BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD FACILITIES COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2007
Mr. Rosario Amato, chairman, called the meeting of the Board Facilities Committee to order at 6:05 p.m. on Monday, April 2, 2007, in the Dining Room at the Education Center. Present were School Board Members Charlene Koch, Diane Rowe, Dr. Craig Haytmanek, Loretta Leeson, Judith Dexter, Joseph Craig, William Heske, Margaret Williams, and Rosario Amato. Also present were Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, superintendent of schools, Robert R. Gross III, assistant superintendent for human resources; Thomas K. Washington, director of student services; Scott T. Gilliland, director of facilities and operations; Joseph Santoro, principal, Broughal Middle School; Roger Washburn, principal, Freedom High School; Arif Fazil, district engineer (DÕHuy Engineering, Inc.); and representatives from the press.
The following items were discussed:
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS Ð
The board extended the
courtesy of the floor to hear all of the public input.
SpeakersÕ comments favored original plans for Broughal Middle School Ð
Mr. Javier Toro, 414 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem
Ms. Karen Vorhees, 1572 Ralston Drive, Bethlehem
Ms. Louise Mariano, 3114 East Boulevard, Bethlehem
Mr. Carmelo Huertas, 1305 East 4th Street, Bethlehem
Mr. Sis-Obed Torres, 520 East 4th Street, Bethlehem
SpeakersÕ comments favored preservation of the building Ð
Mr. Jason Slipp, 64 Lackewiecki Avenue, Bethlehem
OPEN FORUM Ð
Mr. Amato shared his concern relative to the recent increase in Freedom High School fights that have escalated into more than two dozen brawls this year. He specifically referenced one in which a student was shocked with a taser gun. He demanded that the administration make fighting between students an expellable offense and contended that the district should advocate zero tolerance for such instances.
Mrs. Rowe and Mr. Craig agreed that the situation has gotten much worse.
Mr. Craig interjected that he has been hearing about gang activity.
Mrs. Leeson shared that a parent meeting has been scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 3, 2007, in the Library at Freedom High School to discuss strategies on safety with the administration.
Mrs. Koch suggested that perhaps we should invite guest speakers who are trained in gang violence to come and talk to us about gang activity.
Dr. Lewis wanted the public to know we are not sitting idly by. The entire Freedom High School administration was in attendance at the meeting, and they reported that five arrests were made in relation to the brawl. Dr. Lewis further noted that fighting is a ÒLevel 3Ó offense under the Bethlehem Area School District Student Code of Conduct which also initiates a 5 to 10 day out of school suspension to the offense.
Dr. Lewis called on Principal Roger Washburn to share with the audience his comments.
Mr. Washburn indicated his administration and staff are combating these efforts as a team. He stated that fighting is detrimental to students who need to focus on their studies and doing well in state testing. He discussed the escalating problem at the February and March faculty meetings and has instituted a two prong approach in having teachers be more pro-active outside their classrooms during change of classes, and a more rigorous identity-card check to make sure non-students are not entering the school. He mentioned they are finding it is the same students involved. It seems to be a core group of students acting out with known discipline problems. He indicated perhaps a district wide in-service dealing with violence needs to be instituted. The last district wide anti-violence in-service was held in 1999 and there have been other select programs for certain staff.
Mrs. Williams mentioned that she has attended many expulsion hearings over the years, and she feels they have had a positive effect on student behavior. She stated that if violence is escalating again, being vigilant is essential for the safety and well being of our students and staff.
Mrs. Leeson asked when the code of conduct will be reviewed.
Dr. Lewis asked Mr. Washington for details on the matter, and he mentioned that in June 2007 he would have data available to the board for review.
Mrs. Dexter questioned when the Nitschmann Middle School project will be discussed as she is receiving questions and e-mails from concerned citizens.
Dr. Lewis, Mr. Amato, and Mr. Craig indicated that the end of summer or beginning of next school year is the time frame since there is still much work with regard to Freedom High School, Liberty High School, and Broughal Middle School.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE APRIL 23, 2007, REGULAR BOARD MEETING Ð
After discussion, the board committee agreed to bring the following agenda items to the April 23, 2007, Regular Board Meeting:
A. Authorization to Expend 2005 and 2007 Bond funds Ð Liberty High School
Additions and Renovations Project Ð Change Order
B. New Broughal Middle School Ð PlanCon Parts D and E Approvals
C. Authorization to Expend Capital Reserve Funds Ð Boiler Room Ceiling Shoring Ð
Broughal Middle School
DISCUSSION ITEMS Ð
Dr. Lewis discussed the dedication proposals for Liberty High SchoolÕs field house, Freedom High SchoolÕs gymnasium, and Fountain Hill Elementary gymnasium regarding the naming and dedicating of these facilities after deserving individuals. The board voted 7 Ð 2 to put it on the agenda for consideration at the April 23, 2007, Regular Board Meeting.
Dr. Lewis shared the Broughal Middle School Request for Proposals (RFP) with the board members. There was much debate among members as to the details, timelines, and wording of the request for proposal. Dr. Lewis stated that the proposal was drawn up to protect the educational, programming, legal, and financial interests of the school district as the board members requested. Dr. Lewis reminded the board after review that they have the right to change and modify the document. Dr. Lewis also reiterated it was not intended to make an insurmountable proposal. The board voted 6 Ð 3 to put it on the agenda for consideration at the April 23, 2007, Regular Board Meeting.
Dr. Lewis updated the board on the Rosemont portables located at 815 Pennsylvania Avenue. On March 28, 2007, a meeting was held with a group of approximately 22 people who represented concerned neighbors and citizens of the Rosemont area. At this meeting, Dr. Lewis discussed at length the possibility of maintaining the portables at the Rosemont site. A tour was conducted of a modular unit which had been painted and landscaped. The citizens did not endorse this concept or additional proposals of placing berms and landscaping to enhance the area.
Dr. Lewis stated that the residents want all portables removed and have agreed to endorse a proposal that would remove one half of the units in each of the next two school years.
Mr. Gilliland reminded the board of problems associated with moving them. The trailers located at Freedom High School were sold. During the move the axles were bent, the unit turned over, and then was abandoned. Auction could be an option.
Mrs. Dexter mentioned that her concern was that if we decide not to move them there may be legal action taken against Bethlehem Area School District. We are looking at a trust issue and that the impression we gave the residents was our willingness to remove the units.
A majority of the board endorsed the suggestion to remove one half of the units the first year and one half of them in the second year.
Mr. Fazil mentioned to the board that there will be costs incurred for the off-site parking for a minimal number of cars at the site. This plan still needs to be submitted to the City for approval and then implemented.
Mr. Fazil reported Freedom and Liberty High School Projects are on schedule.
Minutes prepared by:
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Joanne Carraghan, Secretary to the Director of Facilities and Operations
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Scott T. Gilliland, Director of Facilities and Operations