Regular Board Meeting - April 28, 2003
Minutes
BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 28, 2003
REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Bethlehem Area School
District was held on Monday, April 28, 2003, beginning at 7:18 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 Nadine Kotlarz
and Caleb Schwarzbach 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. Real estate, student discipline, and personnel
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. Al Wurth, spoke on behalf of himself and his wife, Barbara. The Wurths
have three children who have attended the Bethlehem schools. All three
children walked on the west side to Nitschmann Middle School. A number of
concerned citizens are writing to formally notify the school board of the
recent City Council action on April 15 approving on first reading the
rezoning of the former Durkee Food site on Eighth Avenue and of the proposals
for roadway and traffic changes in the area that will dramatically effect the
Nitschmann Middle School. Mr. Wurth stated that the proposed traffic flow
will likely make the Eighth Avenue site the busiest in the city. The
proposals of the developers suggest that Bethlehem Area School District will
be asked to furnish land from the Nitschmann site for additional traffic
lanes at the corner of Eighth Avenue and Union Boulevard. He has provided
information concerning pedestrian safety recommendations. The safety
recommendations and developers' proposals are exact opposites. Because of
significant risk to pedestrians and especially children walking to school, he
urges the school board to oppose any expansion of the intersection and
intrusion onto school property at the corner. He stated the risk makes it a
necessity for the board to authorize an independent pedestrian study of the
likely impact of this traffic increase and the expansion of this
intersection. His group wishes to offer an alert to the board and
administration that the proposed widening of the intersection violates
several traffic engineering design recommendations for safe school pedestrian
crosswalks. The board and administration should not consider assuming on
behalf of district taxpayers the responsibility for the roadway widening due
to risk of and liability for future pedestrian/vehicle accidents at that
intersection.
2. Anthony Spagnola, 325 Spring Street, Bethlehem, stated that about one
thousand children from Bethlehem Housing Authority neighborhoods including
Marvine, Pembroke, and Lynfield attend our school district. He asked if the
board knows the amount of money that they pay in taxes? The city gets
$90,000. Bethlehem Housing Authority pays the city $120,000, $30,000 of which
goes in Northampton County, $90,000 goes to the school district, and they
have one thousand children in the school district. He stated that the
educational services provided far exceed the amount of money they are paying.
Dr. Lewis pointed out that no households in which children reside pay
property taxes in an amount which covers the educational services received.
Childless homes and individuals sending students to private schools also pay
property taxes which fund those children's education.
Mr. Spagnola stated he owns six buildings in Bethlehem and pays $20,000 in
real estate tax. He gets no service for that.
Dr. Lewis pointed out that Mr. Spagnola's argument is not with the board of
education, but with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which is currently
reviewing the issue of school funding. The board does not determine that
property owners should or shouldn't fund educational services. Mr.
Spagnola's point should be taken up with the state legislature which
determines how school funding takes place. Dr. Lewis stated that the
district does not have the authority to increase the taxes on a housing
project or a development.
Mr. Spagnola, regarding Mr. Wurth's comments, stated he hopes Mr. Petrucci's
study will also be considered. He hopes it goes through. It will be another
$350,000 tax dollars.
Dr. Lewis stated that the board will receive the information of both sides on
the Durkee site issue. The board has told Mr. Petrucci that until permits
are approved the board will not discuss it.
3. Tom Reznick, 732 East Fairview Street, Bethlehem, had questions regarding the
recently proposed lock-down procedure in the schools during an emergency. His
understanding is that the procedure was mandated by the state in the event of
terrorist activities in the schools. A lock-down procedure will shelter
children in the event of attacks including chemical and biological. Mr.
Reznick stated that in addition to being a parent of a school district child,
he is a registered master plumber and received standard military training on
nuclear, biological, and chemical protection while in the U.S. Army. Over
the last several years he has been involved in renovation projects for
different school districts in Pennsylvania and had the opportunity to see the
ventilation and heating systems that are in place in many of the schools in
our area. His concern is that, in the event of attack, the school will go
into a lock-down and children will not be allowed to leave, parents will not
be allowed to pick up their children, and children will be protected from
what is going on outside of the school. He stated that if a school project
required a hot tar kettle set up outside of the school, within about five
minutes all the fumes from outside the school are sucked into the school and
blown around. The schools are not air tight. There is nothing in the heating
and ventilation industry to enable a school to be sealed. He is concerned
that in a rush to try to protect the children, we may have something in place
that we believe will really help, but will not.
Dr. Lewis stated that the emergency management committee has several
dedicated people on it from different divisions, departments, and buildings.
There is no state or federal requirement that the district lock-down our
buildings. He assured Mr. Reznick that the first goal in any emergency will
be to get children to their parents as quickly as possible. Secondly, in the
event there is some type of chemical mishap, not necessarily a terrorist
issue, and the district needs to look at prevailing winds and make decisions
whether to release children, the district may cut back ventilation 95% and
wait it out, if that is the instruction from PEMA or FEMA. The plan is not
to lock-down children. The plan is to return children to parents as quickly
as possible; however, not to endanger them in doing so. The district does
not envision locking doors and turning parents away unless there is a
condition outside that would prevent releasing children at that time. Like
any good emergency plan, this is not a document to be released to the general
public because the very people that would threaten you would love to have the
school district response material in-hand.
FEDERAL PROGRAMS UPDATE
Dr. Lewis provided an update of grants received.
- The district was recently notified by the Department of Welfare that the
Marvine Family Center grant has been approved for funding in the amount of
$315,000 for 2003-04.
- A $1,000 environmental education grant has been awarded for Calypso School
from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Dr. Lewis
congratulated Donna McCallum for developing the school-based minigrant that
will be funded. Students will be working on a project in the Wildlands
Conservancy in Emmaus.
- The district was also notified that Freemansburg School received an
additional $8,000 in Read-to-Succeed funds which were provided on a
competitive basis to schools seeking more dollars to enhance already existing
programs.
- The PIC or Private Industry Council Basic Skills and Vocational Preparation
continuation grant has been awarded to the district in the amount of $47,724
for a summer program for 25 handicapped students at the high school level.
Students will be able to participate in a summer program and in a follow-up
during the school year.
President Williams announced that Nadine Kotlarz was recently presented an award
by the YWCA of Bethlehem which yearly honors women in our community. She
congratulated Nadine.
PRESIDENT'S COMMUNICATIONS
President Williams stated that she and Director Koch attended the CAPS evening,
the Excellence in Education, which is the Colonial Alliance for Public Education.
William Penn Elementary School and Liberty High School were both honored with
awards. William Penn was honored for its Davis Tennis Cup ASPIRE program.
Liberty High School was honored for its Illick's Mill Restoration program. It
was a wonderful experience also because two students who were the stars in the
Freedom High School musical "West Side Story" sang solos and duets at the dinner
attended by persons from the I.U.
President Williams announced that Director Koch has been voted the Region 8
director. Director Koch will represent the entire Region 8 in Harrisburg.
Director Craig is the PIAA representative for District 11. Therefore, two of our
board members are representing us in a much larger arena.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Dr. Lewis reminded everyone that the last day for students and last snow makeup
day will be Thursday, June 19. The last day for staff will be Friday, June 20.
Graduation dates remain the same, Thursday, June 12, for Liberty; Friday, June
13, for Freedom; both at Stabler Arena.
Dr. Lewis announced that two letters of appreciation have been received for
students at James Buchanan and Lincoln Elementary Schools who participated in the
Jump Rope for Heart to support research. James Buchanan had 350 participants and
raised close to $4,500. Lincoln had 360 students participate and raised $1,700.
Dr. Lewis recognized two board members who, through the Pennsylvania School
Boards Association, earned points by attending both evening and daytime inservice
opportunities including the School Board Academy, as well as major conferences
including the summer workshop and the annual conference. Director Koch received
29 points. Director Haytmanek received 16 points. Dr. Lewis commented that
these are unpaid people serving on the Board of Education who give their time on
weekends and evenings to attend not just board meetings, but also informational
workshops. The workshops are very valuable and make for better school board
directors.
Dr. Lewis stated that in light of some controversy regarding field trips, unlike
some neighboring districts that have literally shut down field trips for the
entire year, the Bethlehem Area School District has maintained a policy of
judging field trips by their merit, risk, location, etc. With the homeland
security alert system being used as a barometer and now being lowered to yellow
which is elevated, the district will look at each trip individually. The
district is trying to err on the side of safety and be prudent as to where
students are sent.
INSTRUCTIONAL REPORT
Mr. William Burkhardt, Principal of Liberty High School, commented that Liberty
High School was proud to highlight a program which has operated for the past six
years. The official title is The St. Luke's Hospital Liberty High School ESOL
Health Care Careers School-to-Work Program. It is simply referred to as the
hospital program. For some ESOL students, the connection between coming to
school and eventually using skills learned at school is not very strong. Liberty
High School realized that, wherever possible, partnering with private sector
organizations brings learning alive and adds value to the students' high school
experience. Mr. Burkhardt introduced George Maunz, Melissa Craig, and students
Sheileen Mendez, Victoria Montero, and Luis Colon.
Mr. Maunz stated that the purpose of this school-to-work program is to create a
meaningful education in a real world setting which would encourage reluctant,
limited-English students to become proficient in English and at the same time
expose students to numerous careers in the health care field. Experiences are
designed to help students make career choices based upon their experiences at the
hospital. This exciting venture began when Ann Goldberg, formerly of the Center
for Language Assessment; Iris Cintron, Bill Burkhardt, and Linda Young from St.
Luke's Hospital met and agreed to work together to establish this vital program.
An extremely close working relationship between St. Luke's staff and Liberty High
School staff was established from the onset. The hospital staff provides a
nurturing environment which enables and encourages our English acquisition
students to explore many varied experiences and to practice English in
environments outside the classroom. Teachers involved include Tony Marrero, who
teaches the science component of the program and he, Mr. Maunz, teaches the
English component. Teachers work with Melissa Craig, the assistant director of
community health, St. Luke's Hospital. She is the district's vital link to the
hospital. She organizes the rotations, develops the training for the preceptors
who work with our students. She is the key person who provides the positive,
nurturing atmosphere at the hospital.
Melissa Craig stated that in early 1997 the main partners were looking for a
model to deal with the high drop-out rate of our ESOL and most at-risk students.
A model was found in Boston and, after some development, the implementation of
our local School-to-Work program began in 1997. Goals are mentoring of at-risk
English as second language students with an academic goal, increasing graduation
rates, improving language acquisition, reducing absenteeism, and increasing the
number of bilingual/bicultural health care professionals in the Lehigh Valley.
The program is finishing its sixth year. With program changes over the last few
years, the staff believes this academic/mentoring program is a strong example of
what a community partnership can accomplish. The program has some of the most
at-risk students in the area. They look at their interests, attitude, and
willingness to work as a team to foster their academic growth. From 1997 to
2003, 100 students have been enrolled in the program, 70% of which will have
successfully completed by this June. Over 90% of students completing the first
year improve their skills, on an average of at least two levels, as assessed
through the CLA Center. Attendance rates improve, on average, at least 33%
preprogram to postprogram and actually get a little better the first year after
the program, during the follow-up years. One senior graduating this year had 23
absences last year and is down to 13.
Ms. Craig stated that this academic program wouldn't really work unless there was
some social mentoring as well. Team building and some social programs are done
to help them feel more like a unit.
Ms. Craig stated that the GPAs are at least a 2.0 in English, science, and the
hospital co-op portion. Of graduates up to this past year, 42% are pursuing
higher education in areas such as nursing, biomedical engineering, a chef in
Pittsburgh, some accounting majors, and web page design. 80% of school-to-work
graduates of this year are going to be going to college. Most have already been
accepted.
Ms. Craig stated that they believe that relying more on mentoring concepts, the
program has been strengthened as they try to tie the first year which is
academic-focused into the second and third years which are more of a formal
structured mentoring program.
Luis Colon stated he has lived here for two years. The program has helped him
from the moment he was chosen to be part of it. It has given him the opportunity
to learn about important things he can choose in the health field. The first
time he went to the hospital he asked, "What am I doing here?" As the weeks went
by, he felt that the hospital was part of his life. The things he is learning
are making him stronger. At the hospital he gets wonderful experiences that will
help him in his future and personal life. One such experience was in the
respiratory care department. He learned why the lungs are so important to the
body and that when people smoke it affects their lungs negatively. In this area
you can see how people with respiratory problems need attention. One day, his
preceptor told him that today they would have to check a baby's respiration.
That day he understood that this area called him. He saw how those tiny and
defenseless babies need help. Mr. Colon said that when he finishes high school
he will start to work in the respiratory care area.
Ms. Sheileen Mendez stated she has been living here for two years. One of her
goals in life is to be a nurse because she likes to help people, especially the
elderly. When she heard about the hospital program she was excited because she
knew it was an opportunity to learn how people work at the hospital. She wanted
to have experiences at the hospital, either good or bad, so that when she becomes
a nurse she will have an idea how nurses work at the hospital. The departments
she has visited so far are environmental services, physical therapy, women's
health center, center transport, cancer support center, and the lab. She also
visited case management. In case management she learned about the different
types of nurses. The careers she would like the most are social work and nursing
especially in the area of the heart patients. Nancy, her preceptor helped her to
get her application to go to Northampton College. Ms. Mendez stated that when
the students get a job, being bilingual will open more doors. The hospital needs
bilingual nurses. She likes the program because it has helped her to make sure
what she wants to be.
Victoria Montero thanked everyone for being there. She stated she came to the
United States about 4-1/2 years ago and was a member of the school-to-work
program during her sophomore year. At the beginning of the program, she was at
second level English. By the end of the program she was about to exit the ESOL
program. Her main reasons for joining the program were to improve English
skills, to learn more about the health care careers, and to become a better
public speaker. Having been through the program, she stated she is able to do a
presentation a lot better. The program has opened a lot of new doors for her,
giving her the opportunity to work in St. Luke's Hospital. Last summer she
worked at the women's health clinic and the medical clinic. Working in these two
departments made her realize that she wanted to choose a career in the health
care field. The program also gave her the opportunity to work in community
health, which is also in St. Luke's Hospital. Working in community health helped
her to understand how to run a business and how important it is to be
professional and responsible in any job. It is providing an experience that not
many other high school students have, especially English acquisition students.
For her, it is not just going to work after school. It is accepting a new
challenge in her life. Ms. Montero stated that this is the place that has given
her the key to success in life. She hopes for continued support of the program.
Ms. Craig stated that success for their participants is measured in the
quantifiable numbers and the rest that makes it so special. Languages and
cultures represented in the program to date, for the past six years, are:
Portuguese, Gwazerati, Ukranian, Spanish, Vietnamese, the flowers there as
Punjabi, and English. Ms. Craig thanked the board.
Mr. Burkhardt stated that St. Luke's Hospital has made a major commitment to
continue to work with our young people. The partnership and the help St. Luke's
are giving to our students should be celebrated.
Dr. Haytmanek asked if this is an after-school program. Mr. Burkhardt replied
that it is not. It is part of the curriculum. It is a half-day program similar
to a vocational program. Students are bussed to St. Luke's. Some are in an
academic setting; some are in the lab setting. Students earn credit for the
program.
Director Amato inquired if this is a school-sponsored program in which all school
district policy must be adhered to. Mr. Burkhardt responded that it is.
Director Craig commented that this is a good example of programs that a lot of
people don't understand. This program takes students who probably would have a
hard time getting through school, puts them on a track to success, and benefits
the community. Naysayers ought to see the benefit from these programs. It is a
great tribute to the students and professionals in our school district and the
hospital for making this work.
Director Venanzi stated that she agrees with Director Craig. Most of us would be
severely challenged if we were thrust into an environment where we would have to
address an assembly in a language not our own. She offered congratulations to
all students who have progressed through this program.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE Director Venanzi reported that the Curriculum Committee met
Monday, March 31. During open forum Director Leeson asked for discussion on
student technology objectives by grade level. Dr. Lewis replied that he will
speak with Dr. Garrigan about a future presentation. Director Koch mentioned she
would like to see the district start to develop ideas for cutting down on the use
of textbooks as we get into the technology age. The main presentation was by
Mrs. Mullen and the committee on elementary report cards. The process is going
very well. Nine elementary schools are currently using the process, meaning that
report cards are being done electronically on their computers. The remaining
seven schools will train in August to utilize the new report card system in
September. Feedback from teachers, students, and parents has been very positive.
As soon as implementation is complete in elementary schools, secondary schools
will begin training for the electronic report cards. The next step after
electronic report cards will be provide a unified student profile available to
parents which would allow them to follow their students' progress throughout the
entire school year via technology.
FACILITIES COMMITTEE Director Heske reported that the Facilities Committee met on
March 31. Mr. Timothy Barnesh who is a senior performance assurance specialist
for Johnson Control, gave the board a performance contract quest avoidance update
from the past four years. The committee reviewed and recommended the
facilities-related agenda items on this agenda. A construction update was
received. Current construction projects are on schedule. The administration
reported that the Bethlehem Township Athletic Association has started
construction on three soccer fields at the Farmersville Elementary School.
Director Craig asked the administration to pursue the construction of a permanent
concession stand at the Freedom complex. Director Leeson asked that Liberty High
School remind their staff that parking spaces are also available at the new
Lafayette parking lot.
FINANCE COMMITTEE Director Amato reported that the Finance Committee met on
Monday, April 14. During open forum Director Williams asked Mr. Majewski to
check how other districts are handling programs for senior citizens with regard
to property taxes. Mr. Majewski reported that most of the districts contacted
offer a rebate program similar to the state's rebate program. The state would
determine the eligibility for the real estate rebate. The school district would
provide a rebate that is a percentage of the state rebate; for example, 50% to
100%, not to exceed the total tax paid. Mr. Majewski advised the committee that
initiation of a program of this nature would be quite costly for the district.
He will put together costs of the program and prepare correspondence that
includes this data. Mr. Majewski updated the committee on the bond refinancing
which is progressing fairly well except that the market has made a turn. At this
time, the amount to be saved will be significantly less than previously reported.
Mr. Majewski reported an agreement with Xerox for extending our contract for
three years which will include replacing approximately 60% to 70% of the copiers
within the district. Due to the costly upgrade, the monthly payment will
increase, although Xerox will credit the district for $35,000 worth of copier
paper to offset this increase. Mr. Majewski reported on proposed price increases
for athletic events. Mr. Majewski reported a need to replace a partition door at
Donegan gym and cafeteria. The cost to repair the door would have been similar
to replacing the door.
Dr. Lewis and Dr. Garrigan provided an update on the technology initiatives in
the district. A committee is negotiating with Apple Computer to lease laptop
computers for all sixth grade students and to replace 1250 outdated computers.
Lease payments will be made over the next four years for this program. It is the
administration's goal to provide all district students with laptops. The use of
laptops would reduce the need to buy textbooks by allowing access to online tech
services. The cost would be approximately a million dollars the first year and
may rise as high as three-and-a-half to four million dollars in the forth year.
Dr. Lewis indicated that the initial year's funding for the laptops would be
provided through grants and bond funds.
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE Director Craig reported that during the April 11
meeting of the Human Resources Committee Director Amato requested to see a copy
of the current dress code. The board will receive that very shortly. Mrs.
Kostem explained that, with the receipt of Title III money, there will be an
increase in part-time ESOL positions. The remainder of the meeting was in
executive session for discussion of personnel and grievances.
BETHLEHEM AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL Director Craig reported that the
vo-tech board met on April 1. There was a review of the new recommended special
education set-up for Vo-Tech regarding the IEP writing and conferencing of
special ed students. Two new positions were recommended which were to be paid
from title monies. The topic will be discussed again. A second issue discussed
was class sizes. There will be some recommendations for elimination of one or
two classes or courses being offered because of low enrollment figures. This
month recommendations will be given. The remainder of the time was in executive
session in which personnel issues were discussed.
BETHLEHEM PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Director Leeson reported that the
Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Commission met on April 10. She stated that for
about the past year-and-half she has been talking about a new initiative in
Bethlehem, the skate park. Unfortunately, that has had to be closed. When the
initiative was started the insurance was very reasonable. When coming up for
renewal, it became completely out of range. Because there was no insurance, the
skate park had to be closed immediately. Another source of insurance is being
sought, but it is very difficult to find. The skate park was meeting the needs
of many of our young people. The committee would like to see it open again. On
April 10, there was also a presentation by a group of avid tennis players who
would like to open Sand Island and maintain it themselves, preseason and post
season. The Easter Egg hunt, rained out on April 12, was held on April 19.
Volleyball leagues are under way. Twelve teams currently are meeting at
Broughal. The revenue from the ice rink was down a little this year. The
softball league will start on May 1, including 25 teams. Swimming pools will be
open from Memorial Day on weekends. Memorial Pool will be open June 14 and the
rest of the pools on June 19. Musikfest will no longer be using Moravian's art
festival plaza. What used to be known as Dankeplatz will be used for Kinderplatz
and the tropical arena.
Director Craig asked for further information about the group of tennis players
wishing to take care of the Sand Island tennis courts before and after the
season. Director Leeson stated the group has done this previously. Someone is
there at all times on weekends. There are a couple glitches that need to be
worked out. The Sand Island tennis courts are the best courts in the Lehigh
Valley and New Jersey.
COLONIAL INTERMEDIATE UNIT 20 President Williams reported that the IU meeting
took place on Wednesday, April 23. She suggested that board members look at the
various letters on the web site concerning the legislative report and the
governor's plan for Pennsylvania. House Resolution 159 as introduced to
authorize a study to determine the feasibility and cost effectiveness of placing
public school employees under the Commonwealth's jurisdiction for the purpose of
providing health benefits. The resolution has been referred to the house
committee on rules. House Bill 418 provides that no school entity be required to
pay for the education of expelled students. Parents or guardians of expelled
students would be required to make arrangements. If the parent or guardian could
not afford an alternative placement, then the school entity must provide for an
alternate placement. House Bill 497 amends the public school code to specify
that school boards have the sole authority to determine what is to be affixed and
denoted on student diplomas and/or transcripts. A taxpayer choice act has been
introduced, Senate Bill 100, requiring school districts to offer taxpayers the
option of imposing or increasing a local earned income tax in order to provide
dollar-for-dollar residential property tax relief. All school districts except
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Chester, Upland, and those that are
participating in Act 50 would be required to place a referendum question on the
ballot during the November 2003 municipal election. School districts in which a
referendum is approved would have limits on future increases in any tax levied
for the support of public schools. The act would require voter approval on any
subsequent increases that exceed the percentage increase in the statewide average
weekly wage. The high school computer fair, a regional competition, at Colonial
IU 20, is on April 29. A report was received on sensory impaired students and
efforts being made to insure their successful transition from high school and
vo-tech settings into the workplace or settings after school. The IU 20
transition services are receiving statewide attention. A report was received on
recruitment and hiring activity.
President Williams commented that board members should have received her
conference notes from the San Francisco National School Boards Association
meeting. Recently, she received information about impact fees and board
self-evaluation from persons she met at the conference.
STUDENT REPORTS
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL Nadine Kotlarz stated that May is rapidly approaching
accompanied with warm weather and great anticipation, an exciting time for
Freedom students. Into the third quarter, senioritis is setting in. For twelfth
graders, June 13 is almost in reach. Last Thursday, measurements were done for
caps and gowns. This week, there will be an assembly in order to vote for class
speaker of 2003. Student Council has begun to sell prom tickets. The prom court
was recently announced. Freedom students have a lot to look forward to as the
year continues to wind down. This Friday the FHS Academic Bowl will be held in
the auditorium. The Freedom French Club is showing a movie Tuesday after school.
The girls soccer team has been hard at work practicing strategies. Freedom's
environmental club, FEAT, sold carnations on Earth Day to raise money for the
Freedom courtyard. The list of FHS activities goes on and on. There is a charge
that floats through Freedom halls which can be easily recognized as the Patriot
Pride.
LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL Caleb Schwarzbach stated that he was filling in for Molly
Lare who is competing in a track meet. The month began with the PSSA testing for
eleventh grade students. The seven days of difficult testing rounded out the
third quarter. Liberty is in the final stretch of the school year. The final
quarter is an exciting time at Liberty High School filled with cultural
performances and exhilarating events. The orchestra recently performed their
annual spring concert which was well attended. Currently, Liberty Theater is
performing "The Music Man." The musical showcases the acting abilities of
Liberty's young performers as well as the vocal talents of Liberty's principal,
Mr. Burkhardt. There will be three more showings including the Senior Citizens'
Night on May 1. Liberty's finest vocal talents can be heard at the spring choral
concert on May 9. In athletics, the Liberty/Freedom rivalry for the bell is
heating up. Five more varsity match-ups will decide this year's winner. Liberty
is hosting a Special Olympics track meet this Thursday. The meet has been
organized, in part, by Liberty's track team and the student government. It will
be a wonderful opportunity for special athletes from around the area to compete.
Lastly, class officer and student government elections are being held tomorrow
and Wednesday to determine Liberty student leaders for next school year.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Directors Craig and Venanzi to approve the minutes of the
March 17, 2003, 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
President Williams stated that a video presentation that was cancelled because of
lack of participation is scheduled at IU21 on May 14 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Featured are Alan November and Andrew Faust. Alan November is internationally
known for his thought provoking presentations regarding technology applications
and processes to improve learning for children and adults. Andrew Faust is a
widely recognized authority on special education and civil rights.
President Williams stated that on Thursday, May 29, at 7 p.m., a spring
legislative meeting is scheduled for Pennsylvania School Boards Association in
PenArgyl.
Director Craig went on record to say he e-mailed all board members with minutes
and pictures from a session on No Child Left Behind that he attended.
Dr. Lewis introduced Mrs. Julie Victory, math supervisor effective July 1.
President Williams reminded board members to hand in their IU ballots to Mr.
Majewski before leaving the meeting.
Director Leeson stated she has received many positive comments about the senior
citizens' nights.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
No one wished to address the Board of School Directors.
ADJOURNMENT
Directors Gallagher and Venanzi moved to adjourn the meeting which carried by
voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
Attest,
Stanley J. Majewski, Jr.
Board Secretary
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