BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, MAY 7, 2007

 

Members of the Board Human Resources Committee met on Monday, May 7, 2007, in the Dining Room, at the Education Center. Present were the following school board members: Joseph Craig, Judith Dexter, Dr. Craig Haytmanek, William Heske, Charlene Koch, Loretta Leeson, Diane Rowe. Also in attendance were members of the Teacher Performance Appraisal Plan Revision Committee; Director of Information Technologies Robin Lutcher; Director of Student Services Thomas Washington; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Anthony Villani; Assistant to the Superintendent for Finance and Administration Stanley Majewski; Solicitor Sharon Montayne; 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 8:24 p.m.

 

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS Š Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, Bethlehem, expressed his concern regarding the counseling program, Latino high school drop out rate, and the Latino student community. He stated he asked a number of students how they felt and at Broughal most are happy, but in the high school level, they feel that peers look down on them because they are Latinos. He asked how many Latino counselors does the district have, and does the district have a plan in place to keep Latino students from dropping out. He claimed the insensitivity to the Latino community needs to be looked into.

 

OTHER Š Loretta Leeson wanted to know about the progress on hiring the high school principal for Freedom High School. Dr. Lewis indicated that five (5) candidates have moved to the next level of interviews. The next level is an interview by a committee of parents, teachers, administrators, and counselors. The number of candidates will be reduced to two (2) finalists who will be interviewed by Cabinet. Ms. Leeson asked for a list of candidates and a copy of their rˇsumˇs. Dr. Lewis indicated they did not do this in the past, but if the board would like this information it would be given to them. Joseph Craig questioned as to what the purpose of Ms. Leeson asking for this information. She believes the final decision is part of the board and they should have some knowledge on the candidates. Dr. Lewis stated that the committee would bring the final two (2) candidates to the board. Anthony Villani stated the board has never been involved in the interview process and only in the final recommendation. Ms. Leeson said in the past, under the Dolusio administration, they would meet and would receive background information, the list of questions, and a complete evaluation of the candidates Š the board was involved behind the scenes. Mr. Villani stated that a final summary was given, but the board was not involved in interviews. Mr. Craig indicated they came to the board during the final selections and didnÕt recall being involved during this step of the interviews. Mr. Craig asked the board if they think they should be involved at this level. Judith Dexter stated that the board should be involved because they need to know who is leading our schools; they are elected to do this and suggested three board members be involved in the final round of interviews.

 

Diane Rowe asked if Mr. Villani would tell us of the progress so far with the interviews. Mr. Villani gave detailed information about the interviews. For Freedom High School, seventeen (17) applicants were reviewed. Nine (9) administrators from elementary, middle, high, Special Education, and ESOL were involved in the first round of interviews involving eight (8) candidates. One (1) out of the eight (8) declined. Five (5) are back for the second level of interviews with fourteen (14) people from FHS (selected teachers, parent, PTO parent, student representatives, and a few from central office administration). For Lincoln Elementary School, we are just in the process of reviewing twenty-three (23) applications. For the first level of interviews, we will be selecting one (1) administrator from all three areas (ESOL, Special Education, and central office). For the second level of interviews, we will be selecting teachers and parents. He suggested giving the board a copy of the series of questions they have set forth for Freedom and Lincoln. Mr. Craig stated that an explanation of the process is a good idea so that the board is aware of what is going on. Mr. Craig asked the board again if they should be involved.

Board Human Resources Committee Meeting                                                                          

 

 

Ms. Rowe indicated that she did not oppose it, but didnÕt want them to forget the board charged the superintendent with staffing and the selection of candidates to be hired. It is the position of the board to hire the superintendent and the superintendent hires staff not the board. Mr. Craig polled the board on who was in favor of being part of the interview committee. The results showed that the majority was not in favor of the board being part of the committee. Dr. Lewis recommended giving the board copies of the rˇsumˇs, list of interview questions, and list of interview committees. The board agreed to receive copies.

 

Ms. Leeson wanted to know how and when would they share the information from the San Francisco NSBA Conference. The board agreed to meet on May 29th with Cabinet at 6:30 p.m.

 

TEACHERS PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL PLAN REVIEW Š Mr. Gross presented a Powerpoint presentation on the revised Teacher Performance Appraisal Plan. Both Mr. Gross and Craig Zieger spoke about the new plan, and a discussion was held regarding the new evaluation process. A discussion was also held regarding self-directed supervision process. Mr. Gross indicated that after the board approves the plan it needs to be sent to PDE. Training sessions are being planned for both the administration and teachers.

 

REVISIONS TO BOARD POLICIES 112 AND 903 Š Mr. Gross recommended Policy 112 Š Guidance Counseling for approval in the May agenda. Dr. Lewis handed out an updated revision of Policy 903 Š Public Participation in Board Meetings. A discussion was held regarding this revision and the suggested language from Ms. Leeson and Ms. Dexter. The policy will be paced in the May agenda.

 

PROPOSED PROCEDURES FOR VIOLATIONS BY STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN SCHOOL SPONSORED ACTIVITES AND ATHLETICS Š Dr. Lewis reviewed the procedures with the board. Discussion followed regarding the use of tobacco and the levels of discipline imposed. The board asked that the wording be specific to the various groups that meet for the length of the school year. It was agreed a semester time limit would be used for violations involving activities that span the entire school year. The policy will be brought back for review next Monday, May 14 at the Board Facilities Committee Meeting.

 

BOARD VACANCY TIMELINE AND PROCEDURES Š A discussion was held regarding Ms. WilliamsÕs resignation and the timeline the board has to fill the board vacancy. Ms. Williams leaves on May 30; the board can take action as of May 21 and by June 21 the board must have a new member appointed. Mr. Majewski suggested advertising Thursday, May 10 with a deadline of Wednesday, May 23. The board has agreed to meet on May 29 at 6:00 p.m. and conduct interviews. The NSBA Conference discussion scheduled for that date has been postponed.

 

OPEN FORUM Š Dr. Lewis received a letter from the I.U. regarding Ms. WilliamsÕs board vacancy at the I.U. They would like to know if anybody on the board was interested in the vacancy. The board agreed to discuss it next week when all the board members are present.

 

Joseph Craig adjourned the meeting at 10:10 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Minutes prepared by:

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________

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