BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2007

 

Members of the Board Human Resources Committee met on Monday, March 5, 2007, in the Dining Room, at the Education Center. 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 Solicitor Sharon Montayne, Committee Members for Procedures for Violations by Students Participating in School Sponsored Activities and Athletics, Superintendent of Schools 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 8:45 p.m.

 

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS – Stephen Antalics,737 Ridge Street, Bethlehem, read a statement regarding the situation with Mr. John Acerra.

 

OTHER – Mr. Craig proposed to Dr. Lewis that item #5 be discussed at April’s Human Resources Board Meeting due to the late start of tonight’s meeting. The board and administration were in agreement to move the Enrollment Trends and Building Capacities Report to April 10.

 

PROPOSED PROCEDURES FOR VIOLATIONS BY STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN SCHOOL SPONSORED ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETICS – Dr. Lewis commented on the desire of being consistent with the discipline of students. Mr. Gross and Mr. Villani were asked to research and create a procedure for students who participate in school sponsored activities and athletics. Dr. Lewis also thanked the committee members who were present. Dr. Lewis stated that there was sufficient time to make changes as needed, as this was a proposed draft of the document.

 

Mr. Gross launched a power point presentation reviewing the committee structure, goals, and policies considered when creating the procedures set forth for students who violate policies and who participate in activities and athletics. Because these students are easily identified by wearing a uniform and because they represent our schools in public venues, they are held to a higher standard. Participation on these teams and organizations is a privilege granted to the students. The committee met formally in December and January and had several discussions amongst the members to discuss the composition of the document. Current policies, several school districts’ policies, the K-12 Student Code of Conduct, the band handbook and athletic code, and the Athletic Administration Guide from the National Federation of State High School Associations served as source materials and guides as the procedures were developed for the Bethlehem Area School District.

 

A general discussion was held regarding consequences for those students in athletics as opposed to those who are not, e.g. cheerleaders and band members.

 

REVISED BOARD POLICIES – Mr. Gross presented the five Board Policies for first or second readings. The following policies were discussed: Policy 100 – Strategic Plan, Policy 103 – Nondiscrimination in School and Classroom Practices, Policy 112 – Guidance Counseling, Policy 701.1 – Naming School District Facilities, and Policy 807 – Opening Exercises/Flag Displays. Mr. Gross reviewed each policy and noted the changes suggested by PSBA and/or counsel. Discussions were held on the policies and suggestions were made.

 

Policy 100 – Strategic Plan is presented for its second reading. The Strategic Plan document that was formerly approved as a phase III school district can be revised as necessary. This change is proposed by

Board Human Resources Committee Meeting                                                                           (2)

 

PDE and reviewed by counsel and PSBA. The phrase “and as necessary” was added. The references were added at the bottom of the policy. The policy will be presented in the March agenda for approval.

 

Policy 103 – Nondiscrimination in School and Classroom Practices is presented for its second reading. A discussion was held regarding the last appeal step. Mr. Craig asked Solicitor Sharon Montayne to review the policy and get back to the board.

 

Policy 112 – Guidance Counseling is presented for its second reading. During the first reading, the board had asked that number seven’s wording be reviewed. Mr. Gross split number seven into two separate items. An updated version of the policy will be presented at the next meeting.

 

Policy 701.1 – Naming School District Facilities is a new policy, which was presented in January for its first reading. A discussion was held regarding the concern of naming buildings after individuals and not following through with the necessary changes from a practical sense. Mr. Craig asked the board for a recommendation to approve the policy. A consensus was reached and the policy will be placed in the March agenda for action.

 

Policy 807 – Opening Exercises/Flag Displays is presented for a second reading. Mr. Gross had informed the board in the policy’s first reading that the district is advised by counsel to delete the last sentence, which states that building principals shall provide written notice to parents/guardians of students who refuse to salute the flag or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The policy has been updated and will be presented in March’s agenda for action.

 

OPEN FORUM – Ms. Rowe mentioned that the t-shirts promoting doing a good job on the PSSA tests were a big success at Freedom High School. Mr. Villani stated that they had a PSSA pep rally and that it went very well. The students and the teachers had a great time. Congratulations to them for taking the PSSA seriously. They know people are watching to see how they our doing.

 

Joseph Craig adjourned the meeting at 9:52 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes prepared by:            ____________________________________________________________________

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