Minutes - June 14, 2023 COW/Voting (ADA Compliant)
HOLLIDAYSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
MINUTES
The Hollidaysburg Area School Board met for a Committee of the Whole/Voting Meeting on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 in the Senior High Library, 1510 N. Montgomery Street, Hollidaysburg. Dr. Sommer called the meeting to order at 7:11p.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, Mr. Hartman, Vice-President, Ms. Frye, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Brenneman, Mr. Stephens, and Ms. Costanza. Mr. Snyder and Ms. Bilek were absent.
Also present were Dr. Gildea, Superintendent, Dr. Palazzi, Director of Curriculum, Mrs. Koehle, Director of Special Education, Mr. Caldwell, Director of Human Resource/Transportation, Mrs. Fiscus, Business Manager/Board Secretary, Mrs. Thomas, Director of Accounting Operations, Mrs. Summerville, Data Management Administrator, Mr. Nihart, Director of Physical Plant, Attorney Dambeck, Solicitor, Mr. Harrington, Mr. McCall, Mr. Hartline, Mr. DeLattre, Dr. Letcher, Mrs. Snyder, Mr. Madden and Mr. Krott.
Recognitions
Greater Altoona Career and Technology Senior Award Recipients:
Maddison Conway – Cosmetology Senior of the Year Award
Alexander Dunmire – Electrical Trades Senior of the Year Award
Aleister Feathers – Scott Electric Award
Evan Jennings – Electro Mechanical Engineering Technology Senior of the Year Award and Scott Garlick Memorial Scholarship
Natalie Marketta – Administrative Office Specialist Senior of the Year Award
William Steiner – Outdoor Power Equipment Senior of the Year Award
Joseph Walters - Logistics & Supply Chain Management Senior of the Year Award
All-State Music Students:
Neo Chen - All-State Orchestra
Collin Edgell - All-State Choir
Gretta Rhodes - All-State Choir
Jeff McCoy - All-State Choir
Orphie Hartman - All-State Choir
Nathan Karn - All-State Wind Ensemble
Emma Krstyen - All-State Concert Band
Kendra Jones - Future Music Educators Honors Symposium
Athletics - All-State Rugby Team
Makenzie Link
Lily Ansley
Jackie Hajnosz
Sophia Blescia
Aubree Waksmonski
Annual Reports to the Board
Annual Report Presentations to the board were given by:
Ben Caldwell, Director of Human Resource/Transportation
Homer DeLattre, Director of Athletics
Betsy Snyder, Food Service Director
Maureen Letcher, Principal, Senior High
Mark Harrington, Assistant Principal, Senior High
Committee Report
Ms. Costanza presented a report of the May 17, 2023 Curriculum Committee meeting.
Public Comment
Trish Haight addressed the board regarding the budget and a potential tax increase. James Decriscio addressed the board regarding a student issue and Corey Hartman addressed the board regarding the proposed elementary math curriculum.
Announcements
The board met in executive session Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 6:00p.m. for personnel and review of the security and safety report.
Meetings for July, 2023:
Policy Committee
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Senior High Library
1510 N. Montgomery Street
Hollidaysburg PA 16648
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Committee of the Whole/Voting
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Senior High Library
1510 N. Montgomery Street
Hollidaysburg PA 16648
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.
Ms. Frye initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Hartman, to approve the minutes of the following meetings Per Board Policy 006-Meetings:
May 10, 2023 Special Voting Meeting - Proposed Budget Adoption
May 10, 2023 COW - Budget Discussion Meeting (Immediately Following Special Voting)
May 17, 2023 Curriculum Committee Meeting
May 17, 2023 COW/Voting Meeting
Ms. Costanza noted a correction to the May 10, 2023 COW – Budget Discussion minutes. The minutes should reflect that Mr. Nichols was present and Mr. Snyder was absent.
The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes.
On motion of Mr. Stephens, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, the board approved the Financial Reports for May, 2023. The reports included Treasurer’s Report, List of Payments, Investment Portfolio, YTD Expenditures/Expenditures, Budget Transfers, Food Service for April, 2023 and Senior High Student Store for April 2023. The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 1
On motion of Ms. Hartman, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, the board approved the Final Budget for General Fund Approval Resolution Per Board Policy 604-Budget Adoption:
RESOLVED, by the Board of School Directors of Hollidaysburg Area School District, as follows:
The proposed Final Budget of the School District for the 2023-2024 fiscal year on form PDE-2028 as presented to the School Board is adopted as a Final Budget for the School District General Fund in the amount of $54,426,001 revenues and $56,316,459 expenditures.
The proposed Capital Reserve Fund Budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year as presented to the School Board is adopted as the Capital Reserve Fund Budget in the amount of $154,500 revenues and $187,710 expenditures.
Food Service Fund
Revenues $2,133,078
Expenditures $2,133,078
June 30, 2024 Estimated Ending Fund Balance $1,181,997
Student Activity Fund
Revenues $170,741
Expenditures $155,030
The motion carried on a roll call vote with five yes votes and two no votes. Ms. Costanza and Mr. Nichols cast the dissenting votes. Exhibit 2
On motion of Mr. Stephens, seconded by Ms. Hartman, the board approved the following Annual Tax Levy Resolution Per Board Policy 650-Tax Levy:
RESOLVED, by the Hollidaysburg Area School District, that taxes are levied for school purpose for the school year beginning July 1, 2023, subject to the provisions of the Local Tax Collection Law and the Local Tax Enabling Act 511, as follows:
Real Estate tax of 10.0280 mills (or $10.03 per $1,000 of assessment)
(Including Real Estate at .0183 mill for Public Library)
Section 679 Per Capita Tax
$5.00 per individual over the age of 18 who is a resident
Act 511 Per Capita Tax
$5.00 for Allegheny Township, Blair Township, Newry Borough, Hollidaysburg Borough and Duncansville Borough
$10.00 for Juniata and Frankstown Townships
Earned Income/Net Profits Tax
1.0% (HASD receives .5% & Municipalities receives .5%)
Flat Rate Occupation Tax
$10.00
Real Estate Transfer Tax
1.0% (HASD receives .5% & Municipalities receives .5%.)
The motion carried on a roll call vote with five yes votes and two no votes. Ms. Costanza and Mr. Nichols cast the dissenting votes. Exhibit 3
On motion of Mr. Brenneman, seconded by Ms. Frye, the board approved a Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion Resolution effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 Per Board Policy 605-Tax Levy:
RESOLVED, by the Board of School Directors of the Hollidaysburg Area School District, that homestead and farmstead exclusion real estate tax assessment reductions are authorized for the school year beginning July 1, 2023 of $10,865 under the provisions of the Homestead Property Exclusion Program Act (part of Act 50 of 1998) and the Taxpayer Relief Act (Act 1 of 2006)
The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 4
Ms. Hartman initiated a motion, seconded by Mr. Stephens, to approve the following Blair County Tax Assessment Appeal Settlements:
1. Tax Assessment Appeal filed to Blair County Docket No. 2023 GN 3388 JS Bradley Enterprises, LLC. at the assessed value of $950,000.
2. Tax Assessment Appeal filed to Blair County Docket No. 2022 GN 3438 BT-Newyo, LLC. at the assessed value of $1,300,000.
The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 5
Ms. Hartman initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Frye, to approve the following contracts/agreements Per Board Policy 006 Meetings:
Contract for Services with Gaggle.Net, Inc. effective August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2024 for Gaggle Safety Management for Google Student Email and Drive and Hangouts Cost: $12,750 Exhibit 6
Contract with Edpuzzle effective August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2024 for yearly renewal for unlimited access to Edpuzzle for all teachers Cost: $7,177.50 Exhibit 7
Agreement with Blair Regional YMCA for use of the high school, pool, boys and girls locker rooms, auxiliary gym (when unable to use outside patio) and concession stand for the 2023-2024 YMCA/USAS swim season effective September 5, 2023 through March 8, 2024 Revenue: $5,994 Exhibit 8
Agreement with Blair County Drug and Alcohol Program, Inc. (BDAP) effective June 15, 2023 through June 14, 2024 for drug and alcohol prevention and Student Assistance Liaison Services. No Cost Exhibit 9
Referral, Communications and Transfer Agreement with Impact Counseling, LLC., effective June 14, 2023 through June 30, 2024, for drug and alcohol services, including case management and drug and alcohol treatment programs to children, adolescents and adults No Cost Exhibit 10
Referral, Communications and Transfer Agreement with Impact Counseling, LLC., effective June 14, 2023 through June 30, 2024, for mental services. No Cost Exhibit 11
Letter of Agreement with Impact Counseling Services, LLC. effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 to provide drug and alcohol services, including case management, as well as drug and alcohol treatment programs to children, adolescents and adults. No Cost Exhibit 12
Membership Fee Agreement with Appalachia IU08 STEM Lending Center effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 to provide access for teachers to use equipment in the IU08 STEM Lending Center Cost: $350 Exhibit 13
Contract with Get More Math for JH and SH software licensing effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 Cost: $8,138.38 (after 29% discount) Exhibit 14
Cooperative Agreement with Mount Aloysius College effective June 15, 2023 for the College in the High School Program Parent Paid Exhibit 15
Letter of Amendment with Juniata College effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 for the Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Program. Parent Paid Exhibit 16
Master Service Agreement with CodeHS effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 for a Pro Section License for a computer science comprehensive teaching platform. Cost: $2,600 Exhibit 17
Digital Contract with GovConnection, Inc. effective August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2024 for district-wide Adobe products Cost: $12,300 Exhibit 18
Letter of Agreement with the County of Blair on behalf of the Blair County Department of Social Services (DDS) - Mental Health (MH) Program and UPMC Western Behavioral Health of the Alleghenies (BHA) effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. All parties agree to cooperate in providing services for the Student Assistance Program (SAP) Cost: $1,000 Donation Exhibit 19
Contract with Scholastic Book Fairs (Junior High), effective November 13, 2023 through November 21, 2023 for staff, students and parents to purchase books and educational products from Scholastic - No Cost Exhibit 20
Contract with Scholastic Book Fairs (CWL), effective October 09, 2023 through October 16, 2023 for staff, students and parents to purchase books and educational products from Scholastic - No Cost Exhibit 21
Contract with Scholastic Book Fairs (FOT), effective October 9, 2023 through October 16, 2023 for staff, students and parents to purchase books and educational products from Scholastic - No Cost Exhibit 22
Contract with Voyager Sopris – REWARDS effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 for reading content assistance in Science and Social Studies for struggling readers. Cost: $1,511.40 Exhibit 23
Contract with Voyager Sopris for Acadience Reading - Annual Renewal effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 for digital reading assessments. Cost: $11,592.50 Exhibit 24
Agreement with Freedom Excursions by Scully, LLC to provide group charter transportation on a per trip basis, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. Cost: Quoted on a per trip basis Exhibit 25
Contract with Curriculum Associates effective July 1, 2023 through June 1, 2029 for i-Ready Products, Implementation of Products, Professional Development and Continued Support Services.
Total Cost: $378,720
Annual Cost: $63,120/yr.
Year 1 paid by ESSER Learning Loss funds
Years 2 through 6 out of the Curriculum Budget Exhibit 26
Physician Supervising Agreement with University Orthopedics Center effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 to provide two PA Licensed Physicians to supervise the district's PA State Licensed Athletic Trainer(s). Supervising Physicians: Gregory Kanski, MD, and Joshua A. Muetzel, MD. No Cost Exhibit 27
Contract with Concord Theatricals effective May 24, 2023 for royalty, rental and fees for the SH performance of "Anastasia: The Musical" - Performance dates November 16, 2023 through November 18, 2023 Cost: $2,138.05 (paid from Student Activity Funds) Exhibit 28
Memorandum of Understanding with Southern Alleghenies EMS- SAEMS effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 for distribution of nalaxone pursuant to Act 139 of 2014 ("Act"). No Cost Exhibit 29
Maintenance and Support Agreement (3 year) with Harris Education Solutions for EdInsight Data Management System effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026 Cost: 2023-2024 $19,046; 2024-2025 $20,379.22; 2025-2026 $21,805.77 Exhibit 30
The motion carried on a roll call vote with five yes votes and two no votes. Ms. Costanza and Mr. Nichols cast the dissenting votes.
On motion of Mr. Brenneman, seconded by Mr. Stephens, the board approved the following 2023-2024 insurance policies Per Board Policies 811-Bonding, 812-Property Insurance, and 813-Other Insurances:
General Property/Liability $157,935 plus $5,000 *3 Year Tail Coverage Law Enforcement Liability Coverage due to change in carrier:
School Board Liability Errors & Omissions $6,186
Commercial Umbrella $18,636
Commercial Automobile $9,650
Accident Jr/Sr High Sports, Student Activities & Adult/Student Volunteers $13,152
Tax Collector's Bond $3,321
Public Official's Bond Treasurer $269
Public Official's Bond Accounting Operations Director $175
Public Official's Bond Business Manager/Board Secretary $175
Public Official's Bond Assistant Board Secretary $100
Worker's Compensation $99,412
Other Insurance: $14,372
The motion carried on a roll call vote with five yes votes and two no votes. Ms. Costanza and Mr. Nichols cast the dissenting votes. Exhibit 31
On motion of Mr. Stephens, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, the board approved Fringe Benefits for 2023-2024. The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 32
On motion of Ms. Frye, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, the board approved the authorization for the 2023-2024 School Year for the Business Manager with the Board President/Board Vice President's approval to enter into electricity/natural gas agreements when securing a favorable rate would result in savings to the district prior to the next scheduled Voting Meeting of the board. Contracts entered into in this manner will be presented to the board at the next scheduled board meeting for information purposes. The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes.
On motion of Ms. Hartman, seconded by Mr. Stephens, the board approved the authorization for the Administration to apply for 2023-2024 Federal, State and Local grants and for the Superintendent to enter into awarded 2023-2024 Federal, State and Local grant contracts. The 2023-2024 budget will be reopened for budget adjustments for Federal and State grants as needed. The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes.
On motion of Ms. Hartman, seconded by Mr. Stephens, the board approved a federal program budget adjustment for the 2022-2023 Title I Funding Adjustment (Budget Increase): $12,953. The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 33
Ms. Frye initiated a motion, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, to approve the following bids Per Board Policy 610, Purchases Subject to Bid/Quotation:
Award 2023-2024 Office and Classroom Supplies to various vendors in the total amount of $24,664.55
Award 2023-2024 Food Service Equipment to 2 vendors in the total amount of $64,242.23
The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 34
Mr. Brenneman initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Frye, to approve the following donations Per Board Policy 702, Gifts, Grants and Donations:
Grief School Initiative School Grant: Total - $2,500 ($500 per building)
FOT PTO and HASD Foundation to purchase new basketball backboards and hoops for the playground.
Total: $2,812.20
Foot of Ten PTO: $1,812.20
HASD Foundation: $1,000
The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 35
Mr. Brenneman initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Hartman, Per Board Policy 706.1 Disposal of Surplus Property/Textbooks/Supplies to dispose of various obsolete equipment and books. The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 36
Mr. Stephens initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Hartman, to approve the following Per Board Policy 229, District Fund Raising:
2023-2024 Student Activity fundraisers for 58 separate Student Activities district-wide.
Expected net proceeds across all groups is $150,020 and will be used for student enrichment. Exhibit 37
2023-2024 athletic ticket prices. Exhibit 38
2023-2024 fall sports schedule. Exhibit 39
The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes.
Superintendent’s Report / Dr. Gildea
Dr. Gildea presented the board with the Annual Plan.
On motion of Mr. Brenneman, seconded by Ms. Hartman, the board approved the following working draft curriculum maps. These maps 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.
- 8th Grade History
- ESL Proficiency Level 1
- ESL Proficiency Level 2
- ESL Proficiency Level 3
- ESL Proficiency Level 4
- ESL Proficiency Level 5
- Bully and Suicide Awareness - Elementary
and the following curriculum map for final board approval: College Bound Physics The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 40
On motion of Ms. Frye, seconded by Ms. Hartman, the board approved the District's participation in the Education Leading to Employment and Career Training (ELECT) Consortium comprising the Blair County Schools and the Blair County Public Library for improving graduation rates among pregnant students and parents effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2028 with yearly renewal requirements. The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 41
On motion of Ms. Frye, seconded by Ms. Hartman, Per Board Policy 614 Payroll Authorizations, the board approved personnel dated 6/14/2023 REV 6/13/2023 at 2:52p.m., items1 through 245. The motion carried on a roll call vote with five yes votes and two no votes for all actions except Nos 101, 141, 152 and 181 which carried on a roll call vote with four yes votes, two no votes and one abstention for each item.
Ms. Costanza and Mr. Nichols cast the dissenting votes. Mr. Stephens abstained on No. 101 and Mr. Brenneman abstained on 141, 152 and 181. Exhibits 42, 43 and 44
President’s Report / Dr. Sommer
Ms. Frye initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Hartman, Per Board Policy 000 Board Policy/Procedure/Administrative Regulations to approve the following policies on a first reading:
- Policy 321 Political Activities
- Policy 625 Procurement Cards
- Policy 625AR Procurement Cards
- Policy 805.2 School Security Personnel
- Policy 830.1 Electronic Data Storage
The motion carried on a roll call vote with six yes votes and one no vote. Ms. Costanza cast the dissenting vote.
Mr. Brenneman initiated motion, seconded by Ms. Frye, to approve a Resolution Authorizing Issuance of Individual Procurement Cards:
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Board of School Directors of the Hollidaysburg Area School District to reduce economic burdens and conserve resources by increasing efficiency and reducing administrative costs via a Procurement Card program for day-to-day operations in accordance with the procurement process as established by the Public School Code; and
WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors recognizes that the Procurement Card is neither a substitute for public bidding nor the school’s existing procurement program, and that the Procurement Card program is not being implemented for the purpose of bid splitting and avoidance of the statutorily mandated public bidding process; and
WHEREAS, EasyProcure, LLC has negotiated with PNC Bank at Two PNC Plaza, 620 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, to administer, on behalf of participating school entities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a Procurement Card system under the EasyProcure Program issued to individual authorized employees with established limits and purposes; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of School Directors of Hollidaysburg Area School District as follows:
ONE: The president and secretary of the Board of Education are authorized to enter into the Agreement attached hereto with the PNC Bank to secure Procurement Cards under the EasyProcure Program.
TWO: The Superintendent, and his/her designees, are hereby authorized, directed and empowered to take such actions and execute any and all documents as may deem necessary to implement an EasyProcure procurement card program, including but not limited to Easy Procure documents, Signature Card for EasyProcure PNC Account, documents establishing PSDLAF membership, if necessary, and Visa Card Purchasing Card Agreement.
THREE: As a condition precedent to issuance of a Procurement Card, the business administrator may/shall establish in writing purchasing parameters in accordance with law[1] including but not limited to: (a) a listing of goods and services which may be procured using the Card; (b) authorized vendors; (c) daily/weekly/monthly/annual monetary procurement card limits for each individual recipient of the Procurement Card
FOUR: As a condition precedent to receiving the Procurement Card, the business administrator shall establish a monetary limit of authority for each employee’s use of the Procurement Card.
FIVE: As a condition precedent to receiving the Procurement Card, each authorized employee shall execute a Procurement Card Employee Usage Agreement.
SIX: Upon receipt and use of a Procurement Card, the cardholder shall submit receipts and such information as periodically requested by the Business Administrator.
Approved this 14th day of June, 2023.
The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 45
On motion of Mr. Stephens, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, the board approved a Resolution to Retain Counsel for Litigation as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE HOLLIDAYSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT AUTHORIZING THE RETENTION OF COUNSEL FOR LITIGATION AGAINST META PLATFORMS, INC, ET AL
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of Public Education of the Hollidaysburg Area School District as follows:
1. The District authorizes an Attorney-Client Fee Contract with Levin Sedran & Berman of Philadelphia, PA and Robert Peirce & Associates of Pittsburgh, PA (co-counsel) for the commencement of a legal action against META Platforms, Inc., Facebook Holdings, LLC, Facebook Operations, LLC, META Payments Inc., Facebook Technologies, LLC, Instagram, LLC, Siculus, INC., Snap Inc., Tik Tok Inc.,
Bytedance Inc., Alphabet Inc., Google LLC, XXVI Holdings Inc., and YouTube, LLC. Said action shall be for the purpose of claiming money damages related to School District costs and expenses related to the use of social media platforms by students. Beard Legal Group PC shall be co-counsel on the legal action.
2. The Attorney-Client Fee Contract shall provide for a total Contingent Attorneys' Fee of Thirty-Three and One-Third percent (33 1/3%) of any recovery. Out-of-pocket actual expenses needed to fund the litigation shall be advanced by Levin Sedran & Berman and deducted from any recovery. All legal expenses for the litigation, including for co-counsel work performed by the District Solicitor, shall be paid by agreement of such counsel from the contingent fee legal fees and not from the District' s net recovery. The District shall not be responsible for any fee or cost reimbursement in the event that there is no recovery in this action.
3. The proper officers of the District are hereby authorized to sign the Attorney Client Fee Contract and all other necessary documents.
The motion carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 46
Ms. Frye initiated a motion, seconded by Mr. Stephens, Per Board Policy 004.2 Student Representatives to the Board, to approve the following Student Representatives to the Board for 2023-2024:
Senior Representatives: Connor Owen and Jacob Ott
Junior Representative: Jefferson McCoy
The motion carried on 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 8:38p.m.
Autumn Fiscus
Board Secretary
______________________________
Autumn Fiscus
Board Secretary