MINUTES

OF THE

BOARD HUMAN RESOURCES

COMMITTEE MEETING

Monday, May 12, 2003

 

 

 

Members of the Board Human Resources Committee met on Monday, May 12, 2003, at East Hills Middle School. Present were the following school board members: Joseph Craig, William Heske, Charlene Koch, Loretta Leeson, Dr. Craig Haytmanek, 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 8:33 p.m.

 

Open Forum – None

 

Act 48 Flex Option – Dr. Lewis spoke about the revitalization of the Act 48 Committee. Mrs. Kostem introduced Craig Zieger as the presenter of the Flex In-Service Program that the Act 48 Committee is recommending. Mr. Zieger spoke about the goals of the Flex In-Service Program and he discussed the overview of the program, basic provisions, procedures and guidelines, and appeals that were laid out in the handout.

 

Mr. Zieger stated that one of the goals of the flex plan is to provide teachers and administrators with the tools to help our students succeed. Mrs. Kostem discussed how the teachers would do six hours of activity outside the school day; if the hours were not completed to fulfill their flex option, the teachers would attend June 10^th as an in-service day. All or nothing with the six hours must be completed by May 7^th. Mr. Zieger noted that the hours that are completed would need to be approved by the District. He also stated that these hours couldn’t be banked. This is driven by student needs not employe needs. The flex sessions will be in two, four, or six hours outside of the contractual day.

 

The BASD website will have all the information regarding the Flex In-service Program. A discussion was also held concerning the recruiting of presenters. If a presenter provides two of the sessions, that person may flex out. The District will continue to pay some teachers who present, so we don’t lose our best presenters who are asked to present multiple workshops. Loretta Leeson had a question regarding the payment to the presenter. The presenter will not be paid the six hours, but may be paid any time after the six hours. If the District needs an employe to be a presenter, the District will pay this individual. If an employe offers to present in an area that is not a required topic, payment may not be made.

 

Loretta Leeson had a question concerning the qualifications. Mr. Zieger and Mrs. Kostem explained the qualifications for the Flex In-service Program. Mrs. Kostem stated that this is voluntary and if these hours are not done by the due date then teachers must work on June 10^th. Mrs. Kostem gave examples of how it can work and the flexibility of it.

 

Mrs. Kostem introduced the committee members present who helped with the Act 48 Committee. (In the audience were Frances Bentkowski, Elizabeth Burak, Scott Garrigan, and Thomas Washington.)

 

Mr. Heske asked about the banking of the hours. Dr. Haytmanek asked about teacher attendance. It was projected that about 90% will do the Flex In-service Program and the other 10% will attend June 10^th. Mr. Heske asked if this is going to other school districts. Dr. Lewis responded with a list of current school districts that have this program and estimated that those districts had about a 93% participation rate.

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign Exchange Student Policy – Mrs. Kostem spoke about the two policies that were sent to the Board. She stated that currently the District does not have a board policy on Foreign Exchange Students but that the recommended policy incorporates the present practice of the District with respect to foreign exchange students. Mr. Craig had a question concerning foreign exchange students participating in the District’s high school graduation ceremonies. June Richardson explained that the foreign exchange program is considered a cultural experience and that certain required courses are offered to juniors to enhance the experience. Foreign exchange students cannot be graduates in their countries. Ms. Richardson stated that we have always considered the students juniors, but now it is in writing. Mrs. Kostem asked the Board if they would accept the policy. They all stated yes.

 

Eligibility of Nonresident Students Policy – Mrs. Kostem explained that the law changed recently and that our policy needed to be altered to incorporate the changes. Mrs. Kostem stated that we educate a number of students who are living with a guardian or family member and are nonresidents. They are considered nonresidents because the parents or legal guardian is not a resident. This policy allows us to require proof of residence upon registration. Ms. Richardson stated that it takes a lot of manpower to follow up on all the affidavits that are on file. Ms. Richardson spoke more about the policy and Mrs. Kostem asked the Board if they had any questions.

 

Technology Reorganization for Middle and Elementary Schools – Dr. Lewis started by saying that Scott Garrigan and he had met to discuss the technology reorganization of the middle and elementary schools. A reorganization chart was handed out, and Dr. Lewis explained the diagrams. Dr. Garrigan explained the need to have support technologist positions so that it may free up the teachers to teach. Mrs. Kostem explained that the funds for the two teacher positions included in the 2003-04 proposed budget would be used to hire four support technologists. Dr. Garrigan spoke about the advantages to having the positions be twelve-month positions. Finally there will be someone year-round to service the technology needs of the schools, especially for the beginning of school.

 

Other – None

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph Craig adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes prepared by:                                                                                                               

Nitza Santiago, Confidential Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent