Minutes - January 11, 2023 COW/Voting Meeting (ADA Compliant)
HOLLIDAYSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
MINUTES
The Hollidaysburg Area School Board met Wednesday, January 11, 2023 for a Committee of the Whole and Voting Meeting in the Senior High Library, 1510 N. Montgomery Street, Hollidaysburg. Dr. Sommer called the meeting to order at 7:05p.m. and opened the meeting with the pledge to the flag.
Roll call was taken by Ms. Fiscus with eight members present. Attending were Dr. Sommer, President, Ms. Hartman, Ms. Frye, Mr. Snyder, Mr. Brenneman, Mr. Stephens, Ms. Bilek and Ms. Costanza. Mr. Nichols was absent.
Also present were Dr. Gildea, Superintendent, Dr. Palazzi, 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, Mr. Nihart, Director of Physical Plant, Mrs. Summerville, Data Management Administrator, Mr. Arthur, Director of Technology, Attorney Beard, Sr., Solicitor, Mr. Harrington, Mr. Hartline, Mr. DeLattre, Mr. Keagy, Mrs. Snyder, Mr. Madden, Mrs. Albarano and Mr. Krott.
Board Member Recognition
Students representing all district schools gave presentations in person or by video thanking the board for their support of their schools in honor of School Board Member Recognition Month. Dr. Gildea noted that a donation was made to the HASD Foundation in honor of School Board Recognition Month.
Student Representative Report
Per Board Policy 004.2-Student Representatives to the Board, Senior Representatives Regan Farringer and Riley Hensley and Junior Representatives Connor Owen and Jacob Ott presented their monthly report to the board.
Public Comment
Trish Haight, Krista Murphy and Mike Rawlins addressed the board regarding their concerns with Policy 321, Political Activities which was on the agenda for a second reading.
Business Office Report / Mrs. Fiscus
The board met in executive session Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 6:00pm for personnel.
The Policy Committee will meet Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 6:00p.m. in the Senior High Library, 1510 N. Montgomery Street, Hollidaysburg.
Meetings for February, 2023:
Committee of the Whole/Voting
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
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 619-District Audit, Dan Bradley from Young, Oakes, Brown and Company presented the Financial Statements and Auditor's Report on Basic Financial Statements for Year Ended June 30, 2022.
On motion of Ms. Bilek, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, the board approved the Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report on Basic Financial Statements for Year Ended June 30, 2022. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 1
On motion of Ms. Frye, seconded by Mr. Stephens, the board approved the Blair County Schools Health Consortium Audit for Years Ended June 30, 2022 and 2021. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 2
On motion of Mr. Snyder, seconded by Ms. Hartman, per Board Policy 006 Meetings, the board approved the following minutes with corrections:
November 7, 2022 Committee of the Whole - Work Session
November 16, 2022 Athletic Committee
November 16, 2022 Committee of the Whole/Voting
December 7, 2022 Committee of the Whole - Finance
December 7, 2022 Reorganization / Committee of the Whole/Voting
Two corrections were made to the December 7, Reorganization/Committee of the Whole/Voting Meeting
Mr. Stephens corrected the Board Membership List to reflect that his address is in the Hollidaysburg Borough, not Blair Township.
Ms. Costanza requested that the minutes of the December 7, 2022 Reorganization / Committee of the Whole/Voting Meeting Minutes include additional information to her remarks under Public Comment regarding the addition of an item to the agenda. The minutes will reflect that Ms. Costanza believes that all board members should have the opportunity to add items to the agenda for discussion.
The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.
Ms. Hartman initiated a motion, seconded by Mr. Snyder to approve Financial Reports for December, 2022, items 1 through 6. The reports included Treasurer’s Report, List of Payments, Investment Portfolio, YTD Expenditures/Revenues, Budget Transfers and Senior High Student Store for November, 2022. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 3
Per Board Policy 006 Meetings, Mr. Stephens initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Hartman, to approve the following contracts/agreements:
Master Development and Service Agreement with Batelle for Kids (BFK) for Portrait of a Graduate services agreement and Statement of Work No Cost: Costs covered by the Grable Foundation/Remake Learning "Little Tugboat Grant" Exhibit 4
Agreement with Bucknell University effective January 4, 2023 through May 14, 2023 to provide teaching experience through field observation and experience to students No Cost Exhibit 5
Contract with Eastern Elevator Service and Sales Company effective December 21, 2022 through completion for 3-year safety tests at CWL, Frankstown, Foot of Ten, HAJH and HASH Cost: $2,125 Exhibit 6
The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.
Mr. Snyder initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Hartman, to authorize the administration to advertise a Request for Proposal (RFP) under the Guaranteed Energy Savings Act Program. The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and one no votes. Ms. Costanza cast the dissenting vote.
Ms. Frye initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Bilek to Authorize the following 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
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
The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.
On motion of Ms. Hartman, seconded by Mr. Stephens, the board approved the following Blair County Tax Claim Repository Bids:
Accept bid from Michael Hallaron-Balmer for land only:
Map#08.00-15B.-019-00-000 in the amount of $25 Exhibit 7
Accept bid from Michael Hallaron-Balmer for land only:
Map#08.00-06..-001.18-000 in the amount of $25 Exhibit 8
The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.
On motion of Mr. Brenneman, seconded by Ms. Frye, the board approved Per Board Policy 702, Gifts, Grants and Donations, the following grant:
American Nuclear Society:
Award of the George A. Ferguson Motivational Grant from the Diversity and Inclusion in American Nuclear Society Committee: $2,200 to support the From the Atom to the Outlet project.
Wireless Geiger Counter (PS-3238) $198
Field Trip to Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor $506
Electromagnetic Energy Transfer Generators and Circuit Kits $1496 Exhibit 9
Ms. Costanza questioned how students would be chosen to participate so that certain students wouldn’t be excluded. Dr. Gildea stated that he believed the district had to have a certain socio-economic status to qualify for the grant (a certain amount of free/reduced meals) and that students wouldn’t be excluded if their families were over that socio-economic threshold. Mr. Harrington will look into this for clarification.
The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.
2023-2024 Budget Presentation
Mrs. Fiscus prepared and presented the 2023-2024 Budget Presentation No. 1: Debt Service to the board.
Superintendent’s Report / Dr. Gildea
On motion of Mr. Brenneman, seconded by Ms. Bilek, the board approved the PA 339 K-12 Guidance Plan as part of the 3-year Future Reading Comprehensive Plan. The guidance plan is career related and describes how the district is preparing students for high school. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 10
On motion of Ms. Bilek, seconded by Ms. Frye, the board approved the following new course proposals (electives) for the 2023-2024 school year.
Introduction to Poetry Writing (semester course)
Computer Science 3
Fundamentals of Wood Tech
Business Etiquette
Introduction to Microbiology
Dr. Gildea explained that approval of the courses (all electives) would allow for them to be placed in the students’ course selection handbook. The board and administration have agreed upon a 12-student minimum per class. Unless 12 students sign up for a course, the course won’t run and there will be no cost. With enough student interest, the expense for most of the courses would be for course writing of $575. There are some courses that have some costs for materials. Increasing elective offerings will decrease students sitting in study halls with no addition to staffing.
Ms. Bilek questioned the Intro to Poetry Writing course. It was corrected to be a semester course.
Ms. Bilek asked about a finance course that was previously discussed. Dr. Gildea noted that the state has not mandated the course; however, many of the concepts that will be covered in a mandatory course are already embedded some courses. He further stated that the courses are not taken by every student. Mr. Harrington gave the Civics/Economics course at the high school as an example of a course in which the curriculum is being taught.
Ms. Costanza shared her concerns about the potential cost of the courses to the district. Dr. Palazzi explained that the figures quoted were more of estimates from Mr. Tinker because he was concerned about finding a textbook that would meet 9th graders’ ability level. If a textbook can’t be found, he would create his own. Mr. Krott also noted that they are looking into additional resources for free textbooks.
Ms. Costanza asked board members to consider tabling the approval of new course proposals until the budget is presented.
Dr. Palazzi explained that new course proposals are presented for approval in January for placement in the student course offering booklet when students begin scheduling. Delaying the approval could result in students not being aware that the courses exist because they won’t be in the course offering booklet. She reiterated that the courses won’t run unless they have at least 12 students. If the 12-student minimum is met, then it would need funded. That funding would come out of Dr. Palazzi’s curriculum and instruction budget. Depending upon that budget she may have to cut something somewhere else. Dr. Palazzi confirmed for Ms. Bilek that she is working within her budget and gave examples from last year as to how she worked within her budget.
Ms. Costanza, although very concerned about the budget noted that she would vote yes if everyone agrees that is what the district will do.
The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes and zero no votes. Exhibit 11
Ms. Hartman initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Costanza to approve the working draft curriculum map for Introduction to Coding and Turing Tumble. This map will then be open for this school year in order for teachers to make minor tweaks to the curriculum, such as pacing, and will come back to the Board next year for final approval. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 12
On motion of Mr. Snyder, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, Per Board Policy 614 Payroll Authorizations, the board approved personnel actions 1 through 66 dated 1/11/2023 REV 1/20/2023 at 2:02p.m. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 13
President’s Report / Dr. Sommer
Ms. Hartman initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Bilek to authorize the administration to use $40,000 of the Budgetary Reserve to cover the deductible associated with water remediation at CWL and JH in the following amounts: CWL: $20,000; JH: $20,000. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.
On motion of Mr. Stephens, seconded by Ms. Hartman, the board approved a Settlement and Release Agreement between the district and the guardian of student, ID# ending in 70 and to authorize the Board President to execute any necessary paperwork to effectuate same. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 14
On motion of Ms. Frye, seconded by Ms. Bilek, the board approved a Statement of Rights, Waiver of Hearing and Agreement in the case of student ID# ending in 29. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 15
On motion of Mr. Brenneman, seconded by Ms. Bilek, Per Board Policy 000 Board Policy/Procedure/Administrative Regulations, the board approved Policy 011 Principles for Governance and Leadership on a first reading. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.
Per Board Policy 000 Board Policy/Procedure/Administrative Regulations, on motion of Ms. Bilek, seconded by Ms. Costanza, the board approved Policy 824 Maintaining Professional Adult/Student Boundaries – REVISED on a second reading. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.
Per Board Policy 000 Board Policy/Procedure/Administrative Regulations, Policy 321 Political Activities – NEW was presented for approval on a second reading.
Mr. Stephens moved to table the second reading of Policy 321 Political Activities – NEW until the board can discuss the policy further at the January 25 Policy Committee Meeting and bring it back for a vote in February. Mr. Brenneman seconded the motion.
After discussion about input, ideas, and concerns of board members regarding the policy and the need for further discussion, Ms. Costanza encouraged all board members to attend the January 25, 2023 Policy Committee, even if they aren’t on the committee. Ms. Frye and Ms. Hartman confirmed that they will attend the meeting.
The motion carried on a roll call vote with five yes votes and three no votes. Ms. Bilek, Mr. Snyder and Ms. Costanza cast the dissenting votes.
Dr. Sommer announced that the 2023 Board Committee Assignments were on the agenda for member review.
New Business
Ms. Costanza questioned the 7th grade gym handicap accessibility and the lack of a ramp at that entrance. Mr. Nihart suggested that there are other handicap accessible entrances and suggested that if a ramp was installed at that entrance, other renovations may possibly be required and could affect current code requirements. Dr. Gildea noted that arrangements are made through the Athletic Director when he is notified of a need and they could possibly open the closer entrance to the 7th grade gym when needed for games.
Ms. Costanza asked that moving forward in the best interests of everyone involved, to always notify parents of their options and what is to come or to be, so that the district is providing full transparency and that parents are well aware of all of their options ahead of time.
There being no further business to be brought before the board, Dr. Sommer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:56p.m.
Autumn Fiscus
Board Secretary