Regular Board Meeting - March 18, 2002
Minutes
BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MARCH 18,2002
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, March 18, 2002, beginning at 7:19 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 Amato, Craig,
Gallagher, Haytmanek, Heske, Koch, Leeson, Venanzi, and Williams - 9. Student
member representatives Patricia Matthews and Nadine Kotlarz 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 session of the board:
¥ An executive session of the Board of School Directors was held this evening.
Legal matters, personnel matters, and student adjudication were discussed.
Director Amato requested that courtesy of the floor and recommendations of the
administration be presented first in order that he could be present to vote on
the recommendations due to the fact that he was obligated to leave the meeting
for a family/church matter at 8:30.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
The following persons addressed the Board of School Directors:
1. Fran Belzner, 1316 Woodbine Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, stated that
she was denied access to her son's psychological and academic records. Requests
were made in writing from January 2001 to the present. She stated she was denied
the right to proper notification, due process, prehearings, filing of grievance
on five misconducts/ suspensions concerns on an elementary child. Without her
knowledge or permission, the Police Department DARE officer was dispatched on
February 28, 2001, at Lincoln's request to talk about homework and behavior
problems. She has tangible proof of staff deliberately harassing and inflicting
cruel and unusual punishment, forcing the child to do each homework assignment
over and over again. She stated that because of her persistent wanting to be
involved in her son's education, which she is denied by the school district, she
is seeing signs of harassment with another son who attends Liberty High School.
She has received a very threatening letter regarding his overdue books and he is
being marked absent on days he is attending school. She wants this stopped. She
stated she was told that because she is impoverished she must gain an attorney
before she can get somewhere with this process. This is not right or fair. The
Bethlehem Area School District deliberately promises her children a demised
future and makes up its own rules as it goes along.
Mr. Doluisio, for the benefit of the audience and the press, stated that there is
a long history of involvement with Mrs. Belzner. A great deal of what she said
is subject to interpretation. There is another side to the story that the
district, because of its professional nature, will not speak about.
2. Mr. Bob Gratz, 1098 Laurel Drive, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a member of
FAIR which stands for Freedom Athletic Inequities Response. Approximately two
weeks ago the committee representing FAIR addressed the Facilities Committee. He
thanked the committee for allowing FAIR to present its concerns which he hopes
will be passed along to the rest of the board. At that meeting there was an
indication that the Freedom facility needs would be reviewed and, depending on
the prioritization of needs, the facilities would be addressed in some type of
timely fashion. Mr. Gratz stated that FAIR is present tonight to again thank the
committee for listening and hoping that the fact that some may be hearing this
for the first time or just recently and that the timeliness of this knowledge is
not going to affect the timetable in terms of which it will be addressed.
Secondly, he asked when the board might let FAIR know the results of the matrix
prioritization.
3. Bob Erhlich, 394 Kevin Drive, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, stated that when his
group went about trying to initiate change in the Liberty High School soccer
program, replies were solicited from interested parties. He read some responses
received from players, ex-players, coaches, and parents.
"Over the years I have seen and heard threats, degradation, blame and foul
language."
"My unwillingness to put up with the childish ranting and raving of an old man
who cares a little too much about some numbers in a newspaper and who controls a
team solely on fear."
"The foul language became an embarrassing joke."
"Toward the end of this season, Kal said that at least this young man gave all
during his games, not like those three f-ing a-holes, x, x, and x."
"I hear that he talks about me now that I quit, called me some foul names to x
and x that I could repeat for you upon request if you really wanted."
"Xxx was angry, confused, and frustrated as were many of the players. Xxx
stopped believing in and respecting the coach." "From a referee's point of view,
I, too, can see that most of the players are dissatisfied with playing."
"I have seen lack of respect for not only the players, but also for the assistant
coaches and the parents."
"Just to give you an example, I was told by someone one summer that some players
were using drugs around practices. I mentioned this in confidence to Kal. He
told me that he was going to make a statement in front of the players. What was
done? Nothing. Not even a quick reference."
"Any parent of a child going to Bethlehem Area School District is well aware of
the Code of Conduct and how strict it is for even minor infractions. I believe
that these rules should also apply to anyone employed by the district."
"One thing I was surprised at is, being new to high school last year, was a game
the kids were allowed to play where they line the freshmen up along the goal line
and have kids' backs facing the goal posts. The other team members are allowed
to kick the ball at the kids. Last year, someone got hit in the back of the neck
by one of those shots and he had to sit out, as you heard."
"Last week, one of my boys got a three-day office suspension for a level three
Code of Conduct misconduct. If he is cited for another profanity statement, he
will have to serve a suspension. Why doesn't this happen to the coaches that
promote this type of language?"
"We're leading 2-0 and the first words that came out of Sarkozy's mouth were,
'What the f are you guys doing out there?'"
"When I came off the field with an injury, he yelled that I played like an f-ing
leper."
When one of his players was a few minutes late for training, "What, did the f-ing
bus from Brazil just get here?"
Mr. Erhlich stated that the list can go on and on. This type of behavior must
end now. If Mr. Sarkozy is allowed to coach, it shows support for a coach who
uses degradation as a coaching tool and uses constant cursing and inarticulate
tirades to attempt to make a point. He allows, through actions and inactions,
students to come under personal danger. Our student athletes deserve more than
this for coaches and hall monitors. The people running these programs must know
that they need to be held accountable.
4. Carolyn Roman, 3205 Harmor Lane, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and BASD teacher
for 25 years, stated she was present to take a stand on behalf of Kal Sarkozy,
who she considers not only to be a colleague, but also a friend. Mr. Sarkozy has
been a force in many people's lives. Ms. Roman gave a packet to board members
including 14 e-mails from current and former players of Liberty High School
soccer. Reading through these would cause the reader to know a different person
than the one presented by the prior speaker. She stated, as a mother of two
boys, she has had her share of experiences with coaches. She hopes that her sons
will be able to write and care about their coach as much as the 14 players have
for Kal. She stated she was always a fan of Liberty High School soccer and will
continue as a fan. She has memories of watching many outstanding players:
Trevor Hurst, Steve Henning, and John Kinsor, to name a few. The players have
changed, but one thing remains the same--the commitment of the coach. Kal
Sarkozy has always had a love for soccer, but also for his players. Ms. Roman
stated knowing personally several players who have become the people they are due
in large part to the role he has played in their lives. Though he appears to be
gruff, he really is one of the most soft-spoken individuals she has known. Brian
Wood was a soccer player who had a lot of passion for the game, but did not have
the skills to match. When Brian was a junior about to be a senior, he was still
on the JV team. Mr. Sarkozy tossed and turned about the idea of keeping a
senior, but he kept Brian on that team, knowing that Brian wasn't going to play
in varsity games. It was his way of helping Brian, to prove to Brian that he was
worth something. She thinks he embodied what the purpose of being a coach and
playing a sport is designed to do, to develop a sense of team work while
promoting self-confidence. Mr. Sarkozy has devoted many years to Liberty High
School and to countless kids. The administration must be aware of the love and
emotion he has for those associated with soccer. Ms. Roman stated it is
unfortunate that certain individuals have taken up a personal crusade to portray
him as less than competent. Those in charge have to make unpopular decisions at
times. In sports we need to understand that there is no "i" in team.
5. Eric Roman stated he just turned 15 years old on Friday and attends
Liberty High School. Mr. Roman stated that Mr. Sarkozy has been coaching for
over 21 years. He has over 300 wins. He cares about the kids. He is a
wonderful man, not only in what he has done for the soccer kids, but also in the
help he experienced from him during the last seven years. He stated that Mr.
Sarkozy helped him learn the game and is there for him if he has a problem, not
just to talk about soccer. He asked the board and administration to think about
what they will do before making a decision. He is a great coach. If the
privilege of being soccer coach is taken away from Mr. Sarkozy, basically, the
soccer program of Liberty High School will be taken away.
6. Laura Collins, 3830 Brandeis Avenue, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, student
government president of East Hills, stated she was attending the board meeting
with members of the PTO due to concerns about the number of students at East
Hills. One concern is that there are not enough counselors for the number of
students. There is one counselor for every grade. In sixth grade there are over
495 students. Counselors do not get to know their students well. The number of
referrals has gone up. Counselors only deal with very troubled students and
barely get to know others. Another problem is the need for more people in the
administrative office to help Mr. Kressly and Mr. Crawford. Another concern is
having only one nurse. More counselors, administrative help, and nurse's
assistants to support the large number of students are needed.
7. Jane Dawley, 3376 Green Meadow Circle, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, president
of the East Hills Parent Organization, represented its membership of 406 parents.
She stated it became apparent early this fall that things were brewing at East
Hills. Students were coming home and complaining about crowding everywhere.
Parents wanted to know why the nurse often did not have time to call them back.
Parents were also upset that children had little time to eat lunch, after
spending 20 minutes getting through a lunch line. Guidance counselors came to a
parent meeting and spoke passionately about their jobs as counselors and their
frustrations with trying to be accessible to so many 12, 13, and 14-year-olds.
Mrs. Boyce, sixth grade counselor, is responsible for 495 students. Discipline
issues were rapidly increasing. Enrollment this year is 1,376 students. Sixth
graders were added from another section of Bethlehem. The demographics changed.
East Hills has always been proud of its accomplishments and award-winning staff.
It has been alarming for parents to see how fast the school has grown. The staff
is rapidly becoming overwhelmed by such a large number of students. Other
schools are almost half the size of East Hills and are staffed the exact same
way. All four middle schools have a principal, a vice-principal, and a
supervisor for curriculum and instruction. Representatives of the parent
association, herself, Sheila Donchez, and Diane Rowe recently met separately with
Michelle Kostem and Monty Perfetti to voice their concerns. Ms. Kostem informed
them that the number of students at East Hills will increase for the next four to
six years. Next year's enrollment is expected to top 1500 students. The group
asked that the following additional staff be budgeted for next year: one
administrator to handle both curriculum and discipline issues, one secretary to
support that administrator, more nursing support, and one more guidance
counselor. In addition to the staffing shortage, East Hills also has a space
shortage. Next year, 12 teachers will be without a permanent classroom and will
have to travel the halls, pushing a cart of teaching materials, attempting to
arrive at class before the students. The obvious solution is to rent trailers.
She asked for serious consideration of this idea when approving the budget for
next year. Ms. Dawley stated that the Board of School Directors has always been
the advocate of quality education and rightfully takes pride in what Bethlehem
offers its students. East Hills needs this additional staff and space. The
parents of East Hills Middle School are optimistic that they can count on the
board's support when voting on next year's budget.
8. Joi Deibler, 394 Kevin Drive, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, stated she has been
a Liberty soccer parent for the past four years. She has heard and seen things
about the program which she found to be very disturbing. Athletics are a part of
the school program. Some student athletes spend up to four years with the same
coach. That coach will, hopefully, teach skills, run efficient practices,
instill sportsmanship and a love of the game. The high school coach should also
model how to motivate and communicate with student athletes. Ms. Deibler stated
that when her group of seven concerned citizens met with Liberty High School
administrators, the last comment she made is that she would like her sons to grow
up to be coaches some day. Coaching can be a noble profession. One of the words
used at the meeting was "egregious." It was stated that if Mr. Sarkozy had done
anything truly egregious, he would be fired. It is egregious conduct for a coach
to stroll the halls of Liberty calling team mates expletives behind their backs.
Perhaps you could call that character assassination. Mr. Sarkozy's favorite
sayings are, "Get the f-ing ball," and "What the f-." According to the letters
provided to the board, he curses instead of saying anything constructive or
instructive. She asked if egregious actions are only committed by coaches with
losing records. Most of Mr. Sarkozy's players come to him already knowing how to
play soccer. She stated that both of her sons saw their ball skills deteriorate
as the season progressed because little or no time was spent on practicing
skills. Both sons estimated that 95% of practice time was spent scrimmaging.
Good coaches know that in order to stay at the top of your game, you must spend a
lot of time on-task. Ball work and drills are necessary components of a coach's
practice plan. Ms. Deibler stated that the Bethlehem Area School District has
become a leader in academic standards. Our district was one of the first to have
a Student Code of Conduct. We also have character education classes. This is a
character issue. The quotes provided show a pattern of behavior: crude
language, derogatory attitude toward players, talking behind backs. He has
allowed hazing over the years. One parent was amazed that Mr. Sarkozy hopped in
his car and drove off when the team returned to Liberty at 10:30 p.m. without
asking if any of the boys had rides home. Ms. Deibler asked the board and
administrators to show that the district has standards for their coaches.
Bethlehem Area School District can be a leader in this area, also.
President Williams stated that two more speakers are signed up. The first
courtesy of the floor has lasted half an hour. At this time, the board proceeded
with the rest of the meeting.
Director Koch asked Solicitor Tucker if the tone of courtesy of the floor was
allowing a public character assassination. Solicitor Tucker stated that the
board is appropriately not engaging in any discussion on this. This is an
opportunity for the public to speak. The board is only listening. The attempt
is made to have people deal with issues and not get into personal attacks. The
public has to understand that the board is not allowed to respond to any of these
comments in any detail because it is a personnel matter. Individuals have
privacy rights. The fact that the public hears nothing back from the board does
not mean that the board agrees or disagrees.
MR. DOLUISIO PRESENTS
Mr. Doluisio presented the recommendations of the administration.
Director Koch stated that on March 12 Directors Craig, Williams and herself
attended the Lobby Day in Harrisburg and met with three senators and two
representatives presenting concerns mostly about state funding and state cyber
schools. They were very politely received. Senator Dent especially spent quite
a bit of time with them. It was a successful day. A lot was learned about how
they function.
Director Koch announced that April 18 is the date of the Region 8 meeting for
PSBA at Holiday Inn at 6 p.m.
Director Craig, regarding the Lobby Day in Harrisburg, stated that the
legislators which our board members met with all expressed the same concerns
regarding the state's way of budgeting for education next year. It was a top
priority to all of them.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
BETHLEHEM AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL Director Craig reported that the
Vo-Tech Board met on Tuesday, March 5. Much of the meeting took place in
executive session regarding contract negotiations. On the evening of May 8 at 8
p.m., the fourth annual Celebration of Excellence night will be held at Vo-Tech.
At least $20,000 in scholarships will be made available and handed out to
Bethlehem Vo-Tech students through the Bridges Foundation.
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE Director Venanzi reported that the Curriculum Committee met
Monday, March 4. More information was presented on academic standards. There
was an overview of student performance summaries, the secondary school promotion
matrixes, student grading which was tabled for further discussion on whether the
"D" grade should be removed. The committee heard a presentation on graduation
requirements, diploma programs of study, differentiated diplomas and what each
will entail.
FACILITIES COMMITTEE Director Heske reported that the Facilities Committee met
on Monday, March 4. The following were discussed: construction update regarding
summer projects, Lafayette and maintenance annex site improvements. William Penn
Highway improvement at Farmersville Elementary School and the Spring Garden
Elementary School main sewer line are in the design phase. The Freedom High
School FAIR group presented their views regarding athletic facilities at Freedom
High School. The administration is investigating their concerns. Mr. Shoemaker
of Spillman and Farmer and Mr. Fazil displayed and reviewed the schematic designs
for the new Northeast Middle School. This project is on schedule and within
budget. Tonight's facilities-related agenda items were discussed.
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE Director Gallagher reported that the Human Resources
Committee met on March 11 in closed session.
FINANCE COMMITTEE Director Amato reported that the Finance Committee met on
March 11. The Northampton Community College proposed budget for 2002-2003 was
presented by Dr. Robert Kopecek and Dr. Arthur Scott. This budget represents an
increase of 2.61% for the Bethlehem Area School District for the upcoming year or
$43,865. The district's total contribution to NCC will be $1,722,915. Mr.
Majewski reported on a repository sale of properties that have been on the books
since 1997. Mr. Majewski proposed the 2002-2003 tax payment plan. A change from
the prior payment plan is that the five-day grace period will be eliminated and
the due date for each installment will be the actual due date. The Colonial
Intermediate Unit 20 Proposed Budget for 2002-2003 was presented by Dr. Joseph
Mickley. This budget has an increase of 4.8%. The district's increase will be
$3,372, for a total contribution of $87,679.
COLONIAL INTERMEDIATE UNIT 20 President Williams reported that the Colonial
Intermediate Unit met on February 27. The committee was given a legislative
report. Information about a tax study was included. Resolutions have been
introduced directing the legislative budget and finance committee to study the
elimination or reduction of property taxes as a source of funding local school
districts. The resolutions request recommendations for alternative funding
sources. A report is set to be issued by June 30. The committee also received a
copy of the testimony relative to cyber charter schools presented to the Senate
Education Committee by the Secretary of Education. The IU general operating
budget has been approved by Northampton, Pocono Mountain, Stroudsburg, East
Stroudsburg, Easton, Nazareth, Pen Argyl, Delaware Valley, and by Bethlehem Area
School District (this evening). An annual report was received, copies of which
were given at the presentation by Dr. Mickley. A report was given by Mrs.
Brennan concerning technology initiatives. Mr. Apt, the principal of the
alternative education programs, provided a report explaining the vision and
mission of the program.
STUDENT REPORTS
LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL Patricia Matthews reported that the month of March brought
many exciting things to the Liberty community. On March 8, members of DECA
(Distributive Education Club of America) returned from states with many victories
and a couple of students on their way to nationals. On March 11, National Honor
Society put boxes and posters all over the school to advertise "Soles for Souls,"
a program to collect used shoes for the less fortunate. On March 15, there was
an amazing turnout for the Freedom and Liberty combined chorus concert. A number
of students won medals at Juniata College at the State Science Olympiad
competition. On March 19, the Latino Youth Leadership Club will be going to
Northampton Community College to hear speakers on the struggles of women in
Vieques. On Wednesday, the senior class will be choosing the class speaker for
graduation. On Thursday, the Eric Doney Group, a trio of musicians, will be
performing in the auditorium. On Friday, the long-anticipated teen variety
explosion will be taking place. At the end of the month, the Emergency Service
Club will have either the bomb squad or Lehigh 9-1-1 at the school for a
presentation. The theater and band groups are practicing nonstop for upcoming
concerts. Liberty Theater will perform "State Fair" on April 19, 20, 26, and 27.
The Liberty Grenadier Band will perform their concert on April 5 and 6. Other
upcoming and exciting events include the Illick's Mill 5K Run on April 7 and the
National Honor Society Blood Drive on April 18.
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL Nadine Kotlarz reported that this past month Freedom has
been shining academically and athletically. Recently, the DECA chapter returned
from state competition where many members were invited to progress to the
national competition. Also, the Freedom Science Olympiad team attended regional
competition at Moravian College last Friday. Although they placed fifth in the
area, the team did not make it to states, due to a heartbreaking two-point loss.
The Freedom Debate team will be competing in the semi-final and final debate this
upcoming Wednesday. The Scholastic Scrimmage team continues to astonish many
with its versatile members and skillful ability. Along side the academic aspect
at Freedom, the sports life is thriving as well. The girls soccer team has been
practicing almost every day and will provide viewers with an interesting season.
At this point in the year, students have basically adjusted to the school routine
and are juggling academic as well as after school activities. All are looking
forward to warmer weather.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Directors Craig and Gallagher to approve the minutes of the
February 25, 2002, Regular Board Meeting. The motion carried by voice vote.
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S CONTRACT
Director Craig moved that the Board of School Directors renew the contract of
Michelle Kostem, assistant superintendent, for a three-year period effective July
1, 2002, through June 30, 2005, with salary and benefits in the agreed-upon
contract. Director Gallagher seconded the motion. The question was called and
roll call was as follows: Yea, Directors Heske, Koch, Leeson, Venanzi, Williams,
Amato, Craig, Gallagher, and Haytmanek. Motion passed 9 - 0.
Mr. Doluisio stated that he doesn't think it is any secret the importance the
district grants to the new Regional Academic Standards Academy. The district is
anticipating excellent results from that new school. He explained that tonight
the board took two major actions in a positive direction. One was the Memorandum
of Understanding with the BEA which will enable teachers, on a voluntary basis,
to come into that school and work longer days and years than previously allowed.
The second item of significance relative to the Regional Academic Academy was the
appointment of the school's principal. Mr. Doluisio stated that she works like
two or three people. He is happy that she accepted the position as first
principal of the Academy. In her hands, the Academy will achieve its very high
goals. Mr. Doluisio introduced Jill Moran, newly appointed principal of the
Regional Academic Standards Academy.
Ms. Moran thanked Mr. Doluisio and the board for the opportunity to serve as
principal of the Regional Academic Academy. She remarked that, upon coming to
the district, she was very caught by the phrase, "One child at a time." She
believes that this step will ensure it and thinks our kids are blessed.
Mr. Doluisio congratulated the board on appointing Mrs. Kostem to a new
three-year contract to work side-by-side with Dr. Lewis and the rest of the
staff. Mrs. Kostem has always been the co-superintendent or the co-producer for
fifteen years. He stated that through those years she has made him look better
than he deserved to look and has been a major contributor to accomplishments. He
stated that the smartest thing he ever did professionally was to encourage her to
come on board for six months in December of 1985. Fifteen-and-a-half years
later, it has been his pleasure to work with such an outstanding professional and
outstanding person. He is pleased to know that the district will continue to
benefit from her hard work, intelligence, and passion for doing the right things
for students and staff. Mr. Doluisio congratulated Mrs. Kostem for a job well
done.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
The following persons addressed the Board of School Directors:
1. Ruthie Shleifer, 850 Wafford Lane, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, thanked the
board for the chance to present problems seen in the Liberty High School soccer
program. She asked that the board and administration look into these problems.
Parents believe that coaching changes are needed to truly reflect the best our
school can offer our student athletes. She stated her family has been involved
in Liberty soccer since the 1995-96 school year. Both sons played soccer at
Liberty for four years. Their daughter, a freshman, has just started. Her sons'
experiences were less than positive. Coach Sarkozy made jokes at her son,
Judah's, expense. When Judah worked up the courage to ask his coach what he
needed to improve on so that he could get more playing time, Coach Sarkozy said,
"Play better," and walked away. Coach Sarkozy spoke to one of his student
athletes about her son, Gabe, calling him an "f-ing a-." His lack of positive
communication and instruction at practices and games has created a lack of
respect from some of his players. She stated they are not complaining about
playing times, but feel Coach Sarkozy uses playing time as a message to his
players about their value to the team. His negativity and intimidating manner
have made being a part of Liberty soccer not fun for many of the players. Coach
Sarkozy has not lived up to the policies of Bethlehem Area School District. A
letter she wrote to Mr. Burkhardt in November 1998 states problems that still
exist today. Last month, eight parents met with Mr. Burkhardt and Mr. Senneca to
hear the results of their investigation of the concerns. Mr. Burkhardt and Mr.
Senneca gave a list of areas found to be deficient: communication with student
athletes and parents, rapport with players, the coaching staff he surrounds
himself with, his involvement in the feeder and middle school programs, foul
language, coaching style, and instruction during games. When asked for his
strength, the parents were told there are people who speak positively about him.
Ms. Shleifer stated that, while only three parents are present at the meeting,
they speak to represent all those who have written letters and e-mails contained
in the packet delivered Friday expressing concerns and problems that have been
observed. The parents are asking the Bethlehem Area School Board to look into
the concerns. They believe changes need to be made.
2. Molly Santee, 1251 Biafore Avenue, Bethlehem, is a parent of four students
in the Bethlehem Area School District representing the three different levels:
elementary, middle, and high school. Ms. Santee expressed a concern for the
current eighth grade students, one of which is her daughter. These students have
a special moniker in the district - "the live group." They are the test group
for the standards movement of benchmark achievement within this district.
Because of their unique status, they have been engaged as the test group for
additional changes. One change is the integrated math curriculum. This program
has been criticized by both parents and teachers at Nitschmann Middle School.
The administration has been one of the only supporters of this program among the
A-track children. For three years parents have conferenced and complained about
the lack of strategies and fundamental skills in this approach. They have been
told to wait and see, the overall results being the benchmark testing in high
school. She is not happy with this result but is waiting for the eighth grade
test results this year. Another change has been the matrix - a new strategy for
compiling student profile information for placement and tracking. This new idea
has formal guidelines in math and English only, but not in social studies and
science, yet has been implemented for placement for the current eighth grade
students. Another proposed change is a new grading system and a recommendation
to drop the weighting of honors courses in ninth and tenth grade. Ms. Santee
stated, "Here is where I say stop." It is time to stop making systematic changes
before honoring the feasibility of change. She asked where this recommendation
for grading changes came from. She interviewed four current honors teachers at
Liberty. None were consulted about the proposed changes. She also discussed
this proposal with over 20 parents of honor students currently in ninth grade.
All agreed that this change would be a deterrent from taking the more challenging
honors level classes. She asked, since the current teachers are the ones using
the grading system, shouldn't they be a component in this type of recommendation.
She asked where the business component is with the proposed changes in diplomas
and grading. She thinks it is time to allow "the live group" to adapt to the
results of this year's benchmark and strategies, matriculate into the existing
high school system without additional monumental changes. If the board and
district want a good test benchmark for the standards movements, they must stop
playing with the test group. She thinks it is time to step back from change for
change's sake. Assess the changes implemented in the last four years this
summer. Then, the standards committee or a task force can make recommendations
to promote academic challenges for all levels of students including A-track
whether they elect to take honors or academic classes.
ADJOURNMENT
Directors Craig and Gallagher moved to adjourn the meeting which carried by voice
vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
Attest,
Stanley J. Majewski, Jr. Board Secretary
:mg