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Minutes - May 15, 2024 Committee of the Whole/Voting

HOLLIDAYSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
MINUTES

The Hollidaysburg Area School Board met Wednesday, May 15, 2024 for a Committee of the Whole/Voting Meeting in the Junior High Auditorium, 1000 Hewit Street, Hollidaysburg PA 16648.  Ms. Bilek called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. and opened the meeting with the pledge to the flag.

Roll call was taken by Mrs. Fiscus with eight members present.  Attending were Ms. Bilek, President, Dr. Sommer, Ms. Sullivan, Dr. Li, Mr. Snyder, Ms. Luther, Mr. Brenneman, and Dr. Wells participated virtually.  Ms. Costanza was absent.

Also present were Mr. Whitesel, Superintendent, Dr. Palazzi, Director of Curriculum, Mrs. Prosser, Director of Special Education, Mrs. Fiscus, Business Manager/Board Secretary, Mrs. Thomas, Director of Accounting Operations, Mr. Caldwell, Director of Human Resource/Transportation, Ms. Faith, Foundation Director/Grant Administrator, Mr. Nihart, Director of Physical Plant, Mr. Walstrom, Mr. McCall, Mr. Keagy,  Dr. Letcher, Mrs. Snyder, Mr. Madden, Mrs. Cerully, and Attorney Dambeck, Solicitor.

Student Representative Report

Per Board Policy 004.2-Student Representatives to the Board, Senior Representatives Connor Owen and Jacob Ott and Junior Representative: Jefferson McCoy presented their monthly report to the board.

Recognitions

The board recognized the following:

PMEA All-State Participants:
Nora Stanek - All-State Chorus
Carson Brenneman - All-State Chorus
Nathan Karn - All-State Orchestra
Benjamin Freedman - All-State Orchestra

Outgoing Senior Representatives to the Board:
Connor Owen and Jacob Ott
 
Employee Service Awards and Retirees

Public Comment

Mrs. Luther addressed the board with a statement to the HASD community regarding an Altoona Mirror article published on Friday, May 10, 2024 concerning the board’s budget meeting on May 8, 2024.  

Joy Finochio, Kim Campenos, Joseph Antonowicz, Jackie Edmundson and Barbara Beauchamp addressed the board regarding potential cuts to the special education department.

River Beauchamp addressed the board in support of life skills and special education teachers and the We Are Human Club.  Dorothy Cavalet addressed the board regarding a tax increase.

Committee Report  

Mr. Nihart gave a report from the April 10, 2024 Physical Plant Committee meeting.

Business Office Report / Mrs. Fiscus

On motion of Dr. Sommer, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, Per Board Policy 006 Meetings, the board approved the minutes of the following meetings: 
March 13, 2024 Committee of the Whole/Voting
April 10, 2024 Physical Plant Committee
April 10, 2024 Committee of the Whole/Voting
The motion carried on a voice vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.

The board met in executive session on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 5:00 p.m., for personnel, Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 7:45p.m. for policy and Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. for personnel.
  
Additional May Meetings:
  
Policy Committee Meeting 
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Senior High Library
1510 N. Montgomery Street
Hollidaysburg PA  16648
Time:  5:00p.m.
 
Committee of the Whole / Budget Discussion * If Needed
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Senior High Library
1510 N. Montgomery Street
Hollidaysburg PA  16648 
Time: 6:00p.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. Sullivan, seconded by Dr. Sommer, the board approved financial reports for April, 2024, Items 3A-3H.  The reports include the treasurer’s report, list of payments, investment portfolio, YTD Expenditures/Revenues, FY projections, Budget Transfers, Food Service and Senior High Student store for March, 2024.  The motion carried on a voice vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes. Exhibit 1

Ms. Sullivan initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Luther, to approve the 2024-2025 Proposed Budget with revenues of $55,194,566 and expenditures of $57,919,293.  Changes can be made to the proposed budget until adoption of the final budget in June.  Exhibit 2

Dr. Li expressed that she will not approve the final budget if it still has a deficit, is against raising taxes, and gave examples of areas in the budget that could possibly be cut.

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

Ms. Luther initiated a motion, seconded by Dr. Li, to approve the following resolutions:

•    Resolution Authorizing Proposed Final Budget Display And Advertising Per Capita Tax Notice Exhibit 3
•    Resolution to Authorize the Collection of School Property Taxes in Installments effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 Exhibit 4

The motion carried on a voice vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.  

Dr. Li initiated a motion, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, to approve items 4D through 4G:

4D - Facility Improvement Grant Resolution Exhibit 5

4E - 2024-2025 Capital Reserve 5-Year Plan Exhibit 6

4F - Federal Program Budget Adjustments:
2023-2024 PCCD School Mental Health Grant Increase: $139,849
2023-2024 PCCD School District Meritorious Grant Increase: $40,000 Exhibit 7

4G - Voluntary Section 125 Flexible Fringe Benefits Plan – No. 501 for the employees of the Hollidaysburg Area School District to be effective July 1, 2024

The motion carried on a voice vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.

Dr. Sommer initiated a motion, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, Per Board Policy 006 Meetings, to approve contracts 1 through 15 as follows:
Contract with Zoom effective 5/23/2024 through 5/24/2025 for Zoom Video Conferencing Cost: $839.90 Exhibit 8 

  • PRFSD (Pittsburgh Regional Food Service Director Membership) effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 Cost: $600 Exhibit 9
     
  • Agreement with Richard Alan Gonsman, D.M.D. for onsite dental examinations effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.  Cost:  $6.00 per dental examination Exhibit 10
     
  • Agreement with Bollman Charter Services, Inc. effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 for group charter transportation Cost: Per trip basis Exhibit 11
     
  • Banking service agreement 1 year mutually agreeable extension with 1st Summit Bank until June 30, 2025.  The agreement extends all of the current terms and conditions.
     
  • Letter of Agreement with The Healing Patch effective May 15, 2024 through May 31, 2025 to provide in-school grief support services to students No Cost Exhibit 12
     
  • Independent Contractor Agreement with James H. Butler effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 for Data Gathering and Reporting Services. Cost: $125/hr. Exhibit 13
     
  • Contract with CDWG Amplified IT effective 6/29/2024 through 6/30/2027 for Annual Google Workspace Education Renewal Cost: $47,250 ($15,750 annually) Exhibit 14
     
  • Letter of Agreement with the County of Blair County Department of Social Services (DDS) - Mental Health (MH) Program and UPMC Western Behavioral Health of the Alleghenies (BHA) effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 for a collaboration of mental health and drug and alcohol services and cooperation in providing services for the Student Assistance Program (SAP) Cost: $1,000 Donation Exhibit 15
     
  • Agreement for Transportation of Special Education Pupils with Maxwell Transit Systems, Inc. effective July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2029.  Cost: Adjusted first year rates, daily rates increased yearly as applicable with the Pa Department of Transportation Cost Index Exhibit 16
     
  • Contract with American Fidelity for Section 125 administrative services, regulatory and compliance services and employee benefit education services effective July 1, 2024 with automatic annual renewal. No Cost Exhibit 17
     
  • Contract with Scholastic Book Fairs (Junior High), effective May 15, 2024 through November 26, 2024 for staff, students and parents to purchase books and educational products from Scholastic Fair Dates:  November 18, 2024 through November 26, 2024 - No Cost Exhibit 18
     
  • Contract with Scholastic Book Fairs (CWL), effective May 15, 2024 through October 14, 2024 for staff, students and parents to purchase books and educational products from Scholastic Fair Dates: October 7, 2024 through October 14, 2024 -  No Cost Exhibit 19
     
  • Contract with Music Theatre International effective April 18, 2024 through May 30, 2024 for the Junior High Production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast Cost: $1,355 (paid for by Junior Theatre Student Activity Account #62) Exhibit 20
     
  • Consulting Agreement with David Bateman effective May 15, 2024 for special education advice and assistance Cost: $125/hr. not to exceed $3,000 Exhibit 21

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

Ms. Sullivan initiated a motion, seconded by Dr. Sommer, to approve items 4I and 4J as follows:

4I - Authorization for Jonathon Nihart to approve a construction payment to McClure Company for the bollard installation to meet grant deadlines at an approximate cost of $46,000. Exhibit 22

4J - Per Board Policy 610, Purchases Subject to Bid/Quotation, the following bid awards:
2025-2026-2027 SH Yearbook Publisher:  Herff Jones Yearbooks
2025-2026-2027 SH/District Photographer RFP - Moments Photography Exhibit 23

The motion carried on a voice vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.

Ms. Sullivan initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Luther, to approve items 4K through 4R as follows:

4K - Per Board Policy 702, Gifts, Grants and Donations, the following grants/donations:
PDE/IU08 Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Grant:  $1,500
Kevin McCloskey, SH Science Department Chair
The IU08 received a grant from PDE.  From those funds, the IU08 donated $1,500 to the Senior High for necessary repairs to the Bio Pond at the Senior High.

GIANT Company/Martins:  $7,022.79
2023 Feeding School Kids "Round Up at the Register Program" 

4L - Per Board Policy 706.1 Disposal of Surplus Property/Textbooks/Supplies, disposal of various obsolete equipment and books. Exhibit 24

4M - Per Board Policy, 202. Eligibility of Non-Resident Students, (M.P.), Grade 9, and (A.S.), Grade 5, as tuition students for the 2024-2025 school year.

4N- Per Board Policy 808-Food Services, School Breakfast/Lunch Prices for 2024-2025 Exhibit 25

4O - Per Board Policy 618, Student Activity Fund Control, transfer of Funds: Class of 24 to Class of 25 Exhibit 26

4P - Per Board Policy 618, Student Activity Fund Control: New Student Activity:  Junior High Podcasting Club - No. 81 Exhibit 27

4Q - Per Board Policy 618-Student Activity Fund Control, the closure of the following Student Activity HFC (Hollidaysburg Firearms Club) - No. 88

4R- Per Board policy, 229 - District Fund Raising the following fundraiser: 
Student Activity Fundraiser:
SH Key Club, No. 66
Mrs. Grove's Cinnamon Rolls
Expected Profit:  $200
Date: May 17-24, 2024
Purpose: Rise Against Hunger 2025

The motion carried on a voice vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.  

Superintendent’s Report / Mr. Whitesel

Mr. Snyder initiated a motion, seconded by Dr. Li, to approve the Health and Safety Plan – May, 2024 Update.  The motion carried on a voice vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.  Exhibit 28

Mr. Whitesel presented the results of the 2024 Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS).  PAYS is a survey of youth in 6th, 8th, 10th, and/or 12th grades that assesses their behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge concerning alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, violence and other problems.  It is provided at no cost to districts.  The survey is voluntary, and student responses will remain anonymous and confidential.  The survey was administered electronically in the fall of 2023 with results received  April 30, 2024.

Ms. Luther initiated a motion, seconded by Dr. Sommer, Per Board Policy 217 Graduation, to approve an additional list of 2023-2024 candidates for the award of a diploma: 
Blair County Prison Seniors:
Hunter Learn
Koleton Bem
Tyler Carter
Wendis Valerio
 
Adelphoi Williams/ Hill Top
Trenton Baer
George Barley 
Gage Frame
Jason Manges
Toby Truitt
Sebastian Buck
Logan Siek

Senior High 
Autumn Kifer
Mychal Williams II

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

Ms. Sullivan initiated a motion, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, to approve items 5D and 5E:

5D:  Curriculum Update: Math and CB Pre-Algebra 8 Exhibit 29
5E:   Per Board Policy 105 Curriculum Development, Curriculum and Instruction Projects for 2024-2025 Exhibit 30

The motion carried on a voice vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes for all items except Item E, No. 8 (Golden Tiger Portrait) which carried on a voice vote with seven yes votes and one no vote.  Dr. Li cast the dissenting vote.   

Ms. Sullivan initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Luther, to approve personnel items 1 through 104 as listed, dated 5/15/2023 REV 5/14/2024 at 11:52AM.  The motion carried on a voice vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.  Exhibit 31

President’s Report / Ms. Bilek

On motion of Dr. Sommer, seconded by Dr. Li, the board approved items 6A through 6C:

6A - Per Board Policy 005, Organization:
Appointment of Stacey Thomas to serve as Board Treasurer for a one-year term effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.

6B - Per Board Policy 005, Organization:
Appointment of Stacey Thomas, Autumn Fiscus and the Blair County Tax Collection Bureau to serve as Tax Collector for a one-year term effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.

6C - Per Board Policy 005, Organization:
Appointment of Stacey Thomas, Autumn Fiscus, Blair County Tax Collection Bureau, Credit Control Collections, and Collection Service Center to serve as Delinquent Tax Collector for a one-year term effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.

The motion carried on a voice vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.

Dr. Sommer initiated a motion, seconded by Mr. Brenneman, to approve items 6D and 6E:
6D - Per Board Policy 005, Organization:  Appointment of Terry W. Despoy, Esquire to serve as Hearing Officer for student expulsions for a one-year term effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025  Cost: $175/hr.

6E - Appointment of Beard Legal Group, LLC. to serve as Solicitor for a one-year term effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 
Cost: 175/hr.

The motion carried on a voice vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.

Ms. Luther initiated a motion, seconded by Ms. Sullivan, to approve items 6F and 6G:

6F - Per Board Policy 005, Organization:
The appointment of the following depositories effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025:
PA School District Liquid Asset Fund
PA Local Government Investment Trust
M&T Bank
First Commonwealth Bank
First National Bank of Pennsylvania
Reliance Bank
1st Summit Bank
CNB Bank

6G - Appointment of Ms. Luther and Ms. Bilek as Voting Delegates for the PSBA Delegate Assembly Meeting on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

The motion carried on a voice vote with eight yes votes and zero no votes.

New Business

Ms. Luther mentioned the Tigers Against Bullying (TAB) program and will bring information to the board in June to move forward in developing this program.

There being no further business to be brought before the board, Ms. Bilek declared the meeting adjourned at 8:33p.m.
Autumn Fiscus
Board Secretary