HOLLIDAYSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
MINUTES
The Hollidaysburg Area School Board met Wednesday, January 12, 2022 for a Committee of the Whole/Voting Meeting in the Senior High Library. Ms. Hartman called the meeting to order at 7:14p.m. and opened the meeting with the pledge to the flag.
Mrs. Fiscus took roll call with eight members present. Attending were Ms. Hartman, President, Ms. Frye, Dr. Sommer, Mr. Brenneman, Mr. Stephens, Ms. Bilek and Ms. Costanza. Mr. Nichols, Vice President participated virtually. Mr. Snyder was absent.
Also present was Dr. Gildea, Superintendent, Dr. Palazzi, Interim Director of Curriculum, 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, Mrs. Summerville, Data Management Administrator, Mr. Arthur, Director of Technology, Mr. Harrington, Mr. Hartline, Mr. DeLattre, Mr. Keagy, Dr. Letcher, Mrs. Snyder, Mr. Madden, Mrs. Albarano, Mr. Krott, Attorney Dambeck, Solicitor, and an Altoona Mirror representative. Mr. Nihart, Director of Physical Plant participated virtually.
Student Representative Report
Per Board Policy 004.2-Student Representatives to the Board, Student Representatives Mark McCoy, Senior Representative, Reagan Farringer and Riley Hensley, Junior Representatives presented their monthly report.
Public Comment
Tony Luther, 2012 Whispering Pines Lane, Duncansville, requested the board eliminate all sections of the Health and Safety Plan that were adopted on August 18, 2021 with regard to masking and contact tracing.
Business Office Report / Mrs. Fiscus
The board met in executive session Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 5:45pm for personnel, COVID safety and litigation.
Meetings for February, 2022:
Committee of the Whole/Voting
Wednesday, February 09, 2022
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Hollidaysburg Area Senior High Library
1510 N. Montgomery Street
Hollidaysburg PA 16648
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.
Per Board Policy 006 Meetings, Dr. Sommer initiated a motion, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, to approve the following minutes: |
October 20, 2021 Physical Plant Committee Meeting
October 20, 2021 Committee of the Whole/Voting Meeting
November 17, 2021 Athletic Committee Meeting
November 17, 2021 Committee of the Whole/Voting Meeting
December 1, 2021 Reorganization/Special Voting Meeting
December 8, 2021 Committee of the Whole/Voting Meeting
The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.
On motion of Ms. Frye, seconded by Dr. Sommer, the board approved Financial Reports for December, 2021. The reports included Treasurer’s Reports, List of Payments, Investment Portfolio, YTD Expenditures/Revenues, Budget Transfers, Senior High Student Store for September, 2021, Senior High Student Store for October, 2021, and Senior High Student Store for November, 2021. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes vote and zero no votes. Exhibit 1
On motion of Ms. Bilek, seconded by Mr. Nichols, Per Board Policy 006 Meetings, the board approved Contracts Nos. 1, 2, and 4 as listed and tabled No. 3, with the understanding that No. 4 was revised to include the revisions suggested by the solicitor that are more favorable to the district. Attorney Dambeck clarified that the items included a mutual indemnification clause, a 60-day without cause or with cause termination to allow the district to terminate should there be a need, whether during the initial term or any renewal term, as well as clarifying that Pennsylvania will be the governing law and establishing the Blair County Court of Common Pleas as the appropriate place for any dispute resolution. Beyond those points, there were no other revisions to the contract as presented.
- Memorandum of Understanding with Saint Francis University for field experience and student teaching programs within the district effective January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022 No Cost Exhibit 2
- Five-year Service Agreement with Siemens Industry, effective January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2026 for education services, operator coaching and remote management service of the school district's building automation system. Cost: $162,500 Exhibit 3
- Contract with Trebron Security, LLC. effective March 19, 2022 through March 13, 2025 for Sophos renewal. Total Cost: $38,876.75 / $10,292.25 billed annually for 3 years
- Master Services Agreement with Frontline Education effective March 31, 2022 through June 30, 2024 for Time and Attendance Implementation Total Cost: $28,939.36 Exhibit 4
The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.
On recommendation of the administration, Dr. Sommer initiated a motion, seconded by Mr. Stephens, to approve items 2 through 6, as follows:
Authorization for Central Office Administrators to approve or agree to terms of service and acceptable use when prompted as part of setup, configuration, update and/or requisition process:
- Superintendent
- Assistant Superintendent/Director of Curriculum
- Director of Human Resources/ Transportation
- Business Manager
- Accounting Operations Director
- Director of Special Education
- Director of Technology
- Data Management Administrator
- Director of Physical Plant
- Director of Food Service
2021-2022 Budget
2021-2022 Budget Increase MTSS: $10,000
Per Board policy, 229 - District Fund Raising, the following fundraiser:
French Club Valentine's Sale, Club #91
Vendor: Sam's club (carnations)
Date: February 7, 2022 through February 11, 2022
Expected profit: $50
Per Board Policy 706.1 Disposal of Surplus Property/Textbooks/Supplies, approval to dispose of various obsolete equipment and books.
Per Board Policy 702, Gifts, Grants and Donations, the following donations:
Kerry Ford, McDonald’s MAC Grants Program Manager
2021-22 McDonald’s MAC Grant: $500
This grant is an initiative sponsored by local McDonald's Owner/Operators to help provide meaningful, hands-on activities to enhance the learning process for district students.
Walmart Community Grants Team and Facility #2049: $1,000
This grant is to be used for school safety.
After discussion concerning Item No. 5, Disposal of Surplus Property/Textbooks/Supplies, Dr. Sommer withdrew his motion and Mr. Stephens withdrew his second to the motion.
Ms. Costanza initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Bilek to table the disposal of various obsolete equipment and books. The motion was tabled on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes. Dr. Gildea noted that the withdraw of the motion also includes the Super Ear Loud and Clear wireless auditory system.
Mr. Stephens initiated a motion, seconded by Dr. Sommer, to approve Item Nos. 2,3,4 and 6, as follows:
Authorization for Central Office Administrators to approve or agree to terms of service and acceptable use when prompted as part of setup, configuration, update and/or requisition process:
- Superintendent
- Assistant Superintendent/Director of Curriculum
- Director of Human Resources/ Transportation
- Business Manager
- Accounting Operations Director
- Director of Special Education
- Director of Technology
- Data Management Administrator
- Director of Physical Plant
- Director of Food Service
2021-2022 Budget
2021-2022 Budget Increase MTSS: $10,000 Exhibit 5
Per Board policy, 229 - District Fund Raising, the following fundraiser:
French Club Valentine's Sale, Club #91
Vendor: Sam's club (carnations)
Date: February 7, 2022 through February 11, 2022
Expected profit: $50
Per Board Policy 702, Gifts, Grants and Donations, the following donations:
Kerry Ford, McDonald’s MAC Grants Program Manager
2021-22 McDonald’s MAC Grant: $500
This grant is an initiative sponsored by local McDonald's Owner/Operators to help provide meaningful, hands-on activities to enhance the learning process for district students.
Walmart Community Grants Team and Facility #2049: $1,000
This grant is to be used for school safety.
The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 6
The 2022-2023 Budget Presentation: Number 1. Debt Service was given by Mrs. Fiscus and Mrs. Thomas.
Superintendent’s Report / Dr. Gildea
On motion of Ms. Frye, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, the board approved the Second Reading of the Teacher Induction Plan. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 7
Jeff Straub and Grace Heiland from Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, Architects reviewed the district wide facility study, including how the study was developed to date. Options for maintaining facilities was reviewed.
On motion of Dr. Sommer, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, the board approved the following course name change:
|
New Name |
Previous Name |
|
Foundations of Art |
Exploratory Art |
Exhibit 8
The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.
Dr. Gildea presented the board with the district’s Health and Safety Plan – January Update, and reviewed the changes to the plan. A flow chart will be developed and will be posted to the district website along with the Health and Safety Plan – January update.
On motion of Ms. Bilek, seconded by Mr. Stephens, the board approved the district’s Health and Safety Plan - January Update. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 9
On motion of Mr. Brenneman, seconded by Ms. Frye, the board approved personnel actions 1 through 79 dated 1/12/2022 REV 1/12/2022 at 9:57AM with the following comment and correction. Items 1 through 4, the retirements of 4 teachers – They will only be retiring if the retirement incentive in the teacher’s contract is in place. If not, they will rescind their retirement. Item 6 was a change in Kristin Wilson’s effective date of 1/29, corrected to 1/19. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 10
President’s Report / Ms. Hartman
On motion of Mr. Stephens, seconded by Dr. Sommer, the board approved a Resolution to Adopt PSBA Principles for Governance and Leadership.
RESOLVED this 12th day of January, 2022, this Board policy supports the Principles for Governance and Leadership adopted by the Board and signed by individual school directors.
Pennsylvania school boards are committed to providing every student the opportunity to grow and achieve. The actions taken by the board ultimately have both short and long-term impact in the classroom. Therefore, school directors collectively and individually will:
• Advocate Earnestly
• Promote public education as a keystone of democracy
• Engage the community by seeking input, building support networks, and generating action
• Champion public education by engaging members of local, state and federal legislative bodies
• Lead Responsibly
• Prepare for, attend and actively participate in board meetings
• Work together in a spirit of harmony, respect and cooperation
• Participate in professional development, training and board retreats
• Collaborate with the Superintendent as the Team of 10
• Govern Effectively
• Adhere to an established set of rules and procedures for board operations
• Develop, adopt, revise and review policy
• Align decisions to policy
• Differentiate between governance and management, delegating management tasks to administration
• Allocate finances and resources
• Ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws
• Plan Thoughtfully
• Adopt and implement a collaborative comprehensive planning process, including regular reviews
• Set annual goals that are aligned with the comprehensive plan
• Develop a financial plan that anticipates both short and long-term needs
• Formulate a master facilities plan conducive to teaching and learning
• Evaluate Continuously
• Utilize appropriate data to make informed decisions
• Use effective practices for the evaluation of the Superintendent
• Assess student growth and achievement
• Review effectiveness of the comprehensive plan
• Communicate Clearly
• Promote open, honest and respectful dialogue among the board, staff and community
• Encourage input and support for the district from the school community
• Protect confidentiality
• Honor the sanctity of executive session
• Act Ethically
• Never use the position for improper benefit to self or others
• Act to avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest
• Recognize the absence of authority outside of the collective board
• Respect the role, authority and input of the Superintendent
• Balance the responsibility to provide educational programs with being stewards of community resources
• Abide by the majority decision
The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 11
Ms. Costanza initiated a motion, seconded by Mr. Nichols, to table the consideration of a prior MOU regarding the Sick Leave Bank with HAEA. Ms. Costanza noted that the board requests a meeting with the union to discuss the board’s concerns with the MOU. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.
There being no further business to be brought before the board, Ms. Hartman declared the meeting adjourned at 9:14p.m.
Autumn Fiscus
Board Secretary