Regular Board Meeting - September 22, 2003
Minutes
BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 22, 2003
REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Bethlehem Area School
District was held on Monday, September 22, 2003, beginning at 7:10 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 Craig, Haytmanek, Heske, Koch, Leeson, Venanzi, and
Williams - 7. Members absent: Directors Amato and Gallagher - 2. Student
member representatives Danielle Knecht and Caleb Schwarzbach were also present.
OTHERS PRESENT
Others present: Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, Superintendent of Schools; Rob Sonnenberg,
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 the board met in executive session very briefly,
discussing personnel issues.
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. Brian Smith, 1345 Stafore Drive, Hanover Township stated he is attending with
mixed emotions. He feels privileged that his children attend two of the
finest schools in the district - Nitschmann and Hanover. However, he was
disappointed on September 11 that there was not a moment of silence in
observance of what happened on September 11. At Nitschmann there was an
assembly the following day. Mr. Smith stated he wanted to thank Mr. Accera
for explaining his reasoning. At Liberty High School, there was a moment of
silence. Some schools had no acknowledgement in memory of the victims or the
soldiers that are still fighting in Afghanistan, also to celebrate some of
the ethnic diversity that came out of the events pulling together to help
each other. He asked what the official policy is on observing September 11
in the schools. Mr. Smith stated that on December 18 President Bush signed
public law 107-89 designating September 11 as Patriot Day. State and local
governments and the people of the United States were asked to observe Patriot
Day with appropriate programs to honor the individuals who lost their lives
as a result of the terrorist attacks in 2001.
2. Bob Gratz, 1098 Laurel Drive, Bethlehem, stated he is a member of FAIR
- Freedom Athletic Inequity Response. He stated that about a year ago he
asked the board to consider the facility needs of not only Freedom, but also
East Hills Middle School. It is not just an athletic facility need, but also
an academic facility need. He stated he is aware that the district has a
matrix in the process of being finalized for capital projects. He stated the
verbal rumor is that there are facility needs in reference to the Liberty
pool and Liberty Commons. He has read in the paper of facility aspirations
for a Broughal hi-tech middle school. These are all worthy ambitions. He
asked the board to not forget that East Hills Middle School and Freedom High
School have facility needs.
Dr. Lewis stated that Mr. Gratz is correct, there is a 10-year capital
improvement plan, recently updated to include the Freedom and East Hills
Complex in general. The board will have constant dialogue about that plan.
A final decision has not been reached. Mr. Majewski is doing a financial
analysis. There is a tentative positioning of Freedom. Dr. Lewis stated that
Mr. Gratz is correct. Dr. Lewis stated that academic needs would drive core
space. Both pieces are in the plan. All facility meetings are open to the
public. The next facility committee meeting is October 13, at 6 p.m. at the
Education Center.
FEDERAL PROGRAMS UPDATE
Dr. Lewis announced that the Bethlehem Area School District was notified by
Scholastic Management Services that Northeast Middle School was awarded a $2,500
grant for a unit of study called the Winter Expeditions. Students will read
three pieces of literature, study mini-lessons on mapping and compass usage, map
scales, mammals and habitats, and winter ecology as it relates to that. Dr.
Lewis congratulated teacher James Korcienski from Northeast Middle School on the
acquisition of that grant.
Dr. Lewis stated that the Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth Funding is a
Pennsylvania Department of Education program that funds alternative education for
youth. The district's programs have been funded in the amount of $44,500. These
funds are used to offset costs that are associated with the CA/MP program.
Dr. Lewis stated that the third funding opportunity is the Safe Kids Coalition, a
bicycle mini-grant. The district proposal to operate a bicycle safety program at
Fountain Hill Elementary School was approved in the amount of $4,200 which will
be used to conduct a bicycle derby, where bicycle helmets and other safe biking
materials will be displayed and distributed. The Fountain Hill Police Department
will assist with this program. The district thanks them. This is the third
consecutive year for the grant.
President Williams added congratulations on behalf of the board. Every grant
achieved, whether large or small, adds to the programs in existence and may
create programs that could otherwise not occur.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Dr. Lewis announced that the Hanover Elementary School has been designated as a
2003 "Blue Ribbon" school. The district is very proud of their accomplishments.
Mrs. Leasure and one of her teaching staff will be attending a ceremony in
Washington to be recognized. Schools may meet one of two criteria. One is that
schools with 40% of students from disadvantaged backgrounds show dramatic
improvement. The second criteria is that schools that score in the top 10% of
their state assessment may apply. The school went through the application
process complete with essays, videos, and documentation. Hanover is one of three
in the greater Lehigh Valley to be recognized as a "Blue Ribbon" school.
Relative to an opinion editorial piece that appeared in the Morning Call, Dr.
Lewis stated that this school district does not restrict its employees from
having personal, private opinions, nor should it ever be construed to do so.
Nonetheless, Dr. Lewis stated it must be made clear to people that the Bethlehem
Area School District runs some very special unique and powerful programs to
discourage drug usage by our students. Student assistance programs are also run
which aid students who may become involved with drugs and alcohol. As a school
district, we are proud of the health curriculum and other initiatives that speak
directly to that issue. The district acknowledges the fact that individuals have
the right to their opinions and freedom of speech. The district in no way would
encumber that right.
Dr. Lewis announced that Hurricane Isabel came and went. Fortunately, outside of
being a little wet, the district fared very well. This was probably the first
time he dealt with a weather day in September. It was much like our snow day
routine. Jack Wittenberger, Dave Himmelberger, and fellow superintendents spoke
often. Our security force and custodial and maintenance crews were on top of
several situations facing the district that morning. Several power outages were
rectified due to coordination efforts. Brown water was dealt with, which
surfaced in one of our buildings. All youngsters were transported to and from
school safely. It was a productive day, considering there was a delay. Dr.
Lewis thanked all of the district's services for a great job in what could have
been a very difficult situation. Fortunately, the weather went a little west and
spared us.
Dr. Lewis provided a construction update on the new Northeast Middle
School. The project is moving along on schedule. Drainage systems appear to be
working well, although not tied in fully. Slides were shown including:
-Foundation excavation and preparation.
-Installing concrete for foundations of the classroom wing.
-Base course of paving.
-Removal of sidewalk along Minsi Trail and the retaining wall which will result in
a level surface at that area and provide a buffer to the street side where a
fence had previously been.
-A view of the classroom wing and the pad being
prepared for the gymnasium. Looking at the bus loop, looking south from the
northernmost corner, you can envision how buses will migrate off the street and
back onto it.
-Installation of the masonry foundations for the classroom wing. Sum
Preparing the pad for the band and chorus rooms near the existing Northeast
building.
INSTRUCTIONAL REPORT
Mrs. Linda Estrada-Henning, supervisor of Family Centers/ASPIRE, and Mrs. Iris
Cintron, Coordinator of Minority Affairs/State and Federal Projects, provided a
presentation about district family centers.
Mrs. Cintron stated that in 1993 the administration began exploring the idea of
school-based community centers. Our school nurses were very concerned that many
families for various reasons were not accessing available community services.
Not doing so often caused students to miss school because of unaddressed health
and family concerns. There was a gap in service for the district's neediest
families. The mission was to find a way to bridge this gap. Children with
toothaches, asthma problems, and vision problems are less likely to improve their
academic achievement than those having full access to available community
services. In 1994, with the approval of the board, the Bethlehem Area School
District, in collaboration with five community partners, applied for a grant to
the Department of Education. The district was fortunate to be funded for its
first family center which allowed the district to initiate one of the most
exciting and forward-looking initiatives of the Bethlehem Area School District.
The Marvine Family Center opened its doors under the direction of Linda
Estrada-Henning, whose effective leadership has brought the Marvine Family Center
to its current status where, today, it is considered a model by the Pennsylvania
Department of Education. Mrs. Cintron thanked the school board and
administration for its support over the years which has allowed for great
expansion of services since 1994. Mrs. Cintron thanked Mrs. Henning; Mrs. Janet
Tate, grants facilitator, and the technology department for assistance with the
Powerpoint presentation. She also thanked the family center staff for the hard
work done in delivering these fine services to our people.
Mrs. Henning stated that Bethlehem Area School District Family Centers are a new
way of doing business. Family Centers represent a philosophy, a process, and a
place. It is based on collaboration and partnerships that involve parents,
private funders, businesses, and community agencies. Family Center philosophy is
founded in the belief that the most effective way to ensure the healthy growth
and development of children is to support their families and the communities in
which they live. Family Centers is a community process which guides their
vision, principles, and activities which bring about community outcomes. The
collaboration with partners enables the centers to provide a wide array of
services. Through their support and co-location of services, the centers are
able to reach outcomes and objectives. Family Centers are located at Donegan
Elementary School, Marvine Elementary School, and the Regional Academic Standards
Academy. Family Center activities are conducted at Calypso, Clearview, and
Fountain Hill Elementary Schools. Services may include prevention programs for
children, health services for adults and children, child development information
and referral, support groups, foster care recruitment and training, and adult
education programs.
Family Center key program objectives are:
-To promote positive child development through effective parenting, early
intervention, and outreach activities.
-To assure healthy development and access to health care services to children
and their families.
-To encourage economic self-sufficiency for families through adult education,
training, and employment.
-To support and preserve the family unit as the children's foundation for
success.
-To provide a seamless, comprehensive, and easily accessed network of
services for children.
In meeting objective one, Family Centers offer the Parents as Teachers (PAT)
program to families from prenatal through age five. Program components include
personal home visits, group meetings, screening and access to community
resources. A number of health services for children are offered including:
immunizations, vision care, speech therapy, pediatric clinics, dental care,
asthma care, and lead screenings. The vision program provides vouchers for
families to obtain eyeglasses for their children. Unlike some of the center's
other services, the vision program is available to any school in the district.
For the school year 2002-2003, 273 vouchers were distributed. The dental
initiative provides school-based dental care for eligible children no matter what
school they attend. The dental van provides exams, fillings, sealings,
cleanings, fluoride treatment, and hygiene. Family Center also collaborates with
Northampton Community College. The program offers preventive and restorative
dental care for third and fourth graders from Marvine, Donegan, Fountain Hill,
and Freemansburg Schools. The entire dental initiative is made possible through
a collaboration with the Bethlehem Partnership for a Healthy Community. Mrs.
Henning showed a slide demonstrating the number of services provided to our
schools. The Bethlehem Partnership estimates their costs to be in excess of
$100,000 for these dental services.
Mrs. Henning explained that in order to meet the second objective, to provide
health care to families, Family Centers also provide health services through the
Family Health Center at Marvine for uninsured adults, the women's clinic at the
Fowler Family Center at Donegan, tuberculosis testing and management, employment
physicals, and health education workshops.
In meeting the economic self-sufficiency objective, Family Centers in
collaboration with Northampton Community College and other partners offer the
Choices program, GED classes, resume development, employment referrals, access to
child care, small business support, home ownership workshops, and job placement.
Mrs. Henning stated that in meeting the objective to support and preserve the
family unit, the Family Centers have collaborated with Northampton County
Children, Youth, and Families division to provide foster care prevention through
our Family-to-Family initiative. The program supports the family unit, prevents
foster care placement, averts placement disruption, assures the safe return from
foster care, mentors the natural and foster families, and identifies culturally
appropriate foster care homes.
Mrs. Henning stated that in an effort to provide a seamless system of service
delivery, the Family Centers also provide bilingual family counseling services,
access to basic needs such as food, clothing, winter coats, etc. The Family
Centers participate in IST (instructional support team) meetings and school
family nights. Family Centers support the welcome classroom initiative at
Fountain Hill and Donegan by meeting with every new family to determine their
needs. Access to health insurance is provided. School referrals are accepted
from any schools needing services. Last year, Family Center staff received and
acted on 337 school referrals.
Mrs. Henning stated that family centers are helping families and children to meet
the challenges of a changing community. With the partners, the Bethlehem Area
School District has created a pro family system of education and human services
delivery. It is strongly believed that children and families are our hope for
the future. Mrs. Henning invited all to visit the family centers.
President Williams commented that many board members have visited the Family
Centers and really appreciate all of the services provided there.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE Director Venanzi reported that the Curriculum
Committee met Monday, September 15. The first presentation was by Mr. Villani
who presented a matrix of the Academic Standards Initiative, updating the board
on the progress in each initiative. There was discussion on "No Child Left
Behind" legislation and that seven schools have been downgraded from their
previous status after the district filed appeals. A presentation was given on
the mandatory state graduation project by Mr. VanDoren and his team. The
culmination of the project will be a 10 to 15-minute presentation in front of a
panel of teachers. Dr. Nelson presented an update on the procedures for handling
student pregnancies. The administration, at the request of Director Leeson, will
look into the possibility of working with local colleges regarding a connecting
program where, upon completion of the honors program, it would guarantee a
student admittance into one of our local colleges.
FACILITIES COMMITTEE Director Heske reported that the Facilities Committee met
on Monday, September 8. The committee reviewed and recommended all
facility-related agenda items on tonight's agenda. There was a construction
update. The capital improvement projects for summer of 2004 are in the design
phase. New Northeast Middle School construction is on schedule. All summer 2003
projects have been completed. Mr. Fazil reviewed handouts and a slide of photos
relative to Liberty High School swimming pool problems and the capital
improvement plan. Mr. Senneca and Mr. Burkhardt confirmed that competitive
swimming at Liberty High School will continue by sharing the Freedom High School
pool. The board requested that the physical education swimming program also be
reviewed to make sure the program is available, especially to students who cannot
swim. Liberty High School pool options and capital improvement plan will be
discussed further at the next facilities committee meeting.
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE Director Craig reported that the Human Resources
Committee met on Monday, September 15. The policy manual was reviewed. This is
an ongoing project that will take place over the next couple of months. The
objective is to a have a manual in which anybody can find out district policy
regarding fields trips, etc. An update was given on the August teacher
inservice time. The remainder of the meeting was held in executive session and
dealt with personnel issues.
BETHLEHEM AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL Director Craig reported that the
vo-tech board met on Tuesday, September 2. The usual business was conducted.
Some issues regarding personnel were discussed at length in executive session.
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Director Koch reported that Board of
Trustees of the Northampton County Area Community College met on Thursday,
September 4. An academic audit of the computer and technology program was
discussed. The same problem comes up over and over - a low retention of
students. Apparently, one of the main reasons is that students are hired from
the courses before graduation. Enrollment is up quite a bit. There is a much
higher percentage of younger students coming in right out of high school this
year.
PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION Director Koch stated she attended a
meeting at PSBA in New Cumberland, outside of Harrisburg. They were working on
their platform committee getting ready for the legislative session in October.
The item of most concern was what is going on in Harrisburg between the governor
and the legislature and why 501 school districts have not gotten the money they
are supposed to get from the state. They were very concerned about when the two
sides might agree on things. The problem now is that the two sides are not even
talking to each other. The legislative person on their staff stated it is highly
unlikely that anything will happen before December. Some school districts are in
such difficulty that they have had to borrow money to get them through this year
because they are not getting the money expected from the state. Other districts
had to use savings; therefore, their interest income will not be available. It
is causing quite a problem for many school districts.
Director Craig asked what our status is and how far our district can go before
being in the kind of situation as some of these districts. Mr. Majewski stated
he is not convinced that these districts would run out of cash by the end of
October or November because the state, for the most part, has not been the
majority funding vehicle for school districts. He projected that our district
would have sufficient cash at least until the end of March, possibly the
beginning of April, without any additional money from the state.
Director Craig asked if the PSBA gave any recommendations on trying to prod the
process along. Director Koch stated the main suggestion is for taxpayers to
contact their representatives to impress on them how important it is, so that
they not use this opportunity to play politics, but worry about our students and
keeping our schools open.
STUDENT REPORTS
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL Danielle Knecht stated that earlier this month Freedom High
School commenced what is promising to be another successful school year. Under
the leadership of Miss Bentkowski, as Freedom's new principal, the halls of the
school are peaceful despite the number of many new freshmen faces. The
identification badges are being displayed by what seems like every student.
Academics are in full swing and offer students unique courses and challenging
work. Freedom athletics are kicking off great ball seasons with the football
team currently at an undefeated standing of four wins and zero losses. Other
teams, such as girls volleyball, boys soccer, and cross country are also having
wonderful seasons. So far, Freedom has defeated Liberty in volleyball, soccer,
and field hockey, putting the Pates in an advantageous position in the coveted
bell competition. In addition to athletics, Freedom's clubs are active in
getting their memberships for the year under way. The Freedom Student Council is
already busy with homecoming preparations and t-shirt sales. The DECA
(Distributive Education Clubs of America) chapter has already acquired almost 100
members. New clubs focusing on community service are emerging quickly. With the
homecoming game against Allen scheduled for this Friday night and the highly
anticipated homecoming dance for Saturday, Freedom's students are excited and
ready to continue in this wonderful year.
LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL Caleb Schwarzbach stated that excitement for the 2003-2004
school year began to build at Liberty long before the first day of classes.
Students of the class of 2007 were welcomed to Liberty High School during
freshmen orientation which was held on August 12. The orientation gave incoming
students a feel for the Liberty community and familiarized them with the campus
under the direction of student government tour guides. School spirit was ignited
at the fall sports kickoff where Liberty's fall sports athletes and the Grenadier
Band came together to rally students and parents in support of Liberty athletics
and instrumental programs. The Grenadier Band recently competed in a band
competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and returned with first place honors.
During the past week an open house for students and their families was hosted.
Guests of the open house were greeted with welcoming speeches from Mr. Burkhardt
and other administrators of Liberty High School. Students are anxiously
anticipating the upcoming homecoming football game against Bethlehem Catholic, as
well as the homecoming dance on October 4, the day after the game. The Liberty
Hurricanes proudly displayed their "Hurricane Warning" flags as they welcomed
their mascot and a two-hour delay in the form of Hurricane Isabel.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Directors Craig and Venanzi to approve the minutes
of the August 18, 2003, Regular Board Meeting. The motion carried by voice vote.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Lewis presented the following recommendations of the administration.
Director Heske asked if there was anybody in the room that would not like to win
a new laptop computer and be able to name the school of his choice to receive 10
new computers. He stated to make this happen, you must get on your computer and
go to kyw1060.com to register. On Thursday, if they call you and you call back
in 11 minutes, you get the computer and nominate the school of your choice to
receive the 10 computers. On the following Tuesday, they will decide which
school will win. He encouraged all to take advantage of this.
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
President Williams stated that we know the "No Child Left Behind" legislation is
underfunded in the federal budget. She asked if the board could receive an
estimate of the impact on the school district. Dr. Lewis and his cabinet will
prepare a report. Director Koch stated that at the platform committee this was
being discussed. She learned that there is an outside organization that is
funding a study researching this.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
No one wished to address the Board of School Directors.
Dr. Lewis responded to Mr. Smith's earlier comments concerning observance of
September 11. Several events were going on throughout our schools on September
11. This is a very delicate issue. He believes there should be some reasonable
grieving, some processing of those events and their significance, continued
recognition of our core of heroes. All flags were flown at half mast. Some
schools chose to do different observances: moments of silence, recognition at an
assembly. Administration did not dictate as each school principal knows his or
her school culture the best. Although he cannot state with absolute certainty
that every school addressed it in a demonstrative way, there were significant
goings-on surrounding September 11 and that horrific event. Dr. Lewis stated we
need to look at how the impact of Patriot Day will, in the future, touch the
educational system. We were all touched by this event. Sometimes the healing
process takes different modalities.
ADJOURNMENT
Directors Craig and Heske moved to adjourn the meeting which carried by voice
vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
Attest,
Stanley J. Majewski, Jr.
Board Secretary
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