BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2007

 

Members of the Board Human Resources Committee met on Monday, June 18, 2007, in the Dining Room, at the Education Center. Present were the following school board members: Rosario Amato, Michele Cann, Judith Dexter, Dr. Craig Haytmanek, William Heske, Charlene Koch, Loretta Leeson, Diane Rowe. Also in attendance were Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Anthony Villani; Assistant to the Superintendent for Finance and Administration Stanley Majewski; 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 Dr. Craig Haytmanek at 9:51 p.m.

 

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS – Peter Kandianis, Hanover Township, questioned the district on the resignation of Mr. Acerra as opposed to the district terminating him. Mr. Kandianis commented on the money spent when the district attained a law firm to conduct the Acerra investigation and does not agree with the outcome of the investigation. Mr. Kandianis inquired if the district had a plan to avoid a situation like this from happening again. Dr. Lewis invited him to stay for his presentation of the Employee Integrity Protocol.

 

Susanne Nelson, 1923 Montgomery Street, informed the board that there is plenty of information and materials available on line regarding supervision and evaluation of principals. Ms. Nelson also commented on Deborah Campanella’s position and salary, stating the salary given to Ms. Campanella is an insult to teachers with a Master’s Degree and other secretaries in the district. Ms. Nelson would like to know how Ms. Campanella became qualified for this position and if others interviewed for the position.

 

Ms. Nelson commented that behavior programs should start at the elementary level. She stated that it is important to teach children how to behave at an early age and not when they are in middle school. She commented about the limited guidance counselor time to address behavior issues at middle schools.

 

OPEN FORUM – Loretta Leeson wanted to know if the board had read the article reflecting participation on the board.

 

REVISION TO BOARD POLICY 407 – Student Teachers – Mr. Gross indicated the changes to the policy are based upon Act 114 compliance. Dr. Lewis read the sentence added that indicates that student teachers must comply with the mandatory background check requirements for criminal history and child abuse. The policy will be presented for a second reading on July 9, 2007.

 

EARLY RISER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING – This was a success at Liberty High School last year. Freedom High School is initiating a program for the 2007-2008 school year requiring the memorandum of understanding. The memorandum of understanding has been revised from last year to show Freedom High School. This memorandum of understanding will appear on the June 25, 2007, Regular Board Meeting agenda.

 

TEACHER PERFORMANCE PLAN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING – This is required for us to be able to use the new Teacher Performance Appraisal Plan evaluation tool. PDE has approved our form, and this memorandum will permit us to use the new forms. Dr. Lewis stated that this would be considered for inclusion in future teacher contracts. This memorandum of understanding will appear on the June 25, 2007, Regular Board Meeting agenda.

 

 

 

DISCUSSION OF EMPLOYEE INTEGRITY PROTOCOL – Dr. Lewis indicated that this is a draft to assist in the prevention of events similar to the one in February from recurring. Dr. Lewis began with stating that integrity protocols are not new in the private sector, and the district is getting assistance in drafting the protocols for our school system. He stated employees need to act in an appropriate and responsible manner. This is a plan designed to help employees report unethical, immoral, and/or illegal issues in a confidential and anonymous way. The flow chart will direct employees in the process for identifying and reporting. Dr. Lewis read from the draft document. A general discussion was held regarding EAP, confidential ways to report incidents to the district via telephone, web site, emails, and the frequently asked questions.

 

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS – Peter Kandianis stated the integrity protocol items recommended are excellent. Mr. Kandianis suggested that the district level administrators make unannounced visits to principals as part of the protocol.

 

Dr. Craig Haytmanek adjourned the meeting at 10:22 p.m.

 

 

Minutes prepared by:

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________

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