Regular Board Meeting - February 25, 2002
Minutes
BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT FEBRUARY 25,
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, February 25, 2002, beginning at 7:02 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 (arrived at 7:27), Koch,
Leeson, and Williams - 6. Members absent: Directors Amato, Heske, and Venanzi -
3. 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 the following executive sessions of the board:
¥ An executive session of the Board of School Directors was held this evening.
Personnel matters and negotiations were discussed.
¥ Executive sessions of the Board of School Directors in the interview process
for the new superintendent were held on January 30, 31, February 12, 14, and 19.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
The following person addressed the Board of School Directors:
1. R. W. Berry, 425 Rockhill Circle, Bethlehem, stated that in 1997 voters in
Pennsylvania allowed properties to be assessed in different manners. One year
later, the state legislature passed state Act 50. He asked if the board has done
anything to investigate taking advantage of that Act to allow homestead
exemptions for residential property owners.
Mr. Majewski responded that shortly after Act 50 a committee reviewed whether it
was financially in the best interests of the Bethlehem Area School District. It
was determined that to enact Act 50 would have had an adverse effect on the
finances of the school district. In addition, there were several factors within
the law that the district believes were flawed. The Bethlehem Area School
District does not stand alone in that belief. Out of 504 school districts, only
three in the state of Pennsylvania currently have enacted the Act 50 provisions.
The remainder of districts continue to attempt to try to have some reasonable tax
reform enacted in Harrisburg. Act 50 appeared to have the beginning of tax
reform. It did not fulfill the need of having tax savings on property taxes as
well as providing a stable stream of revenue for the school district in order to
support itself.
Mr. Berry stated that his understanding was that any loss in tax revenues from
property tax would be made up by earned income tax from the area. Therefore, he
does not understand why it would not be feasible for the Bethlehem Area School
District.
Mr. Majewski explained that there are limits as to the amount of allowable earned
income tax under Act 50. In addition, there are limits as to the annual
increases allowed with real estate taxes. If the district would have embraced
Act 50, it also would have shifted a lot of the financial burden from a
combination of commercial properties, as well as individuals, onto the individual
taxpayer. By also enacting Act 50 and using an earned income tax as opposed to a
personal income tax, the burden would disproportionately be placed on the wage
earner. This does not necessarily mean the tax is based upon their ability to
pay, because a person has other income than their earnings. We are trying to
work with our legislators to have a tax reform that would include the use of
personal income taxes as well as have a balance of giving the burden of some
financing to corporations as well. Act 50 was a start, but not an end. Whatever
they do must be a workable piece of legislation. Act 50 was something that was
pushed through for political reasons, not because it was an appropriate financial
vehicle for school districts.
Mr. Berry stated his understanding is that Act 50 allows net profit to be taxed.
He asked, therefore, why a corporation would not be included in this.
Mr. Majewski stated Act 50 does not allow for that. Mr. Majewski offered to meet
with Mr. Berry and discuss Act 50.
Mr. Berry stated that Mr. Majewski is basically stating that this is an
absolutely dead issue unless the legislature does something more.
Mr. Majewski responded that, as far as a recommendation coming from his office,
Mr. Berry is correct.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Mr. Doluisio read a letter received from Carol Leasure, principal at Hanover
Elementary School. "Hanover Elementary School has scored first in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania again. The 2000-2001 fifth grade class received the
highest scores in both mathematics and reading on the Pennsylvania System of
School Assessment, PSSA. For the past two years, Hanover Elementary School has
ranked the highest in Pennsylvania among the approximately 3800 public and
parochial elementary schools taking the test. They've ranked first in overall
scores as well as scores in mathematics and reading. On the 2001 test, Hanover's
mathematics score was 1630. The state average was 1310. In reading, Hanover
scored 1570, while the state average was 1310. Hanover's overall total was 3200,
while the state average was 2620." Mr. Doluisio informed the board that to
recognize the outstanding efforts of this class, Hanover Elementary School is
holding a reception in honor of the students and teachers. The celebration of
academic excellence will be held on Friday, March 22, at Hanover Elementary
School, from 9:15 a.m. to 11. Mr. Doluisio stated that this is wonderful news
and complimented the faculty, students, and principal at the Hanover Elementary
School.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
BETHLEHEM AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL Director Koch reported that the
Vo-Tech Board met on February 5. A very lengthy report by various teachers on
how the new ninth grade program is faring was heard.
NORTHAMPTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Director Koch reported that the Northampton
Community College Board of Trustees met on February 7. It was an extremely short
meeting because there was an additional meeting following that with all school
board members from all supporting districts of the college. At that meeting, a
report was given about the upcoming budget about what is going on with the
college, in particular, changes and advancements that are taking place within the
technology program.
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE Director Leeson reported that the Curriculum Committee met
Monday, February 4. There was a very interesting presentation Ð an update on the
Regional Academic Standards Academy. Craig Zieger, the ex-president of the
Bethlehem Education Association, provided an overview of its goals. The focus of
the program is to accelerate and elevate the learning of students who are at risk
of not meeting Pennsylvania Academic Standards. Tom Kartsotis gave an overview
of the program. Scott Garrigan, ICT coordinator, described how technology will
be incorporated into this program. Iris Cintr—n spoke about the involvement of
the Family Center in this program. Pat Derrico reviewed the implementation
timelines. Karen Persichini outlined the details of the Academy experience.
Approximately 150 students will attend the Academy. The Academic program is set
up in four separate blocks consisting of English/Language Arts, math/science,
social studies, and creative arts. Character Education will also be incorporated
throughout the curriculum. Fifteen or less students will comprise a block. Each
block of time is 100 minutes. Academy students will have an extended day and an
extended school year. Mr. Doluisio reviewed the anticipated funding costs for
the first year of the program, including many of the outside funding sources.
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE Director Gallagher reported that the Human Resources
Committee met February 11 in closed session.
FACILITIES COMMITTEE Mr. Wittenberger reported that the Facilities Committee
meeting was held on Monday, February 4. Representatives of the "No Mall" group
presented their views on the proposed Durkee Redevelopment project along Eighth
Avenue. Director Heske requested that the administration again look into the
possibility of acquiring a new site on the south side for the construction of a
new Broughal Middle School. The administration stated that the Northeast Middle
School project is on schedule. Schematic plans will be presented at the March 4
facilities committee meeting. Agenda items on this evening's agenda were
discussed. The administration presented a request from the
Freemansburg/Bethlehem Township Athletic Association to have three outfield
fences installed at the baseball fields located adjacent to Miller Heights
Elementary School at no cost to the district. The board voted to approve this
request.
FINANCE COMMITTEE Mr. Majewski reported that the Finance Committee met on
February 11. Discussed was information from the county on the sale of property
through the repository office. The rehiring of the district's external auditor
was reviewed. There was a review of change orders for an asbestos removal
project as well as the Broughal Middle School stage rigging change order. The
items discussed appear on this evening's agenda.
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL Ted Segal reported that since the last school board meeting
Freedom has been quite active. The second semester has begun. The winter sports
season is winding down.
STUDENT REPORTS
Mr. Segal stated that the juniors have recently participated in standardized
testing. While the PSSA tests are a necessary evil, it is unfortunate that they
occupy three days of a single class. It is ironic that a test that is supposed
to analyze a student's level of knowledge and a school's ability to convey that
knowledge shortchanges a student on furthering his or her education.
Mr. Segal reported that the freshman class held a Valentine's Day dance. Also,
the National Honor Society and Latino Leadership Club sold roses to raise funds
for their organizations. The Student Council also raised money selling paper
hearts and is now organizing a blood drive in coordination with the Miller
Memorial Blood Center. Also, the Patriots had a good showing at the PMEA Chorus
Festival and the State Band Festival. Coming in March will be the State
Orchestra Festival and the PMEA Region 5 Chorus Festival. Meanwhile, the Theater
Club is busy practicing for its spring production of "Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dream Coat." The show will be performed on April 4, 5, 6, and 7. The
FBLA Club had a good showing at the regional competition. Many students
qualified for the state competition.
Mr. Segal stated that the winter sports teams are finishing a busy season. Boys
and girls basketball teams played phenomenal games against Liberty on the way to
making district appearances. Although both teams had quick exits from the
playoffs, they have shown that they will continue to be competitive in years to
come. The wrestling team, once again, posted a strong record. Individuals
participated in districts over the weekend. Swimmers also participated in
districts over the weekend. The spring season will be getting under way soon.
Strong performances are expected from the boys tennis team, boys volleyball team,
and girls softball team. The track team is now under the command of the most
winning cross country coach in the nation, Raymond Herman. Mr. Segal stated that
Freedom's sports teams look to be even more competitive in the future.
Upcoming events include the National Honor Society's student versus faculty
basketball game Thursday evening at seven o'clock. Also this month, Eleanor
Kunesh and Katie Farber, two seniors, are holding a Freedom 5K Walk/Run. All
proceeds from the run will be donated to the World Trade Center relief funds.
Mr. Doluisio added to Mr. Segal's report that the April 4 presentation by the
Theater Club is for senior citizens only. Over 800 reservations have been made.
Transportation for some senior citizens will be provided. A light dinner will be
served in the Freedom Cafeteria at 5:30. Students and teachers will be helping
with the festivities. Mr. Doluisio also stated that seniors could also attend
the performances scheduled for other evenings (without dinner), free of charge,
by using their golden age passes. The BEA and Wilkes University are sponsoring
the dinner.
LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL Patricia Matthews reported that, unlike other months,
February has been fairly uneventful. Liberty students returned to school to
begin the second half of the year after a long-awaited break proceeding exams.
The math team has done extremely well, beating all other area high schools.
Liberty recently hosted the district PMEA Chorus concert; it was spectacular.
Liberty's winter sports have come to an end with successful victories against
Freedom for the boys basketball team and the boys and girls swimming teams. Also,
girls and boys basketball teams have advanced on to playoffs. Liberty will also
be sending four girls and four boys to Penn State for the state swim meet, along
with Tom Novak who recently set a new District 11 diving record while placing
first in districts.
Ms. Matthews stated that a teen variety show is coming up quickly with many
groups signing up, including a newly-formed dance team which will debut at the
show.
Liberty students continue to pray for and support their student government
advisor, Mrs. Prodes, who was in a bad car accident at the beginning of the
month.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Directors Gallagher and Craig to approve the minutes of the
January 28, 2002, Regular Board Meeting. The motion carried by voice vote.
MR. DOLUISIO PRESENTS
Mr. Doluisio presented the recommendations of the administration. NEW AND
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESSÐ
ROLL CALL - HIRE LAW FIRM
Director Craig made a motion to contract professional services with the law firm
of Powell, Trachtman, Logan, Carrle, Bowman, and Lombardo. Director Gallagher
seconded the motion. The question was called and roll call was as follows: Yea,
Directors Haytmanek, Koch, Leeson, Williams, Craig, and Gallagher - 6. Motion
passed 6 - 0.
ROLL CALL - DR. LEWIS APPOINTED NEW SUPERINTENDENT
Director Craig made a motion to appoint Dr. Joseph Lewis as superintendent for a
term of five years commencing July 1, 2002, in accordance with the provisions of
Section 1073(a) of the School Code and in accordance with the terms and
conditions agreed to by Dr. Lewis. Director Leeson seconded the motion. The
question was called and roll call was as follows: Yea, Directors Haytmanek,
Koch, Leeson, Williams, Craig, and Gallagher - 6. Motion passed 6 - 0.
President Williams stated she has been in contact with Director Heske who
particularly asked her to mention that he also supports this appointment. She
stated that, as all are aware, last September Mr. Doluisio informed the board of
his retirement plans. It was with some trepidation that the board embarked on
the process of searching for our new superintendent. The board worked with the
PSBA consultant who provided lots of information and support and spent many, many
hours going through the process of paper screening and interviewing. Included in
the process was our administrative leadership and the leadership from the
teachers' association. She stated that it is with confidence that she can say
that this appointment has the resounding support of all who were involved in the
process. Bethlehem has enjoyed the very long-serving and outstanding
superintendency of Mr. Doluisio. It has been a very difficult job to find a new
superintendent. The board believes it has done the best job it could do.
President Williams welcomed and congratulated Dr. Lewis.
Ms. Barbara Fowler stated that this was a very serious and long process. She
thanked President Williams and Director Koch for providing the leadership for a
very thorough and complete search. Through this process, we have a candidate who
will be able to fill some big shoes.
Director Koch stated that never before has she been so proud of this district and
board as with the superintendent search process. Not only were board members
putting in countless hours, but also the community contributed their questions in
the beginning. We had administrators and the teachers' union participating with
the board together as a team. The people who are the administrators and the
teachers are going to be working with Dr. Lewis. It was an overwhelming vote of
these people when meeting Dr. Lewis. They were extremely impressed by him.
Dr. Lewis remarked that it is a great pleasure to be at the board meeting. He
hopes he can live up to expectations. The final interview day was a test of
endurance. Having survived that and having had a wonderful dinner with Mr.
Doluisio and his lovely wife, he found to be one of the most enriching
experiences he has had in some time in his professional career. He stated he is
excited about this opportunity. There is an amazing tradition here at Bethlehem.
He is flattered to have been selected. In his search for a position at this
level, he has also been pretty picky. He has spent 30 years in one educational
system. When this opportunity arose, he took advantage to apply. Dr. Lewis
stated that, fortunately for him, he has been asked to serve. He looks forward
to working with everybody. It is an exceptional staff, an incredible school
board, a wonderful district, and he can't wait to get started. Dr. Lewis thanked
the board for the opportunity.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
The following persons addressed the Board of School Directors:
1. Bill Burkhardt, president of the Bethlehem Area School District Principals
and Supervisors Association, thanked the board for including the principals and
supervisors in the process for the selection of the next superintendent of
schools. While all are aware that the board is, in fact, responsible for the
decision, the board sent a clear message that the administrative input was
valued.
2. Barbara Fowler, president of the Bethlehem Education Association, stated
that she, too, wanted to thank the board for asking for the BEA's input in the
superintendent selection process. The board did an awesome job of letting
teachers meet with the candidates, giving input, and learning quite a bit about
the candidates. The BEA felt very involved with the entire process. Hopefully,
that will continue, for at least the next five years.
ADJOURNMENT
Directors Gallagher and Leeson moved to adjourn the meeting which carried by
voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
Attest,
Stanley J. Majewski, Jr. Board Secretary
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