Minutes - March 8, 2023 COW/Voting (ADA Compliant)
HOLLIDAYSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
MINUTES
The Hollidaysburg Area School Board met Wednesday, March 8, 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 7:28p.m. and opened the meeting with the pledge to the flag.
Roll call was taken by Mrs. Fiscus with nine members present. Attending were Dr. Sommer, President, Ms. Hartman, Vice-President, Ms. Frye, Mr. Snyder, Mr. Brenneman, Mr. Stephens, Mr. Nichols and Ms. Costanza. Ms. Bilek participated virtually.
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. McCall, Mr. Hartline, Mr. DeLattre, Mr. Keagy, Dr. Letcher, Mrs. Snyder, Mr. Madden, Mrs. Albarano and Mr. Krott.
Public Comment
Tony Luther and Trish Haight spoke to the board regarding bullying in the district.
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.
Business Office Report / Mrs. Fiscus
Announcements: The board met in executive session Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 6:00p.m. for personnel.
Meetings for April, 2023:
Physical Plant Committee Committee of the Whole/Voting
Wednesday, April 5, 2023 Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Time: 6:00p.m. Time: 7:00p.m.
Senior High Library Senior High Library
1510 N. Montgomery Street 1510 N. Montgomery Street
Hollidaysburg PA 16648 Hollidaysburg PA 16648
ll 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, on motion of Mr. Snyder, seconded by Ms. Frye, the board approved the minutes of the February 8, 2023 - Committee of the Whole/Voting with one addition. Ms. Bilek requested that the minutes note that she gave several examples of social political. The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes.
On motion of Ms. Hartman, seconded by Mr. Nichols, the board approved Financial Reports for February, 2023, items 1 through 7. The reports included Treasurer’s Report, List of Payments, Investment Portfolio, YTD Expenditures/Revenues, Budget Transfers, Food Service for January, 2023 and Senior High Student Store for January, 2023. The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes for all reports except for the List of Payments which carried on a roll call vote with seven yes votes and one abstention. Mr. Stephens cast the abstention. Exhibits 1 and 2
Ms. Frye initiated a motion, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, Per Board Policy 610, Purchases Subject to Bid/Quotation, to approve the purchase from the PEPPM State Contract awarded E-Rate Bid to Link Computer Corporation to purchase HPE Aruba Switches. The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes. Cost: $199,922.00 Exhibit 3
On motion of Mr. Stephens, seconded by Ms. Hartman, Per Board Policy 006 Meetings, the board approved following contracts/agreements:
Contract with Doceo effective August 1, 2023 for 60 months for districtwide copiers Cost: $4,690 + a $150 annual connectivity support fee (Renewal 23-24 Budget) Exhibit 4
Contract with PrimeroEdge effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 for Point of Service hardware for Food Service, software and training Cost: $19,500 (Food Service Budget) Exhibit 5
Contract with James H. Butler effective March 8, 2023 through June 30, 2024 for Data Gathering and Reporting Services. Cost: $125/hour (Reallocation of Budget Funds) Exhibit 6
Terms of Service with Language Testing International effective the 2022-2023 school year. Students may earn the Seal of Biliteracy, an award given to students in recognition of their proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation through the AAPPL testing. This is an award that recognizes students who have attained proficiency in English and one or more other world languages by the time they graduate from high school. This special award provides employers and universities with a method of identifying people who are bilingual, recognizes students with 21st century skills, and encourages the study of other languages and cultures. Cost: $1,054.30 (HASD Foundation Grant) Exhibit 7
Individual Student Instruction Contract with Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes effective March 9, 2023 through June 2, 2023 for instructional services for an individual student Cost: $16,005.60 (Special Education Budget - Renewal) Exhibit 8
Affiliation Agreement with University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown for Field Practica, Pre-Clinical and Student Teaching effective March 8, 2023 through March 7, 2028 No Cost Exhibit 9
Contract with Link Computer Corporation for PEPPM Mini Bid for FY 2023, effective April 1, 2023 through September 29, 2024 Cost: $199,922 (Budgeted Renewal) Exhibit 10
The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes.
On recommendation of the administration, Mr. Stephens initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Frye to award the Request for Proposals for Energy Performance Contracting Services to The McClure Company. The proposed work includes district wide LED lighting upgrades, replacement of entrances at the Junior High School, and installation of bollards at the main entrances of all district school buildings.
The District received three responses to the Request for Proposal from The McClure Company, Schneider Electric, and The Efficiency Network. Of the three responses, The McClure Company scored the highest and had the lowest project cost estimate at approximately $1.9 million.
The awarding of the RFP does not commit the district to any expenditures. It allows The McClure Company to start the process of an in-depth scoping audit and cost analysis that will lead to a final project cost. Once a project scope and cost are determined, The McClure Company will present a contract to the school board. If the school board votes to accept the contract, a project will begin and funding will need to be in place. If the contract is not accepted, there is no cost to the district.
The motion carried on a roll call vote with eight yes votes and one no vote. Mr. Nichols cast the dissenting vote.
On motion of Mr. Snyder, seconded by Mr. Nichols, the board approved the following federal program budget adjustments:
2022-2023 Budget:
Title I Decrease (2022-23): ($44,782)
Title II Decrease (2022-23): ($18,804)
Title II Increase (2020-21): $1,356
Title IV Increase (2022-23): $4,763
IDEA Increase (2022-23): $24,244.54
IDEA Sec 619 Decrease (2022-23): ($11,795)
Ready to Learn Budget Decrease (2022-23): ($76)
ESSER II Increase (2020-21): $372,909
ESSER III Increase (2020-21): $3,950,979
ARP Homeless Increase (2021-22): $30,684
ARP ESSER 7% (Learning Loss 5%) (2020-21) Increase: $245,611
ARP ESSER 7% (Summer Programs 1%) (2020-21)Increase: $49,122
ARP ESSER 7% (After School 1%) (2020-21) Increase: $47,095
PDE Safe Schools Targeted Equipment Grant Increase (2022-23): $50,000
PCCD School Mental Health and Safety/Security Grant Increase (2022-23): $298,276 Exhibit 11
In response to Ms. Bilek’s question regarding the microscopes needed at the high school for biology, Mrs. Summerville stated that the cost of microscopes wasn’t written into the grant, but she will look into it. Mrs. Albarano commented that microscopes were purchased by the Foundation through a grant and can be used in the elementary schools.
Ms. Costanza requested that the administration present a plan to the board showing what is planned with the $245,000 in ESSER funds that are intended to be used for Learning Loss. Dr. Palazzi commented that the district is looking to spend the money on what can be sustainable after the grant money is gone.
In response to Ms. Bilek’s question regarding progress measurement in learning loss, Dr. Palazzi described how Ed Insight/OnHands data tracking software is used to measure student progress.
Authorization for Autumn Fiscus, Business Manager, Stacey Thomas, Director of Accounting Operations and Dr. Ronald Sommer, Board President to conduct business banking and sign any and all necessary documents on behalf of the school district.
The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes.
On motion of Ms. Hartman, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, the board approved a Blair County Tax Claim Bureau Repository Bid to Accept a bid from Eric Herm, Cheap Lands, Inc. for land only: Map#13.00-05..-002-00-000 in the amount of $251 . The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 12
On motion of Ms. Frye, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, the board approved the Appalachia IU08 2023-2024 General Operating Budget. The budget totals $5,836,785.40 for both revenues and expenditures representing a 3% increase.
Hollidaysburg Area School District's contribution for the 2023-2024 school year will increase by $257.80 or 1.59% to $16,441.80. This budget is for IU8 operations only. The operation of the IU8 special education and non-public programs are funded through a variety of other IU8 separate budgets.
The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 13
Mrs. Fiscus distributed ballots for board members to complete for the Election of IU08 Board Members for 2023-2024.
The Hollidaysburg Area School District shares an IU8 board member seat with Williamsburg-Community School District on a two-year rotating basis.
The Nominees are:
Region I: Bellwood-Antis and Tyrone Area
Brian Bressler, Tyrone Area
Region IV: Altoona Area
Dr. Frank Meloy, Altoona Area
Region VII: Conemaugh Valley, Ferndale Area and Forest Hills
Francis Truscello, Sr., Conemaugh Valley
Region IX: Central Cambria, Penn Cambria and Portage Area
Patricia Allbaugh, Central Cambria
On motion of Mr. Snyder, seconded by Ms. Frye, the board approved the following:
Per Board Policy 618, Student Activity Fund Control, the transfer of all remaining funds ($18.39) in the Girls JH Track Account, Account #20/83, to the JH Student Council, Account #65.
and Per Board Policy 618-Student Activity Fund Control, the closure of the following Student Activity Accounts:
Boys JH Track, Account #20/31
Girls JH Track, Account #20/83
The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes.
On motion of Ms. Hartman, seconded by Dr. Sommer, Per Board policy, 229 - District Fund Raising the board approved the following fundraiser:
Student Activity Fundraiser:
Foot of Ten Art Club, No. 68
Art Workshop
Expected profit: $250
Time frame: TBD
The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes.
Ms. Frye initiated a motion, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, Per Board Policy 706.1 Disposal of Surplus Property/Textbooks/Supplies, to approve the disposal of various obsolete equipment and books. The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 14
Mr. Stephens initiated a motion, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, Per Board Policy 702, Gifts, Grants and Donations, to approve the following donations:
Dale Bridges - Donation of 2 new paperback books to the Frankstown Library in memory of former Frankstown teacher Denny Dague
Soccer Smarts for Kids: 60 Skills, Strategies and Secrets by Andrew Latham Soccer Smarts for Kids - Andrew Latham
Practice Soccer at Home: 100 Individual Soccer Drills and Fitness Exercises to Improve Your Ball Control, Shooting and Stamina in Your Home and Backyard by Chest Dugger Practice Soccer at Home - Chest Dugger
Approximate Donation Amount: $30
• YMCA Pickleball Group and YMCA Members: $1,040 to be used for student meal accounts.
• Lisa Meyers Audet Foundation: $6,690 to the Hollidaysburg Area School District Foundation to purchase a custom book vending machine for Charles W. Longer Elementary (includes a $500 stipend to purchase books to be used in the vending machine)
In response to a question by Ms. Costanza regarding who determined what books were placed in the vending machine, Dr. Palazzi responded that she and Joy Peterman, CWL Librarian will review the books to determine and select which books are age appropriate for elementary students. Exhibit 15
The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes.
Superintendent’s Report / Dr. Gildea
Proposed New Art Club Project - Tiger Paw Path: Evelyn Tang, Student Council President, presented information about the Art Club's vision and their ideas for the Tiger Paw Path. As part of repainting the paws on the Tiger Paw Path, she asked if there was a way to repave a small portion of the path that has deteriorated. Dr. Gildea noted that Mr. Nihart has sought out estimates and is waiting on quotes. As this project is not in the Physical Plant budget, alternative ways to address this is being looked into.
Per Board Policy 803 School Calendar, Ms. Hartman initiated a motion, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, to approve the (Revised) 2023-2024 school calendar. There was an extra in-service day in the calendar above what is contracted so the last teacher in-service day of the year was removed and the calendar is now aligned with the contractual number of teacher days. The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 16
On motion of Ms. Hartman, seconded by Ms. Frye, the board approved the changes to the 2023 Remedial Summer School Enrollment Form to reflect the start and end times. Dr. Gildea clarified for Ms. Bilek that courses will be offered online, but students will have the option of attending in person for assistance. The motion carried on a voice vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 17
2023 Spring Sports Master Field Trip Schedule
Per Board Policies 230.1 Student Expenses for Conferences/Competitions and 121 Field Trips, Mr. Stephens initiated a motion, seconded by Mr. Snyder, to approve the list of student field trips in excess of 150 miles, out of state, or overnight.
*The administration requests authorization for the Superintendent to approve additional trips as needed throughout the 2022-2023 school year resulting from advancement in PIAA school sponsored sports playoffs.
The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 18
Per Board Policies 230.1 Student Expenses for Conferences/Competitions and 121 Field Trips, on motion of Ms. Frye, seconded by Ms. Hartman, the board approved the following field trips:
Field Trip Requests:
Russian 2 Students to Hillwood Museum, Washington, D.C.
Date: Friday, March 10, 2023
Total Cost: $310
District Cost: $210 (Cost of substitutes and estimated gas)
Student/Teacher/Organization Cost: $100 ($15/student for meals student paid) ($40 for admission: $10/person)
SH Orchestra Students to PMEA Western Orchestra, State College PA
Date: March 8, 2023 - March 10, 2023
Total Cost: $2,740
District Cost: $2,458 (Lodging and Admission) plus $282 for bus transportation
SH Music Students to John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington D.C.
Date: April 27, 2023
Total Cost: $30,878
District Cost: $360 (Cost of Substitutes)
Organization Cost: $30,518
The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 19
Driver's Ed End of Course Skill Test and Driver Test Route
On motion of Mr. Stephens, seconded by Mr. Nichols, the board authorized the district to request approval from the Department of Transportation to participate in the Driver Education End-of-Course Skill Test for the 2023-2024 school year. This approval will continue to allow our PA certified driver's education teacher William Calvert, to administer driver's testing to obtain a PA Driver's License. The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 20
On motion of Mr. Brenneman, seconded by Mr. Nichols, the board approved personnel items dated 3/8/2023 REV 3/7/2023 at 2:46p.m., items 1 through 54. The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 21
President’s Report / Dr. Sommer
On motion of Mr. Brenneman, seconded by Mr. Stephens, the board approved the following Resolution:
RESOLVED this 8th day of March, 2023, 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.
WHEREAS, our actions, as elected and appointed board members, ultimately have both short and long-term impact in the classroom.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we will:
Lead Responsibly
Prepare for, attend, and actively participate in board meetings
Work together with civility and cooperation, respecting that individuals hold differing opinions and ideas
Participate in professional development, training, and board retreats
Collaborate with the Superintendent, acknowledging their role as the 10th member of the board and commissioned officer of the Commonwealth
Act Ethically
Never use the position for improper benefit to self or others
Avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest
Recognize school directors do not possess any authority outside of the collective board
Accept that when a board has made a decision, it is time to move forward collectively and constructively
Plan Thoughtfully
Implement a collaborative strategic planning process
Set annual goals that are aligned with comprehensive plans, recognizing the need to adapt as situations change
Develop a comprehensive financial plan and master facilities plan that anticipates short and long-term needs
Allocate resources to effectively impact student success
Evaluate Continuously
Make data-informed decisions
Evaluate the superintendent annually
Conduct a board self-assessment on a recurring basis
Focus on student growth and achievement
Review effectiveness of all comprehensive and strategic plans
Communicate Clearly
Promote open, honest, and respectful dialogue among the board, staff, and community
Acknowledge and listen to varied input from all stakeholders
Promote transparency while protecting necessary confidential matters
Set expectations and guidelines for individual board member communication
Advocate Earnestly
Promote public education as a keystone of our Commonwealth
Engage the community by seeking input, building support networks, and generating action
Champion public education by engaging local, state, and federal officials
Govern Effectively
Establish and adhere to rules and procedures for board operations
Develop, adopt, revise, and review policy routinely
Align board decisions to policy ensuring compliance with the PA School Code and other local, state, and federal laws
Remain focused on the role of governance, effectively delegating management tasks to the administration Exhibit 22
The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes.
Per Board Policy 000 Board Policy/Procedure/Administrative Regulations, on motion of Ms. Frye, seconded by Mr. Stephens, the following policies were approved on a second reading:
Policy No. Name Status
Policy 200 Enrollment of Students REVISED
Policy 200-AR Entry/Reentry for Registered Students REVISED
Policy 202 Eligibility of Nonresident Students REVISED
Policy 204 Attendance REVISED
Policy 217 Graduation REVISED
Policy 217-AR Graduation NEW
Policy 217 - Attach. Diploma for WWII and Korean War Veterans REVISED
Policy 218-AR Student Discipline 2ND REVIEW
Policy 221 Dress and Grooming REVISED
Policy 227 Controlled Substances/Paraphernalia REVISED
Policy 227-Attach. Reasonable Suspicion - Drug Testing of Individual Students REVISED
Policy 227.1 Voluntary Drug and Alcohol Testing for Students REVISED
Policy 227.1 - Attach. #1 Student Consent Form REVIEW-NO CHANGES
Policy 227.1 - Attach. #2 Parent Consent Form REVIEW-NO CHANGES
Policy 227.1 - Attach. #3 Release and Hold Harmless Agreement REVIEW-NO CHANGES
Policy 227.1 - Attach. #4 Health/Medication History REVISED
Policy 233 Suspension and Expulsion REVISED
Policy 236.1 Threat Assessment REVISED
Policy 237 Electronic Devices 2ND REVIEW
Policy 251 Students Experiencing Homelessness, Foster Care and Other Educational Instability REVISED
Policy 255 Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care DELETING
Policy 805 Emergency Preparedness and Response REVISED
Policy 805-Attach. Safe2Say Something Procedures REVISED
Policy 805.2 School Security Personnel REVISED
Policy No. Name Status
Policy 808 Food Services REVISED
Policy 808 - AR Food Services REVISED
Policy 810 Transportation REVISED
Policy 903 Public Participation in Board Meetings REVISED
Policy 903 - AR Public Participation Guidelines REVISED
The motion carried on a roll call vote with nine yes votes and zero no votes.
New Business
Dr. Gildea with work with Mr. Hartline and Mr. McCall to gather additional information regarding Mr. Luther’s public comment and statement at the request of Ms. Costanza.
Ms. Hartman remarked that she didn’t receive the email sent in April by Mr. Luther. Dr. Gildea asked Mr. Luther to forward the email to him and he will make sure all board members receive it.
In response to a question by Ms. Costanza regarding the student dress code, Mr. Madden confirmed that the dress code is being enforced and that tails are not permitted in the school. He also affirmed that he was not aware of students hissing and barking in the hallways. Ms. Costanza was directed to provide Mr. Madden information she received regarding these issues.
There being no further business to be brought before the board, Dr. Sommer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:42p.m.
Autumn Fiscus
Board Secretary