I. roll call, flag salute, and a moment of silence

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
February 5, 2013
I. ROLL CALL, FLAG SALUTE, AND A MOMENT OF SILENCE
A voting meeting of the Board of Directors of the Punxsutawney Area School District

was held on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the board room of the Central Office

located at 475 Beyer Avenue with the following board members present:

Mrs. Roberta Dinsmore, Mr. James Baun, Mr. Francis Molinaro, Mr. Gary Conrad, Ms. Lesa Conner, Mr. Robert Pascuzzo, Mr. Jack White and Mrs. Penny Pifer. Mrs. Melissa Snyder was excused from the meeting.

Student Board members Renee Belisky, Laura Chelgren and Rachel Spack were present.
Also in attendance were Dr. Keith Wolfe, Superintendent; Mrs. Susan Robertson, Business Administrator/Board Secretary; Attorney David L. Young, Solicitor; Administrators –

Mr. Gerald Gigliotti, Mr. Richard Galluzzi, Mr. Dave London, Mr. Richard Britten and

Mrs. Kate Shaffer.
**Note** There was an executive session held from 6:00 p.m. to 6:55 p.m.
II. PUBLIC COMMENTS

A. Individuals signed up to address the Board during the 2 minute section:

1. Christina Pierce, 488 Harmony Road, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. Ms. Pierce addressed the board regarding abolishing an art teacher position. She is currently an art teacher and would like the program to continue to grow. She discussed the value of a strong art program. Statistics regarding Art education were presented. She discussed how the PASD art program benefited her.

2. Nancy Jones, 97 Jenks Ave., Punxsutawney, PA 15767. Ms. Jones indicated that numbers show the value of an art education program. She indicated the students are counting on the board to support a strong Art program.

3. Lyndz Bowers, 500A Highland Ave., Punxsutawney, PA 15767. Ms. Bowers is working as a psychological intern and she sees the value of Art education on a daily basis. She further explained how she uses art in her daily profession evaluating individuals and as a therapy. She would like to see the Art program continue as it is.

4. Ava Small, 123 Church Street, Punxsutawney, Pa 15767. Ms. Small is an art student currently. It is the one class she looks forward to each day. She believes a variety of art options should be offered.

5. Bethany Butler, 115 Cherry Street, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. Ms. Butler is a junior and is enrolled in art classes. She intends to pursue a post-secondary degree in art.

6. Cynthia Butler, 115 Cherry Street, Punxsutawney, PA. Ms. Butler would also like to see the art program continue. She indicated the Punxsutawney Area has greatly benefited from the art program. She believes our program is one of the best in the area. Multiple teachers offer a variety of techniques.

7. Caleb Gramolini, 468 Wachob Drive, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. Mr. Gramolini indicated the district’s technology program costs a great deal of money. He believes it would be better spent on the art program. Art provides him with the ability to express himself. Art provides a way for students to be different. There is more than one right answer in art.

8. Kimberly Belisky, 5233 Sprankle Mills Road, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. Ms. Belisky indicated art is a class where she can be herself. The art teachers go out of their way to help students.

9. Ron Walker, PO Box 117, 222 Ellermeyer Road, Walston, PA 15781. Mr. Walker provided the board with another handout regarding the tax collector commission rates.

B. Individuals who signed up to address the Board during the 10 minute comment section:

1. Don Gill, President of PAEA. Mr. Gill indicated teaching is more than a job or a paycheck, it is a calling. He is very disappointed by remarks made by some board members. The remarks printed in a recent Punxsy Spirit article were inflammatory. He further outlined the facts of the bargaining process. Regarding drug testing, PAEA could not consider random drug testing because it violates constitutional rights.

He would like everyone to be united in educating students. Bargaining occurred in good faith. He would appreciate future bargaining to occur at the table, not in public.

III. PRESENTATION
None
IV. STUDENT BOARD REPORT
Renee Belisky highlighted the Groundhog King/Queen crowning. She also indicated that the Variety Show is in full swing.
Laura Chelgren informed the board that the formal tickets are on sale now.
Rachel Spack informed the board that the prom is being planned and the High School play is next week.
V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Mrs. Dinsmore, seconded by Ms. Conner to approve the minutes from

the January 8, 2013 Committee Meeting.

On a voice vote the motion passed 8-0. The vote was eight yes.
VII. REPORTS
A. Transportation (Mrs. Repik)

A motion was made by Mr. White, seconded by Mrs. Pifer to approve the following:

1. Additional drivers for Krise Bus Service

2. New bus stops

3. Special needs requests

On a roll call vote Mr. Baun, Ms. Conner, Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Molinaro,

Mr. Pascuzzo, Mrs. Pifer, and Mr. White voted yes. The vote was eight yes. The

motion passed 8-0.

B. Building and Maintenance

1. A motion was made by Mr. Baun, seconded by Mr. White to approve a proposal from Tru Green for maintenance of the football and practice fields at a cost of $8,010 – same pricing as the last two years.

Mr. Molinaro asked where the money comes from. Mrs. Robertson indicated the General

Fund.

Mr. Pascuzzo said we need to do proper maintenance on the fields.
On a roll call vote Mr. Baun, Ms. Conner, Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Molinaro,

Mr. Pascuzzo, Mrs. Pifer and Mr. White voted yes. The vote was eight yes. The motion

passed 8-0.
2. Discussion:

Mr. Baun indicated the district is considering permitting the current garage area to become

an extended weight room if the Booster Club pays all costs associated with the project.

A joint Buildings/Ground and Athletic Committee Meeting will be held on February 20,

2013 to discuss a project.

C. Federal Programs & Curriculum Reports (Mr. Galluzzi)

A motion was made by Mrs. Dinsmore, seconded by Mr. White to approve the following

purchase orders:

• 
  Apple Computers – iPads – TV (RLIS / Title Funds) $26,166.49
  
• 
  Rand McNally – wall map combos (RLIS Funds) $ 5,461.60
  

On a roll call vote Mr. Baun, Ms. Conner, Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Molinaro,

Mr. Pascuzzo, Mrs. Pifer and Mr. White voted yes. The vote was eight yes. The

motion passed 8-0.

Mr. Galluzzi indicated the Keystone awards were on display for seven of our

buildings for making AYP for the last two years.

D. Cafeteria

A motion was made by Ms. Conner, seconded by Mrs. Dinsmore to approve providing

breakfast for 2 days during the PSSA testing with the dates to be determined based on

testing schedule.

On a roll call vote Mr. Baun, Ms. Conner, Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Molinaro,

Mr. Pascuzzo, Mrs. Pifer and Mr. White voted yes. The vote was eight yes. The motion

passed 8-0.

E. Financial
A motion was made by Mrs. Dinsmore, seconded by Mr. Molinaro to approve the following:

1. Financial summary and board reports

2. Exonerations

3. Purchase order:

• 
  Apple Computer – open PO for repair parts $15,000.00
  

4. 5-year renewal with Verizon for WAN service keeping all school at 100 Mbps except the

main campus area and increasing it to 1000 Mbps at a cost of $2541.38 per month, a

savings of $244.80 per month, after the E-Rate discount, over our current costs

5. Renew the Middle School guidance copier contract for a three-year period at 255.53 per

month, this is at a savings of @26.99 per month over the current contract

6. Upgrade CSIU student information system agreement – move to hosted service

• 
  Additional costs for 2012-2013 will be $13,275.00 for conversion and support
  
• 
  Annual increases of $5,063 each year over current contract price ($11,077.56) through 2016-2017 to reach full package price
  

A discussion was held regarding e-Rate.

On a roll call vote Mr. Baun, Ms. Conner, Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Molinaro,

Mr. Pascuzzo, Mrs. Pifer and Mr. White voted yes. The vote was eight yes. The motion

passed 8-0.
F. Superintendent’s Report (Dr. Wolfe)
Informational

Keystone Awards – Mr. Galluzzi discussed earlier

Dr. Wolfe updated the board on the carpet problems at Parkview and Longview. Problems

still remain.

Voting Items

A motion was made by Mrs. Dinsmore, seconded by Ms. Conner to approve the

“Official local district holidays” under Section 1502 of the Pennsylvania Public School

Code of December 24, 26, 27, 30, and 31, 2013, as part of the 2013-14 Punxsutawney

Area School District annual school calendar. (Resolution was read.)
On a roll call vote Mr. Baun, Ms. Conner, Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Molinaro,

Mr. Pascuzzo, Mrs. Pifer and Mr. White voted yes. The vote was eight yes. The motion

passed 8-0.
A motion was made by Mrs. Dinsmore, seconded by Ms. Conner to approve the school

calendar for the 2013-14 school year, which incorporates the “official local holidays.”

(Resolution was read.)
On a roll call vote Mr. Baun, Ms. Conner, Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Molinaro,

Mr. Pascuzzo, Mrs. Pifer and Mr. White voted yes. The vote was eight yes. The motion

passed 8-0.
A motion was made by Mrs. Dinsmore, seconded by Ms. Conner to approve the

recommendations of the Administration to expel Student No. 19231 for the remainder of

the 2012-2013 school year, commencing on or about January 17, 2013. This expulsion from

school will be served in the Punxsutawney Area High School alternative education

classroom. The Board further adopts the recommendation to require Student No. 19231 to

comply with any treatment/counseling recommendations that may result out of the SAP

Referral issued as a result of the charged infraction.

Said expulsion and Student Assistance Program Referral are a result of the Student’s

violation of School District Policies 218, 218.2, 218.4, and Act 26 violation, and the State

Board of Education Regulations located at 22 Pa. Code 12.2.

While serving out the expulsion, the Student is prohibited from attending any extra-

curricular, co-curricular, or school sponsored activities and is not permitted on school

property, other than to attend classes in the exclusion classroom, without receiving prior

authorization from the Superintendent, High School Principal and/or their designees.

On a roll call vote Mr. Baun, Ms. Conner, Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Molinaro,

Mr. Pascuzzo, Mrs. Pifer and Mr. White voted yes. The vote was eight yes. The motion

passed 8-0.
A motion was made by Ms. Conner, seconded by Mrs. Pifer to approve the conferences and

field trips as presented.

On a roll call vote Mr. Baun, Ms. Conner, Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Molinaro,

Mr. Pascuzzo, Mrs. Pifer and Mr. White voted yes. The vote was eight yes. The motion

passed 8-0.

Discussion – Psychologist Intern for 2013-2014 school year

Dr. Wolfe indicated the district reduced its psychology staff a few years ago. Statistics were

provided outlining various evaluations done by psychologists. An effective way to help with the increased workload is to hire a Psychology Intern. They would receive a small salary and benefits.

G. Personnel and Instruction
1. A motion was made by Mr. Molinaro, seconded by Ms. Conner to hire Tessa Ellis as an

Elementary teacher @ Bachelor Step 1.

Mr. White disagrees with how the decision was made.
On a roll call vote Mr. Baun, Ms. Conner, Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Molinaro and

Mr. Pascuzzo, voted yes. Mrs. Pifer and Mrs. White voted no. The vote was six yes, two

no. The motion passed 6-2.
A motion was made by Mr. Molinaro, seconded by Mrs. Dinsmore to approve the following:

2. Hire Deborah Barilar as a van monitor

3. Create four new Special Education Instructional Assistant positions due to student needs.

Positions will range from 3.5 to 5.5 hours per day with no paid lunch and will be funded

with ACCESS monies

4. Accept a resignation letter from Aaron Hendricks, part-time cleaner – effective

11 February 2013. As requested Aaron will remain active on the sub list.
On a roll call vote Mr. Baun, Ms. Conner, Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Molinaro and

Mrs. Pifer voted yes. Mr. Pascuzzo and Mr. White voted no. The vote was six yes, two no.

The motion passed 6-2.
A motion was made by Mr. Molinaro, seconded by Ms. Conner to approve the following:

5. Nancy Jones to remain active on the substitute list upon retirement in February and to be a

volunteer Art Club Advisor for the remainder of the 2012-2013 school year

6. Erika Olson as a mentor for Jessie Zameroski at a stipend of $400 for the year

On a roll call vote Mr. Baun, Ms. Conner, Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Molinaro,

Mr. Pascuzzo, Mrs. Pifer and Mr. White voted yes. The vote was eight yes. The motion

passed 8-0.
A motion was made by Mr. Molinaro, seconded by Ms. Conner to approve the following:

7. Sherry Spicher as Head Teacher for the Bell Township Elementary School

8. Additions and deletions to the substitute lists
On a roll call vote Mr. Baun, Ms. Conner, Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Molinaro,

Mr. Pascuzzo, Mrs. Pifer and Mr. White voted yes. The vote was eight yes. The motion

passed 8-0.
9. A motion was made by Mr. Molinaro, seconded by Mr. White to abolish one Art teacher

position at the end of the 2012-2013 school year.

Mrs. Pifer read a prepared statement regarding the importance of the Art position.

Mrs. Dinsmore commented on the importance of Art also.

Renee Belisky also commented on the importance of Art, especially for senior students.

Mr. Pascuzzo asked for Dr. Wolfe’s opinion.

Dr. Wolfe provided his view on the position
On a roll call vote Ms. Conner, Mr. Conrad, Mr. White and Mr. Baun voted yes.

Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Molinaro, Mr. Pascuzzo and Mrs. Pifer voted no. The vote was four

yes, four no. The motion was defeated with a 4-4 vote.
10. A motion was made by Mr. Baun, seconded by Ms. Conner to approve action on the tax

collector commission rates. The change to the rates will be as follows:

• 
  $2.00 for each real estate tax bill mailed
  
• 
  $2.00 for each real estate tax bill collected
  
• 
  $2.00 for each installment payment received
  

• 
  $1.50 for each per capita/occupation tax bill mailed
  
• 
  $1.50 for each per capita/occupation tax bill collected
  

These commission rates will become effective for the 2014 school taxes.

On a roll call vote Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Molinaro, Mrs. Pifer, Mr. Baun and

Ms. Conner voted yes. Mr. White voted no. Mr. Pascuzzo abstained. The vote was six

yes, one no with one abstaining. The motion passed 6-1.
H. Athletics
There will be a joint meeting with Building/Grounds on February 20, 2013 @ 2:00 p.m.

in the board room.

I. Educational Achievement / High School Student Government Class Officer

Report (Mrs. Snyder)
None
VIII. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
A. Vocational-Technical School Report

None

B. I.U. 6 Report
None
Mr. White asked if the IU could provide a psychologist. Dr. Wolfe indicated yes, but it is

more costly than the intern option.

IX. COMMUNICATIONS

The Punxsutawney Area School District will be holding a School and Community Forum on February 26, 2013 to discuss the issue of school safety and security. This event will take place at 7:00 PM in the Punxsutawney Area High School Auditorium and will include a panel of local first responders, law enforcement, and emergency services personnel.

X. PAYMENT OF BILLS
A motion was made by Mrs. Dinsmore, seconded by Mr. Molinaro to approve to pay the list of bills for the general fund and cafeteria fund as presented.
Mrs. Dinsmore discussed some of the bills being approved.
On a roll call vote Mr. Baun, Ms. Conner, Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Molinaro,

Mr. Pascuzzo, Mrs. Pifer and Mr. White voted yes. The vote was eight yes. The motion

passed 8-0.
XI. NEW BUSINESS
None
XII. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:10 p.m. a motion was made by Mrs. Dinsmore to adjourn the meeting.

Respectfully Submitted,

Susan H. Robertson

Business Administrator/Board Secretary

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