Regular Board Meeting - January 28, 2002
Minutes
BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT JANUARY 28, 2002
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 Monday, January 28, 2002, beginning at 7:07 p.m., in the
Auditorium of East Hills Middle School, 2005 Chester Road, Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania.
MEMBERS PRESENT
The Board Secretary called the roll:
Members present: Directors Craig, Gallagher, Haytmanek, Heske, Koch, Leeson,
Venanzi, and Williams - 8. Members absent: Director Amato - 1. Student member
representatives Ted Segal and Patricia Matthews were also present.
OTHERS PRESENT
Others present: Thomas J. Doluisio, Superintendent of Schools; Jeff Tucker,
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 Williams requested that the audience observe a moment of silent meditation.
SPECIAL MEETINGS
President Williams reported that the Board of School Directors met with the PSBA
representative on Monday, January 21, concerning paper screening of applications
received for the superintendent search. She thanked the board members for their
commitment and extra time required by this process above and beyond regular board
duties. It is most important that the board be able to take the time to be
informed and make informed decisions.
President Williams stated that tonight there was an executive session on
personnel concerns and ongoing negotiations.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
The following persons addressed the Board of School Directors:
1. Leonard Andrucci, 524 East Fifth Street, Bethlehem, owner of three
properties, and a retired teacher for 20 years, stated he appreciates being
able to speak to the board in regard to the tentative budget. He stated it
was nice to read about the relative ease involved in the process as well as
the spirit of cooperation. However, the benefits granted to teachers are at
the taxpayers' expense. When the board is about to give away ludicrous
goodies at the expense of the poor taxpayers, he is concerned. No one asked
or begged the board members to run for public office. No one asks or begs
anyone to seek public school employment. School employment is relatively
safe compared with the private sector where many workers are in a position of
serious economic climate and decline. In view of today's serious economic
condition, it hardly seems ethical for protected civic employee organizations
to seek annual wage increases and perks when property taxpayers are enduring
difficult times. Some educators look upon education as a sacred cow Ð
everything goes for education regardless of cost. Mr. Andrucci proposed a
freeze on all personnel that have reached the top rung of their salary
ladder. He asked why city and county property taxes can go for a number of
years without an increase. Maybe certain non mandated and superfluous
positions should be eliminated. Stop tearing down good buildings to build
taj mahals. In 1970 the vo-tech building was built for $3,000,000 which
included roads and sewers. Thirty years later, over $13,000,000 is being
spent to refurbish it. He would like the board to inform the public about
recent inequities that have occurred during the past decade; for instance,
the Mellow Bill and past board approved benefits. He believes the paying
public has the right to know that prior to the September 11 disaster
Harrisburg passed regulations increasing pensions for legislators from two to
three percent, teachers from two to two-and-a-half. That means if someone
puts in 40 years of service, they can get 100% of their salary, based on
their last three years of salaries or wages. Mr. Andrucci stated he will run
again for school board.
2. William Burkhardt, principal of Liberty High School, stated he was speaking
as president of the middle management team Ð the building level
administrators and coordinator group. He thanked and endorsed the efforts of
the Bethlehem Area School District's Board of School Directors during this
month of special board recognition. His group is very aware of the
commitment required of board members. The successful implementation of
extensive building renovations, the Code of Conduct, standards initiatives,
and other major curricular changes would not be possible without the board's
understanding and endorsement. The strong message the board sends that the
opinions and thoughts of the management team are valued is very reassuring.
As public education continues to be placed under a microscope for every
decision made, to know that the board is supportive of middle management's
efforts is very important. He thanked the board for its commitment to the
students and all of the staff of the Bethlehem Area School District.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Mr. Doluisio announced that under conferences, at no cost to the district, the
administration is requesting that Mr. Greg Ritter, a teacher in the Monagacci
program at East Hills, be allowed to go to Russia from March 10 to 27. Mr.
Ritter has again been honored by the United States government, as well as the
Russian government, to represent excellent teachers at a symposium. Mr. Ritter
is the teacher who was nominated for the Disney excellent teacher award last
year. He continues to do outstanding work. Mr. Ritter has stated that on the
trip he may have an opportunity to visit with President Putin and President Bush,
who will be there. Mr. Ritter is an example of the kind of teachers we have in
our district.
Mr. Doluisio stated that Friday about 12 staff members are going to meet with
Secretary Zogby in his office and Kit Dumaresq, the executive director of the
PSEA, to present an update on the Academic Academy. Last year, the PDE and PSEA
each supplied $150,000 to design this new school to address the standards. It
was to be something we would replicate and be portable and affordable. Now,
seven or eight months into the project, the research and design phase has been
finished. We will be giving an update to Dr. Dumaresq and Charles Zogby. We
hope to gain additional support from them.
Mr. Doluisio stated that the district applied for the tax credit for businesses
donating money to the school district for the Academic Academy and this
application was approved about a week and a half ago. This gives the district
some prospects for fund raising. PPL has already forwarded a check for $100,000.
The district made a presentation at the business partnership and Bert Daday was
very impressed. He stated that if the district was granted approval through Act
4, the tax credit program, PPL would be very supportive and send us a check. The
check arrived at the business education partnership for $100,000 last week. That
is a beginning toward building community support. Hopefully, this education
initiative will be launched next September, doing some new and exciting things
for students struggling to get the standards.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE Director Venanzi reported that the Curriculum Committee met
on Monday, January 14, at which time it was given an update on academic standards
at the secondary level. Since eighth grade students are the first live group
this year, procedures for instruction, additional support, and assessment for
promotion to ninth grade need to be in place. Mr. Perfetti reviewed a packet
explaining the progress made so far.
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE Director Gallagher reported that the Human Resources
Committee met on January 14 in closed session.
FACILITIES COMMITTEE Director Heske reported that the Facilities Committee met
on January 7, 2002. An update was received on the Durkee Redevelopment Proposal.
The Lafayette building demolition and site improvements were reviewed. The
Maintenance Annex parking lot layout was viewed. Options for Broughal and the
10-year plan were looked at. Northeast Middle School parameters and
considerations for design were reviewed. Capital improvement bids were reviewed
prior to a special board meeting. Tonight's facilities items were reviewed and
recommended.
FINANCE COMMITTEE Mr. Majewski reported that the Finance Committee met on
January 7. A proposed building lease was discussed for approximately 10,000
square feet of space in Bethlehem Township which is being used for a combination
of warehouse and office or classroom space. The lease would be set up for 10
years and provide flexibility for the district to be able to remove itself from
the lease if it became necessary. A late rate lock proposal was discussed. This
is an opportunity to make advance payment on future financing to lock in current
interest rates. It was recommended that we not pursue that proposal. Proposed
repository sales were discussed. Recommendations are coming from Northampton
County to sell property that has not been able to be sold through their
delinquent tax collection bureau. These items are on tonight's agenda. The
2002-2003 budget projects were discussed.
NORTHAMPTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE President Koch reported that the Northampton
Community College Board of Trustees met on January 2. It was not an official
board meeting and was considered a workshop. The proposed 2002-2003 budget was
presented. An update was received on the development of the campus.
Director Koch stated that she and Director Craig attended the PSBA Legislative
Action meeting in Hershey on January 25 and 26. The most important thing that
happens at this event is that the school board of the state chooses the
legislative priorities for the year. A lot of time is spent on these items.
Three items are selected that PSBA will lobby for on the state level in
Harrisburg. Last year PSBA lobbied for special education funding, local tax
reform, basic education funding, and added an extra item Ð charter schools. This
year PSBA will again lobby for special education funding based on the actual
costs incurred and students served and seeking equal partnership between the
local school districts and state government in funding public education. The new
item PSBA will be lobbying for is to support legislation that would provide rules
for the approval of, government's funding, and oversight of cyberschools,
including a requirement that the Commonwealth license and fund cyberschools or a
requirement that the cyberschools operate only with the agreement of the resident
school districts from which they enroll students. March 12 is lobbying day for
these items. Director Koch invited board members, administration, and the
community to join them in Harrisburg on March 12.
STUDENT REPORTS
LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL Patricia Matthews reported that January has been a very
eventful month, as will February, for the Liberty community. Students involved
in PJAS, the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, have been putting in a lot
of hours in preparation for competition. Planning for the post-prom has started.
After being canceled last year, the committee is hoping to make it better than
ever by adding many new things including a raffle for PlayStation 2. On Friday,
January 25, congressional candidate Ed O'Brien talked with Liberty students. The
annual Valentine's Day carnation sale, sponsored by the Liberty Life newspaper,
has started with proceeds going toward the enhancement of the newspaper. On
February 7 and 8, students from District 10 will be staying with Liberty families
for the PMEA District Chorus concert. On February 15 student government will
host a casual Valentine's Day dance where there will be a bachelor/bachelorette
auction. All money raised from the auction will be donated to the American Heart
Association. On February 19 and 20, students will be auditioning for the teen
variety "Explosion" sponsored by the Latino Youth Leadership club. Liberty's
scholastic scrimmage team has been announced as the Mountain Valley Conference
champions. Six members of the senior class: Christina Racek, Katie Hursh, Margo
Huennekens, Sherry Rutkowski, Dorie McDonald, and Linda Frederick received
scholarships recently for excellence in areas of academic achievement, community
service, citizenship, and athletic accomplishment. SADD, Students Against
Destructive Decisions, are planning an assembly the day before the prom. There
will be a 1999 Volkswagen bug called "the safety bug." This car simulates how a
drunk driver would drive and gives students a chance to experience what it is
like to be in a car with a drunk driver. Lisa Boscola will also be there to
speak, as well as parents who have lost a child to drunk driving. Ms. Matthews
read a letter from a senior citizen group at the Moravian House thanking
Liberty's staff and students for a luncheon and their winter concert.
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL Ted Segal reported that as the end of the first semester is
approaching, students are preparing for exams and are excited for the four-day
break that follows. This last month has been a perfect ending to a very busy and
successful semester. Freedom's sports teams are doing extraordinarily well. The
boys' basketball team has rebounded from last year's exclusion from the
play-offs; this season has "districts" written all over it. The girls'
basketball team's record is just as noteworthy. As always, the wrestling team is
having a strong season and showed domination over Liberty's team earlier this
season and, again, over the past weekend. The boys' and girls' swimming teams
are coming together under their new coach. Steps are in place to make them even
more competitive in the years to follow. The Patriot Band put on an outstanding
concert in mid January. Freedom had a good showing at both the PMEA District 10
Band and Orchestra Festivals. Coming in February is the PMEA District 10 Chorus
festival and the state band festival. Last month, the student council was busy
caroling at Kirkland Village and holding a toy drive. Meanwhile, the National
Honor Society was holding a fund raiser and donated the money to three needy
families. The Society also held a book drive, served dinner at the Salvation
Army, and is planning a student versus faculty basketball game to be played on
February 28. There will be a Valentine's Day dance held on February 15. Freedom
High School is full of energy and the second semester should prove to be
exciting.
DIRECTOR CRAIG RE: TAX REFORM
Director Craig wanted to comment regarding the legislative conference mentioned
earlier. There was a lot of discussion on tax reform. Senator Rhoades'
representative and two others presented various bills that are before the
Department of Public Instruction and in committees in Harrisburg concerning tax
reform. Everybody is unhappy with property taxes being the primary way to pay
for education. Because it is an election year, the question was asked to Senator
Rhoades, "What is the possibility that any kind of reform will take place to get
the burden off of the taxpayer and the senior citizen who owns property?" He
replied that we are almost to the point that nothing will happen because it is an
election year. Everything rides on politics. That is why things don't occur on
the local level. It was pointed out at the meetings in Hershey that that is the
situation. Every one of the 501 school districts represented at the conference
took the position that property taxes are not the way to fund public education.
That will not change until the people we elect to go to Harrisburg who receive
salaries do something about the law.
COMMITTEE REPORT
COLONIAL INTERMEDIATE UNIT 20 President Williams reported on the meeting of
January 23. Of particular interest was a presentation about a basic education
circular from the Pennsylvania Department of Education about ESOL programs. Many
things addressed in the circular are things that the Bethlehem Area School
District has had in place for some time. There is, however, a great variance in
ESOL programs across the state. The basic education circular was meant to
clarify district responsibilities for providing an education to students whose
primary language is not English.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Directors Heske and Craig to approve the minutes of the
November 19, 2001, Regular Board Meeting; December 3, 2001, Reorganization
Meeting; December 3, 2001, Regular Board Meeting, and January 7, 2002, 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
ROLL CALL SUPERINTENDENT'S RAISE
Director Craig moved that the superintendent be granted a 4.15% raise retroactive
to July 1, 2001, based on his exemplary job performance as rated by the entire
school board. Director Gallagher seconded the motion. The question was called
and roll call was as follows: Yea, Directors Gallagher, Haytmanek, Heske, Koch,
Leeson, Venanzi, Williams, and Craig - 8. Motion passed 8 - 0.
President Williams commented that some months ago the board conducted its yearly
superintendent evaluation process. For the second last year before retirement,
Mr. Doluisio received a general rating of well above expected performance. The
board continues to have every indication of a district being readied and ordered
for a new superintendent alongside the normal business of running smoothly.
President Williams extended most sincere thanks to Mr. Doluisio.
President Williams stated that the board has also approved a contract with the
teachers' union. She thanked everyone involved with this process. We are
fortunate to be able to move forward.
Mr. Doluisio, for the benefit of those in the audience who are not regular
attenders, pointed out that they witnessed a rather quick vote on all items
presented tonight. He explained that this is reflective of a committee system
that meets two other Mondays a month for about three to three-and-a-half hours to
deliberate on all of the items that come before them at the regular meeting.
There are probably about eight or nine hours invested in explanations to the
board at the committee level for many of the items that were approved tonight.
MR. DOLUISIOÐ SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION
Mr. Doluisio wished to acknowledge the school board during this "recognition
month." School board members do not get paid financially. He read some facts
provided by the PSBA. 82.7% of all Pennsylvania school directors have post-high
school education. 33% of all school directors are female. School directors
oversee multimillion dollar public education budgets serving 966,000 elementary
K-6 and 847,000 secondary 7-12 students. 53.8% of public school funding comes
from local support. The 3,246 school buildings in Pennsylvania are staffed by
more than 118,000 teachers; 6,600 administrative employees, and over 97,000 full
and part-time support personnel. 45% of Pennsylvania's 4,509 school directors
spend between 11 and 20 hours a month on school board business, while another 24%
spend between 21 and 30 hours a month on school board business. Mr. Doluisio
commented that due to the amount of necessary home reading and meetings our board
attends, they are in the 21 to 30 hour a month range most months. 92,799
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.
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, and 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.
All of those statistics pertain to our school board. Mr. Doluisio stated that,
on a personal level, he wants the community to know what a quality school board
we have in Bethlehem. He appreciates each of the board members, their advice,
guidance, and support over the years. He considers each one as special to the
community and to himself. Coming to mind when thinking of the school board are:
dedication, making tough decisions, putting kids first, trusting one another and
trusting the administration, never choosing to embarrass the administration in
public even when at times it may deserve it, the hard work it takes to be a
competent and dedicated school board member. Districts rise and fall around the
quality of school boards. Mr. Doluisio stated he has been criticized for using a
sports analogy to describe this board, but he will use it one more time. He
stated that the board is the "dream team" of school boards. Words can't explain
what the board has meant to the children and employees of the school district and
the overall quality of life in our community. He thanked the board members. He
presented certificates of recognition to the board members.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
The following person addressed the Board of School Directors:
1. Barbara Fowler, president of the Bethlehem Education Association, stated
that there are few things more precious than time. We are given a finite
amount of it. The ladies and gentlemen of the board have unselfishly given
of their time for the good of our community. Their tireless and generous
commitment to the education of our children has helped make the Bethlehem
Area School District one in which she is proud to teach. The board's
leadership has helped to make this a district with an excellent reputation.
The district is known for innovative and cutting-edge teaching, a demand for
high academic standards, a modern and forward-reaching infrastructure that
supports state of the art technology. These board members have helped to
achieve this not only through donation of their time and expertise, but also
through their willingness to keep open lines of communication between
themselves and their employees. On behalf of the teachers and students of
the Bethlehem Area School District, Ms. Fowler thanked the board members for
their generous gift of community service. Their efforts to make our future
help to make their future bright. She presented certificates and mugs to the
board members.
Mr. Doluisio announced that the BEA has been so kind to host the reception that
will follow the meeting. President Williams stated that it is with immense pride
that the board serves the district because it is, indeed, a fine district.
ADJOURNMENT
Directors Gallagher and Craig moved to adjourn the meeting which carried by voice
vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
Attest,
Stanley J. Majewski, Jr.
Board Secretary
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