MINUTES
OF THE
BOARD HUMAN RESOURCES
COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday, January 13, 2003
Members of the Board Human Resources Committee met on Monday, January 13, 2003, in the SuperintendentÕs Conference Room A, at the Education Center. Present were the following school board members: Rosario Amato, Joseph Craig, Charlene Koch, Loretta Leeson, Dr. Craig Haytmanek, William Heske, Julie Venanzi, and Margaret Williams. Also present were Superintendent Joseph Lewis and Assistant Superintendent Michele Kostem.
The meeting of the Board Human Resources Committee was called to order by Mr. Joseph Craig at 8:20 p.m.
Open Forum Š Loretta Leeson had a question concerning the swimming team for Liberty High School. She stated that she had heard that the CD team is getting one hour of practice a week. A coach and an assistance coach are provided. She heard that the booster club was helping with additional coaches. Joseph Craig stated that this would be a liability if coaches were there without being approved by the district unless they were helping under the supervision of a hired coach. This will be looked into.
Rosario Amato had a concern about the JV wrestling team during a recent match in the Easton Area School District. The JV team had its match at an Easton middle school, and when the team tried to enter Easton High School gym to observe the varsity match the team members were told they would have to pay an admission fee. They were asked to pay an entrance fee per student. A parent paid the fee. Mr. Amato would like an explanation regarding this procedure. Joseph Craig said this would not happen in Bethlehem but acknowledged Easton might have a different policy.
Loretta Leeson heard that one of the high schools in the area used a Breathalyzer at the door as students came to a dance. Joseph Craig stated that thoughts and ideas regarding this should be gathered at the next cabinet meeting.
Proposed 2003-2004 School Calendar Š Dr. Lewis presented the proposed school calendar for the 2003-2004 school year. He wanted to make sure the Board had an opportunity to review the final version of the calendar. Loretta Leeson stated that Dr. Lewis did a wonderful job with the calendar. Joseph Craig asked for an explanation regarding snow days and how they would affect the student days. Michele Kostem explained the snow days, Act 88 and holidays that would be affected in case there is a loss of school days due to snow. Loretta Leeson questioned the high school levels and the block schedules and how the loss of school days, due to snow, would affect them. Dr. Lewis explained that the 1st semester may be extended if additional days are cancelled.
Proposed Reorganization of the DistrictÕs Administrative Infrastructure Š Dr. Lewis presented the final draft of the reorganization of the districtÕs administration, which included title clarifications. Loretta Leeson had a question about athletics. Dr. Lewis explained the duties of the position of administrative assistant.
SuperintendentÕs Goals Š Dr. Lewis distributed a document with his goals and the time line for each goal. Dr. Lewis stated that there are a total of eight goals and that some of the goals have already been started.
Loretta Leeson asked if a presentation was going to be given concerning evaluations and supervision and how effective we are now and some ideas on how to become more effective. Dr. Lewis explained the changes that will occur and that the teachers will receive information in September 2003. Dr. Lewis also stated that administration, Michele Kostem, and Patrick Connolly from PSBA will be meeting to discuss evaluations. Michele Kostem discussed the new state forms and procedures.
Board Human Resources Committee Meeting (2)
Loretta Leeson stated that the current forms do not identify sufficiently where teachers really need improvement. The emphasis should be on growth potential.
Joseph Craig adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
Minutes prepared by:
Nitza Santiago, Confidential Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent