better student athletes in the school district, just for permission to
use what the district currently has: gymnasiums, weight rooms, participation in
banquets with other student athletes. There are a lot of students putting in 10
to 15 hours a week in training to prepare for such a grueling sport. Players
need to train in the best facilities which Bethlehem Area School District can
provide. The League would like upcoming games and game results to be included
with the sports scores on announcements and to receive yearbook recognition.
There are more than 60 student athletes who participate from the two high schools
Ð 15 JV players at a minimum and 15 varsity players on both sides. These
students are representing their schools and should receive their due recognition
in doing such. He expressed hope that the board would consider making their
organization a "club varsity sport."
2. Debbie Sherman-Lechner, 757 Hawthorne Road, Bethlehem, is an Air Force
Parent. Sharon Walters, 905 Spring Street, Bethlehem, is a Marine parent. Ms.
Sherman-Lechner spoke, representing students of Liberty and Freedom who are
entering the military, requesting recognition of graduates who have committed
themselves to serving our country as part of the graduation ceremonies.
Mr. Doluisio thanked Mr. Fyrer for the letter. The board has reviewed the letter
and has directed that the request be reviewed by the athletic department. A
response will be forthcoming. He thanked ice hockey team members for coming to
the meeting.
Mr. Doluisio told Ms. Sherman-Lechner and Ms. Walters that their request is a
very interesting and appropriate request. The request will be reviewed and a
response made. The district appreciates what sons and daughters are doing for us
in the military.
PRESIDENT'S COMMUNICATIONS
President Koch stated that this past weekend she attended the Legislative
Leadership Conference with PSBA. She strongly urged fellow board members to
attend as well. The PSBA functions are always extremely valuable, informing
board members of what is going on in the state. The majority of the time was
spent discussing charter schools and cyber schools. Even though a lot has been
learned by having people talk about charter schools, she still learned a lot
more. There is much to be discussed about charter schools. Only the surface of
the problems involved has been scratched. Darrel W. Drury, one of the speakers,
had actually spent time researching charter schools for the National School
Board. His book lists positives and negatives. She recommended the book to
fellow board members. Now available for state senators and representatives with
PSBA is something called "Issues Briefing" with a lot of school board issues.
She recommended anyone interested in running for school board to use this
excellent book. On Thursday, April 19, the Region 8 meeting will be held at the
Holiday Inn. The subject will be charter schools. The main reason of meeting for
this particular legislative leadership conference is to choose the three top
legislative items. These will be the items PSBA will lobby about when talking to
senators and legislators. The top two were easy to pick. The last one was a
tie, so it was decided to have four items this year. The four are:
1. To support legislation to increase the state contribution for special
education services based on actual costs incurred and students served.
2. To support amendments to Act 22 of 1997 that would allow school boards to
operate charter schools, require full state funding to school districts to
reimburse all net additional costs created by charter schools, ensure that
transportation of charter school students is governed by local school board
policy, require that any proposed charter school with significant enrollment from
more than one district be organized as a regional charter school, and ensure
access to all charter school records by any district with children enrolled in
the school.
3. To support and continue to provide leadership for the coordinated efforts
of the basic educational community in seeking an equal partnership between local
school districts and state government in the funding of public education. The
Association believes state funding must appropriately reflect actual pupil
enrollment and cost of instruction, the needs of small districts and the number
of students living in poverty, and be equitably distributed among school
districts.
4. To support the repeal of Act 50 of 1998 and support legislation enabling
the utilization of a proper mix of taxes for public education as determined
appropriate by each school district.
President Koch remarked that this sounds like a lot, but it is much easier for
the PSBA to focus on these four items than to have to go through the entire book
of suggested items.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance Committee Ð Director Glancy reported that the Finance Committee met on
January 22. Planning and budgeting guidelines for the 2001-2002 budget were
reviewed. Due to schedule conflicts, the date of the April 26 budget hearing was
changed to Monday, April 23, at 8 p.m., immediately following the regular monthly
board meeting. Director Heske questioned if changes in special education
criteria would impact guidelines with regard to staffing. Director Craig
requested a response from the administration at the next regular meeting.
The five-year financial plan was reviewed. It is anticipated that a 3.47 millage
increase will be necessary for the upcoming budget. The large increase is to due
several factors. Payments made to charter schools would represent one-third of
the tax increase as the district would have to pay approximately 2.5 million
dollars to charter schools. Employee benefits for prescriptions drugs are
increasing 25-30%. Industrial parks and other major building projects in the
area are underway but will not have an effect on the district's revenue for two
or three years. Much discussion followed with suggestions on how to keep the
millage increase down. The district would have to increase class sizes and/or
cut programs in order to minimize the tax increase. Mr. Majewski indicated that
there is a light at the end of the tunnel after the 2001-2002 school year.
Discussion on whether the situation at Freemansburg School added to the increase
in taxes revealed that it is expected that these costs will be borne by the
insurance company or the roofing contractor. Questions regarding the use of some
of the fund balance to offset a major tax increase were dismissed. The district
has the lowest fund balance allowable by school board policy at the present time.
If revenues are favorable within the next two or three years, we may be able to
increase the fund balance.
Board Policy 7.11 was discussed Ð Employee Casualty Loss. This was the first
reading of a proposed policy as a result of the situation at Freemansburg School.
Many teachers are bringing personal materials to the school as instructional
aids. This personal property is not covered by any of the district's current
insurance policies and, in most cases, is not covered by the individual's home
owner's policy. It was agreed that the policy should be amended to reflect a
maximum reimbursement of $1,000. This item is on this evening's agenda. Tax
collector compensation was discussed. Once every four years, compensation rates
are re-established for the district's tax collectors. It was recommended that
compensation for the Fountain Hill tax collector be increased from $4,000 to
$4,500 and that the Freemansburg tax collector be increased from $1,500 to
$1,700. This is also on this evening's agenda.
Curriculum Committee Ð Director Williams reported that the Curriculum Committee
met Monday, January 8. The committee received information about Academic
Standards. An overview was given about how expectations are set, assessment,
support, and what criteria define student success. The committee received
information regarding the Math Standards initiatives and the English Language
Arts Academic standards initiatives.
Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 Ð Director Williams reported that the IU Board met
on January 24. The legislative dinner that many of our people attended was
discussed for the benefit of board members from other boards who were not able to
attend. Charter schools is very much a topic for discussion. The IU general
operating budget has been distributed to school districts for board action.
Their business manager, Mr. Eisel, spoke about a PSBA workshop which was to
discuss GASB 34. This will explain important governmental changes that will be
taking place in districts' financial statements and record keeping entry systems.
It represents information about a book that is 400 pages of items that change
the way school districts have to present their financial findings. The meeting
is in Allentown on March 13. The PDE is scheduled to provide a presentation at
Colonial IU 20's summer administrative workshop in August relative to these
issues.
Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School Ð Director Craig reported that the
Vo-Tech Board met on January 2. Items discussed other than normal business were
renovations at the annex, which are moving along ahead of schedule. Renovation
has also begun on the main building. Most of the meeting was spent discussing
the ninth grade tech prep program.
Human Resources Committee Ð Director Gallagher reported that the Human Resources
Committee met on January 22. The entire meeting was a closed session.
Bethlehem Recreation Commission Ð Director Leeson reported that the Recreation
Commission had a meeting on January 11. The winter basketball league has 31
teams registered to play. The compressor at the ice rink is up and running. It
has been an extremely successful season, to date, at the ice rink. This new
compressor is being paid for by energy savings. The ice rink now has a new room
Ð a birthday party room Ð that is available for rental. It is being used
extensively. The Ice House is also available for rental. Many people are using
it for teenage parties. An update on playground improvements done in the year
2000 was given. There was a discussion on Saucon Park. Because of some of the
changes in the layout, Saucon Park is becoming a flood plain. There are problems
in keeping it up to desired standards.
Facilities Committee Ð Director Heske reported that the Facilities Committee met
on Monday, January 8. A construction update was received from Dominic Villani.
All current projects are on schedule except Donegan Elementary School which is
about three months behind due to asbestos abatement, demolition needed of the old
school, extreme weather conditions, and site difficulties. Mr. Villani noted
that if the new construction completion date of August 15 is not met, the
district can continue to use the Rosemont building to house Donegan School as
long as necessary. Agenda items for the January 16 special meeting and tonight's
meeting were reviewed.
The Freedom High School football trip to Orlando, Florida, scheduled for August
2001, was discussed. All funds for the trip will be raised by the Freedom High
School football parents' group.
There is a small parcel at Farmersville School on Freemansburg Avenue. A
neighbor has requested to purchase a small portion of it. Mr. Majewski will
advise the board as to the cost of having the property appraised, etc.
Progress has been slow on the Freemansburg Elementary School. The remediation
phase is complete. Now attention is being given to the restoration phase.
Testing is ongoing through all phases of work. Another report will be received
next month.
STUDENT REPORTS
Freedom High School Ð Katie Jo Righi reported that with the beginning of the new
year, Freedom High School has been filled with exciting, yet knowledgeable,
exhibitions and sporting events. On January 5, Mr. Rivera's ninth grade science
classes set up a roller coaster exhibit featuring nine different roller coasters
made by his students designed to demonstrate the properties and laws of physics.
To share in the excitement and splendor of the coasters, students from East Hills
Middle School were invited to tour the exhibit and experience physics in motion.
On January 19, Freedom had its annual band and orchestra concert, featuring the
notorious stage band, as well as a wind ensemble before the Freedom High School
band, accompanied by the Freedom High School majorette squad. It was a wonderful
concert that captured the attention of all of its listeners.
Freedom has been having another promising basketball season. Brian Heath won the
MVP during the Nazareth Christmas tournament in which Freedom High School was
victorious, again, in beating Nazareth for the fifth year in a row. Freedom's win
over Easton was another triumph, considering Freedom had not beaten Easton in the
past nine years. The win over Pocono Mountain, one of the leading teams in the
league and state, was also victorious. The basketball team brought a whole lot
more school spirit to the halls of Freedom.
The National Honor Society is another very active group in Freedom High School.
On January 14 these students spent their afternoon cooking, preparing, and
serving food for those in need at the Salvation Army. Another visit to the
Salvation Army is planned in the near future.
January has been a busy month for the students and faculty of Freedom High
School. Exams are taking place; students are anxious to get them over with and
start the new semester off with a bang.
Liberty High School Ð Patricia Matthews reported that Liberty's swim team is
having a fantastic season. The girls are 6 and 1 and the boys are 5 and 1,
having lost to Parkland. The basketball teams are practicing hard. The
wrestling team suffered a loss to Freedom, but is back on the mats practicing
harder.
Sean Crawford, a senior, was featured in the Morning Call and was nominated for a
soccer scholarship.
The winter pep rally is coming up. All winter sports will be acknowledged.
Included will be a "cream your teacher in the face" contest. All money will be
donated.
The musical in spring will be "Anything Goes."
Exams are tomorrow.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Directors Heske and Leeson to approve the minutes of the
December 4, 2000, Reorganization Meeting; December 11, 2000, Regular Board
Meeting, and January 16, 2001, Special Board Meeting. The motion carried by
voice vote.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Doluisio presented the recommendations of the administration.
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS - MR. D0LUISIO - SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION Mr.
Doluisio stated that the School Boards Association, on an annual basis, asks that
outstanding community service on the part of school boards be recognized. He
stated that, in the case of Bethlehem, it is an absolute pleasure to do so.
Bethlehem has been blessed for a lot of years with a trusting support by an
intelligent group of school board members. Lately, our school district is
accumulating recognition about what it is doing positively in a many areas. One
of the basic ingredients of a district that is innovative and successful, such as
Bethlehem, is having a board that understands the issues, that is serving for the
right reason, and is working hard along side administration and staff. Bethlehem
has this kind of board. On behalf of the 1,700 plus employees of the Bethlehem
Area School District and the greater Bethlehem area of five municipalities,
14,165 students, and a lot of grateful parents and community members, Mr.
Doluisio thanked the board for being a quality group. Mr. Doluisio stated he
tries to once a year have everyone understand that board members across the
Commonwealth are unpaid volunteers. The Pennsylvania School Boards Association
is the first school boards' group in the nation, founded in 1895. 82.7% of all
Pennsylvania school directors have post-high school education. 69% of all school
directors are female. School directors oversee multimillion dollar public
education budgets serving 977,253 elementary K-6 students and 839,463 secondary
7-12 students. 53.7% of public school funding comes from local support. The
3,228 school buildings in Pennsylvania are staffed by more than 115,673 teachers,
6,415 administrative employees, and 93,344 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. Another 24% spend 21 to 30 hours per month on
school board business. More than 95,000 students are served by the 80
vocational-technical schools in the Commonwealth. Many local school directors
serve both on their local board and a vo-tech board. In the case of Bethlehem,
our directors also serve on the IU board and at the Northampton Community College
as trustees. Pennsylvania school directors are charged with policy-making,
planning, goal-setting, care of facilities, and financial matters including
budget-making and taxation. State legislation and regulations, labor relations,
and legal issues add to the responsibilities. 65% of all Pennsylvania school
directors have two or three children in their families. 93% of their children
attend public schools. One-quarter of all school directors cite state
regulations and controls as the most difficult area of school board operations to
understand. Mr. Doluisio thanked the board, stating that it is a pleasure
working for the board and participating in many activities along side the board.
Mr. Doluisio presented a citation of recognition to each board member.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
The following person addressed the Board of School Directors:
1. Bill Burkhardt, principal of Liberty High School, spoke as the president of
the instructional meet and discuss group of the district. He echoed Mr.
Doluisio's comments about the board and the working relationship it has with the
district. This is a very special group of people. He thanked the board for this
working relationship which plays well for the whole district. He thanked the
board for the caring, efficient, very effective professional process that
culminated in a board action taken this evening concerning the instructional meet
and discuss group, giving special thanks to Chairman Gallagher and his committee
of Directors Williams and Craig.
ADJOURNMENT
Directors Gallagher and Craig moved to adjourn the meeting which carried by voice
vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Attest,
Stanley J. Majewski, Jr. Board Secretary
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