Regular Board Meeting - October 27, 2003
Minutes
BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 27, 2003
REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Bethlehem Area School
District was held on Monday, October 27, 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 Amato, Craig, Heske, Koch, Leeson, Venanzi, and
Williams - 7. Members absent: Directors Gallagher and Haytmanek - 2. Student
member representatives Danielle Knecht and Caleb Schwarzbach were also present.
Director Haytmanek arrived at 7:33 p.m.
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
The Northeast Middle School Young Marines presented the colors under the
direction of DARE Officer Mark Surber and Counselor Tracy Hirner. At this point
in the meeting, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The Young Marines
retreated the colors. The student participants were: Crystal Nunnemacher, Sam
Odin, Nolan Rampulla, and Michele Walterick.
SPECIAL MEETINGS
President Williams reported that an executive session of the Board of School
Directors was held this evening from approximately 6:30 to 7 p.m. Litigation and
student discipline 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. Steven Thode, 730 Barkley Drive, stated his son is a middle schooler in
Bethlehem Area School District. On September 14, 2003, an opinion piece
appeared in the Morning Call authored by someone identifying themself as an
administrator of the school district. In that piece, the author suggested
that the best solution to our drug problem was to legalize all drugs. He
quoted from the piece, "Legalizing drugs would put drug gangs out of the drug
business, no more turf wars or violent battles for control over a particular
street corner, neighborhood, or larger area. With no turf to defend, the
likelihood is that the out of business drug traders will disarm themselves.
This concept has been suggested before. Former Surgeon General Joselyn
Elders once said, 'I do feel that we would markedly reduce our crime rate if
drugs were legalized. I have spoken with many educators, social workers, and
law enforcement personnel who agree with the idea. Obviously, this concept
would be met with fear and outrage by many people. However, if we were able
to move beyond the emotions, we would find that prohibition of drugs does
much more harm than good. Legalizing drugs will minimize the promotion of
drugs. No dealer is trying to hook people on drugs to establish customers."
Mr. Thode stated that the following day, September 15, early in the morning
he placed a phone call to Superintendent Lewis' office expressing his concern
and asking him to return his call. Later that day, he wrote a letter to
Superintendent Lewis expressing his concern, a copy of which was mailed to
every board member. To date, he received no response from the superintendent
or any board member. Mr. Thode stated he is confused. We have an
administrator of the school district publicly proclaiming that the solution
to our drug problem is to legalize crack cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, and
marijuana. The response from this administration and board is silence.
Dr. Lewis responded that the administration and board were not silent. There
was response at public forum at the last board meeting. The writer of the
article did not identify himself as an administrator. The newspaper chose,
at it does in opinion pieces, to identify a writer when they know what his
place of employment or profession might be. This district does not agree
with the private opinion of that writer. However, the district does not
censor individuals who have a private right to free speech. That response
was made at the last board meeting. Dr. Lewis added that, again, the opinions
of the employees of this district are theirs solely. As long as they do not
use any vehicle of this school district in advancing those opinions, neither
this board nor administration has any right to curtail their freedom of
speech. Dr. Lewis remarked that he also emphatically stated that it is not
the opinion of this school district, this administration, or this board of
education that the legalization of any drugs is appropriate at any time. Our
curriculum speaks quite specifically to the opposition of drug use, abuse,
sale, and the entire continuum in that regard.
2. Mr. Bob Gratz, resident of Bethlehem, member of FAIR - Freedom Athletic
Inequity Response, stated that when looking into some of FAIR's perceptions,
it is not just an athletic facility issue but an academic facility issue and
concerns at East Hills and Freedom High School. He referred to page 48, an
agenda item for a bond issue for $110,000,000. He stated he is ignorant in
that much takes place at committee and the public becomes aware at a meeting
when the board decides what exactly will occur. In a recent article, the
five or six priority projects had been discussed at a facility committee
meeting. The Freedom facility was earmarked at approximately $20,000,000.
Mr. Gratz stated his other concern is the $110,000,000 that is on the agenda
item versus what was reported in the paper. His concern is that if it is
less than that $150,000,000, what is not going to be in the project, the
prioritization, greatest needs, and rationale behind those.
Dr. Lewis stated that facilities committee meetings, as other committee
meetings, are open to the public. Dr. Lewis stated that the correct amount
in the capital improvement plan is $20,700,000. There is no priority order
in the three projects: Broughal, Liberty, and Freedom. The dollars would
add up to about $116,000,000. In light of very positive bids in current
projects which have been awarded, it is felt that we are willing to slightly
come in under that amount at $110,000,000 and then wait and see. That last
$6,000,000 may not even be part of a bid award or may need to be borrowed
very much at the end of all three projects. Lastly, if you look at the total
$150,000,000 that the newspaper published at one point, there was a middle
school project that is further out on the timeline, not being incorporated
into this issue.
3. Mr. Mitch Rosenthal, student council president at Freedom High School,
addressed the issue of a proposed climbing gym for Liberty High School. He
understands the reasons for wanting a climbing wall at Liberty. On behalf of
his constituents, he objects to the idea because it is a compromise and an
extravagance, especially when Freedom doesn't have a gym large enough to
house its entire student body. The inadequacies of Freedom's gym have become
pretty obvious, as the administration has decided to enforce the 1200 person
capacity limit which was previously ignored. Annually, the student council
sponsors two pep rallies - one for homecoming and one for the Freedom/Liberty
game. This year they were forced to try a disappointing attempt at an
outdoor pep rally where the whole school could attend. Later this week, the
school will be split into halves for upperclassmen and underclassmen pep
rallies in the gym. Mr. Rosenthal stated that as student council president
his job includes encouraging school spirit, organizing pep rallies, and
promoting school unity. He doesn't see how he is supposed to do that when
the whole student population can't be gathered in one room. It bothers him
that the school board would consider building a climbing wall for Liberty as
a stopgap measure because the pool can't be fixed for several years, if ever.
Furthermore, he asked how this expenditure can be considered while Freedom
lacks a more fundamental facility - an adequate gymnasium where you can
gather the whole school community.
Mr. Rosenthal asked how old Liberty's Memorial Gym is and its capacity.
Director Craig replied that the Memorial Gym was built in 1956; capacity is
3100.
Mr. Rosenthal asked how long Freedom's population has exceeded the legal
capacity of its gym. Mr. Villani replied that there has never been less than
1200.
Mr. Rosenthal commended Mr. Moran, Mr. MacG ill, and the administrations for
sponsoring a Bury the Hatchet luncheon.
Dr. Lewis commended Mr. Rosenthal on a very fine presentation. He clarified
a couple items. The first portion of item number 6 - Climbing Wall at the
Liberty High School Pool Area - is being removed from the administrative
recommendation this evening. Dr. Lewis stated administration is aware of the
gymnasium issue. The City of Bethlehem has fire code and limits on occupancy
which he would not risk violating. Lastly, tonight the board and
administration are dealing with a very important bond issue that does
incorporate gymnasium space, classroom space, core space for Freedom High
School. Mr. Rosenthal commented that, in that case, he supports the bond
issue.
FEDERAL PROGRAMS UPDATE
Dr. Lewis announced that Bethlehem Area School District was notified by the
Department of Education that it was awarded a $40,000 grant recently which will
pay for the district's crossroads program at the high school level, a bully
prevention program at the middle school level, and for crisis management
training. The award allows the district to continue some very fine programs.
PRESIDENT'S COMMUNICATIONS
President Williams stated she received an e-mail copy of a letter from the
Colonial IU that Dr. Mickley sent to Senator Rhoades. He addressed some issues
that have come up in recent legislation that change the way, perhaps, that
Colonial IU 20 and intermediate units across the state will be permitted to
operate. Possibly, if this legislation is approved, it would incur more costs to
school districts.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Dr. Lewis recognized Thomas Thomasik who received, at the administrative/
supervisory meeting, the PSBA pin for advanced boardmanship. Mr. Thomasik has
earned 72 points, which is quite an extraordinary number of workshops and
elective courses, for his participation in PSBA's training program school board
academy. He has studied several areas: educational governance, legal management
issues, and personnel issues throughout those courses. Dr. Lewis commended Mr.
Thomasik for investing his personal time to dedicate himself to improving his
skills and knowledge in the never-ending quest to become a better decision-maker.
By participating in this academy, he has been able to stay more current on
school issues and develop skills around policy making, team decision making. The
pin was awarded to Mr. Thomasik on October 2 at the administrative/supervisory
meeting. Dr. Lewis asked Mr. Thomasik to stand in order to be recognized.
Dr. Lewis also recognized two students: Danielle Knecht, who sits on the board,
and Sam Parker, alternate representative from Liberty. Dr. Lewis remarked that
he had the good fortune to attend the Pennsylvania School Boards Association
convention last week with President Koch and Director Craig. Students had a
concurrent PSBA conference. Sam's mother, Carol, one of our teachers, was a
tremendous host in accompanying the students. Dr. Lewis stated the reason he
mentioned this is that he was pleasantly surprised when the conferences merged on
Thursday and the student forum was a hot topics mock board meeting presentation.
Only four students were selected out of approximately 500 in attendance to speak
and present hot topics in education from the students' viewpoint. Danielle Knecht
was selected to present and did a marvelous job of presenting to a large
auditorium full of people. Sam Parker was her back-up, helping with writing and
the presentation. He is proud that Bethlehem Area School District was
represented at that conference. Dr. Lewis commended Daniel Knecht and Sam
Parker.
Dr. Lewis provided a construction update on the new Northeast Middle School. He
thanked Mr. Fazil for providing photographs showing:
-Installation of sanitary lines.
-Main gas line installation.
-Installation of curbing.
-Acid waste piping for science classrooms.
-Rock excavation. Dr. Lewis explained that Mr. Fazil very skillfully incorporated this
into the specifications. The public needs to know that many school districts do
not do that and then are faced with a surprise bill.
-The basic foundation.
-Steel erection has begun and is well underway.
Dr. Lewis concluded that the new Northeast Middle School is on its way up and
ahead of schedule.
INSTRUCTIONAL REPORT
Mrs. Robert Whitcomb, principal of Northeast Middle School, stated that she, Ms.
Sonia Weidner, assistant principal, and Mr. Michael Metarko, supervisor for
curriculum and instruction, are pleased to be able to share the essence of
Northeast Middle School, what sets Northeast apart from the other district
schools. Five general areas are the same: curriculum, textbooks, district
initiatives such as Project Skill 21, athletic programs, and food service. As
will be seen during the presentation, Northeast's teachers' expertise, students'
needs and interests, and community involvement make a difference.
Mr. Metarko, supervisor for curriculum and instruction at Northeast Middle
School, provided information about achievements in relation to state's goals
showing where the school has come over the past four years since this
administrative group has been at Northeast. Demographically, Northeast mirrors
the city of Bethlehem very much. Free and reduced lunch is over 50% even though
school-wide title is not accounted for because of the private schools involved in
the area. Title I, 33% of the students, have IEPs. This does not include speech
and language and the 14% of the population labeled gifted. There are
intermediate and advanced ESOL students in the school. The ethnicity breakdown
is very diverse. Spring results from 2003 show that Northeast students have met
the state goals. The state math goal was 35%; Northeast scored at 56.1%. The
reading goal was 45%; the score was 63.5%. The only reason Northeast was on the
warning list is that attendance was slightly below 95%. The numbers for math and
reading also exceed the goals for 2005-2007. Since this administration has been
in place at Northeast, things have been dramatically turned around. In math,
since 1999-2000, 13% of the students have moved out of the below and basic into
the proficient and advanced. In the area of reading, 21% have moved out of below
and basic into proficient and advanced. Attempts are being made to increase
attendance and work with the parents. The Friday when school was delayed for
Hurricane Isabel, attendance was at 88%. Things like that make it hard to
overcome and get above the 95%. Mr. Metarko attributed improvement in test
scores to Miss Weidner and how she is working with the students and the Code of
Conduct.
Miss Weidner, assistant principal at Northeast Middle School, stated that since
she has arrived at Northeast, numbers have risen to approximately 830 students.
With the philosophy of addressing basic needs, exposure to fundamental
experiences, cultural awareness, year-round academic stimulation, and a sincere
love and pride of who you are, where you come from, and what you bring to the
culturally-rich community at Northeast, success has been found in our children in
many rewarding ways. Families are working with staff to help make their children
successful. Numbers of expulsions, suspensions, and referrals have lessened
dramatically. Numbers of students involved in summer and after school programs
have greatly increased. Students are taking a more positive approach towards
participation in Northeast's rewards program. Although a sign of the times
brings more mental health needs and over 50 programs are used to proactively deal
with these situations, each year brings a more difficult task to provide students
with the appropriate interventions. Scores are rising and behavior problems are
fewer. There is always room for improvement. Miss Weidner stated that a social
worker is her next battle. With support from a positive faculty and
administration, a willing parent group, and a community of people such as DARE
Officer Surber who are willing to go the extra mile, Northeast will continue to
move forward.
Mrs. Whitcomb reviewed a hand-out displaying Northeast Middle School of today and
its many special programs. She thanked the board for providing many of the
initiatives implemented in the school. Parents were also thanked for supporting
the children within the school and for providing money contributions for Hornet
Happenings, student of the month breakfasts, and for chaperoning. Mrs. Whitcomb
thanked the building team of Mr. Shoemaker, Mr. Fazil, and Mr. Hanna in the
construction of the new Northeast Middle School.
Director Leeson questioned the PSSA standard of proficient and advanced. Mrs.
Whitcomb stated that the state has identified this level as a college preparatory
program.
Mrs. Whitcomb offered an invitation to visit Northeast Middle School. The
building is important, but it is the program, teachers, and students that make a
school.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
FINANCE COMMITTEE Director Amato reported that the Finance Committee met on
Monday, October 13. During a portion of the meeting, there was a joint meeting
with the facilities committee. There was crossover regarding facilities and the
proposed bond issue. Mr. Majewski and Mr. Bear discussed refinancing in
conjunction with the facilities committee meeting. A presentation on
improvements being made to school cafeterias was given by Jane Buttermore,
Tiffany Sandt, and Ed Kenna. Sodexho is providing funds for refurbishing the
meal programs in the district schools. Changes in the lunch program are being
received very well. September had the highest number of lunch sales since the
district began contracting for dining services.
FACILITIES COMMITTEE Director Heske reported that the Facilities Committee met
on Monday, October 13. During open forum President Williams ask board members to
inform her about any committee assignment interest they might have. Director
Koch asked that the web site photo for Donegan Elementary School be updated.
Director Leeson asked that pedestrian crossings at Liberty High School be
reviewed to improve crossing. Tonight's facility-related agenda items were
reviewed and recommended for board approval. Construction projects were
reviewed. Summer projects are in design. The new Northeast Middle School is
coming along well. There was a lengthy discussion about the Liberty High School
pool area temporary use. A considerable amount of time was spent reviewing the
capital improvement plan and bond funding. The district is in a favorable
position to finance additional projects.
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE Director Venanzi reported that the Curriculum Committee met
Monday, October 20. During open forum, Director Craig asked the board to consider
allowing the Liberty and Freedom JV and freshman game to be played in the
stadium. The board agreed. Director Venanzi asked the board to consider
bringing the middle school football game back to the stadium next year. Mr.
Villani introduced the new members of his department: Mrs. Victory, supervisor
of mathematics; Mrs. Fernandes, coordinator of literacy, and Mr. VanDoren,
Coordinator of English Language Arts. Each described their job functions and
curriculum initiatives. Mr. VanDoren provided a review of the district's web
site. Student vacation/attendance policy was discussed. The board received
annual reports for the Vitalistic Therapeutic Charter School of the Lehigh Valley
and the Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School.
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE Director Craig reported that the Human Resources
Committee met on Monday, October 20. Most of the meeting was in executive
session. Contracts and personnel issues were discussed. Director Craig noted
that human resources is one of those committees where a lot of time is spent in
executive session because a lot of personnel issues are discussed. There is an
open session where board members are permitted to bring up a topic.
BETHLEHEM AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL Director Craig reported that the
vo-tech board met on Tuesday, October 7. The normal business of approving
minutes, bill paying, and a few personnel hires was conducted. The rest of the
meeting was in executive session dealing with two personnel issues.
Director Craig stated that Director Koch, Dr. Lewis, and himself, attended the
Pennsylvania School Boards Association conference in Hershey. He congratulated
Director Koch for being recognized by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association
as the new incoming Region 8 chairperson. She will represent four or five
counties of school boards. Director Craig remarked that the Bethlehem Area
School District was represented very well by Danielle Knecht's presentation
during the mock school board meeting by students.
BETHLEHEM PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Director Leeson reported that the
Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Commission met on October 16. The grand marshal
for the Halloween Parade held Sunday was Just Born Candy Company because they are
celebrating 50 years of peeps. Liberty's band was the only band to have a float
in the parade. Basketball will start in November. Volleyball is currently going
on in Broughal. Fees at the ice rink will be raised by five dollars for a season
pass and fifty cents on a daily rate.
COLONIAL INTERMEDIATE UNIT 20 President Williams reported that the IU meeting
took place on October 22. There was another meeting on September 24 which she
was unable to attend due to a work conflict. At the October 22 meeting, the
Pennsylvania Governor's School of Excellence was recognized. There were
presentations by eight students out of 32 from the Colonial IU area. The
students reported on their experiences at the summer program. It was
enlightening to hear from young people who had taken the commitment to spend that
much time out of their summer learning in an area of interest to them. Four
retiring board members were honored who represented 57 years of service to the
intermediate unit. An IU teacher, Antonyia Torpey, was honored for saving the
life of another person who collapsed near her home by administering CPR. The
reporting of that event underscored the value of CPR training. Two letters of
intent were approved for the purchase of land with a view to purchase one site
for the growing Second Chance Academy. A report was received on the alternative
education programs.
STUDENT REPORTS
LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL Caleb Schwarzbach stated that the month of October had a
thrilling start for Liberty students. Building excitement over the Liberty
versus Bethlehem Catholic homecoming game climaxed when exhilarated fans and an
enthusiastic student cheering section crowded into the BASD stadium. After an
intense game, it was the inspired Hurricane football team that prevailed with a
9-6 victory over BECA. This triumph marked the first win over the cross-town
rival in 19 years. The celebration continued through the weekend with Liberty's
annual homecoming dance. Before Liberty students were able to recover from the
dramatic victory, preparations for Spirit Week and the Liberty/Freedom football
game had already begun. Seniors are excited about the senior breakfast this
Friday at which former Philadelphia Eagle Vai Sikahema will deliver an
inspirational speech. On Wednesday, the Bury the Hatchet luncheon will take
place at Stephano's Restaurant where student and faculty representatives from
Liberty and Freedom High School will come together to look past competitive
rivalry and unite to embrace pride in the Bethlehem Area School District. Mr.
Schwarzbach announced that Liberty is home to six national merit scholar
semifinalists. This is more than BECA, Moravian Academy, and Freedom combined.
As Spirit Week countdown continues, Mr. Schwarzbach invited members of the board
to wear red spandex and blue capes and join Liberty for superhero dress-up day
tomorrow.
Sam Parker, Liberty High School student representative at PSBA, expressed
appreciation to the board for allowing Danielle Knecht and himself to attend the
PSBA School Leadership conference in Hershey. Not only did it give an
opportunity to share views and backgrounds with hundreds of delegates from across
the state, it provided a plethora of information to positively interact within
the board, analyzed data to make a quick, decisive hot topic power point, and
take in the student delegates' responsibility. Highlights of the conference
included guest speaker Joe Vitori and Mark Mayfield who delivered an upbeat and
motivating speech about real life situations such as having board meetings where
you are on target. These interesting speeches left a room full of teens aware
and attentive where usually they are left deep in rapid eye movement. A special
highlight was Danielle Knecht's superior presentation on the hot topic. The
Bethlehem Area School District shined far superior to the other four presenters.
The conference was a success, mapping out the importance of the school board and
its delegates to the community and schools.
FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL Danielle Knecht thanked the school board for allowing her
and Sam Parker the opportunity to attend the Pennsylvania School Board
Association's student representative program this past week in Hershey,
Pennsylvania. At the program, Sam and she enjoyed keynote speakers, shared ideas
with new acquaintances, and actively participated in a large group to formulate a
topic for the syndicated school board meeting with all the administrators, board
members, and student representatives in attendance. She was personally honored
with a chance to propose her group's topics to the syndicated school board which
had successful results. Miss Knecht, again, thanked Dr. Lewis, the entire school
board, and Mrs. Parker who chaperoned.
Miss Knecht stated that the homecoming weekend was a huge success for Freedom,
beginning with the Patriot football victory over Allen High School. The
homecoming dance was attended by 1100 students, the majority of which enjoyed
both the dance itself and the Student Council's amazing decorations. Freedom
students are currently busy with their academic, extra-curricular, and athletic
involvement. This week, the ladies volleyball team continues its prowess in its
quest to become district champions; while Lauretta Dezubay and Doug Farber both
qualified for the state cross-country meet last week at the LVC district
competition. Loretta finished second overall and Doug thirteenth. Other
happenings at Freedom involve the drama club's intense rehearsals for the Fall
drama, "The Skin of Our Teeth," scheduled to be performed throughout the weekend
of November 14. In addition, six Freedom seniors were recently awarded for their
achievement on the PSATs. These students were commended scholars in the National
Merit Competition. In a different note, many Freedom students are genuinely
upset by the addition of a climbing wall at Liberty High School. Perhaps the
students are unaware of the circumstances or the reasons for the situation, yet
the decision is still considered, by the general student population, to be one
that is unfair and seemingly extravagant. Today the halls of Freedom were graced
by many slipper-clad and pajama-sporting students who participated in pajama and
crazy hair day - the first day of Spirit Week. Freedom students are ready to
dress up as pirates tomorrow to display their school spirit and Patriot pride and
are even more anxious to win yet another point in the bell race this Saturday as
Freedom prepares to dominate Liberty in the annual football game.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Directors Craig and Heske to approve the minutes of the
September 22, 2003, Regular Board Meeting. The motion carried by voice vote.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Lewis presented the following recommendations of the administration.
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
President Williams announced that the board recently completed its
self-evaluation which was comprised of two evenings' work with PSBA moderators.
It was a long process where all learned a great deal.
President Williams stated that in August the board conducted the superintendent
evaluation. Dr. Lewis was rated with an overall above expected performance.
ROLL CALL SUPERINTENDENT SALARY ADJUSTMENT
Director Craig moved to grant a salary adjustment for the superintendent for the
2003-2004 school year with the adjusted salary to be $131,963, effective July 1,
2003. Director Heske seconded the motion. Director Heske seconded the motion.
The question was called and roll call was as follows: Yea, Directors Heske, Koch,
Leeson, Venanzi, Williams, Amato, Craig, and Haytmanek - 8. Motion passed 8 - 0.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
No one wished to address the Board of School Directors.
ADJOURNMENT
Directors Craig and Venanzi moved to adjourn the meeting which carried by voice
vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
Attest,
Stanley J. Majewski, Jr.
Board Secretary
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