Regular Board Meeting - April 29, 2002
Minutes
BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 29, 2002
REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Bethlehem Area School
District was held on Monday, April 29, 2002, beginning at 7:14 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 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 session of the board:
¥ An executive session of the Board of School Directors was held this evening.
Student discipline and a legal matter were discussed.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
The following persons addressed the Board of School Directors:
1. Fran Belzner, stated she lives at 1316 Woodbine Street, northeast section
of Bethlehem - home to Taliban and warlord wannabes. She stated the corruption
is so thick you can cut it with a knife. She stated she has been denied
constitutional and civil rights starting in late 2001 at Lincoln Elementary
School where staff deliberately harassed and withheld education deliberately for
suspensions. She stated she was denied the right to due process and grievance.
Staff summoning Bethlehem Police to talk to her minor son regarding general
behaviors without parental permission was a part of a blackballing routine that
contributed to her son's father obtaining custody. She has been denied the right
to report cards, parent/teacher conferences, and the right to full access to her
son's education. She stated she is tired of begging for her parental rights. She
was just handed a report card and she does appreciate it very much. A recent
discovery has revealed that her normal IQ tested son is currently in special
education. She asked how a child who has been doing satisfactory or above grade
level last year becomes a special education student without any prior academic
problems. She stated that her son was promoted to the fourth grade even with
over 30 days out of school. Regardless of his days out, she asked how can
mistakes be made and the district's corrections create the problems all due
without any logical or legal explanations. She wants to know how these people
bear straight faces when pledging allegiance to our flag with liberty and justice
for all, when it is granted. Ms. Belzner said that she can't wait to meet the
next Mr. Wonderful, superintendent of the school district.
2. Sarah Dunn, 819 Tioga Avenue, Bethlehem, is a parent of two children in the
Bethlehem Schools, one of whom will be a sixth grader at Nitschmann in the fall.
She spoke about concerns of the math curriculum. At the curriculum committee
meeting a couple weeks ago, she was told that board members have not heard many
complaints from parents. She stated many Clearview parents and teachers have
concerns about the program. She wished to make it clear that she is not against
the institution of an integrated math curriculum, understanding that it is
helpful to many students, especially those with an average or poor math aptitude.
However, the total switch to an integrated curriculum concerns her as a parent.
She understands, from many sources, that it may be detrimental to the education
of the highest end math students. These students are our brightest and best and
are being held back by the integrated curriculum, potentially. Through her
investigation talking with many people in the district, her understanding is that
these students can no longer accelerate through the standard math program without
a significant amount of independent summer work in addition to the in-school
curriculum with a great deal of parent involvement and at the parent's request.
The accelerated students are the ones the district loves to brag about and are
good advertising for the district. Feeding their hunger for higher level math is
made much more difficult or prevented by this integrated curriculum as the
district has implemented it. Relying on problem solving defies logic. Many
parents and teachers are concerned that knowledge of basic skills is taking a
back seat to the integrated curriculum which focuses more on process. She has
heard from people who give SAT prep courses that the integrated curriculum is not
preparing our students adequately to take SATs and score well. She is concerned
about college acceptance and whether colleges will understand what "core plus" in
a high school transcript will mean. Ms. Dunn stated she is a large advocate of
public education. She is afraid that parents of these high end children will
start looking elsewhere. We need to keep these students within our school system.
3. Joanne Daniels, 2911 Kenwick Drive, Hanover Township, stated she and her
husband, Eric, are parents of three children in the district: Michael, a junior
at Liberty; Andrew, an eighth grader at Nitschmann, and Zack, a fourth grader at
Asa Packer. She commended the board and the district for recognizing when
problems have existed, searching for solutions, and effectively implementing
those solutions in many cases. It has been stated that students repeatedly
performed poorly in areas such as problem-solving skills. As a result, the
district has implemented the new math curriculum across all levels. The new
curriculum has focused on constructing answers and placing math in context of
real world. She has nothing to argue with about that. However, she believes
that teaching investigations, which is taught at the elementary level, connective
math in middle school, and core plus through the integrated program at the high
school level, at the exclusion of traditional math topic skills and methods, has
not been good for students. She has watched her A track math eighth grader
struggle through connective math. He has been the trial year across the middle
schools. When CMP is taught exclusively and the teacher adds no additional
skill-based instruction, the result has been poor grades, frustration, and
complaints that he now hates math. An example is filling a cylinder with water
or sand to figure its volume is great, but then leaving him without the tools to
do it the next time and no practice problems for reinforcement have left him
completely frustrated. There are no repeated problems in the text, no references
to equations or methods. There is nothing to look back on for study or review.
This is where CMP falls very short. Ms. Daniels stated that fortunately, at Asa
Packer, teachers have chosen to use the integrated program along with the more
traditional Addison-Wesley program. The results are very good there. This
should be an example across the district. Real world math is fine, knowing how
to balance a checkbook is fine, but plain old multiplication skills are necessary
to get through elementary school and move on. More traditional teaching is
needed once the problem solving strategy is understood by the student. The
Morning Call stated that most teachers are happy with the new curriculum. Ms.
Daniels stated that, from her experience, most students and parents are unhappy.
Many teachers are unhappy. In trying to address a deficiency that has been
observed across our district's students, the pendulum has swung completely to the
other side. She stated she would be very happy, as would other parents, to work
together to get math back on track in our district.
4. Maryanne West, 416 Apollo Drive, Bethlehem, stated she was attending on
behalf of the 406 parents who are members of the East Hills Parent Association.
She stated that last month the association appeared before the board to ask for
serious consideration to the overcrowding that currently exists at East Hills.
The association asks that the imbalance of administrative personnel be remedied
by the addition of another administrator, a secretary to assist that
administrator, a guidance counselor, another nurse, and additional space via
trailers. The association wishes to respectfully reiterate its concerns. She
invited the board to visit East Hills and observe the situation. Adequate
staffing and space are vital to every aspect of student success and to the
effectiveness of school staff. She asked the board to ensure the future of East
Hills either by taking measures to reduce overcrowding or by providing each of
the resources requested to accommodate the increasing student population.
5. Chris Rothdeutsch, 2213 Florence Avenue, Bethlehem, stated she was speaking
as a parent of a Clearview student and as a taxpayer about the newly renovated
Clearview School. It is a wonderful building, but there is a space problem. One
of the reasons for the space problem is that Clearview has two Intermediate Unit
20 special education classes. She is not saying that they should be removed. We
should keep them. One of the classrooms is at their three-year legal limit. If
Clearview really needs space, which it does, the class will have to move at the
end of this year. Parents at Clearview, once they found out the whole story and
what the legal limit was about, said that they want to keep these students in the
school. But there is a problem because Clearview has so many extra programs to
help students meet the standards and so forth that every little space is taken
up. The parents are asking for a portable classroom to be made into a permanent
classroom for the building and keep these special education students in Clearview
as a part of the Clearview family.
6. Ed Townsend stated that his son, Aaron, is an eleventh grader at Liberty
High School. He stated that, as he left the house tonight, this trip to attend
the meeting became that joy that every parent has where he gets to thoroughly
embarrass his child. His son would have nothing to do with this, but Mr.
Townsend stated he was attending to tell about the son he loves and the game he
loves. His son, Aaron, was a little different when he came to Liberty in that he
had a goal. Since he was eight years old, he has had the goal to play college
hockey. To achieve that, he has had to work very hard to be scholarly enough to
get to a good college - division 1 or division 3 - that plays college hockey and
to become a very good athlete in pursuit of his sport. On April 14 he signed a
letter of intention to go to play hockey at a New England prep school and he will
be withdrawing from the Bethlehem Area School District to attend Gunnery in
Connecticut to the division 1 New England Prep School hockey team. In order to
get to college hockey you have to be older than what most people think. The
average freshman on a college hockey team is 21 years of age. There has never
been a player who has left a Pennsylvania high school and gone on to play college
hockey directly from high school. They have had to go through the prep school
route or through the junior route in order to become a division 1 player. Aaron's
goal will take him away from Liberty. That is not easy for him to do because
it's a school where he has played hockey on the school hockey team. He has
always had a dream that it would become a varsity sport. He has played at the
varsity level for a Bethlehem School District team since eighth grade, so,
literally, he would be a five-time varsity athlete if he were to graduate from
here. Mr. Townsend wanted to thank the district, Mr. Doluisio, and his staff
because they have done a wonderful job in preparing his son for the journey he is
about to take. The education he has received has made him a quality enough
student that he can be attractive enough to a prep school to get the opportunity
he is about to have. He will repeat eleventh grade and then graduate a year
later. He is committing to another year of high school. Part of that is to gain
an extra year of age if he hopes to get into college to play hockey. Mr.
Townsend would like a continuing dialog with powers that be in hockey to bring
this sport into the fold of varsity athletics. It is important and would bring
prestige to the sport. His son has had a wonderful experience with all the young
men he has played with, both on his eighth grade team which was a joint team
between Liberty and Freedom, and every team since then. These students deserve
as athletes to be recognized for the work they do. Mr. Townsend gave thanks to:
the office staff at Liberty, Mrs. Durante, Aaron's counselor - Mrs. Norton, and
Mrs. Hrichak have helped his son endlessly to go through the process of applying
for school. He also thanked the teachers who have given him support, especially
Mr. Karwacki and Mr. Corrigan who went through endless amounts of forms and
helped in his pursuit of that dream. He thanked the school board for providing
an environment that has helped his son become the type of boy that he thinks will
bring pride to us all and who can avail himself of this opportunity.
PRESIDENT'S COMMUNICATIONS
President Williams wanted to make everyone aware of the School Funding - Past and
Present meeting taking place at IU20 on Thursday, May 2. Senator James Rhoades
is a special guest. Lisa Boscola, Rich Grucela, and Representative Kelly Lewis
will be present. Paul Kelly, business manager from the Pocono Mountain School
District, and Stacy Gober from Northampton School District will be giving
presentations. The format is to present an overview. Then, three
superintendents will give their perspective. The legislators will then give a
response. President Williams urged the attendance of our board members. Several
have a conflict that evening with a Community College meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
BETHLEHEM AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL Director Craig reported that the
Vo-Tech Board met on April 2. In addition to normal business there was an
inservice presented by the BAVTS Strategic Planning Committee. The committee
talked about planning for the future, about going out into the community to see
what kinds of course work are needed at Vo-Tech, staff development plans, the
curriculum process, and keeping in mind the state standards. The school calendar
was approved. Approval was given for students to attend VICA competition this
summer. The Vo-Tech internet use policy was revised.
FACILITIES COMMITTEE Director Heske reported that the Facilities Committee met
on Monday, April 15. The Lafayette, Rosemont, Maintenance Annex, and Monocacy
renovations are on schedule. It was determined that an electrical substation
will be required for the East Hills chiller project which will increase the
costs. William Penn Highway improvements at Farmersville are being pursued. Bids
will be received on transportation diesel bus heater outlets and the Northeast
Middle School construction project. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has
approved the use of the existing Northeast Middle School for implementing the
district's 10-year plan. That means students can be housed in the existing
building and, perhaps, students in another location while work is being done to
complete the new Northeast Middle School. Tonight's agenda items were reviewed
and are being recommended for approval. Representatives from Bethlehem Township
Athletic Association asked for permission of development of three soccer fields
at Farmersville Elementary School. The board unanimously gave its approval. Mr.
Wittenberger and Mr. Fazil have met with Freedom High School administration and
have identified concerns relating to the Freedom High School athletic complex.
When the capital improvement program is updated in October, a field house request
will be placed on the matrix for consideration.
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE Director Venanzi reported that the Curriculum Committee met
on Monday, April 15. The math committee responded to some questions regarding
the district-wide math program. The board was assured that students in grades
nine through twelve with deficiencies in math basic skills would be addressed and
that all students at the high schools and transferring into this district would
be handled with the traditional curriculum.
FINANCE COMMITTEE Director Amato reported that the Finance Committee met on
Monday, April 22. Director Heske informed the committee that radio station KYW
is giving away free computers and advised everyone to listen on Thursday
mornings. Mr. Majewski informed the committee that Blue Cross and Blue Shield
have split. The district must pick a new health insurance administrator by
September 1. It is hoped that the competition among health insurance companies
will lower costs. Mr. Majewski will be meeting with representatives of the two
companies and will report back with recommendations. It is the district's hope
to offer identical coverage as is now afforded its employees. Mr. Majewski
informed the committee that solicitation for the printing of tax bills came in
over $10,000. This increase in printing fees was not anticipated. The bills
would not be ready for mailing July 1 if the district bids this work for this
year. Future tax bill printing purchases will be bid. Dr. Scott Garrigan
presented a state mandated three-year technology plan for the district. This
plan calls for replacement and upgrades of computers and related technology in
the district at a cost of approximately $3,000,000 over a three-year period. Dr.
Garrigan expressed a desire to institute a five-year plan and to establish a
standing technology steering committee. The district cannot afford to replace
equipment every three years and a five-year plan would be more feasible.
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE Director Gallagher reported that the Human Resources
Committee meeting met on Monday, April 22, in closed session.
BETHLEHEM RECREATION COMMISSION Director Haytmanek attended the city of
Bethlehem Recreation Commission meeting on March 21. Program updates were given
on basketball leagues and the ice rink. The ice rink is grossing over a quarter
million dollars a year. He learned that our fifth grade classes are learning to
ice skate there as a part of the gym program. There were some updates on
playground improvements. It has come to their attention that the local garden
club has $12,000 they would like to donate to some worthy cause. He has been in
communication with some people to see if plantings can be placed around their
buildings.
STUDENT REPORTS
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL Ted Segal stated that, as seniors can attest, this is the
busiest time of the school year. Between the upcoming, AP testing, field trips,
and classes seniors are juggling a lot. So is the rest of the school. This past
month, juniors participated in more standardized testing, missing an additional
few days of class. Freedom's environmental awareness team recently sold
carnations in the spirit of Earth Day. This past weekend the Student Council,
National Honor Society, and other groups around school participated in the March
of Dimes walk. Eleanor Kunesh and Katie Farber also headed a 5K walk/run.
Freedom hosted senior citizen night at the theater. With over 800 seniors in
attendance at Freedom's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, the
evening was a success. The show was spectacular and well attended the other
three evenings it was performed. The orchestra also put on a noteworthy show.
Upcoming events include a spring choral and orchestra concert on May 2 and the
Patriot spring band concert on May 9. The FBLA had a good showing at the state
competition with several students advancing to national competition to be held in
Nashville, Tennessee, this summer. The DECA club also participated in national
competition held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Spring sports teams are doing well.
The boys volleyball team is ranked first in the state and recently beat Liberty.
The boys tennis team is having its best season in 10 years and will compete
against Liberty tomorrow. The girls soccer, girls softball, and boys baseball
teams are all posting winning records. The track team has one meet remaining
before leagues and districts begin. Freedom's weightlifting club has been
successful in a number of competitions. Freedom is looking forward to another
busy month.
LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL Patricia Matthews stated that as the weather gets nicer and
the school year winds down, the Liberty community is busier than ever. Liberty
kicked off the month of April with the annual Liberty High School Grenadier band
concert on April 5 and 6. The gym was packed both nights with the concert living
up to its extravagant expectations. Its most exciting features were videos of
the history of the band, a tribute to our 9/11 heroes, and guest appearances by
Sergeant Major Kevin Coates of her Majesty's Coldstream Guard and guest
conductor, Ron Sherry. Following the concert, the band began practicing for its
upcoming trip to Orlando, Florida, in May. Also rehearsing through the month
were Liberty's fine actors and actresses of the theater program. On April 19,
20, 26, and 27 these students delivered four amazing performances of Rodgers and
Hammerstein's "State Fair." The Liberty Key Club held a book drive throughout
April with all donations going to Muhlenberg Hospital's book drive. Other
donations by Liberty students this month include shoes and blood. The National
Honor Society held a Soles for Souls shoe drive at the end of March and held the
annual blood drive. Both events had tremendous donations. FBLA and National
Honor Society both took trips to New York. DECA just returned from the National
Career Development Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. This past Friday, seniors
showed off their style while participating in the annual prom fashion show. Also
on Friday after school, Lieutenant Governor candidate Allen Kukovich spoke to the
Liberty Political Club. The track and field team traveled to the Penn Relays to
compete. Other Liberty students participated in the March of Dimes Walk. Some
exciting upcoming events at Liberty include the annual "Ramble Rumble" on May 9
with proceeds going towards the post prom. The crash program will take place on
May 28. The prom and post prom are on May 31. The River Fusion 2002 concert is
on June 2. Finally, graduation is on June 13.
President Williams announced that, at the annual Colonial Intermediate Unit 20
awards banquet, the Senior Citizens' Night at the Theater received an award for
public schools in the category of reaching out to the public to enhance a greater
understanding of public education. Another award received by the school district
was Northeast Middle School - the Revolutionary War Experience, in the category
of educational programs or activities that take creative approaches towards
providing highly effective teaching and learning opportunities. The third award
was to William Penn Elementary School in the category presented to educational
programs or activities that are built around active engagement for parents,
families, and/or the community in school efforts that strengthen or enhance
student performance and school success for a mentoring program initiated by
William Penn Elementary School. Director Craig stated it is interesting to note
that this awards banquet represents all of Northampton and Monroe Counties,
approximately 20 school districts. Seven awards were given; three went to the
Bethlehem Area School District - a great accomplishment.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Directors Venanzi and Craig to approve the minutes of the
March 18, 2002, Regular Board Meeting. The motion carried by voice vote.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Doluisio presented the following recommendations of the administration.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS No one wished to address the Board of School
Directors.
ADJOURNMENT
Directors Amato and Gallagher moved to adjourn the meeting which carried by voice
vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Attest,
Stanley J. Majewski, Jr. Board Secretary
:mg