Special Board Meeting - June 11, 2007
Minutes
BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS SPECIAL MEETING
JUNE 11, 2007
SPECIAL MEETING
A Special Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Bethlehem Area
School District was held on Monday, June 11, 2007, beginning at 6:38
p.m. in Room 406, Lab Center at Liberty High School, 1115 Linden Street,
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
MEMBERS PRESENT
The Board Secretary called the roll: Members present: Directors Amato,
Craig, Dexter, Heske, Koch, Leeson, Rowe, and Haytmanek - 8.
OTHERS PRESENT
Others present: Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, Superintendent of Schools; Stanley
J. Majewski, Jr., Board Secretary; administrators, members of the press,
and other interested citizens and staff members.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At this point in the meeting, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
SILENT MEDITATION
President Haytmanek requested that the audience observe a moment of
silent meditation.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
President Haytmanek offered courtesy of the floor to visitors. Speakers
are asked to come to the podium, stating their name and address. Public
comment in the first session is limited to 30 minutes. Speakers are
limited to three minutes each. The board requests that, when possible,
all individuals supporting a like position on a topic select a speaker
to present their views to avoid repetition. If that is not possible,
all are welcome to speak. As per school board policy, generally,
speakers are limited to taxpayers, residents, or employees of this
school district. At the conclusion of the regular school board meeting,
another block of time will be allocated for public comment. At that
time, the same rules will apply. It is asked that speakers observe
proper decorum, without personal attacks towards a specific individual
or individuals. It is not the custom for the board to enter into a
dialogue at these meetings about concerns. However, the board does
listen with care to issues raised. Speakers will receive responses, in
some form, by the administration. The following person addressed the
Board of School Directors:
1. Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, Bethlehem, stated he is a
concerned citizen, trying to maintain objectivity, never addressing a
specific member of the board. This evening he was accosted by a board
member, and asked what he was doing here and was told that he was a
"scumbag" and a "horse's ass" and other invectives which he cannot
recall because he was in shock. He formally requested an apology from
the board member and if it's not within his purview, then he thinks the
board should consider the issue as to how they should address citizens
who show concern.
President Haytmanek said that he just heard about this a few minutes ago
and would like to speak with the individual concerned and then discuss
with Mr. Antalics.
APPOINTMENT OF NEW BOARD MEMBER
President Haytmanek continued with the next item; appointment of a new
board member.
On May 29, 2007, the Board of School Directors conducted interviews at
the Education Center to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of
Margaret J. Williams. The following candidates were interviewed:
a. Michele Cann b. Janet Barry c. Mike Stauffer
The candidate selected will serve for the remainder of Margaret
Williams' term, which is anticipated to end the first Monday of December
2007 (December 3, 2007).
A roll call vote will be taken with each board member selecting one
candidate from the above list. If after the first vote, no candidate
has received five or more votes, the lowest vote-getter(s) is/are
dropped; a second vote is taken. This procedure is repeated until one
candidate receives five or more votes.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Board of School Directors appoints _____________________as a
board member to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Margaret
J. Williams and serve the remainder of her unexpired term which should
end December 2, 2007.
Director Amato thanked the three candidates who applied for the vacancy,
commenting that they were all outstanding, expressing gratitude for
their time and effort. He continued to say that the board is very lucky
to have had three quality candidates come forward to fill the vacancy of
a quality school board director.
Director Craig echoed Director Amato's remarks, stating that each
candidate had a pro-public education approach and that they wanted to do
what is best for the school district. He noted one commonality in all
three candidates and that was they had no personal motives or "axes to
grind". They all made good points and had good things to say. He
reminded the candidates who were not chosen to remember that in two
years there will be more vacancies on the board and to consider running
when the opportunity presents itself. He directed the statement to all
three candidates stating that people who are pro-public education are
needed on the board. He again thanked all three candidates for
applying.
Mr. Majewski polled the board as to their selection of the new board
member.
Director Koch Michele Cann Director Leeson
Michele Cann Director Rowe Michele Cann Director Amato
Michele Cann Director Craig Michele Cann Director
Dexter Michele Cann Director Heske Michele
Cann President Haytmanek Michele Cann
Michele Cann was elected as the new board member by a vote of 8-0.
President Haytmanek expressed his appreciation to Mrs. Barry and Mr.
Stauffer stating they were very strong candidates. He stated that Mrs.
Cann's performance in the election was the persuasive influence on his
vote.
OATH OF OFFICE
Judge Narlesky, Officer of the Court, administered the oath of office to
Michele Cann and she was received with applause from all in attendance.
PRESIDENT'S COMMUNICATIONS/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Director Dexter recommended the board address the earlier issue
regarding Mr. Antalics during Courtesy of the Floor. She asked if any
board member made the alleged comments to Mr. Antalics.
President Haytmanek remarked that he would like the opportunity to speak
with Mr. Antalics and also with the board member who made those
allegations after the meeting and perhaps he could come to a reasonable
conclusion. He thought it would be more reasonable to resolve the issue
between the two gentlemen involved rather than display it before the
public and press.
Director Dexter stated that in the past she has brought several issues
to President Haytmanek's attention, asking him to conduct himself as the
president of the board and to inform the board member who was making
such comments, that they were inappropriate. She has asked other board
members to speak out to this same board member in the past. There have
been several comments made to her by this board member at public
meetings, such as, "Have you taken asshole pills or are you naturally
one?" and using profanity at the last meeting. She claimed he has
called her a rattlesnake and said that he wanted to kill her and
wouldn't stop until it was done. Director Dexter said that President
Haytmanek informed her upon occasion that it is not his job as president
to monitor the behavior of other board members. She asked if there is a
board member who did in fact call Mr. Antalics a scum bag and horse's
ass prior to the meeting. If this is happening in public and at public
meetings, the board should collectively address it. It is a matter of
elected officials addressing others in inappropriate manners if it in
fact occurred. Director Dexter asked if there was a board member who
addressed Mr. Antalics as he described tonight.
President Haytmanek requested the opportunity to discuss the situation
afterward in a private setting.
Director Dexter responded that she doesn't agree because of the reasons
she just stated and again asked it there is a board member present who
will admit to making such comments. Addressing Mr. Amato, she asked if
he made those comments.
Director Amato questioned her if she was making an accusation and
attacking him.
President Haytmanek attempted to intervene, asking them to work through
him and not have a discussion of their own.
Director Amato said she has publicly alleged that he has made
terroristic threats against her and if he indeed did, then why hasn't
she done anything about it? If she can say that, then any other board
member who has something to say about someone in private to someone else
has every right to do that and there is no reason why it can't be done.
He doesn't see any reason to discuss the matter. He stated that people
criticize board members at public meetings and say things that are
negative and detrimental to their character. That's freedom of speech
and what this country is all about. If somebody else comes back and
says something to them, because then it's not right - he disagrees.
Director Dexter asked President Haytmanek what his plan is with respect
to addressing this issue with Director Amato.
President Haytmanek responded that he'd like to have discussion with him
after the meeting as well as Mr. Antalics.
Director Amato asked if he is being accused and is there proof that he
did it?
Director Dexter said that Mr. Antalics said he did.
Director Amato responded to Director Dexter stating, "you can listen to
Mr. Antalics, that's o.k., you listen to him."
President Haytmanek questioned Director Amato if he was interested in
discussion after the meeting. Director Amato stated that he didn't see
anything productive coming out of it.
Director Dexter said that if in fact the comment was made by a board
member to a member of the public, it's a deplorable comment and the
board member owes a public apology to any member of the public. She is
disappointed that such comments have not been addressed by the board in
the past when they have been directed towards her or towards other board
members. It is horrendous if a member of the public is treated in that
manner. She commented to Mr. Antalics that he is a very welcome member
of the public as are all members of the public whether or not they agree
with the positions taken by any of the board members. If those comments
were made, then she apologizes to him on behalf of other board members
and she is sorry if a forthcoming apology is not coming from the board
member that made those comments. Director Dexter said that she believes
Mr. Antalics' allegations because she has experienced it herself and she
apologizes on behalf of the board members who have not had the courage
to speak out. "It is not acceptable for an elected official to speak to
a member of the public like that."
Director Leeson echoed some of Director Dexter's comments. She agrees
that if the comment was made to the public, then an apology needs to be
made and she also apologizes for anyone on the board that made those
type of comments. She felt that it should be addressed, stating to
President Haytmanek that there has been a number of issues relating to
poor behavior on the board, not only with one member but with a number
of members on the board. She thinks that the situation needs to be
rectified and the board should be professional when addressing the
public and should be as courteously as possible.
NEW AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
Director Leeson approached Dr. Lewis regarding the information sent to
the board concerning the need for fencing at the Freedom soccer fields.
She wondered if shrubs might be incorporated with the fence which would
be more appealing considering that previously the residents who lived
across the street were concerned about it's appearance. She has seen
shrubbery surrounding the fields at other schools which is quite
attractive.
Dr. Lewis suggested that the topic be addressed when the second phase is
up. He agreed with her concept and will make note to look at it,
recommending consultation with professionals to ensure that the building
is not obstructed.
Director Leeson commented that the shrubs could be arranged so that the
building could still be visualized. She suggested the concept be looked
at and come back with some ideas.
Dr. Lewis agreed and said they will skip the second phase, shoot some
pictures and take a look at how it can be improved.
Director Amato referred to earlier conversation and said that if any
board member has a gripe against him, then state it. He wants the
accusations stopped or he may need to take legal action.
On another matter, he stated that one week ago he attended the Liberty
High School graduation. He described it as a travesty and said that he
was extremely close to leaving the auditorium at Stabler Arena but
couldn't because he attended with friends. The disrespect shown by the
students in the auditorium that night was unbelievable. He said that
some people told him it was just senior students showing their
enthusiasm. There is a difference between student enthusiasm about
graduating and acting rude and disrespectful to their fellow classmates
and the administration. The "cat calls" from the audience wouldn't stop
until the speakers were part way into their speech. He counted 37 beach
balls being thrown in the air along with blown up animals being thrown
in the air. He could not believe the rude and disrespectful behavior
that he observed. Noting that he had been on the board for 12 years, he
recalled that graduation was considered to be a highlight of the year,
being so impressed after observing the bagpipes during the ceremony
Now he doubts if he'll attend another ceremony within the next four
years. The next night he went to the Freedom High School graduation and
it was like "night and day." The students were ladies and gentlemen.
In the end they gave the "wave" and the people in the audience had some
cat calls related to their own children but when those students and
administrators addressed the public at the podium, they were given the
opportunity to give their speeches. When the two handicapped students
walked across the stage everyone in the auditorium stood up and cheered
and that is senior student enthusiasm, not what he saw at Liberty's
graduation the night before. He stated that as far as he was concerned,
Liberty High School went from number one in the city of Bethlehem to
number three and Freedom now has replaced them. If there is nothing
done about the situation, then, there shouldn't be graduation.
Director Koch agreed with Director Amato stating that Liberty High
School is her alma mater and she knew some people sitting out there with
their children who graduated that night. She knew the hard work the
staff had done with regard to the musical programs, etc. It was a shame
and she thought that part of it was because the guards were hiding out
in the hallways instead of being inside the auditorium. There was no
police presence even though the principal announced that there was going
to be. People saw that and figured they were empty threats so they
whistled, screamed and carried on and in addition the kids threw balls.
She hoped that next year the issues would be addressed with the
students. She has always been extremely proud of Liberty High School
and attends the ceremony to hear the bagpipes, band, the singing and all
the wonderful things that happen at graduation but people couldn't hear
them. It is a shame for the good students and their families who came
to see a dignified graduation.
Director Leeson commented that she thinks it is a little unfair to judge
a school on one particular evening and secondly she thinks there was a
major security issue. It was her understanding that when security was
asked to step forward, there was a negative response. She stated that
the major security problem at Stabler Arena was cleared up by the next
evening for Freedom because of what was observed at the Liberty
graduation. She didn't think it was fair to judge everyone on one
incident. Security at Stabler Arena is one of the issues that she feels
needs to be addressed.
President Haytmanek responded that he personally walked around the
circumference of the auditorium twice while diplomas were being
distributed and spoke with each of the security people. He identified
himself to them as the president of the school board and expressed his
dissatisfaction with their performance and they needed to get inside.
He said that they apologized and came inside.
Director Leeson was told that the principal went around and security
told him that they were told to stay outside.
President Haytmanek replied that it was his understanding that after he
told them to come inside, they came in and the second half was better.
Director Rowe wanted to thank Dr. Lewis for the letter he sent to the
Freedom graduates. She felt it was very appropriate and was well
deserved praise for the graduates.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
The following individuals addressed the Board of School Directors:
1. Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, Bethlehem, commented on an
inspirational film which received a very high rating from film reviewers
in this country. He explained that the film, titled HALF NELSON could
convey a very powerful message and gives good insight into Bethlehem. He
read on to say that the film features a wise, unsentimental portrait of
lonely people at a crossroads involving a drug addicted teacher and a
young girl on the verge of losing her innocence. He checked the local
library and they don't have it. He suggested that the school district
obtain a copy and mandate that all view the film.
2. Mike Stauffer, 909 Cayuga Street, Bethlehem, extended
congratulations to Michele Cann on her election. He also wanted to say
to Dr. Donaher, Dr. Lewis and to others that he is not discouraged and
intends to stay involved and will try his best to be a source of
encouragement and support. He again thanked Dr. Donaher stating that he
has a huge job with a lot of kids. He and his son still have pride in
Liberty High School and thinks he will be back in 2009. He again
conveyed his opinion that the board made a great selection and offered
his support.
ADJOURNMENT
Directors Heske and Koch moved to adjourn the meeting which carried by
voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Attest,
Stanley J. Majewski, Jr. Board Secretary
:dw