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CALL TO ORDER: The Regular Meeting of the Leechburg Area Board of School Directors was called to order at 7:32 PM in the J. D. Orr Board Room of the Parker D. Baker Building by Ms. Jean Stull, Board President.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Neill Brady, Ms. Carlotta Del Vecchio, Mrs. Megan Hamm, Mr. Brian Ravotti, Mr. Anthony Shea, Mr. Jeremy Smail, Ms. Terri Smith, Ms. Jean Stull and Mrs. Kathryn Vargo.
Also present were: Mr. Matthew Kruluts, K-12 Principal/School Psychologist, Mr. Mark Lukacs, Business Manager, Mr. Robert Cinpinski, Solicitor, Ms. Patricia Camp, Board Secretary, Dr. Frank C. Prazenica, Jr., Acting Superintendent and Mr. Ian Magness, Superintendent.
MINUTES:
Special Board Meeting Minutes ------05/08/14
Regular Monthly Board Meeting Minutes ------05/22/14
Board President, Ms. Stull, requested comments, corrections and additions to the Minutes. Hearing none, on a motion by Mr. Ravotti, seconded by Mr. Smail the Minutes were approved as presented.
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS:
Date: Time:
06/12/14 6:30 PM FULL BOARD- Personnel Issues
Superintendent’s Office
06/26/14 6:30 PM FULL BOARD- Personnel Issues
Superintendent’s Office
PUBLIC WORK SESSION/AGENDA SETTING MEETINGS:
Date: Time:
06/10/14 6:00 PM Budget Meeting
J. D. Orr Board Room
06/12/14 7:30 PM Public Work Session
J. D. Orr Board Room
06/16/14 6:30 PM Special Board Meeting
J. D. Orr Board Room
BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS:
ARIN Intermediate Unit Report – Ms. Jean Stull – Ms. Stull reported, passed budget, on-line courses discussed and administrative salaries shared. Mr. Magness noted awaiting 2014-2015 Administrative salary approval and will share with ARIN at that time.
Lenape Monthly Report – Ms. Jean Stull and Mr. Anthony Shea reported toured nearly completed Lenape Adult Educationbuilding. Adult Education Center reception being planned for board members to tour new building. Discussed administrative salaries not exceeding contractual salaries.
Armstrong County Tax Collection Committee Report – Mr. Jeremy Smailreported meeting in July 2014 and will provide a full report in August 2014.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
Dr. Prazenica thanked everyone and wished the district well and the best to the students, staff, parents and community. Noted he really enjoyed the last year with the District. Thanked Attorney Cinpinski for his assistance during his time with the District.
Mr. Kruluts reported on IEP season and wrapping up the school year. Thanked Board for attending graduation, nice evening for graduates. Discussed Basketball Camp for students in grades 2-8 and noted alarm system installed today.
Mr. Ian Magnessnoted, will be happy to join District Monday full-time, very excited and eager to join the team and thanked Dr. Prazenica for his mentoring.
REMARKS BY VISITORS: Visitors are welcome to comment on any agenda items at this time, provided it is understood that all remarks from the floor are subject to the same parliamentary procedure followed by the Board under the direction of the president. Discussion from the floor will not be entertained while action is being taken on agenda items by the Board. Completed forms (blue forms for agenda items) will be collected for district records and will be used by the president in recognizing each speaker.
There were no visitors wishing to address the Board at this time.
NEW BUSINESS:
PERSONNEL:
- A motion is needed to accept the resignation, due to retirement, of Mr. Kenneth Jarrett from the position of Technology Assistant, effective August 29, 2014 as presented in (Exhibit A1). Motion moved to 06/16/14 Special Board Meeting Agenda.
- Mr. Brady made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shea to approve the Revised Food Service Director Job Description as presented in Exhibit (A2).
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
- Mr. Shea made a motion, seconded by Mr. Smail to approve the following Substitute Positions for the 2014-2015 school term pending receipt of proper clearances:
Name / Position
Erin Suwala / K-6 Elementary Sub.
Sarah Pastva / Early Child; K-6 Elem. Sub.
Jamison Geibel / Social Studies, English Sub.
Laura Bowman / Aide & Secretary Sub.
Jaime Spiering / Aide & Secretary Sub.
Darlene Minick / Aide Substitute
Larry Pollick / Elem/Middle Sch. Eng/Reading Sub.
Darlene Schantz / Custodial/Secretary/Maint. Sub.
Lauren Lamison / Social Studies Substitute
Tamara Bernot / Elem K-6/Music K-12/Spec. Ed. N-12 Sub.
Jessica Queck / Elem. K-6/ Spec. Ed N-12 Sub.
Colleen Morlacci / Elem. & Early Child Sub.
Sam Intrieri / Social Studies Substitute
Donna Manocchi / Aide Substitute
Jill Egbert / Family & Consumer Sci. Sub.
Nancy Fondrk / Cafeteria Substitute
Benjamin Silvestri / Biology & Social Studies Substitute
Pamela Sorisio / Cafeteria Substitute
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
- Mr. Ravotti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Smail to approve the following Supplemental Position for the 2014-2015 school term pending receipt of proper clearances:
Name / Position
Mark Jones / Athletic Director
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
- Mr. Smail made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shea to amend action on Mr. Ernie Sipolino from the Supplemental position of Basketball Boys’ 9th Grade Coach (14/15) to Basketball Boys’ Junior High Coach (14/15).
Discussion ensued regarding supplemental positions listed last month, position was previously listed incorrectly.
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
FINANCE:
1.Mr. Brady made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shea to approve the Leechburg Area School District Final General Operating Budget and related schedules for the 2014-2015 school year in the amount of $13,402,057$13,475,944.
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
- Ms. Del Vecchio made a motion, seconded by Mr. Smail to approve the following Real Estate Taxation Method and the Appropriate Real Estate Millage and other tax levies as follows:
PROPOSED TAX LEVIES
(1) Real Estate Taxes
RESOLVED, that the Board of School Directors of the Leechburg Area School District set millage for the 2014-2015 school year at 67.61 mills for real estate in Armstrong County and 110.08 mills for real estate in Westmoreland County. The rate of taxation is .6761 on each one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of taxable real estate in Armstrong County and 1.1008 on each one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of taxable real estate in Westmoreland County.
(2) Earned Income Tax
RESOLVED, that the Board of School Directors of the Leechburg Area School District readopt without change, the 1963 resolution as reenacted in 1969, imposing a tax of one-half (1/2) of one percent on salaries, wages, commissions and other compensation earned by residents of Gilpin Township, Leechburg Borough and West Leechburg Borough and one-half (1/2) of one percent of net profits earned by businesses, professions, and other activities conducted by the residents of Gilpin Township, Leechburg Borough and West Leechburg Borough.
(3) Real Estate Transfer Tax
RESOLVED, that the Board of School Directors of the Leechburg Area School District readopt without change, the January 21, 1987 resolution No 1.00, imposing a tax of one percent of the true value of consideration for each and every transfer of real estate or interest in real estate situated within the boundaries of the Leechburg Area School District, Armstrong and Westmoreland Counties, PA, regardless of where the documents making the transfer took place, for the purpose of providing sufficient funds for general school district purposes, with the exception of Leechburg Borough and Gilpin Township in Armstrong County and West Leechburg Borough in Westmoreland County, whereas one-half (1/2) of one percent will be utilized by the School District.
(4) Emergency & Municipal Services Tax (formerly Occupation Privilege Tax)
RESOLVED, that the Board of School Directors of the Leechburg Area School District readopt without change, the 1966 Resolution as reenacted in each year thereafter assessing a tax of ten dollars ($10.00) on all persons gainfully employed in Gilpin Township, Leechburg Borough and West Leechburg Borough, said tax to be known as the Occupation Privilege Tax.
Discussion ensued regarding budget increase, retirement most significant, special education funding reductions, transportation costs increases and all service costs being increased.
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
- Mr. Ravotti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shea to authorize the Business Administrator to make the necessary budgetary transfers to close the 2013-2014 school year budget.
Discussion ensued regarding budget transfer report. Mr. Lukacs reported all transfers being made throughout August 2014 and will provide report after local audit.
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
- Mr. Brady made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Vargo to approve RESOLUTION 2013-2014-06 regarding the 2014 Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion Act as presented in (Exhibit B4).
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
- Mr. Brady made a motion, seconded by Mr. Smail to set the Administrative Salaries for the 2014-2015 school term (Exhibit B5).
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
7 Ayes.
2 Nays- Mrs. Vargo and Ms. Smith
- Mr. Brady made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shea to approve the adoption through the ARIN IU #1828 of the Individuals with Disability Education Act-Part B (IDEA-B) Local Education Agency Policies and Procedures, as required by the regulatory provisions of IDEA-B and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) as presented in (Exhibit B6).
Discussion ensued regarding discussion at ARIN IU #28 meetings,IDEA B funding $34,000-
$35,000) received and approved annually.
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
- Mr. Ravotti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Smail to approve the 2014-2015 Insurance Renewal Policies as presented in (Exhibit B7). Subject to authorizing renewal of policies subject to administration reviewing with Jerich Insurance Agency the terroristic threat coverage and administration in conjunction with Solicitor accepting coverage after July 1, 2014 deadline.
Discussion ensued regarding comparison with Lenape Technical School renewals, Lenapedid not approve$2,000Terroristic Threat coverage,considered not necessary. Mr. Lukacs reported Jerich Insurance recommended Terroristic Threat Coverage and additionalcoverage may be added in future. Board requestedfuture report on definition of Terroristic Threat from JerichInsurance. Renewal deadline July 1, 2014. Jerich Insurance also DistrictInsuranceBrokerand researches pricing comparisonsannually. Board recommendation to approve subject
to authorizing renewal of policies subject to administration reviewing with Jerich Insurance on terroristic threat coverage and administration in conjunction with Solicitor accepting coverage after July 1, 2014 deadline. Board requested an Executive Session report on significantworkers’ compensation claims beginning in July 2014.
Voice Vote – Motion Carried, as Amended.
8 Ayes.
1 Nay – Mrs. Vargo
- Mr. Brady made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hammto approve the Two-Year Renewal Agreement with United Concordia Dental Insurance, including a 3.88% increase, as presented in (Exhibit B8).
Discussion ensued regarding very minimalincrease on two-year renewal, first increase in ten years. Coverage in conjunction with AIIT Consortium, with annual openenrollment period and changes may be made at any time. Individually applied per District. Discussion ensued regarding options for one-year contract.
Ms. Del Vecchio called the question.
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
- A motion is needed to approve entering into an Agreement with Western Pennsylvania Gas Leasing Consultants, LLC of Westmoreland County, PA to market Oil and Gas Rights regarding specific District property owned in West Leechburg as presented in (Exhibit B9).Motion moved to 06/16/14 Special Board Meeting.
- Mr. Brady made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shea to approve the 2014-2015 ASSET STEM Education Membership Agreement, including $1,600 for staff development with other costs defined by the amount of materials consumed, as presented in (Exhibit B10).
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
- Mr. Ravotti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Brady to acknowledge receipt of the following Financial Reports and to approve the expenditures specifically set forth therein:
Cash Receipts-(Exhibit B11)
Tax Collectors’ Report-(Exhibit B12)
List of Payments-(Exhibit B13)
Treasurer’s Report-(Exhibit B14)
Revenue Detail Report-(Exhibit B15)
Monthly Expenditure Report-(Exhibit B16)
ACCESS Report-(Exhibit B17)
Discussion ensued regarding list of payments, Northern Westmoreland Career and Technical Center (NWCTC) student last year included one-half day-student no longer attending half-day program.
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
*All Ayes.
*1 Nay – Mrs. Vargo – Exception: NWCTC payment.
Ms. Smith made a motion, seconded by Mr. Brady to combine and approve Fundraising Requests, Overnight Excursion Requests and Use of Facilities Requests:
FUNDRAISING REQUESTS:
1.A motion is needed to approve the following Fundraising Request as presented in (Exhibit C1):
# / REQUESTOR(S) / ON BEHALF / PURPOSE / DATE(S)1 / Stephanie Flick / Minetas / Cookie Dough/Magazine Fundraiser / 09/02/14-09/16/14
OVERNIGHT EXCURSION REQUESTS:
1.A motion is needed to approve the following Preliminary Overnight Excursion Request as presented in (Exhibit D1):
# / REQUESTOR(S) / ON BEHALF / PURPOSE/LOCATION / DATE(S)1 / Rob Reams / Band/Choir / Trip to New York City / 05/21/15-05/24/15 S3
USE OF FACILITIES REQUESTS:
1. A motion is needed to approve the following Use of Facilities Requests as presented in (Exhibit E1):
# / REQUESTOR(S) / ON BEHALF / PURPOSE/LOCATIONS / DATE(S)1 / Damian Davies / Basketball Program / Basketball in the Burg Camp, Cafeteria and Multi-Purpose Room / 07/14/14-07/18/14
2 / Carleen Rich / Football Program / Training Tables / 08/1811/14-08/2215/14
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
DISPOSAL OF EQUIPMENT REQUESTS:
- A motion is needed to approve the following Disposal of Equipment Requests as presented in (Exhibit F1):
- Bethany Bennett– Outdated/Unusable Textbooks and Workbooks
- Shayle Prorok- Unusable Kilns (3)
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
BOARD RELATED ISSUES:
- Mr. Ravotti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shea to approve two student delegates and one advisor to participate in the PSBA Student Delegate Program to be held in conjunction with the 2014 PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference from October 22, 2014 through October 24, 2014. Lodging for students and advisor at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg East in Harrisburg, PA. Registration fee of $425 per student and $525 per teacher/chaperone is all inclusive with lodging, materials, entertainment and meals (Exhibit G1).
Discussion ensued regarding participation in the student poster contest, student art display, student performing arts participation and placing Board participation action in the School Leadership Conference on the July 2014 agenda.
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
D.CURRICULUM:
1.Mr. Ravotti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shea to approve the following new course description to the Leechburg Area School District Curriculum, beginning with the 2014-2015 school term (Exhibit H1):
- Art Attack
Discussion ensued regarding enrichment activities at end of school day, co-curricular.
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
2.Mr. Brady made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shea to approve the 2014-2015 Agreement for Services with Adelphoi Education for Alternative Education Services as presented in (Exhibit H2).
Discussion ensued regarding $107 per student/day cost, only Agreementin event needed no commitment to use servicesand billed only if utilized.
Voice Vote-Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
- OLD BUSINESS: Discussion regarding revisions to Public Work Session/Agenda Setting and Regular Monthly Board Meeting Date Schedule Set on December 5, 2013. School Board Meeting Schedule reset for remainder of 2014 at June 16, 2014 Special Board Meeting.
- COMMUNICATIONS: None
- OTHER
ADDENDUM TO AGENDA:
FUND RAISING REQUEST:
- Mr. Shea made a motion, seconded by Mr. Ravotti to approve the following Fund Raising Request as presented in (Exhibit AA1):
# / REQUESTOR(S) / ON BEHALF / PURPOSE / DATE(S)
1 / Tricia Shank / Club Mon / T-Shirt/Club Clothing Sale / 09/2014-10/2014
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
ADDENDUM TO AGENDA:
DISPOSAL OF EQUIPMENT REQUESTS:
- Mr. Smail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Smith to approve the following Disposal of Equipment Requests as presented in (Exhibit AB1):
- Emily King– Broken CD Player
- Paula Moran-Unusable Typewriter/VHS Camcorders/CD Players/VHS Players
- Jill Egbert-Broken Electric Burner/Standing Mixer and Base
- Ashley Mondale-Outdated Textbooks
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
ADDENDUM TO AGENDA:
CURRICULUM:
- Ms. Del Vecchio made a motion, seconded by Ms. Smith to approve the Agreement with NHS Pennsylvania School for provision of educational services to children with autism and/or emotional disturbance as presented in (Exhibit AC1).
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
ADDENDUM TO AGENDA:
PERSONNEL:
- A motion is needed to accept the resignation of Mr. Frank Ippolito from the position of K-12 Assistant Principal and reinstatement to the position of Secondary Mathematics Teacher effective the 2014-2015 school term as presented in (Exhibit AD1).Motion moved to 06/16/14 Special Board Meeting.
- Mr. Brady made a motion, seconded by Ms. Del Vecchioto approve a 2.98% salary increase for the School Security Officer’s position from $16.00 to $16.48 per hour effective July 1, 2014.
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
- Mr. Ravotti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shea to rescind the Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding for Head Cook Day-To-Day Cafeteria Oversight Responsibilities, beginning with the 2014-2015 school year.
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
ADDENDUM TO AGENDA:
FINANCE:
- Mr. Ravotti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Brady to approve the additional transfer of $8,000 above the budgeted approved transfer amount of $30,000, which would notnow total $38,000 to be transferred to Fund 50, the Cafeteria Fund, for the 2013-2014 fiscal year, as a result of operations expenditures exceeding revenue by approximately $38,000 from a cash perspective.
Discussion ensued regarding cashed out café fund, finish with $30,000 maintained balance and need to increase transfer to $38,000, per Mr. Lukacs. General Fund deduction to cover $38,000 cafeteria fund losses.
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
All Ayes.
- Mr. Brady made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shea to approve the 2014-2015 University of Pittsburgh Tri-State School Study Council Membership Dues in the amount of $600.00.
Discussion ensued regarding school district membership, workshops and seminars available, resource of school law, comprehensive plan, and other offered services.
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.
8 Ayes.
1 Nay – Mrs. Vargo
- Mr. Ravotti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Smailto approve a $400 contribution to the Gilpin-Leechburg Recreation Authority road repair project to the Girls’ Softball Field at the Gilpin-Leechburg Park, as presented in (Exhibit AE3). Provided through unused budgeted funds from the Gilpin-Leechburg Park restroom improvement project during the 2013-2014 school term.
Voice Vote – Motion Carried.