The December 2, 2002 reorganization meeting of the Board of School Directors
of the Spring-Ford Area School District was called to order in the cafeteria of the
Spring-Ford High School with the following in attendance:
Region I: Michael V. Masciandaro, Bernard F. Pettit
Region II: Martha Magee Block, Janet A. Stokes
Region III: Ed Cummins, John S. Grispon, and
Richard J. Schroeder
Administrators: Dr. Genevieve D. Coale, Superintendent of
Schools, Dr. Marsha R. Hurda, Assistant
Superintendent of Schools, Timothy C.
Anspach, Business Manager, and Bruce
Cooper, Director of Planning, Operations, and
Facilities
Clerk: Pat Dillon
REORGANIZATION MEETING
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL BY BOARD SECRETARY
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC TO BE HEARD
I. REORGANIZATION
A. Notice of Organization Meeting - Read by Board Secretary
Mrs. Block made a motion to waive reading of the notice since
each board member had received a copy from the solicitor. Mr.
Masciandaro seconded it. It was approved 7-0.
B. Nomination and Election of Temporary President Conducted by
Board Secretary. Temporary President is then Seated
Mr. Masciandro nominated Mrs. Block as temporary
president. Mr. Cummins seconded it. Mr. Schroeder made a
motion to close nominations. Mr. Pettit seconded it. The board
voted to close nominations 7-0. The board voted Mrs. Block as
temporary president 7-0.
C. Nominations and Election for the Office of President Conducted
By Temporary President. President is now Seated.
Mrs. Block announced that Mr. Weber, president, had asked her
and Mr. Masciandaro to act as a nominating committee. Mr.
Masciandaro reported that the committee entered Mr. Pettit's
name as president. (Mrs. Block announced that there was no
need for a second on the nominations.) Mrs. Block nominated
Mr. Schroeder. Mr. Pettit nominated Mr. Weber. Mr.
Masciandaro made a motion to close nominations. Mr. Pettit
seconded it. The board voted to close nominations 7-0. The
board elected Mr. Pettit as board president 5-2 with Mr.
Grispon and Mr. Cummins voting no. Mrs. Block invited Mr.
Pettit to assume the office. Mr. Pettit thanked the members of
board for voting for him and assured those not voting for him
that the board would be cognizant of representing the entire
district and asked for the board's support.
D. Nominations and Election for the Office of Vice President
Conducted by Newly Elected President
Mrs. Block said the nominating committee had no
recommendation for board vice president. Mrs. Block, as an
individual, nominated Mr. Schroeder. Mrs. Stokes nominated
Mr. Masciandaro. Mrs. Block made a motion to close the
nominations. Mr. Schroeder seconded it. The board voted to
close nominations 7-0. The board voted 3-4 against Mr.
Schroeder as board vice president with Mr. Grispon, Mr.
Cummins, Mrs. Stokes, and Mr. Pettit voting no. The board
elected Mr. Masciandaro as board vice president 6-1 with Mr.
Cummins voting no. Mrs. Block offered her congratulations to
both Mr. Pettit and Mr. Masciandaro.
E. Nominations and Election to Any Office Vacated by the Election
of a President or Vice President
Mrs. Block noted that Mr. Masciandaro's election to vice
president created a vacancy for the position of treasurer. Mr.
Grispon nominated Mr. Schroeder as treasurer. Mrs. Stokes
nominated Mr. Rocchio. The solicitor said that the winner of this
election will finish Mr. Masciandaro's current term until May
2003. Mrs. Block made a motion to close nominations. Mr.
Cummins seconded it. The board elected Mr. Schroeder as
board treasurer 5-2 with Mrs. Stokes and Mr. Cummins voting
no. Mr. Pettit offered his congratulations to Mr. Schroeder.
F. Motion for Authorization to Use Present Signature Stamp until a
New One is Prepared (if needed)
Mr. Anspach announced that there was no need for a new
signature stamp since the signature is now in Mr. Anspach's
name.
G. Members of the Joint Committee for the Area Vocational-
Technical School serve three-year terms. One term expires
each year to assure continuity in the operation of the joint
program. The current representatives and the date of expiration
for their terms is as follows:
Martha Magee Block 2002
Richard J. Schroeder 2004
Robert A. Weber 2003
Action is required to elect or re-elect members to the vacancies
which occur this year - Mrs. Block's position was open
Mr. Masciandaro nominated Mrs. Block to continue to serve on
the WCTS committee. Mr. Schroeder made a motion to close
nominations. Mrs. Stokes seconded it. The board re-elected
Mrs. Block to serve on the WCTS joint committee 6-1 with Mr.
Cummins voting no. Mr. Pettit offered his congratulations to Mrs.
Block.
H. The President designated a member to serve on the
Montgomery County School Directors Legislative Committee.
This committee is sponsored by the Montgomery County
Intermediate Unit Board of Directors to provide a forum in which
local directors can learn about legislative issues, which can
affect education in Montgomery County. Mr. Grispon presently
serves in this capacity.
Mr. Pettit asked Mr. Grispon whether he was willing to continue
to serve in this capacity and he indicated that he was willing to
do so. Mr. Pettit designated Mr. Grispon as a member of the
Montgomery County School Directors Legislative
Committee.
I. The Board also appointed a PSBA Legislative Chairperson to
represent the Spring-Ford Area School District. Mr. Grispon
currently serves in this capacity.
Mr. Pettit asked Mr. Grispon whether he was willing to continue
to serve in this capacity and he indicated that he was willing to
do so. Mr. Pettit designated Mr. Grispon as PSBA Legislative
Chairperson to represent the Spring-Ford Area School District.
Mr. Schroeder made a motion to approve Mr. Grispon's
appointment. Mr. Masciandaro seconded it. The board approved
Mr. Grispon's appointment 7-0.
J. The board amended and then approved the Listing of Work
Session/Board Meeting Dates for 2003 (ATTACHMENT)
Mr. Schroeder made a motion to designate the first Tuesday or
Thursday of February and March for committee of the whole
regarding finance and budgetary review. Mrs. Stokes seconded
it. Mr. Cummins stated his opposition to committee of the whole.
Mr. Grispon said this item was not on the agenda and was out
of order. He suggested putting the item on the committee of the
whole next week. Mr. Schroeder and Mrs. Stokes withdrew their
motion/second.
Mrs. Block made a motion to make an amendment to the
calendar to provide that whenever the board meeting or work
session falls on a holiday when staff and students are not at
work or school (January 20; February 17; and April 21) to hold
the board meeting on the following night, Tuesday. Mr. Grispon
seconded it. The board voted 5-2 on the amendment with Mr.
Cummins and Mrs. Stokes voting no. Then the board voted 7-0
to approve the calendar as amended.
K. Adjournment
Mr. Grispon made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Stokes
seconded it. The board voted 7-0 to adjourn at 8:06 p.m.
The December 2, 2002 reorganization meeting of the Board of School Directors
of the Spring-Ford Area School District was called to order in the cafeteria of the
Spring-Ford High School with the following in attendance:
Region I: Michael V. Masciandaro, Bernard F. Pettit
Region II: Martha Magee Block, Janet A. Stokes,
and Robert A. Weber
Region III: Ed Cummins, John S. Grispon, and
Richard J. Schroeder
Administrators: Dr. Genevieve D. Coale, Superintendent of
Schools, Dr. Marsha R. Hurda, Assistant
Superintendent of Schools, Timothy C.
Anspach, Business Manager, and Bruce
Cooper, Director of Planning, Operations, and
Facilities
Clerk: Pat Dillon
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
December 2, 2002
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PUBLIC TO BE HEARD
There was none.
III. PERSONNEL
Mr. Schroeder asked how many students were participating in swimming
in Item H. Mr. McDaniel said four students at Ursinus. Mrs. Stokes made a
motion to approve A-I. Mrs. Block seconded it. It was approved 7-0.
A. The individual(s) listed below have completed three years of
satisfactory service as temporary professional employee(s) and
are, therefore, entitled to tenure status. The Public School Code
requires that a record of this accomplishment be incorporated in the
Minutes of this Board of School Directors. Board officers
authorized the execution and presenting of a professional
employee contract to:
Bradley Murlless Guidance Counselor
B. The board approved the resignation of Kirsten Ferry, with regret,
for the Cultural Awareness Club, effective December 31, 2002.
C. The board approved of Gretchen Colombo for an extension of her
childrearing leave of absence for the second semester of the
2002/2003 school year.
D. The board approved of Laurie Exeter for a maternity/childrearing
leave of absence effective tentatively December 22, 2002 for the
remainder of the 2002/2003 school year.
E. The board approved of Sherry Stockmal, Learning Support
Teacher at the Intermediate School for a maternity leave of
absence, effective tentatively April 11, 2003 for the remainder of
the 2002/2003 school year.
F. The board approved of Cheryl Wasserman, for an extension of her
childrearing leave of absence for the second semester of the
2002/2003 school year.
G. The board approved of the following independent contract for
Jerry Pallotta, Needham, MA to present an assembly discussing
his occupation as a children's author and how to begin writing
stories. The assembly will be presented to the Brooke, Oaks, and
Limerick Elementary Schools. The total cost of the program will not
exceed $2,025 and will be in effect from December 10 until
December 12, 2002. Funding will be provided by the Oaks
Elementary School PTA, Brooke Elementary School-Artist in
Residence Fund and Limerick Elementary School Home and
School Author in Residence account.
H. The board approved of the following extra-curricular/
supplemental contract(s):
Laura Detwiler-Craft SH Head Boys' Tennis Coach $3527 D
Jeremy Daross SH Marching Band Battery $1649 H
Percussion Leader
Darrin Dietrich SH Winter Track Club Advisor $1096 J
Richard Cechak IMS-Boys' Basketball Fall $ 300 LC
Jeff Moyer IMS-Boys' Basketball Fall $ 300 LC
Mary Ann Christy SH Volunteer Swimming Coach $ 1 -code 1
I. The board approved of the following support staff substitutes:
Joan Claycomb Instructional/Clerical Asst.
Collegeville, PA Playground Asst., Lunchroom Asst.
Cafeteria
Office Clerical/Secretary
Carol M. Crossman Instructional/Clerical Asst.
Limerick, PA Playground Asst.
IV. FINANCE
Mrs. Block made a motion to approve Items A and C. Mr. Schroeder
seconded it. The board voted to approve the motion 7-0.
A. The board approved next month's payroll taxes, all benefits,
transportation contracts, IU contracts, Vo-Tech payments, debt
service payments, utility bills, maintenance agreements, copier
leases, equipment maintenance, Federal grants, insurance and
discounted invoices, for the months of December and January.
C. The board approved payment for the following invoices for the
month of DECEMBER, in connection with the SERIES A 2001
G.O.B.:
1. INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT
Fox Rothschild O'Brien & Professional Services $ 90.00
TOTAL $ 90.00
2. UPPER PROVIDENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Fox Rothschild O'Brien & Professional Services (2 Inv.) $ 341.28
TOTAL $ 341.28
V. PROGRAMMING AND CURRICULUM
Mrs. Block thanked Dr. Marsha Hurda, Dr. Lucille Candeloro, and Joyce
Ness of MCIU for their service on the committee. Mr. Schroeder thanked
the administration and staff and said the committee was well represented
with 45 to 55 members. The student representative said it was very
productive for students. Mrs. Stokes expressed appreciation to the
committee and asked whether the board is obligated as a board to
accomplish all the goals in the plan. Dr. Coale said no. However, this plan
is different because mandated items are covered by the plan, including
covering how students will achieve proficiency by 2013 as stipulated by
No Child Left Behind. The committee is obligated to review progress
annually and the board has the opportunity to approve or disapprove
specific actions. The public also has 30 days to comment. Mrs. Stokes
also asked about the mission statement. It is new said Dr. Coale. The
committee wanted to change the mission statement added Mrs. Block.
Mr. Grispon added that in the coming years, Spring-Ford will receive less
state money and may be limited in raising taxes. Mr. Masciandaro thanked
the committee as well and said the meeting schedule was rigorous. He
said the mission statement was 10 years old and needed to be updated.
Mr. Pettit added his congratulations to the Strategic Plan Committee.
-Mr. Weber arrived at 8:25 p.m.-
Mr. Grispon made a motion to approve Item A. Mr. Masciandaro seconded
it. It was approved 8-0.
A. The board approved of the Spring-Ford Area School District six-
year Strategic Plan, "A Blueprint for Student Success," so that the
plan can be forwarded to the Pennsylvania Department of
Education for review and approval.
Mr. Masciandaro asked if the computers the district has today are
adequate. Dr. Hurda said that Linda Crane, teacher, said that the graphic
design course could be taught with the present computers rather than
incur the expense of building a new lab with new computers. Mrs. Crane
said PC versus Mac format is a matter of personal training and familiarity
and that there was no difference with the program, Adobe. Mr. Grispon
asked what Adobe recommended. Mr. Spohn said that he didn't know
whether Adobe had a recommendation but that the website seemed to be
slanted toward PC while it would continue to support Apple. Mrs. Stokes
asked that the motion delete number 3 listing Macintosh computer costs.
The board voted 7-1 to approve the amendment with Mr. Grispon voting
no. Mr. Grispon said public education was doing it on the cheap. The
board voted 7-1 to approve Course #1 with Mr. Grispon voting no.
B. The board approved the following new course to be implemented
in the 2003-2004 school year. Board approval was requested so
that administration may begin the processes of planning for
curriculum development, budgeting, and inclusion of courses in the
students' course guide.
ART DEPARTMENT
COURSE #1 -- Graphic Design (minor)
1. Rationale: Merging traditional drawing and design with the
computer as a tool is now a foundation skill for artists.
Graphic design teaches students to solve creative problems
using current technology. Knowledge and skill in computer
drawing, painting, photography, and image manipulation are
required for all visual art training at the college or professional
level.
2. Cost:
a. Initial Curriculum Development (12 hours) $ 264
b. Initial Materials (art supplies) $2,000
c. Initial Equipment (software programs) $2,000
Mr. Weber made a motion to approve Course #2. Mr. Masciandaro
seconded it. Mr. Schroeder said it was in excess of $200,000 to
start up the course and that it should be in the budget process. Mrs.
Block made a motion to table the course. Mr. Grispon seconded it.
The board voted 5-3 to table the course with Mr. Weber,
Masciandaro, and Mr. Cummins to voting no.
The board TABLED the following new course to be implemented
in the 2003-2004 school year. Board approval was requested so
that administration may begin the processes of planning for
curriculum development, budgeting, and inclusion of courses in the
students' course guide.
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
COURSE #2 -- Automation and Manufacturing (major)
-WAS TABLED-
1. Rationale: Automation and manufacturing is an intro course
in which students analyze the technical systems of various
types of manufacturing. Students will experience a variety of
manufacturing processes. They will participate in the various
aspects of research, development, and problem solving as
they identify, design and produce products in a manufacturing
technology laboratory.
1. Cost:
a. Cost of equipment to set up the program through
Advanced Training System $182,000.00
(Cost of equipment to set up the program through Southern
Educational System = $191,610.00)
b. Cost
1. 13 x $1,100 = $14,300
2. Wireless Network $3,000
3. Printers $3,000
4. Tables $3,500
TOTAL COST $23,800
VI. CONFERENCE/WORKSHOP RECOMMENDATIONS
Mrs. Block made a motion to approve Items A-L. Mrs. Stokes seconded it.
It was approved 8-0.
The following individuals were approved by the board for attendance at
the following conferences/workshops:
CODE: 580 Account: Conference/Training, Registration, Food,
and Accommodations
DISTRICT OFFICE
A. Dr. Genevieve D. Coale, Superintendent of Schools, to attend 2003
Superintendents' Conference in St. Michaels, MD from April 29, 2003
through May 1, 2003. The total cost of the conference is $635.00 from the
580 account.
B. Bruce W. Cooper, Director of Planning, Operations and Facilities, and
Barry Ziegler, Supervisor of Operations and Facilities, to attend the
"PASBO Conference" in Seven Springs, PA from March 18, 2003 through
March 20, 2003. The total cost of the conference is $1,344.00 from the
580 account.
C. Dolores Furlan, Supervisor of Special Education, to attend "Asperger's
Disorder and Autism", in Philadelphia, PA on January 29, 2003. The total
cost of the conference is $174.00 from the 580 account.
HIGH SCHOOL
D. Michael McDaniel, Director of Athletics, to attend "36th Annual
Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association Conference" in Hershey,
PA from March 18, 2003 through March 22, 2003. The total cost of the
conference is $770.00 from the Athletic Fund.
E. Bruce Brobst, 9th Grade Baseball Coach at the High School to attend "Be
the Best You are Baseball Clinic" at the Hilton in Cherry Hill, NJ on Friday,
January 17th, 2003. The total cost for the conference is $347.00 - $222.00
from the athletic budget and $125.00 from the substitute account.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
F. Khrystin Dickey, Learning Support Teacher and SAP Coordinator, to
attend the "Seventh World Congress on Stress, Trauma and Coping" in
Baltimore, MD from February 13, 2003 through February 16, 2003. The
total cost of the conference is $635.00 from the 580 account and $200.00
from the substitute account.
BROOKE
G. Marilyn Nepps, Reading Specialist at Brooke Elementary to attend
"Previewing the Principalship/Getting the Job Done Right" at the
Radison Penn Harris in Camp Hill, PA on Friday, February 21st and
Saturday, February 22nd, 2003. The total cost of the conference is
$491.00 - $366.00 from the 580 account and $125.00 from the
substitute account.
H. Reesa Wurtz, Psychologist at Brooke Elementary to attend "Curriculum
Considerations Leading to Effective Programming for Students with
Autism Spectrum Disorders" at PATTAN in King of Prussia on Friday,
December 13, 2002. There is no cost for the conference.
LIMERICK
I. Kelly Kurtas, Kindergarten teacher at Limerick Elementary to attend
"Susie Haas - Teaching Reading and Writing in Your Kindergarten
Classroom" at The Drexelbrook Center in Drexel Hill PA on Wednesday,
January 22nd, 2003. The total cost for the conference is $330.00 -
$205.00 from the 580 account and $125.00 from the substitute account.
J. Melissa Podgurski, Learning Support teacher at Limerick Elementary to
attend "SRA Corrective Reading Training" at the Muhlenberg Elementary
School in Laureldale, PA on Wednesday, January 8th, 2003. This is
mandatory training as per student's IEP. The total cost for the conference
is $171.50 - $46.50 from the 580 account and $125.00 from the substitute
account.
OAKS
K. Mark D. Moyer, Principal at Oaks Elementary, to attend "Excelling As A
Highly Effective Team Leader" in King of Prussia, PA on February 20,
2003 and February 21, 2003. The total cost of the conference is $467.00
from the 580 account.
ROYERSFORD
L. Francine Caputo, Psychologist at Royersford Elementary to attend
"Asperger's Disorder and Autism" at the Holiday Inn in Philadelphia, PA on
Wednesday, January 29th, 2003. The total cost for the conference is
$159.00 from the 580 account. No substitute is needed.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
VIII. INFORMATION ITEMS
IX. SOLICITOR'S REPORT
There was no report.
X. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Diana Dotson, PTA, Spring City Elementary
Thanked board members who attended the Strategic Planning Committee
and said that she hoped that the board would focus on achieving the
committee's goals rather than the cost.
Mr. Pettit announced a five minute recess at 8:47 p.m.
XI. BOARD SEAT ALLOCATION
1. PUBLIC TO BE HEARD
There was none.
2. MOTION
Mr. Schroeder made a motion to table the motion. Mr. Grispon
seconded it. The board voted 6-2 to table the motion with Mrs. Stokes
and Mr. Masciandaro voting no.
The board TABLED combining the voting district of Limerick IV with
Region III (Royersford / Spring City).
MOTION: Mr. Schroeder made a motion to put the item on the
committee of the whole agenda next week as an action item. Mrs.
Stokes seconded it. Mr. Grispon said it was different from how the
committee of the whole usually operated. The board voted 5-3 with Mr.
Grispon, Mr. Weber, and Mr. Cummins voting no.
3. PUBLIC TO BE HEARD
There was none.
4. ADJOURNMENT
The board adjourned at 9 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Magee Block
Board Secretary
Pat Dillon
Recording Clerk
Royersford, Pennsylvania December 2, 2002
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