Author: Haberman, Denise
Last saved by: Rieger, Lori
Company: north hills school district

North Hills School District – Work Session/Legislative Meeting – September 19, 2019

NORTH HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION
LEGISLATIVE MEETING
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 – 7:00 P.M.
NORTH HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL – LGI ROOM
www.nhsd.net

Board Members Present
Timothy Burnett, Thomas Kelly, Allison Mathis, Annette Giovengo Nolish, Louis Nudi, Kathy Reid, Helen Spade and Edward Wielgus.  Sandra Kozera was present via telephone.

Board Members Not Present
None

Also Present
Dr. Patrick Mannarino, Dr. Beth Williams, David Hall, Jerry Muth, Michael J. Witherel, Esq., Heather Pelat, Katie Gryzbowski, and student representatives Ellie Fleischer and Hannah Sciulli.

Persons Signing the Register
Matt Mager, 413 Stanford Avenue, West View, PA
Allison Tobik, 111 Laurelwood Drive, Ross Township, PA
Colleen Roth, 117 Brookmeade Drive, Ross Township, PA
Matt Ferry, 309 Highland Pines Drive, Ross Township, PA

Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m.  Mr. Wielgus opened the meeting with a moment of silence and salute to the flag.  Mr. Wielgus noted that an Executive Session had taken place this evening from 5:00 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. to discuss personnel and legal issues.  In attendance were Board members Mr. Burnett, Mr. Kelly, Mrs. Mathis, Dr. Nolish, Mr. Nudi, Mrs. Reid, Mrs. Spade, Mr. Wielgus, Michael J. Witherel, Esq., and Dr. Patrick Mannarino.  

Student Performance
Mr. Shaun Cloonan directed the High School Choir.  The choir performed The Star Spangled Banner, an Appalachian Folk Song, and the North Hills Alma Mater.

Board Member Comments
Mrs. Mathis suggested that the first meeting in September be scheduled closer to the start of the school year.  Additionally, as the Board meeting calendar is being developed for 2020, she would like for the Board to meet twice a month.  

Mr. Wielgus announced that the Board was aware of parents’ concerns regarding the 4^th grade classrooms at Highcliff Elementary and the Administration was working to hire support staff for those classrooms.  He also stated that the Board planned to address the parents’ concerns regarding the proposed 2020-2021 academic calendar which would have the kindergarten students finish the school year 2 weeks sooner than the rest of the student body.

Public Comments on Agenda Items
Matt Major addressed the Board regarding the large class size for the 4^th grade at Highcliff Elementary.  He believes that 27 students per class is too large for the students to receive enough individual guidance and even though there is going to be a teaching assistant hired, he still believes that the Board should revisit the Class Size policy and reduce the cap for the elementary grades.

Allison Tobic addressed the Board regarding the proposed academic calendar for the 2020-2021 school year and appealed to the Board to choose the option that does not have the kindergarten students finish earlier than the other grade levels.  She believes this would be a hardship for her family and other district families due to child care issues, work commitments, etc.

Colleen Roth addressed the Board regarding the large class size for the 4^th grade at Highcliff Elementary.  She feels that larger class size is overwhelming for the students and the staff and asks the Board to reevaluate the Class Size policy to reduce the cap for the elementary grades.

Matt Ferry addressed the Board regarding the proposed language change to Policy 220 – Student Expression/Distribution and Posting of Materials.  He asked which legal authority was accessed in writing these revisions.

Student Representatives Reports
Junior, Hannah Sciulli provided her report on the recent and upcoming Athletic events at the high school.
Junior, Ellie Fleischer provided her report on the recent and upcoming high school Activities.

Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Wielgus, seconded by Dr. Nolish and unanimously passed to approve the minutes of the August 8, 2019 Work Session/Legislative Meeting.

Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Mannarino provided his Points of Pride for September.  He then introduced the following district students who spoke of various activities happening in their schools for “Safety September”:  Addison Winner, Niamh Greer, Sophia Regan, Emily Steiner, Giana Cutnese, Utkarsh Tiwari, and Emma Polen.

EDUCATION

Presentations:
Dr. Mannarino spoke about the 2 Options for the 2020-2021 Academic Calendar.  He explained why the option to have kindergarten finish early was initially discussed.  He then stated that after listening to the parents’ concerns about this, that it became clear this option was not in the best interest of the students or parents, and he is recommending to the Board to approve calendar Option 2 so that all students finish the school year at that same time.

Mrs. Mathieu provided information on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment tool and the reasons for utilizing this assessment and why this information is important for planning for the students’ success.

Action Item:
A motion was made by Mrs. Mathis, seconded by Mr. Burnett and passed by a vote of 8 yea, and 1 abstention to approve the Adoption of 2020-2021 Academic Calendar Option 2, which establishes the last day of school for all students to be June 3, 2021, as per document 2-2.  Mrs. Reid abstained.

Presentation:
Dr. Mannarino provided an update on enrollment and the status of the plans to move the 6^th grade to the middle school beginning with the 2020-2021 school year.

Action Items:
A motion was made by Mrs. Mathis, seconded by Dr. Nolish, and unanimously passed to approve the Title I AIU Non-public Contract for the 2019-2020 school year, as per document 4 as recommended by the Superintendent.  This is for the AIU to provide Title I reading and math services to eligible students who live in the North Hills School District yet attend non-public schools.

A motion was made by Mrs. Mathis, seconded by Dr. Nolish, and unanimously passed to approve the Ready to Learn Grant, as per document 5, as recommended by the Superintendent.  This grant will offset the costs associated with maintaining a high quality full-day kindergarten program aligned with the state’s current academic standards.

FINANCE

Presentation:
Mr. Christopher Brewer from Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP, bond counsel, provided information on the proposed Issuance of General Obligation Bonds.  These bonds are being issued to advance refund the 2010B Build America Bonds at a savings of at least $1,000,000 net of all costs.

Action Item:
A motion was made by Dr. Nolish, seconded by Mr. Burnett and passed by a vote of 8 yea and 1 nay to approve the Resolution for Formal Action Constituting a Debt Ordinance Under the Local Government Unit Debt Act – Nonelectoral Debt by the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds, as per document 2, as recommended by the Superintendent.  Mr. Wielgus voted nay.

A motion was made by Dr. Nolish, seconded by Mrs. Mathis, and unanimously passed to approve General Fund Bills, as per document 3, as recommended by the Superintendent.  These include checks numbered:  57068 through 57105;  57110 through 57113;  57116 through 57128;  57130;  57145 through 57202;  57206 through 57265;  57270 through 57307;  57309 through 57328;  57332 through 57366;  57373 through 57433;  57435 through 57439;  and 57442 through 57483.

A motion was made by Dr. Nolish, seconded by Mrs. Mathis, and unanimously passed to ratify Capital Project Fund Bills, as per document 4, as recommended by the Superintendent.  These include checks numbered:  57114;  57115;  57141 through 57144;  57203 through 57205;  57266 through 57269;  57329 through 57331;  57367 through 57372;  57434;  57440;  and 57441.

A motion was made by Dr. Nolish, seconded by Mrs. Mathis, and unanimously passed to ratify Food Service Fund Bills, as per document 5, as recommended by the Superintendent.  These include checks numbered 57131 through 57140.

A motion was made by Dr. Nolish, seconded by Mrs. Mathis, and unanimously passed to ratify Scholarship Fund Bills, as per document 6, as recommended by the Superintendent.  These include checks numbered 67065 through 67067.

A motion was made by Dr. Nolish, seconded by Mrs. Mathis, and unanimously passed to approve Budget Transfers, as per document 7, as recommended by the Superintendent.

A motion was made by Dr. Nolish, seconded by Mrs. Mathis, and unanimously passed to approve Payroll for the month of August 2019 in the amount of $2,861,635.87, as per document 8, as recommended by the Superintendent.

A motion was made by Dr. Nolish, seconded by Mrs. Mathis, and unanimously passed to approve the Petty Cash Funds, as per document 9, as recommended by the Superintendent.

The Board was presented with the following informational items:

Treasurer’s Report as of June 30, 2019
Revenue Summary for 2018-19 as of August 2019 (Unaudited)
Summary of Revenue and Expenditures for 2018-19 for August 2019.

COMMUNITY & INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Presentation:
Mrs. Lynne Sciulli, President of North Hills Cares, provided a presentation on the mission of North Hills Cares and a review of some of the charitable events already provided by this Foundation, including a summer lunch program, clothing and school supplies for students in need, etc.

Action Items:
The Board was to ratify Mr. Nudi’s participation in the Statewide Parent Advisory Committee of the Education Voters of PA.  However, Mr. Nudi was unable to attend, so this item was withdrawn.

The Board selected the following candidates to receive their collective vote for PSBA Officers:
•	Art Levinowitz – President
•	David Hein – Vice President
•	Marsha Pleta – Section 5 Advisor
•	Kathy K. Swope – Trustee
•	Mark B. Miller – Trustee

ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES
A motion was made by Ms. Kozera, seconded by Mrs. Spade, and unanimously passed to approve the Naming of the Original Middle School Gymnasium in Memory of Morrow “Woody” Woodburn, as per document 1, as recommended by the Superintendent.

A motion was made by Ms. Kozera, seconded by Mrs. Spade, and unanimously passed to approve Resolution 2019-13 Recognizing the North Hills Boys Soccer Boosters as an Official Booster Organization of the North Hills School District, as per document 2, as recommended by the Superintendent.

A motion was made by Ms. Kozera, seconded by Mrs. Spade, and passed by a vote of 8 yea and 1 nay to approve the Field Trip Request for the Baseball Spring Training Trip to the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, SC, as per document 3, as recommended by the Superintendent.  Mr. Burnett voted nay.

A motion was made by Ms. Kozera, seconded by Mrs. Spade, and passed by a vote of 8 yea and 1 nay to approve the Field Trip Request for the Softball Spring Training Trip to the Ripken Experience in Pigeon Forge, TN, as per document 4, as recommended by the Superintendent.
Mr. Burnett voted nay.

A motion was made by Ms. Kozera, seconded by Mrs. Spade, and passed by a vote of 8 yea and 1 nay to approve the Field Trip Request for Competition Cheerleading to UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, FL, as per document 5, as recommended by the Superintendent.  Mr. Burnett voted nay.

A motion was made by Ms. Kozera, seconded by Mrs. Spade, and unanimously passed to approve the 8^th Grade American History Club, as per document 6, as recommended by the Superintendent.

A.W. BEATTIE CAREER CENTER
None

PERSONNEL

Resignations
A motion was made by Mrs. Spade, seconded by Mrs. Mathis, and unanimously passed to approve Resignations, as per document 1, as recommended by the Superintendent.

Sherri Kempf - .5 Student Council Sponsor at Highcliff Elementary, effective September 17, 2019
Laura Otte – Musical Choreographer at the Middle School, effective August 9, 2019
Taylor Abercrombie – Paraprofessional at Ross Elementary, effective August 13, 2019
Crystal Barr – Paraprofessional at Ross Elementary, effective September 6, 2019
Shilpi Dhussa – Paraprofessional at the Middle School, effective August 12, 2019
Nicole Droppa – Paraprofessional at Ross Elementary, effective August 12, 2019
Samantha Jenkins – Teaching Assistant at the Middle School, effective August 13, 2019
Erin Kyle – Paraprofessional at Highcliff Elementary, effective August 20, 2019
Jennifer Rigler – Paraprofessional at Ross Elementary, effective August 29, 2019
Robin Schorr – Paraprofessional at Ross Elementary, effective August 29, 2019
Jessica Thompson – LPN at McIntyre Elementary, effective August 9, 2019
Shannon Wittig – Paraprofessional at Ross Elementary, effective August 12, 2019
Diane Bisesi – Paraprofessional at McIntyre, with intent to retire effective January 3, 2020
Rie Lauver – Elementary Music Teacher at Highcliff elementary, effective August 12, 2019
Alyssa Bogniard – Custodian at Ross Elementary, effective September 4, 2019
Lisa Goodworth – Elementary Science Curriculum Leader, effective September 30, 2019

Appointments
A motion was made by Mrs. Spade, seconded by Mrs. Mathis, and unanimously passed to approve Appointments, as per document 2, as recommended by the Superintendent.

Nancy DiNicola - .5 Future Business Leaders of America Sponsor, at the rate of $647.50, effective August 20, 2019.
Shannon Diven – Student Council Sponsor at West View, at the rate of $1,695.00, effective September 13, 2019.
Katie Fanelli – Middle School Choreographer, at the rate of $1,395.00, effective for the 2019-2020 school year.
Rebecca Good – Student Council Sponsor at McIntyre Elementary, at the rate of $1,695.00, effective August 20, 2019.
Joseph Plazek – Fall Play Lighting Director at the High School, at the rate of $753.00, effective for the 2019-2020 school year.
Joseph Plazek – Spring Musical Lighting Director at the High School, at the rate of $772.00, effective for the 2019-2020 school year.
Haylan Fazio – Middle School Girls’ Volleyball Assistant Coach, at the rate of $2,044.00, effective August 20, 2019.
Shannon Gruber – Middle School Girls’ Volleyball Head Coach, at the rate of $2,600.00, effective August 9, 2019.
Evan King – Middle School Girls’ Soccer Coach, at the rate of $2,025.00, effective for the 2019-2020 school year.
Marlena Musico – Middle School Cross Country Head Coach, at the rate of $1,924.00, effective August 13, 2019.
Alexander Smith – Music Teacher at Highcliff Elementary, at the rate of $45,193 (Step 2 – B+24), effective TBD.
Amy Dady – Long-Term Sub Teaching Assistant at Highcliff Elementary, at the rate of $110/day, effective September 29, 2019.
Jill Durler – Paraprofessional at Ross Elementary, at the rate of $12.75/hour, effective August 26, 2019.
Tyler Estabrook – Teaching Assistant at the Middle School, at the rate of $14.81/hour, effective August 20, 2019.
Zoi Miller – Paraprofessional at Ross Elementary, at the rate of $12.75/hour, effective September 3, 2019.
Emily Perry – Long-Term Paraprofessional at Highcliff Elementary, at the rate of $12.75/hour, effective August 20, 2019.
Jennifer Rigler – Paraprofessional at Ross Elementary, at the rate of $12.75/hour, effective August 26, 2019.
Brandon Wagner – Paraprofessional at the Middle School, at the rate of $12.75/hour, effective August 21, 2019.
Sharon Gallagher – Child Care/Breakfast Worker at West View Elementary, at the rate of $16.10 per hour (Class III), effective August 30, 2019.
Bridget Scherer – K-6 Social Studies Curriculum Leader, at the rate of $4,000, effective August 20, 2019.

The following Volunteers were approved effective for the 2019-2020 school year:

•	Elizabeth Bruner – Slow Pitch Softball
•	Ryan Bruner – Slow Pitch Softball
•	Matther Burner – Ice Hockey
•	John Eberle – Slow Pitch Softball
•	Jessica Hannah – Girls Volleyball
•	Melissa Johnson – Marching Band
•	Bill Kendall – Slow Pitch Softball
•	Nicolette Lawry – Girls Volleyball
•	Cameron McCallum – Inline Hockey
•	James Rhodes – Slow Pitch Softball
•	Deanna Smead – Slow Pitch Softball
•	Scott Smead – Slow Pitch Softball
•	Michael Wiseman – Inline Hockey

The following individuals have the appropriate clearances for bus driving:
•	Ronald Faller
•	Jon Hartwell
•	Shawn Leya
•	Yvonne Overholt
•	Denise Sloan
•	Linda Solman
•	Elizabeth Wheeler

The following substitute employees were approved:

First Name | Last Name | Position | Effective Date | Rate of Pay
Valarie | Brown | Emergency Certified Substitute Nurse | August 26, 2019 | $100/day
Barbara | Buirge | Emergency Certified Substitute Teacher | August 26, 2019 | $95/day
Petra | Dugas | Emergency Certified Substitute Teacher | July 15, 2019 | $95/day
Richard | Noble | Emergency Certified Substitute Teacher | August 26, 2019 | $95/day
Catherine | Regan | Emergency Certified Substitute Teacher | July 30, 2019 | $95/day
William | Trushel II | Emergency Certified Substitute Teacher | July 16, 2019 | $95/day
Dolores | Massucci | Substitute Clerk | July 8, 2019 | $10/hour
Zoi | Miller | Substitute Clerk | July 26, 2019 | $10/hour
Haylan | Fazio | Substitute Food Service Worker | July 9, 2019 | $10/hour
Nicole | Ridgeway | Substitute Food Service Worker | August 13, 2019 | $10/hour
Lori | Bliss | Substitute Lunchroom/Playground aide | August 14, 2019 | $9.49/hour
Valarie | Brown | Substitute Lunchroom/Playground Aide | August 26, 2019 | $9.49/hour
Haylan | Fazio | Substitute Lunchroom/Playground aide | August 14, 2019 | $9.49/hour
Gretchen | Marker | Substitute Lunchroom/Playground aide | August 8, 2019 | $9.49 hour
Dolores | Massucci | Substitute Lunchroom/Playground aide | July 8, 2019 | $9.49 hour
Michele | Pepmeyer | Substitute Lunchroom/Playground aide | August 28, 2019 | $9.49/hour
Jill | Zwick | Substitute Lunchroom/Playground aide | August 6, 2019 | $9.49/hour
Haylan | Fazio | Substitute Paraprofessional | July 9, 2019 | $10/hour
Deborah | McDonnell | Substitute Paraprofessional | August 16, 2019 | $10/hour
Zoi | Miller | Substitute Paraprofessional | July 26, 2019 | $10/hour
Ann | Trembulak | Substitute Paraprofessional | July 15, 2019 | $10/hour
Robin | Brandt | Substitute Teacher | August 19, 2019 | $95/day
Lori | Cole | Substitute Teacher | August 16, 2019 | $95/day
Amy | Dady | Substitute Teacher | August 13, 2019 | $95/day
Tyler | Estabrook | Substitute Teacher | August 13, 2019 | $95/day
Jodi | Golis | Substitute Teacher | July 28, 2019 | $95/day
Anthony | Grenek III | Substitute Teacher | July 31, 2019 | $95/day
Stephanie | Ivanusic | Substitute Teacher | August 4, 2019 | $95/day
Joel | Johnston | Substitute Teacher | August 13, 2019 | $95/day
Angela | Kryl | Substitute Teacher | September 4, 2019 | $95/day
Denise | Malanowski | Substitute Teacher | July 31, 2019 | $95/day
Mary | McGrath | Substitute Teacher | July 31, 2019 | $95/day
Lauren | McKiernan | Substitute Teacher | September 6, 2019 | $95/day
Courtney | McNabb | Substitute Teacher | July 29, 2019 | $95/day
Rebecca | Murphy | Substitute Teacher | July 30, 2019 | $95/day
Holly | Peck | Substitute Teacher | August 20, 2019 | $95/day
Sarah | Robbins | Substitute Teacher | August 2, 2019 | $95/day
Abigail | Thomas | Substitute Teacher | August 2, 2019 | $95/day
Erin | Thompson | Substitute Teacher | July 29, 2019 | $95/day
Donna | Wanner | Substitute Teacher | August 27, 2019 | $95/day
Janet | Willis | Substitute Teacher | July 17, 2019 | $95/day
Ann | Trembulak | Substitute Lunchroom/Playground aide | July 15, 2019 | $9.49/hour

Change of Status
A motion was made by Mrs. Spade, seconded by Mrs. Mathis, and unanimously passed to approve Changes of Status, as per document 3, as recommended by the Superintendent.

Kellee Kanith – from FBLA sponsor to .5 FBLA sponsor, at the rate of $647.50, effective August 20, 2019.
Blayne Zimmerman – from Rover Custodian district-wide, to Rover Custodian at the Middle School at the rate of $14.64/hour, effective August 13, 2019.
Leah Chase – from Sub Food Service to Rover Sub #1 at the Middle School, at the High School, at the rate of $12.50/hour, effective September 23, 2019.
Amanda Hagy – from Rover Sub #1 to General Worker #4 at the Middle School, at the rate of $12.80/hour, effective September 11, 2019.
Linda McCann – from General Worker #4 at the Middle School, to General Worker #3 at the Middle School, at the rate of $13.75/hour, effective August 30, 2019.
Denise Spadafore – from Lunchroom/Playground Aid at Ross, to Substitute Lunchroom/Playground Aid, at the rate of $9.49/hour, effective September 30, 2019.

LEGISLATIVE
Mr. Nudi stated that the House of Representatives was to return to session today (9/19) and the Senate returns tomorrow (9/20).  He is hopeful that the Charter School Reform legislation will continue to move forward.

He announced that he and Dr. Mannarino met with Representative Gaydos and Representative Sonney to ask for their support for this legislation.

POLICY
A motion was made by Mr. Kelly and seconded by Mrs. Mathis to add the following Policy Items to the October 3, 2019 Agenda for second reading and approval:

1.	Revisions to Policy 707 – Use of School Facilities
2.	Revisions to Policy 711 – Use of School Athletic Fields.

A motion was made by Mr. Kelly, seconded by Mrs. Mathis, and unanimously passed to approve the second reading and adoption of the following Policy Items, as recommended by the Superintendent:

4.	 Revisions to Policy 002 – Authority and Power

5.	 Revisions to Policy 003 – Functions

6.	 Revisions to Policy 005 – Organization

7.	 New Policy 121 – Title I – Comparability of Services

8.	 Revisions to Policy 220 – Student Expression/Distribution and Posting of Materials

9.	 Revisions to Policy 330 – Family and Medical Leaves – Administrative Employees

10.	 Revisions to Policy 430 – Family and Medical Leaves – Professional Employees

11.	 Revisions to Policy 530 – Family and Medical Leaves – Classified Employees

12.	 New Policy 712 – Crowdfunding

13.	 New Policy 913 – Non-School Organizations/Groups/Individuals

SUPPORT SERVICES
A motion was made by Mr. Burnett, seconded by Mrs. Reid and unanimously passed to approve the Bid Award for Security Cameras, as per document 1, as recommended by the Superintendent.  This is an award for 50 indoor cameras including software and licenses, in the amount of $28,513.50; and the bid for 32 outdoor cameras, including mounting equipment, software and licenses, in the amount of $40,753.60 to Dagostino Electronic Services, Inc.

A motion was made by Mr. Burnett, seconded by Mrs. Reid, and unanimously passed to approve the Disposition of Certain Used, Obsolete Equipment and Furnishings, as per document 2, as recommended by the Superintendent.  The items include 3-step choral risers, back rails and choral robes.

ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
None

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned 9:13 p.m.

__________________________________________
Loretta J. Rieger
School Board Secretary