Regular Board Meeting - January 27, 2003
Minutes
BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 27, 2003
REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Bethlehem
Area School District was held on Monday, January 27, 2003, 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, Gallagher, Haytmanek, Heske, Koch,
Leeson, Venanzi, and Williams - 8. Members absent: Director Craig - 1.
Student member representatives Nadine Kotlarz and Molly Lare were also
present.
OTHERS PRESENT
Others present: Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, Superintendent of Schools; Jeffrey
T. 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 an executive session of the Board of
School Directors was held this evening. Student discipline, real
estate, personnel, and legal matters were discussed.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
President Williams offered courtesy of the floor to visitors. Speakers
are asked to come to the podium, stating their name and address.
Personal attacks are not permitted. It is not the custom for the board
to enter into a dialogue about concerns. However, the board does listen
with care to issues raised. Speakers will be responded to, in some
form, by the administration. The following persons addressed the Board
of School Directors:
1. Caleb Schwarzbach, Liberty High School junior, stated that this
past fall he proposed a community service project to Dr. Lewis in which
he hoped to provide a warm coat for every financially disadvantaged
elementary student in the Bethlehem Area School District. Because of
Dr. Lewis' help, his goal became a reality. Dr. Lewis publicized the
project to administrators and parent organizations. As a result, lists
of children's needs from across the district were received and offers of
donations. Mr. Schwarzbach was able to meet all requests. Over 400
coats were distributed. Coats were received from Freedom High School,
Hanover and Farmersville Elementary Schools, and from contacts in
Central Bucks School District. Hanover and Asa Packer Elementary
Schools donated brand new hats, coats, and gloves. A knitting group
from Kramer Yarns in Nazareth donated 200 hand-knitted hats and mittens.
A total of 500 sets of hats, gloves, and mittens were given. Mr.
Schwarzbach thanked Dr. Lewis for his support and encouragement and the
Bethlehem Area School District community for their help and generosity.
Dr. Lewis commented to Mr. Schwarzbach that he has the "thank you"
reversed. He had the simple task of approving the project and helping
to get some names. Mr. Schwarzbach did hours and days of work
recruiting, assembling, and distributing 500 sets of garments, glove,
and hats. Dr. Lewis thanked him for one of the best community service
projects ever.
2. William Burkhardt, principal of Liberty High School, stated that
it is his pleasure to talk with the board as president of the
Association of Bethlehem School Administrators and Supervisors. The
demands and responsibilities placed on school directors require an
extraordinary amount of dedication and knowledge. Challenges faced by
school directors today are nothing short of daunting. Challenges include
helping to set a vision for our district, preparing children for a
global economy, and keeping up with the fast-changing technological
pressures. The board remains committed to the vision they have helped
put together for our district. Such a commitment guarantees the
community of Bethlehem Area School District the highest quality of
education afforded to all of its students. As a board, it takes the
time to become knowledgeable and to understand the fundamental
principles required for effective leadership at every level from
taxpayer to student. The administrators' association knows and
understands that it is this commitment shown as a board that propels the
district toward excellence. He offered thanks for that commitment. It
is a pleasure for administrators to serve as a part of the board's team.
Administrators thank the board for their support and salute the board
members for their service during this month of January which is
Pennsylvania School Board Recognition Month.
FEDERAL PROGRAMS UPDATE
Dr. Lewis announced that the BASD was recently notified by PDE that the
ASPIRE IV Ð Community Learning Center grant was approved in the amount
of $350,000 for the second half of the 2002-03 school year. The approval
represents a potential 1.8 million-dollar project over the next three
years. The centers will be Donegan, Marvine, Northeast, Broughal, and a
newly created center at Clearview. Funds will be used to offer
after-school educational, enrichment and recreational programs, summer
programs, academic interventions and for staff. The school district
celebrates receiving these grant fund thats will permit academic
interventions and student educational enrichment.
The Bethlehem Area School District received notification that the PK-16
Community of Learning Model for Educational Improvement grant was funded
in the amount of $50,000 over a three-year period. The BASD in
partnership with Lehigh University and other community partners proposes
to develop a PK-16 collaborative use of science and technology. We hope
to begin the process of transforming Broughal Middle School into a high
performing science and technology based learning community.
President Williams and he attend sessions related to urban education in
Pennsylvania that include lobbying efforts with legislators at a very
personal level. They and the entire school board and administration
will do what is required to obtain funds needed for the students of this
school district.
PRESIDENT'S COMMUNICATIONS
President Williams stated she knows she speaks on behalf of all her
fellow dedicated board members by saying that it is an honor and a
privilege to both serve this district and each other as members of this
board.
President Williams announced that letters were received from Senators
Dent and Boscola in response to letters she sent in December on behalf
of the board concerning funding issues that may be presented in the
legislative session. Each of the senators expressed understanding of
our concerns and a willingness to discuss the issues further.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Dr. Lewis stated that for the third year in a row Hanover Elementary
School has scored the highest overall of the 3900 plus elementary
schools in the state on the fifth grade PSSA testing. Hanover scored
the highest in reading at 1640 and second highest in mathematics at
1630. This is a remarkable accomplishment. Dr. Lewis congratulated
Mrs. Leasure and her staff on a job well done.
Dr. Lewis announced that Lehigh University has recognized Dr. Garrigan
in the college of education for outstanding contributions to educational
technology. An awards dinner was held on November 14. Dr. Lewis
extended congratulations to Dr. Garrigan for that recognition.
Dr. Lewis stated that a benefit concert was held in October by
professors in the Lehigh University music department to support music
programs in south side schools. More than $2,000 was raised. The event
was held to raise funds for ongoing efforts to bring the Suzuki Method
to area elementary and middle schools. A special assembly was held at
Fountain Hill Elementary School at which time the check was presented to
Joyce Dawley, music teacher at Fountain Hill, who will head up the
program.
Dr. Lewis noted Linda Kenna, supervisor of ASPIRE/FAMILY CENTERS,
received information that the practice of the program "Developing
Self-Respect Through Learning New Skills that Combine the Arts and
Technology" has been recognized as a promising part of the Promising
Practices in the Afterschool (PPAS) System. This system is an effort to
find and share the good things that go on in afterschool programs around
the country. This will appear in a national database. Dr. Lewis
congratulated Linda Kenna and her staff. Dr. Lewis commented this is
part of the reason why ASPIRE funding comes to Bethlehem Area School
District. The programs we use the dollars for are well recognized as
being successful implementations.
Dr. Lewis provided background of the Mid-Atlantic Deans and
Superintendents Network Grant. Four schools received that grant out of
13 applications: Norristown, Scranton, York, and Bethlehem. We will be
using that money to develop a model for our new Broughal Middle School.
Dr. Lewis noted that Richard Santee, a Liberty High School student, was
recently recognized for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Dr. Lewis
congratulated Richard and his family on a fine accomplishment.
Dr. Lewis asked Jennifer Volpato to note the accomplishment of Michael
Snell, an eighth grade student at East Hills Middle School and welcomed
Michael to the dais. Ms. Volpato, director of the Harmonium program and
music teacher at East Hills Middle School, introduced Michael Snell,
eighth grade student in the harmonium program, member of the chamber
choir and the chorus. In the next two weeks Michael will be attending
and performing with over 300 students from across the country in the
National Honors Choir at Lincoln Center in New York City. He was one of
five students who auditioned. Students had to prepare an audition tape
that was sent to judges across the country. He was selected from over
2,000 students. He is one of two tenors in the state of Pennsylvania
representing us. He will have the opportunity to observe very world
renown choirs from China, Estonia, and other noted choirs from the
Unites States. Through the three days in New York, he will be working
for rehearsals and participating in a variety of workshops taught by
nationally renown conductors. At the end of three days of extensive
rehearsal he will be performing in front of a national audience with
those 300 students in the junior high/middle school honors choir on
Saturday, February 15. Ms. Volpato thanked Dr. Lewis for the time to
address the board and thanked the board for its continued sponsorship of
the music programs and support in sending one of our fine students to a
fine experience in New York.
Dr. Lewis echoed Mr. Burkhardt's remarks about our board members. He
invited all present to refreshments sponsored by the Bethlehem Education
Association in recognition of our board of school directors. Mr.
Majewski handed out certificates of recognition to the directors. Dr.
Lewis stated that this year the Pennsylvania School Boards Association
is endorsing an initiative that talks about public schools achieving.
School directors achieving for public schools is the essence of the
certificates presented to school directors this evening. School
directors do achieve. Their job is not an easy one. They deal with
myriad issues, with no compensation. They dedicate themselves to the
responsibility of providing funding and sound policy for the operation
of our schools. Dr. Haytmanek has been with us for two years. Mr. Ed
Gallagher has served for 16 years, Charlene Koch Ð 10 years, Mr. William
Heske Ð 10 years, Mr. Rosario Amato Ð 8 years, Mrs. Margaret Williams Ð
8 years, Mrs. Julie Venanzi Ð 6 years, Mr. Joseph Craig Ð 6 years, and
Mrs. Loretta Leeson Ð 4 years. Combined are over 70 years of commitment
to the school board at Bethlehem Area School District. Dr. Lewis read a
proclamation of recognition and appreciation of school board members.
In the proclamation the executive board of the Pennsylvania School
Boards Association designated January as School Directors Recognition
Month in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The proclamation was
unanimously approved on July 18, 1985, and reaffirmed November 15, 2002.
Dr. Lewis congratulated the board of school directors for their
continuing commitment and dedication.
INSTRUCTIONAL REPORT
Mr. Thomas Washington, Principal of Freemansburg Hill Elementary School,
and teachers provided a report on results of ASPIRE programs. Mr.
Washington introduced his team: Cheryl Slattery, academic support
teacher; Patricia Campbell, reading specialist, and Dawn Mendez,
computer specialist.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE Director Venanzi reported that the Curriculum
Committee met Monday, January 6. During open forum Director Craig
commented on a Morning Call article reporting that several Bethlehem
Schools are at risk of not meeting the national standards. Dr. Lewis
agreed with Director Craig's comments. He made a telephone call to the
editorial supervisor and met with him the next day.
Director Williams asked about the staffing process for school nurses.
Nurses are currently assigned to cover multiple buildings. Dr. Nelson
will be reviewing the nurses staffing process in the spring.
Director Williams asked about assigning a district liaison person for
the Japanese Exchange Program with the City of Bethlehem. Mr. Perfetti
recommended Liberty High School Principal, Bill Burkhardt.
Director Leeson commented that she was pleased to hear that the Family
Centers received the Magna Awards. She asked if school libraries are
available to students waiting to ride the activity buses home. Dr.
Lewis responded that he thought the libraries were open, and he will
check with schools to be sure.
Dr. Lewis stated that he is waiting to receive information about
alternatives for the driver's education program from Director Gallagher.
Marilee Ostman presented a history of the S.P.A.R.K. program. The
program has proven to be very successful. It is hoped that the program
can be expanded in the future.
Mr. Perfetti stated that Arif Fazil and Jack Wittenberger will be
notifying the neighborhood residents living near Northeast Middle School
about the process and timelines involved in the plans for building the
new middle school.
FACILITIES COMMITTEE Director Heske reported that the Facilities
Committee met on Monday, January 6. Facilities-related agenda items on
this evening's agenda were reviewed and approved. An update was
received on the Northeast Middle School project which is on schedule.
Contracting practices used in awarding these major contracts were
discussed. The board was made aware of a continuing Liberty High School
boiler problem due to the requirement that we must keep replacing tubes.
It is hoped that this problem will be addressed as part of the 10-year
renovation plan.
FINANCE COMMITTEE Director Amato reported that the Finance Committee
met on Monday, January 13. Susan Famularo reviewed the 2001-2002 audit
report. This is the first year the audit was under a new format,
GASB34. The school district received a clean opinion which means our
numbers are reliable. Mr. Majewski presented the proposed budget
guidelines to be used for the 2003-2004 budget. The proposed budget will
be presented to the board on April 23. The first public budget hearing
will be held on April 24. Tentative budget adoption is scheduled for
May 19; final adoption for June 23. Mr. Majewski responded to a
question from Director Craig on the current market value of school
district property that the insurable value is approximately
$400,000,000. Mr. Majewski presented a five-year financial projection
for the school district representing a conservative scenario without any
cost cutting measures. Mr. Majewski presented a request from the City
of Bethlehem to extend the LERTA tax abatement program for the next
school year. He also reported on the concession stands financial report
for the year. The net profit for the district stadium concession stands
totaled $17,459. The profit will be distributed between Liberty and
Freedom Booster Clubs, each receiving $5,238; the remaining $6,983 will
go to the district.
BETHLEHEM AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL Director Amato reported that
the vo-tech board met on Tuesday, January 7. A new course of study is
being proposed by the administration of the Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech
School called "Protective Services." This program was put together with
input from the home-school guidance counselors. The pilot program "Fast
Track" for ninth graders was discussed. Of 20 students enrolled, 18
have met or exceeded the expectations for that program. Recruitment
strategies for the 2003-2004 school year were discussed. Bethlehem Area
Vo-Tech has received confirmation from the Pennsylvania Department of
Education that it has been selected for the Perkins Local Plan review
which will enable the school to receive Perkins grant allocations.
Presently, the Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech School is awarded approximately
$277,000 in various grants throughout the year.
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE Director Haytmanek reported that the Human
Resources Committee met on Monday, January 13. The committee discussed
the proposed 2003-2004 school calendar which promises to be more
synchronized with the Saucon Valley and Northampton districts than in
the past. Dr. Lewis presented the final draft of the reorganization
plan for administrative infrastructure. Dr. Lewis distributed a
document containing his goals and a timeline for each goal. Work to
achieve several of these eight goals has already begun.
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Director Koch reported that
the Joint School Committee of the Northampton County Area Community
College met on Thursday, January 9. The most interesting report
concerned a new speech pathologist course. The course title is
"Communications Disorder Degree" and will be in coordination with East
Stroudsburg University. There was a presentation on the Clery Law to
explain how it related to the Northampton Community College campus. The
community college budget will soon be presented to the various school
districts. Good news is that of all eight districts, Bethlehem has the
smallest percentage increase, 1.04%.
COLONIAL INTERMEDIATE UNIT 20 President Williams reported on two IU
meetings. At the December 17 meeting the annual report booklet was
received for 2001-2002. The report gives a good summary of special
programs, services, and finances. Mr. Featherman gave a reminder that
the Region 8 directorship is up for new leadership. That meeting is
scheduled for April 24 at the Bethlehem Holiday Inn. However, the
meeting will conflict with the district's budget hearing also scheduled
for April 24.
At the January 22 meeting, a list was received of all the new Rendell
cabinet and agency appointments. Information was received on timing of
employee contracts in other districts in a report from their HR
services. There was an excellent presentation on a leadership academy
for school district administrators.
President Williams stated that she enjoyed reading the colorful Freedom
Forum which board members received. It was a wonderful display of
Freedom High School.
STUDENT REPORTS
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL Danielle Knecht stated that finals are upon the
students. There is no word more beautiful than the word "exemption" for
a senior. Next Monday, students will have reached the bend in the road
and embark on second semester classes. Even with all the pressure,
Freedom students don't miss a beat. Led by director Jenn Wescoe, the
FHS Theater Company will present West Side Story to be shown in early
April. The Freedom High School Science Olympiad is headed to regional
competition in March. The semi-final and final competitive debates for
the FHS debate team commence February 25. Perhaps more nerve wracking
than finals and/or competitions is that in mid March senior students
will be receiving college letters.
LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL Molly Lare stated one recent event was the Teen
Summit, hosted by the Latino Youth Leadership Club. The event was held
in the auditorium where music groups and steps teams performed and
speeches were given promoting diversity. An art show was held January
26 in the Commons Building. Students taking the studio arts, ceramics,
and photography courses were able to display their work from the first
semester. A good crowd showed up for the display. Auditions for the
spring musical were held. Casting has been completed. LHS will be
presenting "The Music Man" on the last weekend in April and first
weekend in May. There will also be an exclusive showing on a Thursday
night in May for Lehigh Valley senior citizens. The LHS Grenadier Band
was at Governor Ed Rendell's inauguration ceremony, playing and marching
outside in freezing temperatures in Harrisburg. The LHS resource room
has formed some support groups for students in three categories:
building healthy and safe relationships, healthy choices and abstinence,
and understanding addictions which provides help for friends and family
of people addicted to drugs and alcohol. The freshmen orientation will
be held Tuesday, January 28, for the upcoming class of 2007. Some new
parking rules have been enforced. Students who park in the teachers'
parking lot will have a boot locked to their car. The two-hour parking
limits have been reinforced. The Liberty Life Newspaper is having a
carnation sale. Students can buy carnations for one dollar to be
delivered to their friends the day before Valentine's Day. A pink
carnation stands for friendship, white for secret admirer, and red for
love. The student government is hosting a matchmaker fund raiser. The
money will be donated to a charity yet to be designated. In past years
money was given to the Multiple Sclerosis Association and American Heart
Association. Students fill out information cards to see who they are
compatible with and can buy the results for two dollars around
Valentine's Day, and do whatever they want with the results. The Latino
Youth Leadership Club will be hosting two events in the near future. On
Saturday, February 8, a diversity celebration will be held in honor of
Black History Month. Musical presentations, keynote speaker Mr. David
Jones, and the step team will be included. On Friday, March 21, the
2003 teen variety explosion will be held where students have the chance
to express their musical and dancing talents. On February 14, the ski
club will host a trip to Hunter Mountain in New York State. In sports,
girls basketball has qualified for districts, with a current record of
12 and 7. Boys basketball has been doing pretty well and needs one more
victory to qualify for districts. The wrestling team had a big win over
Parkland. There are two meets left in swimming, with a current record
of 7 and 3. The Freedom versus Liberty meet is next week. It is hoped
to qualify quite a few people for districts and states. The rifle squad
beat Freedom Ð one more notch for Liberty for the bell. The chess team
is doing very well and is currently ranked first in the district.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Directors Gallagher and Heske to approve the
minutes of the November 18, 2002, Regular Board Meeting; December 2,
2002, Reorganization Meeting, and December 9, 2002, Regular Board
Meeting. The motion carried by voice vote.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Lewis presented the recommendations of the administration.
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
Director Venanzi reminded the board of an invitation to read to the
students at S.P.A.R.K. in February.
Director Leeson stated that on January 13 at the board finance committee
meeting the board was presented with the administration's budget
guidelines for 2003-2004. Director Leeson said she would like to
propose that the board consider adding the guideline to try to keep the
tax increase zero or as small as possible. At that meeting Mr. Majewski
gave the five-year projection. She understands the constraints and how
difficult it will be this year. President Williams stated that if that
is a desire, last year's budget projections should be examined to be
able to present concrete ideas. Director Leeson stated it should be the
board's criteria to establish the guideline and the administration
should try to put that into place.
Dr. Lewis asked for clarification from Director Leeson, if she wants the
budget guidelines provided to administration that they maintain or try
to maintain zero increase within the divisions or buildings or if her
intent is to balance the entire budget on those areas that there is
control of, knowing that it amounts to between 28% to 30% of the budget.
He asked if it is her intent that a zero increase budget be presented.
Director Leeson replied that she wants as close to a zero increase as
possible.
Dr. Lewis stated that is asking the instructional departments to
decrease their budgets.
Director Leeson responded that it would be Dr. Lewis' call, but somehow
to get the increase down.
Dr. Lewis stated that the retirement impact is estimated at about
one-half mill. He asked if that retirement contribution should be
balanced on the instructional side.
Director Leeson stated she would like to see this looked at as closely
as possible.
Dr. Lewis stated that, although serving at the board's direction, it
will be a tall order.
Director Leeson stated she understands it will be difficult. It is
easier to be looking at it throughout the process rather than going
backwards once the budget is proposed.
Dr. Lewis stated that at the finance committee there should be
discussion on what the zero to small parameter is in the minds of the
board so that administration has a guideline.
Director Amato agreed with Director Leeson that it is a good point to
start now. In past budget meetings when looking at trimming the budget,
it was so late, into April and May, that it was very difficult. He
thinks we should start now and, with a CPI of 2.8% or so, to keep in
mind that a zero to CPI is something we might be able to live with,
rather than what the scary projections were as presented at the finance
committee meeting. It is a tall order, but he thinks there are a lot of
creative ways to look at achieving it. We may have to forego some
things for a year to make that happen.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
1. Barbara Fowler, president of Bethlehem Education Association,
stated that, as everyone has heard, January is Board Appreciation Month.
On behalf of the BEA and students, she expressed thanks to our board
members. Their task is not an easy one Ð leadership of a large district
in difficult times for a diverse constituency. In the past few years
the BEA and the board have worked collectively to promote quality
education in our schools. Joint efforts in programs such as: Senior
Citizens' Night at the Theater, the Colonial Alliance of Public Schools,
Excellence in Education Awards, Merit Scholarship Awards, PEC2000,
PEC2002, and the Academic Academy have allowed the district to showcase
what is right and working in the public schools. The PSBA initiative,
"Pride and Promise," dovetails perfectly with what has been done
collaboratively for a long time. It shows that great education is a
team effort and that Bethlehem, again, is in the forefront of innovative
initiatives.
DR. LEWIS INTRODUCED MR. VILLANI, MISS BENTKOWSKI, MR. DONAHER
Dr. Lewis introduced Anthony Villani, who was approved this evening as
assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction effective July
1, 2003. Miss Fran Bentkowski, who is reassigned effective July 1 as
principal of Freedom High School, was introduced. Dr. Lewis also
introduced Mr. Dean Donaher, whose reassignment as assistant principal
in the curriculum role was also approved during the meeting. Dr. Lewis
stated that the cabinet will remain intact. Mrs. Michelle Kostem has
been appointed as associate superintendent. Mr. Perfetti and Dr. Nelson
have changed role designations but maintain directorships at the cabinet
level. Dr. Lewis thanked all of them for their continued support.
ADJOURNMENT
Directors Venanzi and Haytmanek moved to adjourn the meeting which
carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Attest,
Stanley J. Majewski, Jr. Board Secretary
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