MINUTES

OF THE

BOARD HUMAN RESOURCES

COMMITTEE MEETING

Monday, August 16, 2004

 

 

Members of the Board Human Resources Committee met on Monday, August 16, 2004, in the Superintendent’s Conference Room A, at the Education Center. Present were the following school board members: Rosario Amato, Joseph Craig, Dr. Craig Haytmanek, William Heske, Loretta Leeson, Diane Rowe, and Julie Venanzi. Also present were Superintendent Joseph Lewis, Associate Superintendent Michele Kostem, Stanley Majewski, Director of Business Affairs, and Attorney Timothy Carson.

 

The meeting of the Board Human Resources Committee was called to order by Dr. Craig Haytmanek at 7:55 p.m.

 

Open Forum – Mrs. Leeson wanted to know if everything has been addressed with the audit. Dr. Lewis informed the Board that Mr. Majewski has handled all three items and they have been addressed.

 

Note of 2000 IRS Settlement – Mr. Majewski began with introducing Attorney Timothy Carson who he asked to be present here today. In March 2000, a three-year note was issued to the Bethlehem Area School District for construction projects. An investigation by the IRS on 30-33 Pennsylvania school districts who had three-year notes was conducted. During 2000 when the note was issued, Northeast Middle School and Broughal Middle School were in plan for constructions, there were delays, and due to our district not spending 85% of the money the first three years for construction projects, we were penalized. Our district passed the first two rules of the IRS pertaining to bonds, but we did not pass the third one, which means we did not proceed with the projects – referred to as “Do Diligent.” This matter has been negotiated for more then a year with the IRS and a negotiated settlement in the amount of $112,004 has been reached. To prove to the IRS that the money was used on construction only would not be beneficial to the district. Settling this matter does not mean an admission of wrong doing by the district.

 

An in-depth discussion regarding the Note of 2000 and the IRS was held. Mr. Majewski asked for the matter to be settled and recommended the negotiated settlement with the IRS to be approved.

 

Governor Wolf Enrollment – Mrs. Kostem responded to an email received the Board received regarding class sizes at Governor Wolf for second and fourth grade. Mrs. Kostem also wanted to report to the Board the class size numbers at the present time and that a final count will be made after school has begun and all students can be accounted for. The average sizes for each grade as of this date are as follows:

 

Kindergarten – four sections 17 in each

                                                Grade 1 – four sections 18.5 in each

                                                Grade 2 – three sections 26 in each

                                                Grade 3 – three sections 23 in each

                                                Grade 4 – three sections 26 in each

                                                Grade 5 – three sections 25 in each

 

Other – Joseph Craig received a letter claiming a student at Liberty High School is not residing in Bethlehem. A discussion was held regarding this matter and it will be looked into.

 

Dr. Haytmanek adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m.

 

 

Minutes prepared by:                                                                                                               

Nitza Santiago, Confidential Secretary to the Associate Superintendent