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August 11, 2021 Committee of the Whole/Voting Meeting Minutes

 HOLLIDAYSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

MINUTES

The Hollidaysburg Area School Board met in person and virtually for a Committee of the Whole and Voting Meeting on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 in the Senior High Library, 1510 N. Montgomery Street, Hollidaysburg.  Dr. Sommer called the meeting to order at 7:17p.m. and opened the meeting with the pledge to the flag.

Roll call was taken by Mrs. Fiscus with seven members present.  Attending were Dr Sommer, President, Dr. Mitchell, Ms. Frye, Mr. Gallagher, Ms. Hartman, Mr. Nichols and Mr. Stephens.  Absent were Mr. Brenneman, Vice-President and Mr. Snyder. 

Also attending were Dr. Gildea, Superintendent, Mrs. Mitchell, Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Koehle, Director of Special Education, Mrs. Fiscus, Business Manager/Board Secretary, Mrs. Thomas, Director of Accounting Operations, Mr. Caldwell, Director of Human Resource/Transportation, Mr. Nihart, Director of Physical Plant, Mrs. Summerville, Data Management Administrator, Mr. Arthur, Director of Technology, Attorney Beard, Sr., Solicitor, Mr. Harrington, Mr. McCall, Mr. Hartline, Mr. Keagy, Dr. Letcher, Mrs. Albarano, Mr. Madden and Mrs. Dobrowolsky.

Presentation

Baret Monahan, a Senior High student gave a presentation to the board on the renovation of the Senior High Costume Shop which was the focus of his Eagle Scout project.

Public Comment

The following individuals expressed their views to the board on masking in the schools and on the bus:

Erica Dellinger, 1401 Allegheny Street, Hollidaysburg
Dr. Jill Blescia, 174 Scotch View Lane, Hollidaysburg 
Melissa Miller, 2430 Blairmont Terrace, Hollidaysburg
Missy Sullivan 125 Deer Track Road, Duncansville
Katrina Messerly, 312 Hudson Avenue, Altoona
Jennifer Costanza Clubhouse Drive, Hollidaysburg 
 

Business Office Report / Mrs. Fiscus


Announcements:  The board met in executive session at 6:10 pm Wednesday, August 11, 2021 for personnel.

All board and committee meetings will be held in-person and virtually for the public through the end of the 2021 calendar year.

Members of the public are welcome to register and join remotely.  Registration links will appear on the district homepage at www.tigerwires.com by 4pm the day of each meeting.  

*Public comment will be open to in-person participants only.

Upcoming Board Meetings - August, 2021:


Special Voting

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Time: 7:00p.m.
 

Meetings for September, 2021: 

Transportation Committee (If Needed)

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Time: 5:00 p.m.


Physical Plant Committee

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Time: 5:00 p.m.


Committee of the Whole/Voting 

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Time:  7:00 p.m.
  

All board meeting agendas are available for public viewing (3) days prior to each meeting date on BoardDocs.  BoardDocs web address is https://www.boarddocs.com/pa/hasd/Board.nsf. Interested parties should enter the public site.
 

On motion of Ms. Hartman, seconded by Ms. Frye, the board approved the minutes of the following meetings:  June 9, 2021 Athletic Committee, June 16, 2021 Committee of the Whole/Voting, July 14, 2021 Policy Committee and the July 14, 2021 Committee of the Whole/Voting.  The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes.
 

On motion of Dr. Mitchell, seconded by Mr. Nichols, the board approved Financial Reports for July, 2021.  The financial reports included Treasurer’s Report, List of Payments, Investment Portfolio, and Senior High Student Store for June, 2021.  The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes for all items except the Financial Reports which carried on a roll call vote with six yes votes and one abstention.  Mr. Stephens cast the abstention.  Exhibits 1 and 2
 

On motion of Mr. Gallagher, seconded by Ms. Hartman, Per Board Policy 006 Meetings, the following contracts/agreements were approved:
 

  1. Letter of Agreement with Goodwill of the Southern Alleghenies effective September 1, 2021 through September 1, 2022 to provide school to work transition services Cost: Rates in Agreement Exhibit 3
     

  2. Memorandum of Understanding with Nulton Diagnostic and Treatment Center effective August 1, 2021 through July 31, 2022 for mental health treatment program/placement. Cost: $55/day per student. Exhibit 4
     

  3. Sponsor to Sponsor Agreement with Child Advocates of Blair County (Head Start Program) for the purchase of meals at Frankstown Elementary School, effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.  Revenue: $40,565.15  Exhibit 5
     

  4. Physician Supervising Agreement with University Orthopedics effective August 1, 2021 through July 31, 2022.  Supervising Physicians: William A. Tyndall, MD, PhD and Joshua A. Muetzel, MD. Exhibit 6
     

  5. Affiliation Agreement with Mount Aloysius College on behalf of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences to provide practical, educational experiences and learning opportunities (practical experience) for students effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 (with auto renewal) No Cost Exhibit 7
     

  6. Partnership Understanding of Virtual Learning Opportunities Conceptual Agreement with Appalachia Intermediate Unit 08, Extended Campus effective September 1, 2021 through August 31, 2022 to provide a variety of online and cyber learning options for the district. 
    Cost varies by status and grade level (Cost breakdown on Page 2 of the agreement Exhibit 8
     

  7. Educational Services Agreement and Addendum for 1-1 Support with Pyramid Healthcare, Inc. t/d/b/a Soaring Heights School effective August 1, 2021 through July 31, 2022 for special education and related services to students placed at Pyramid's private academic school
    Cost: $200/day/student enrolled for Emotional Support Services
    $285/day/student enrolled for Autism Support Services
    $125/day/student for 1:1 Paraprofessional Support Exhibit 9
     

  8. Letter of Agreement with Skills Adult Training Services (ATS) (2101 8th Avenue site) effective August 1, 2021 through August 1, 2022 to provide day programming services to an individual student.  Cost: $5.36 per 15-minute unit for up to 16 units (half day) at two days per week.  Frequency and duration can be increased by District Exhibit 10
     

  9. Parent Agreement with Lindsay Keller to assume student transportation responsibility and liability effective the 2021-2022 school year Cost:  Current IRS mileage rate reimbursement Exhibit 11
     

  1. Parent Agreement with Maureen Smith to assume student transportation responsibility and liability effective the 2021-2022 school year Cost: Current IRS mileage rate reimbursement Exhibit 12
     

  2. Agreement with Child Advocates of Blair County for Agreement with Child Advocates of Blair County "Head Start" effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 for rental of (2) classrooms at Frankstown Elementary School for the 2020-2021 school year.  Revenue: $200 per month per classroom for 10 months Exhibit 13
     

  3. Agreement with Blair Regional YMCA for classroom rental at Charles W. Longer Elementary School for before and after-school care effective August 25, 2021 through July 31, 2022.  Revenue: Full months: $200/month; Partial months: $50/week   Exhibit 14
     

  4. Service Agreement with Step by Step Learning, LLC. effective August 11, 2021 through June 30, 2022 for Title I reading services to the Hollidaysburg and Middle School Campuses of Holy Trinity Catholic School and St, Patrick Catholic School. Cost: $14,549 Exhibit 15
     

  5. Agreement with Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates effective August 11, 2021 to completion of a District-Wide Feasibility Study Cost: $5,000 + Reimbursable Expenses up to $500 Exhibit 16
     

  6. Auction Sales Contract with "Col." K. R. Miller, Jr., Auctioneer for Auction (date to be determined) at Cross Keys Auction Center. Cost: 10% of vehicle sales; 15% of miscellaneous sales Exhibit 17
     

  7. Memorandum of Understanding with Blair Senior Services Foster Grandparent Project effective August 1, 2021 through July 31, 2024 for foster grandparent volunteers to help children learn to read, provide one-on-one tutoring and guide children No Cost Exhibit 18
     

  8. Use Agreement with Acadience Learning Online effective August 1, 2021 through July 31, 2022 for a subscription for the use of the service Cost:  $5056.20 Exhibit 19
     

  9. Agreement with Altoona Area School District for the Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth (AEDY) Program effective August 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022
    Cost: $90/day for regular education students; $100/day for special education students Exhibit 20
     

  10. Contract with Appalachia IU8 for Odysseyware and Edgenuity Software effective September 1, 2021 through August 31, 2022 for cyber courses for HASD Cyber Academy students Cost: Varies Exhibit 21
     

  11.  Contract with Appalachia IU8 for Odysseyware Software effective September 1, 2021 through August 31, 2022. The agreement is for software to meet the needs of a group of special needs students in the virtual setting.  Cost: $2,585 Exhibit 22 

  12. Letter of Agreement with Williamsburg Community School District effective August 25, 2021 through July 31, 2022 to educate student T.S. in the HASD Autistic Support Classroom at Frankstown Elementary Revenue: HASD Annual Tuition Rate Exhibit 23

***Correction:  The Contract with Spitz, Inc. approved July 14, 2021 Voting Meeting, described as Fixed Fee License Agreement with Spitz, Inc. effective August 1,2021 through July 31, 2022 to provide a System Protection Plan for the Spitz Model SciDome IQ2400 Laser Planetarium System with Touch Controller and Programmable LED Lighting Cost: $9,295 Service Agreement; $975 (per on-site service visit, if necessary) was identified incorrectly on BoardDocs.  The correct description is a System Protection Plan with Spitz, Inc.  The agreement was correct.  The description of the contract was not correct.

The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes.


On motion of Ms. Frye, seconded by Dr. Mitchell, the board approved the following:

Resolution of Board of School Directors Establishing Fund Balance Policies as required by GASB 54:

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of School Directors of Hollidaysburg Area School District recommits the following portions of its June 30, 2022 Capital Reserve Projects Committed Fund Balance as follows:
 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of School Directors of Hollidaysburg Area School District recommits $150,000 from the Capital Reserve Projects Committed Fund Balance and transfers $150,000 to the Unassigned Capital Reserve Fund Balance.  Exhibit 24


Resolution of Board of School Directors Establishing Fund Balance Policies as required by GASB 54:

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of School Directors of Hollidaysburg Area School District recommits the following portions of its June 30,2022 Retirement Rate Stabilization Committed Fund Balance as follows:


BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of School Directors of Hollidaysburg Area School District recommits $410,901 from the Retirement Rate Stabilization Committed Fund Balance and transfers $410,901 to the Unassigned General Fund Balance. Exhibit 25

The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes. 

On motion of Ms. Hartman, seconded by Mr. Nichols, the board approved the following:

2021-2022 Capital Reserve Project for a District-Wide Feasibility Study in the amount of $6,000.  The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes.  Exhibit 26

Per Board Policy 618, Student Activity Fund Control:
New Student Activity:  Foot of Ten Game Club - No. 52

Purpose: To foster relationship building among students and staff, promote social and emotional learning in students, and promote student involvement in the school community. Exhibit 27

Per Board Policy 702, Gifts, Grants and Donations, the following donations:

Barbara Huff:
Donation of $500 to the HASD nurse department to be utilized to support the health services department needs. 

Pennsylvania Department of Education and distributed by the Appalachia Intermediate Unit 08:

10- Dayoumed Infrared Thermometers - estimated value $80.00
10-2 packs of Duracell AAA batteries - estimated value: $45.00

Per Board Policy 706.1 Disposal of Surplus Property/Textbooks/Supplies, disposal of various obsolete equipment and books. Exhibit 28

Per Policy 808 - Food Services, the following pricing for 2021-2022 cafeteria a la carte items:

2021-2022 Ala Carte Items

Item

Price

Apple Slices

0.65

Bag Snacks

0.55

Breakfast Bar

1.00

Bread Stick

0.50

Cinnamon Roll

1.00

Cocoa Brownie

0.85

Cookie, Mini

0.65

Donut

1.00

Mini Donuts

1.35

Fruit Roll Ups

0.55

Fruit Snacks

0.75

Gatorade (12 oz)

1.25

Goldfish Crackers

0.50

Granola Bar

0.65

Ice Cream

1.00

Iced Tea Carton

1.00

Iced Tea Bottle

1.00

Juice (4oz)

0.50

Juice Box

0.65

Krispie Treat

1.00

Lemonade

1.00

Milk

0.55

Muffin (2oz)

0.75

Muffin (4 oz)

1.10

Propel

1.55

Sherbet Dixie

0.65

Switch Juice Beverage

1.10

Uncrustable Small

1.25

Uncrustable Large

2.00

Water Large

1.00

Water Small

0.50

Yogurt 4 oz

0.65

Exhibit 29

The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes.
 

Superintendent’s Report / Dr. Gildea

Junior High Math Teacher, Blake Walter gave a presentation on his Graduate Project and Volunteer Study titled “Flip it! A Flipped Classroom’s Impact of Performance and Perception in a Mathematical Classroom”.
 

On motion of Mr. Stephens, seconded by Dr. Mitchell, the board approved the following:

Gradate Project and Volunteer Study by Blake Walter, Junior High Math Teacher for 7th grade math students.  The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes.  Exhibit 30

HASD Chromebook Handbook Exhibit 31

HASD Cyber Academy Handbook Exhibit 32

The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes.
 

On motion of Dr. Mitchell, seconded by Ms. Hartman, the board approved Revisions to the Elementary Student/Parent Handbook and Per Board Policies 230.1 Student Expenses for Conferences/Competitions 121 Field Trips, the Master Field Trip List for student Field Trips in excess of 150 miles, out of state, or overnight.  The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes.  Exhibit 33

The administration recommended board approval of the Health and Safety Plan - August Update which serves as the local guidelines for all instructional and non-instructional school activities.  The plan was tabled until the August 18 Special Voting Meeting pending changes, as discussed.

On motion of Ms. Frye, seconded by Dr. Mitchell, Per Board Policy 614 Payroll Authorizations, the board approved personnel actions 1 through 69 dated August 11, 2021 REV August 11, 2021 at 3:16PM.  The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes vote and zero no votes for all items except Item 7 which carried on a roll call vote with six yes votes and one abstention.  Mr. Stephens cast the abstention.  Exhibits 34 and 35

President’s Report / Dr. Sommer

On motion of Ms. Hartman, seconded by Mr. Gallagher, the board approved the following:

Per Board Policy 000 Board Policy/Procedure/Administrative Regulations the following policies on a first reading:

POLICY NO.

POLICY NAME

POLICY STATUS

Policy 137

Home Education Students

REVISED

Policy 137 - AR -1

Home Education Students- Participation in Interscholastic Sports and/or Activities

REVIEWED - NO CHANGES

Policy 137 - AR -2

Home Education Students Participation in Academic Courses

REVIEWED - NO CHANGES

Policy 150

Title I -Comparability of Services

REVISED

Policy 204-AR

Attendance

REVISED

Policy 218.1

Weapons

REVISED

 

Policy 218.2

Terroristic Threats

REVISED

Policy 236.1

Threat Assessment

REVISED

Policy 236.1 - AR -0

Threat Assessment Intake Form

NEW

Policy 236.1 - AR -1

Threat Assessment Checklist

NEW

Policy 236.1 - AR -2

Threat Assessment Individualized Management Plan

NEW

Policy 247

Hazing

REVISED

Policy 247 - Attach. 1 Report Form

Hazing

REVISED

Policy 249

Bullying/Cyberbullying

REVISED

Policy 249 - Attach. 1 Report Form

Bullying/Cyberbullying

REVISED

Policy 309.1

Telework

NEW

Policy 800

Records Management

REVISED

Policy 800-AR-1

Records Retention Schedule

REVISED

Policy 805

Emergency Preparedness and Response

REVISED

Policy 805 -Attach. Safe2Say Something Procedures

Emergency Preparedness and Response

REVISED

Policy 805.3

School Security Personnel

REVISED

 

Policy 810.1

School Bus Drivers and Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers

REVISED

Policy 810.4

 

School Vehicle Drivers

REVISED

 

and Per Board Policy 005 - Organization, approval of Sweet, Stevens, Katz, Williams, LLP for The Technology in Education Pool counsel service to give legal advice on technology in education through the Appalachia IU08 effective August 11, 2021 through June 30, 2022 Cost:  $600 Exhibit

The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes.

There being no further business to be brought before the board, Dr. Sommer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:48pm.

Autumn Fiscus
Board Secretary