BOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

APRIL 2, 2007

 

 

Members of the Board Finance Committee met on Monday, April 2, 2007, in the Dining Room at the Education Center. Chairperson Charlene Koch called the meeting to order at 8:30 p.m. Present were School Board Members Dr. Craig Haytmanek, Diane Rowe, Loretta Leeson, Judith Dexter, Margaret Williams, William Heske and Joseph Craig. Also in attendance were Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, superintendent of schools; Stanley J. Majewski, Jr., assistant to the superintendent for finance and administration; Robert Gross, assistant superintendent for human resources; Kim Hayes, supervisor of dining services, and members of the press.

 

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR – Mr. Stephen Antalics commented on the cost of hiring the law firm of White and Williams to conduct an investigation into the Nitschmann Middle School situation. This investigation implies that the district is above reproach. District procedures must be amended, and the administration and board should be held accountable.

 

Esther Lee of 627 Cherokee Street, addressed concerns with regard to violence in our schools. She stated that families relocating from New York and New Jersey need to know how schools function in Pennsylvania and not be allowed to dictate what happens in the district.

 

Mrs. Lee stated that the children attending Broughal Middle School need to have a field. There are no places of recreation in the area, and it is imperative for students to have recreational space. The decision on the new Broughal Middle School is dragging on and on.

 

Mrs. Lee also stated that she is in favor of drug testing.

 

Mr. Robert Pfenning of 2830 Linden Street commented on the procedures followed at the City Council Meeting. He suggested the district provide a Courtesy of the Floor at the beginning and end of each meeting as does City Council.

 

Mr. Tenaglia, a Nitschmann Middle School parent of a band student, commented on the happenings at the school on the morning of February 28, 2007. He stated that city police and BASD security, as well as, TV news vans, were on the premises. The incident was discussed with faculty and students. Letters were sent home to all parents indicating additional school personnel would be on hand to offer counseling if needed. Letters suggesting ways of discussing the situation with the children were also sent.

 

Parents were informed that a meeting with the administration would be held in the

near future. Mr. Tenaglia commended the administration on their actions.

 

He also stated that an announcement informing the public of the district contracting with an independent law firm to conduct an investigation was made on March 2. At this time, the investigation is not complete. He feels that White and Williams be allowed to finish or stop the report.

 

Mr. Tenaglia also commended the administration on the appointment of Mr. Lynch as an assistant principal.

 

Mrs. Irene Follweiler, 2222 Main Street, requested a microphone for public use when people are addressing the committee. She also indicated that the City Council meeting forum is conducted very well.

 

REVISIONS TO BOARD POLICIES 103, 112 and 903 – Mr. Gross presented three policies to the committee with proposed revisions. He stated that Policy 103 was discussed at the Board Human Resources Committee Meeting in March. The committee decided that the wording “Any decision can be appealed to the board” be added to paragraph 4 of the Appeal Procedure. This wording will be incorporated and presented to the board for final approval at the April 23, 2007, Regular Board Meeting.

 

Policy 112 - Guidance Counseling. The committee reviewed the proposed revisions to this policy and agreed a presentation from district guidance counselors should be made prior to finalizing this policy. The presentation would include specifically an up-to-date

job description for Guidance Counselors.

 

Policy 903 – Public Participation in Board Meetings. Mrs. Dexter suggested adding a second Courtesy of the Floor at the end of board meetings and eliminate the need to register prior to the meeting to be permitted to address the board. She suggested keeping the policy liberal. Mrs. Dexter feels that electronic recording devices and cameras should be permitted, as well as, the use of placards and banners at meetings.

 

Discussion followed as to adding a second “Courtesy of the Floor” at the end of the meetings.

 

Mrs. Williams stated that committee meetings are work sessions and did not see the need for an additional “Courtesy of the Floor.”

 

Mr. Craig suggested moving “Courtesy of the Floor” to the end of the meeting and not adding another one.

Mr. Heske stated that one is fine and two would be too many.

 

After a lengthy discussion, Mrs. Koch polled the board. The majority agreed to have only one “Courtesy of the Floor” and to keep it at the beginning of the meeting.

 

Mrs. Leeson stated the majority of work is done at committee meetings and felt documents should be provided to the public before the meetings. She would like all back- up documents made available to the public before meetings in order to have more meaningful input from the public.

 

Dr. Lewis stated that documents are provided upon request.

 

Mrs. Dexter and Mrs. Leeson stated that they felt the board was not as accessible to the public as it should be. They suggested restrictions with regard to speaking at meetings be removed. Much discussion followed.

 

The committee was polled with regard to keeping the language as is in # 4 Guidelines of Policy 903. Seven members agreed to keep the language as is, two wanted it changed.

 

DINING SERVICES UPDATE – Mrs. Kim Hayes, supervisor or dining services, gave a presentation on the accomplishments of the dining services department.

 

A few of these are the implementation of CPR training for staff members, as well monthly safety meetings. As a result of the safety meetings, claims have been reduced from 9 last year to 3 to date. Last year claims cost the district $30,208. This year to date, the cost is $4,560.50.

 

Ala carte offerings have been updated to meet State/Federal Wellness recommendations. Additional breakfast programs have been added to three schools this year. Participation in the breakfast program is up by 11 percent and a 3 percent increase in the lunch program.

 

Participation in Mealpayplus is about 10 percent and growing. Parents are able to see their child’s account history and daily purchases. They can also make online payments.

 

Mr. Majewski commended Mrs. Hayes and her dining services staff for the fine job they are doing.

 

MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT - Mr. Majewski informed the committee that the current mileage reimbursement rate for district employees using their personal vehicles is $.445 per mile. Contract provisions and board policy states this rate is to be increased in accordance with IRS regulations.

Effective, September 1, 2007, the district will increase the rate to $.485 per mile. This item will be placed on the April 23, 2007, Regular Board Meeting Agenda.

 

RENEWAL OF LEASE FOR LAND AT FREEMANSBURG AVENUE AND FARMERSVILLE ROAD – Mr. Majewski’s office has been in contact with the lessee of this property, and they indicated their intent to renew said lease.

 

It is possible that an acre of this land located near the intersection of Freemansburg Avenue and Farmersville Road will be removed from the lease due to potential road improvements. If this occurs the lease will be adjusted to accommodate for the decrease in acreage.

 

OPEN FORUM – None

 

The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

 

 

Minutes prepared by:

                                    Confidential Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent for                                         Finance and Administration