Regular Board Meeting - March 17, 2003
Minutes
BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 17, 2003
REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Bethlehem Area School
District was held on Monday, March, 17, 2003, beginning at 7:10 p.m. in the
Auditorium of East Hills Middle School, 2005 Chester Road, Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At this point in the meeting, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
MEMBERS PRESENT
The Board Secretary called the roll:
Members present: Directors Craig, Gallagher, Haytmanek, Heske, Koch, Leeson,
Venanzi, and Williams - 8. Members absent: Director Amato - 1. Student member
representative Nadine Kotlarz was 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.
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 and negotiations 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. No one wished to
address the Board of School Directors.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Dr. Lewis announced that next Monday the school district will be receiving
educators from Russia who will be visiting the Bethlehem Area School District.
This is coordinated through an effort by East Stroudsburg University and
Professor Doug Lare and the Pocono Mountain School District in an agreement with
schools in various sections of Russia. The educators will tour one school at
each level, have lunch, then tour Just Born so that they can see capitalism in
motion in a very positive way.
Dr. Lewis announced that the March 6 snow day will be made up on June 19.
Dr. Lewis recognized the Liberty High School Grenadier Band and their recent trip
to Puerto Rico. We will be the recipients of 22 musicians from Puerto Rico who
will perform at Liberty's pops concert.
INSTRUCTIONAL REPORT
Dr. Carol Turoczi, Principal of Lincoln Elementary School, provided a report on
academic interventions and the ASPIRE program. She will speak about the
intervention programs and Mrs. Vicky Henshaw, ASPIRE coordinator, will speak
about the ASPIRE programs.
Dr. Turoczi gave the board a snapshot of the academic intervention programs at
Lincoln Elementary School and thanked the board for being so supportive of the
programs. The programs are making a big difference for children. She also
thanked the board for validating the tremendous dedication of the Lincoln School
faculty. The goals of all programs are threefold. The first is to enrich
development of children academically and intellectually, the last is socially and
emotionally. The middle goal is the experiential one. What we know about our
brain-based research tells us that the more experiences children have, the more
connections they make in their brain and that grows their capacity to learn. It
is very important to the Lincoln staff that we provide that. Effective
intervention programs offer extended time. Some children need more time to
learn. The bulk of intervention programs are held before school beginning at
7:30 in the morning because children are well-rested and fresh then.
Student-teacher ratio is low. Research says that smaller class sizes make a
difference. An extensive data base is maintained at Lincoln helping to make
decisions about which children need to go into the programs and where they need
to go. There is on-going collaboration between intervention teachers and
classroom teachers. What students are doing in the classroom becomes supported
in their intervention. Parent support is needed to get children there at 7:30 in
the morning. Last year it was offered four days per week. Due to a decrease in
budget, it is now offered three days per week, either before school or after
school. If children attend all the intervention classes, they have added 27
school days of learning time. Last year and this year enrollees were over 100
students, grades K-5, about 30% of the school's population. Over 50% of teaching
staff is involved in intervention programs. Eighteen different programs are
offered. Intervention has been done for several years. We know that we need to
follow the child, to look at where the child is and to meet the child at his or
her level and move them on toward the academic standards. One need is increased
parental involvement. This has been a building-wide goal of Lincoln for the last
two years and is still being worked on. Transportation is needed for the
nonbused students. A number of students don't make it to intervention because
there is no one to bring them and their parents, understandably, won't let them
walk to school with no crossing guards on duty.
Mrs. Henshaw spoke about Lincoln's ASPIRE programs. She stated that goals at
Lincoln are to strive to develop high quality programs that encourage students to
be actively engaged in their learning. Each program is designed to have a
combination of: reading, writing, research, and problem-solving. Of great
significance, 3 to 6 p.m. are the peak hours for juvenile crime. The goal at
Lincoln has always been to increase parent involvement through quality
programming and issues of interest. Students entering kindergarten assessed to
be at-risk for not meeting the standards are invited to Lincoln's preK summer
school. An example of a summer enrichment program would be the garden club which
allowed several students their first hands-on experience with nature. The
program was facilitated by two Lincoln teachers and a parent volunteer with a few
Lincoln neighbors stopping by from time-to-time to lend a hand. The intervention
students not only have an opportunity to take part in an extended academic
program, they also receive a nutritious breakfast. Students arrive at breakfast
club at 8:15 a.m., eat breakfast, and then participate in a variety of activities
until the start of the regular school day. The booster and homework clubs are
supervised settings where students work on their homework and receive assistance
as needed. A Spanish for beginners program has recently been introduced, in
response to a request from parents. Students in grades four and five are
learning basic words and phrases. The "Too Good for Drugs" program is
facilitated by a Valley Youth House counselor in which students are working to
develop positive decision-making skills, managing emotions, and communicating
effectively. This year 20 students have received services on the Health Star
Dental Van. Programs continue to be offered to Lincoln's parents in an effort to
increase parental involvement. Upcoming parent nights are preparation for the
PSSA's where examples will be shared with parents of tasks children will need to
learn to prepare for the PSSA's. Lincoln's history club has recently been
started due to a request from many of the students. Parent nights focus on the
needs of the parents and ASPIRE continues to seek out connections that will
benefit students and parents. The programs have a significant impact. Mrs.
Henshaw extended an open invitation to visit the programs at Lincoln Elementary
School.
Dieector Haytmanek asked what percentage of children to whom these programs are
offered take part and also inquired about the degree of parental involvement.
Dr. Turoczi replied that approximately 75% of children offered the opportunity
take advantage of it. In some cases, no response is received from the parent to
the formal letter. Some parents state that there is no way to transport their
children. In such cases, addresses are researched to see if the students can be
car pooled with someone who is attending. Some parents are reluctant and not
comfortable having their child transported by someone they don't know even if
they live on the same street.
Director Haytmanek asked what ASPIRE stands for. Dr. Turoczi stated ASPIRE stands for
After School Programs of Instruction, Recreation, and Enrichment.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE Director Venanzi reported that the Curriculum
Committee met Monday, March 10. Karen Dolan, Liberty High School teacher in
charge of the Illick's Mill Project, gave an update on the project. Freedom High
School Principal Anthony Villani spoke about high school extra curricular
participation requirements. In response to a concern from Director Leeson about
raising PSSA test scores, Mr. Burkhardt and Mr. Villani told her that at both
high schools administrators met with the junior class to motivate students and
stress the importance of the PSSA's. The grade twelve retest is no longer
voluntary and will be given to all students in the future.
FACILITIES COMMITTEE Director Heske reported that the Facilities Committee met
on Monday, March 3. President Williams noted that she has received compliments
on the condition of our facilities. The board reviewed and recommended tonight's
facilities-related agenda items. Northeast bids were very favorable due to a
team effort, resulting in a savings of approximately $5.3 million from Northeast
Middle School funds allocated. All capital improvement projects for 2003 are in
the design phase. The East Hills chiller replacement project is on schedule.
Director Craig suggested that the administration revisit the concession stand
proposal at Freedom High School.
FINANCE COMMITTEE Mr. Majewski reported that the Finance Committee met on
Monday, March 3. Dr. Mickley of Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 presented his
2003-2004 proposed budget. Bethlehem Area School District's share of the
operating budget is $91,184, an increase of $3,531 from the current year. The
district also contracts on a fee for service basis with the Intermediate Unit for
special education, transportation, and other services. Currently, our district
provides payment of about three million dollars payment to the IU for those
additional services. An update on bond refinancing of 1998 and 2001 bond issues
was presented. It was estimated that the district could potentially save
approximately 2.5 million dollars with the refinancing. The 2003-2004 tax
payment plan was presented. The only change is an additional two weeks in the
second installment period to space out payments more evenly. There was
discussion about the increase in the per capita tax exoneration limit from $5,000
to $10,000 for persons aged 62 and full-time students who may earn less than
$10,000.
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE Director Craig reported that the Human Resources
Committee met on Monday, March 10. The boundary change correction which is in
tonight's agenda was discussed. There was a presentation by Pamela Price,
representing the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, about school
board/superintendent relations, their roles, and how they work together.
Contracts and personnel issues were discussed in executive session.
BETHLEHEM AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL Director Craig reported that the
vo-tech board met on Tuesday, March 4. The math instruction, which for several
years had been taught at Vo-Tech, will now be coming back to the high schools.
The theory was that a math would be taught at Vo-Tech which was associated with
the trade industries, but it did not work out as desired. VICA competition
winners were announced. The new school calendar was discussed and the new
Vo-Tech calendar presented. An update was given on class size. An executive
session was held on personnel issues. Director Craig remarked that 81 students
from our district participated in statewide DECA competition. Freedom High School
had 21 winners out of over 50 participants who will move on to the national DECA
conference in California this summer. He congratulated the people involved from
Freedom High School and recommended this be formally brought to the public's
attention at the next board meeting.
COLONIAL INTERMEDIATE UNIT 20 President Williams stated that board members
should have received minutes of the IU meeting on Friday, February 28. Most
matters of interest had to do with legislation and Governor Rendell's budget.
President Williams reminded the board of the Pennsylvania Technology Leadership
Academy which will be held at the Intermediate Unit on April 16, from 5:30 to 9
p.m., for school board directors and business managers.
BETHLEHEM PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Director Leeson reported that the
Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Commission had a meeting on March 13. Basketball
leagues are almost finished. Now, it is time to start volleyball, at the
beginning of April ending about the beginning of June. Broughal will be used for
the volleyball practices and tournaments. The ice rink's last day will be March
30. There was a slight drop in attendance this year, probably due to the
weather. There was a discussion on the Bethlehem Works and the proposed ice
rinks there. The conclusion is that it probably will negatively affect the ice
rink in Bethlehem. Sand Island West is going to be under development. This
year, they will probably only be able to do the archeological study. Sand Island
West is proposed to be developed primarily as a passive park. The Collegiate
Bike Race will be postponed to the year 2004 because of a lack of sponsorship.
The old Bayard Park has been converted into a skate park. On April 25 the Health
Bureau will give out helmets and hold a bike rodeo. Riders or skaters at the
skate park need to have helmets. The conclusions have been that this park has
been extremely successful. There has been only one complaint. On weekends,
there are hundreds of kids there. There was a discussion that they feel there
has been a reduction in the number of skaters in parks that are used primarily by
younger children. A number of the board members felt there was a reduction in
the number of students on the street. Pools will be opened, hopefully, on
Memorial Day. There is a discussion that pool opening may be limited because of
the schools not leaving out until mid June.
STUDENT REPORTS
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL Nadine Kotlarz remarked that spring sets in this Friday and
for many of Freedom's students the time has come to call upon last year's
flip-flops and t-shirts. Despite the change in seasons, FHS academics and
athletics are continually in training. Regional Science Olympiad competition
will be held Friday at Moravian College. Before that, the annual students versus
faculty basketball game of which, obviously, the students should emerge
victorious. Freedom High School's productions will include the early April
showing of the theater company's "West Side Story." This past Friday, the
freshman student council organized a spring fling dance. The halls at Freedom
High are busy and charged with energy. Senioritis may be setting in; still,
there are many future events to look forward to for both seniors and
underclassmen. Field trips are being planned. Spring sports are in action. The
pleasant weather is an added plus.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Directors Venanzi and Heske to approve the minutes of the
February 24, 2003, Regular Board Meeting. The motion carried by voice
vote.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Lewis presented the recommendations of the administration.
INTRODUCTION OF FINANCIAL TEAM
Dr. Lewis thanked the district's financial advisors who have worked very hard on
a refinancing under very difficult times. Mr. Les Bear, financial advisor,
introduced the team: Steve Goldfield from Cozen O'Connor is the special counsel
to the transaction; Matt Kirk representing Harcourt Financial Products is the
counterparty agent; Stephen Lazun from Hartman Underhill and Brubaker. Mr. Bear
stated that this is a tremendous group of people who have worked unlimited hours
in trying to put a transaction together that, hopefully, will save a lot of money
for the school district. Dr. Lewis thanked the team for its patience in making
multiple trips to verse the district on this transaction. The district and
taxpayers appreciate it.
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
Director Leeson reported that she had the opportunity to go to Spring Garden's
Arts Day on Friday. The kind of talent gathered and the types of hands-on
experiences the children were able to have during that Arts Day was incredible.
A lot of the talent came from within their faculty. Mr. DePietro, who is an
acknowledged artist, did artwork. Another teacher was doing dance instruction.
It was a wonderful day for the students. President Williams remarked that she
attended later in the afternoon. Students from Freedom High School and East
Hills Middle School also were involved, as well as some faculty spouses.
Dr. Lewis announced that both dates for Senior Citizens' Nights are sold out. He
apologized to people who were unable to secure tickets. Mr. Burkhardt reminded
the audience that people having a golden age pass can attend any of the regularly
scheduled performances. Golden Age passes can be obtained at the athletic
offices at Liberty and Freedom High Schools and at the Education Center. The
district is hosting close to 1600 people during the two Senior Citizens' Nights.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
No one wished to address the Board of School Directors.
ADJOURNMENT
Directors Gallagher and Craig moved to adjourn the meeting which carried by voice
vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Attest,
Stanley J. Majewski, Jr.
Board Secretary
:mg
Minutes
The administration's recommendations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, and 32 were considered together.