BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, May 1, 2006

 

Members of the Board Human Resources Committee met on Monday, May 1, 2006, at Northampton Community College, Room 220, South Campus. Present were the following school board members: Rosario Amato, Joseph Craig, Judith Dexter, Dr. Craig Haytmanek, Charlene Koch, Loretta Leeson, Diane Rowe, and Margaret Williams. Also in attendance were Supervisor of Dining Services Kimberly Hayes, Dining Services Secretary Joanne Borgo, District Manager for School Services for Sodexho George Hingley, Director of Student Service Thomas Washington, Assistant to the Superintendent for Finance and Administration Stanley Majewski, Superintendent Dr. Joseph A. Lewis and Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Robert R. Gross III.

 

The meeting of the Board Human Resources Committee was called to order by Joseph Craig at 7:25 p.m.

 

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS – Dr. Paul Pierpoint from Northampton Community College (NCC) did a presentation regarding the exciting technological advancements and course offerings at NCC. It featured programs, such as nano technologies, process heating, energy management, material sciences, carbon process, and life science. Dr. Pierpoint stated there is a $2 million dollar budget for these programs. Mr. Craig spoke about the community colleges and what people think of them. He stated that you don’t think of these types of programs being held at community colleges and how NCC is leading the field in this and other areas. He thanked NCC for having us and taking the time to give us the presentation.

 

Steven Antalics, Bethlehem resident, wanted to commend Mr. Amato on his comments from the previous meeting regarding approaching Lehigh University’s student newspaper’s article regarding the new Broughal middle School. He stated that if six board members approved of Mrs. William’s response to the article in the Brown and White, then what would be the impact regarding the response letter being signed by the entire board? Mr. Craig stated not all board members wanted to participate by signing the letter. Mr. Antalics asserted that speaking as a board has more impact than speaking as individuals.

 

Terri Long, band parent from Liberty High School, thanked the board for their support of the Liberty High School band. She also thanked the board for having her at the meeting and answering her questions. Ms. Long wanted to know if there was any communication with Mr. MacGill, band director at Liberty High School, regarding the proposed changes to the music policy and believes information and communication is very important to communicate with the band director. She believes in coming together for a solution. Ms. Long stated that they are a very active group and would like to have information. Mr. Gross indicated future meetings would occur to further discuss the change in policy regarding trips for our music groups.

 

Dr. Lewis stated that he did communicate with Arlene Lund, band parent from Liberty High School. Dr. Lewis stated he did not know the answer as to the degree of communication regarding the suggested policy changes. Mr. Gross stated that instrumental and choral directors were contacted to provide data on trip frequencies and dates over the past five (5) years. Mr. Villani is planning to meet with the directors to gather information from the directors and to get additional feedback regarding any proposed change to the policy. Dr. Lewis noted the proposed policy is more liberal and supportive of international trips than the current policy.

Dr. Lewis stated that rumors were to curtail travel – it is just the opposite. The policy is being revised because Liberty High School was in violation of the current policy as it is written. The revision will broaden the policy for travel. Dr. Lewis agreed to delay the policy adaptation until additional feedback is provided.

 

 

 

 

Board Human Resources Committee Meeting                                                                           (2)

 

SODEXHO UPDATE – Mr. Majewski began his comments by stating that the start of changes to the district’s dining service began seven years ago with the Wood Company DBA Wood Dining Services, which was bought out by Sodexho. He spoke about creating improvements in relationships with students, personnel, and better meal plans. He stated there were new initiatives tonight being presented to the board that will build on what started seven years ago. Mr. Majewski introduced Kimberly Hayes, supervisor of dining services, who offered a presentation on: the goals of the Dining Services Department, food safety and menus, health wellness, nutrition, participation in activities at schools, the application process, the implementation of scanning applications, and the ability for parents to pay on-line and check on what their child ate at school via the Internet or telephone. Mr. Majewski and Ms. Hayes were very excited and enthusiastic with the new upcoming changes to the Dining Services.

 

Dr. Haytmanek was very impressed with the program. He spoke about obesity and how educating parents first is very important.

 

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY HOLIDAY – Dr. Lewis explained to the board that there was a protest by about 30 concerned citizens, which the board was already aware of, regarding employes working on Martin Luther King Day. Twenty-three percent of our employes work on Martin Luther King Day due to contract agreements.

 

Mr. Gross and Mr. Majewski spoke with the union representatives for the clerical and maintenance groups regarding the swapping of this holiday for another, but both union representatives indicated that they preferred to adhere to the current contract.

 

Dr. Lewis wanted the public to know that there is no willingness to change the current contract language regarding days off of work.

 

REVISED BOARD POLICIES – Mr. Gross reviewed the three policies that were presented to the board for readings. Mr. Gross read changes that were made to Policy 129 – Musical Groups. A discussion was held regarding the policy, and it was requested that it be reviewed again. Mr. Craig asked that fair share be looked into regarding trips. A general discussion was held regarding the first reading on Policy 246 – Student Wellness. Dr. Lewis commended Mr. Washington for a job well done on this policy. The board asked that the policy be reviewed again. A brief discussion was held on Policy 810.3 – Audio/Video Cameras on Buses.

 

OPEN FORUM – Ms. Dexter had a question regarding tracking next year. Dr. Lewis informed her that Mr. Villani is looking into this and that no changes are planned at this time which depart from current practices. Further, no changes will be made until it is cleared with the board.

 

OTHER – Dr. Scott from Northampton Community College gave the board a tour of NCC.

 

Dr. Craig Haytmanek adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.

 

 

Minutes prepared by:                                                                                                               

Nitza Santiago, Confidential Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources