BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, JULY 9, 2007

 

Members of the Board Human Resources Committee met on Monday, July 9, 2007, in the Dining Room, at the Education Center. Present were the following school board members: Rosario Amato, Michele Cann, Joseph Craig, Judith Dexter, William Heske, Charlene Koch, and Loretta Leeson. Also in attendance were Director of Student Services Thomas K. Washington; 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 8:30 p.m.

 

REVISION TO BOARD POLICY 407 – Student Teachers – Mr. Gross presented the policy for a second reading. Mr. Gross indicated the changes to the policy are based upon Act 114 compliance, which indicates that student teachers must comply with the mandatory background check requirements for criminal history and child abuse. The policy will appear on the July 23, 2007, Regular Board Meeting agenda.

 

REVISION TO BOARD POLICY 805 – Emergency Preparedness – Mr. Gross presented the change in title and language to the policy based on language recommendation to comply with national standards and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The policy will be presented for a second reading on August 13, 2007, at the Board Human Resources Committee Meeting.

 

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT REGARDING BIDDING ON POSITIONS FOR CUSTODIAL AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL – This memorandum of understanding is being recommended to clarify the contract language regarding seniority with the custodians and maintenance personnel. A brief discussion was held concerning seniority. This memorandum of understanding will appear on the July 23, 2007, Regular Board Meeting agenda.

 

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT UPDATE – Mr. Washington presented the modifications made to the language for physical assault and read the suggested changes submitted by Mrs. Cann. A discussion was held regarding the definition of physical assault, serious physical assault, and the interpretation by individuals on the seriousness of a physical assault. Mrs. Leeson requested that the last sentence be removed. Dr. Lewis would like the solicitors to review the language and agreed to bring back a version approved by the solicitor’s office.

 

DISTRICT GOALS 2007-2009 – Dr. Lewis provided the board with the framework for the 2007-2009 goals. Dr. Lewis expressed the desire to not isolate goals to just one area, but to intertwine the goals and is open to suggestions. Mrs. Leeson and Mrs. Dexter handed out a set of proposed goals. Mrs. Leeson asked that they review and discuss them as well. Mrs. Koch suggested the board get together as a whole and discuss goals then compare and discuss with the administration goals. Dr. Lewis expressed it would be an excellent idea. Mrs. Leeson would like to see goals that are meaningful, accountable, and attainable for our district. Mr. Craig suggested the board set time aside next week to discuss this item. The goals for 2007-2009 will be discussed July 16, 2007.

 

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR – Elaine Follweiler, 222 Main Street, suggested that goals set for the district have a metric and are measured in order to be attained.

 

OPEN FORUM – Mrs. Leeson is concerned with the student “teacher assistants” in the high school. This program is intended to be used by students who are interested in the education field, but it is used by students who are not necessarily interested in education. Mrs. Leeson suggests that the program be eliminated because it is not being used the way it should be. Mrs. Cann inquired about this and commented on students being “gofers” for teachers. A discussion was held regarding credits and electives. Mr. Craig suggested the district look into this before eliminating the program. Mrs. Leeson asked if the district was eliminating honors elective courses. Dr. Lewis indicated this would be in effect for next year. Mrs. Leeson wants the board to be part of this change. Dr. Lewis stated that it will be presented to the board for discussion and recommendation in the next Curriculum Meeting.

 

Honors courses such as honors theatre and honors photography would undergo a title change with weighted values removed for grade calculation purposes. Students could remain in the course for content and learning purposes for a standard weight credit.

 

Joseph Craig adjourned the meeting at 9:16 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes prepared by:

 

 

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