McKeesport Area School District



McKEESPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICTRegular Board MeetingAugust 14, 2019PresidingJoe Lopretto, PresidentDate, Time, PlaceWednesday, August 14, 2019, 7:30 PM, Board Room, Administration Building, 3590 O’Neil Boulevard, McKeesport, PA 15132.Opening ExercisesMr. Lopretto called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM, followed byThe Pledge to the Flag. We met in Executive Session prior to tonight’s meeting to discuss personnel and potential litigation items and issues. Please be reminded to turn off all cell phones upon entering the Board Room.PresentJim BrownDavid Donato – by phoneThomas FiloteiIvan HamptonMary Jane KellerSteve KondroskyJoe LoprettoJames PostonMindy Sturgess Others PresentDr. Mark Holtzman, SuperintendentDr. Tia Wanzo, Assistant SuperintendentMatthew Gergely, Business Manager/Board SecretaryCharles Kiss, Business Affairs/TreasurerGary Matta, SolicitorBoard President’s Remarks – Well, I can’t believe where summer went. I’m still looking to find out where it went. We ended the year on a good note, except for graduation when it rained. Now we’re coming back to the beginning of the school year which I think it’s going to be fabulous because our staff and administration has worked tremendously hard over the summer, so I look for nothing but good things to come and I’m sure our students are just loving it, just like the staff that they got to be back in school next week. That’s all I got to say.Superintendent’s Report – Thank you. So, I would just like to echo those sentiments. I’m excited to welcome our teachers and staff back tomorrow for a new school year, the 19/20 school year. I mean sounds insane. I am really excited for the opportunity to engage students, engage Regular Board MeetingAugust 14, 2019staff, welcome new staff members. Do all the things necessary to get our school started off on the right foot. Tomorrow we have some activities planned where our administration is going to serve our teaching staff and the rest of our support staff breakfast. Then we will follow up with our kickoff meeting in the auditorium welcoming everybody back and generate a little bit of excitement before we go to our classrooms and so on. Also, throughout the summer things have kind of kicked off here. Our training camps, our band camp, soccer, football. Kids are on campus already in full swing, working, preparing for their upcoming seasons and competitions, which is going to be obviously the fall, it’s an exciting time here in McKeesport for all of those activities. I continue to be very fortunate to lead our school district. Dr. Wanzo and I into our third year in our roles and I think we’re headed in a really strong direction and will continue to make the best effort that we possibly can in supporting our administration and our staff and leading our school district and our community forward. Thank you.Treasurer’s Report – Mr. Brown moved to acknowledge receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for the months of June and July 2019. Seconded by Mr. Poston.Voting aye. Mr. Brown, Mr. Donato, Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessHearing of CitizensRon Bishop Sr., 2720 Lafayette Street, McKeesport, PA 15132.Mr. Bishop addressed the Board on the issue of Ron Bishop Jr.Minutes – Mr. Kondrosky moved to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 22, 2019, Regular Meeting of June 26, 2019 and Special Meeting of July 10, 2019. Seconded by Mr. Filotei.Voting aye. Mr. Brown, Mr. Donato, Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessBills – Mr. Kondrosky moved to approve the list of bills. Seconded by Mr. Filotei.Voting aye. Mr. Brown, Mr. Donato, Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessRefunds – Mr. Poston moved to approve property tax refunds as presented. Seconded by Mr. Kondrosky.Voting aye. Mr. Brown, Mr. Donato, Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessRegular Board MeetingAugust 14, 2019MOU – Mrs. Sturgess moved to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with Alliance Christian Child Care Center to provide child care services before and after school at Twin Rivers and Francis McClure schools for the 2019/2020 school year. Seconded by Mr. Kondrosky. Dr. Holtzman explained.Voting aye. Mr. Brown, Mr. Donato, Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessInsurance – Mr. Poston moved to approve the insurances through MGI Risk Management with CM Regent as the carrier effective 9/15/19 through 9/14/20 for coverage to total $1M for an annual premium of $208,035.00. Seconded by Mr. Kondrosky. Mr. Kiss explained.Voting aye. Mr. Brown, Mr. Donato, Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessProgram – Mrs. Sturgess moved to approve the Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program. Seconded by Mr. Kondrosky. Dr. Wanzo explained.Voting aye. Mr. Brown, Mr. Donato, Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessPA Coach – Mr. Kondrosky moved to approve the list of drivers and monitors from PA Coach for the 2019/2020 school year with receipt of appropriate documentation. Seconded by Mr. Poston.Voting aye. Mr. Brown, Mr. Donato, Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessInsurance – Mr. Poston moved to approve the recommendation of MGI Risk Management to change group life insurance carrier to One America beginning 9/1/19 for an annual premium of $28,939.92. Seconded by Mr. Brown. Mr. Kiss explained.Voting aye. Mr. Brown, Mr. Donato, Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessSponsor – Mr. Kondrosky moved to approve a ten (10) year - $10,00 athletic sponsorship between McKeesport Area School District and Parkview Community Federal Credit Union to be the sponsor of the Homecoming football game event. Seconded by Mr. Kondrosky. Mr. Kiss Regular Board MeetingAugust 14, 2019explained.Voting aye. Mr. Brown, Mr. Donato, Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessResolution – Mr. Poston moved to approve Resolution #1223 – Memorandum of Understanding between McKeesport Area School District and the City of McKeesport Police Department dated August 1, 2019 pending review by the solicitor. Seconded by Mr. Kondrosky. Dr. Holtzman explained.Voting aye. Mr. Brown, Mr. Donato, Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessResolution – Mr. Poston moved to approve Resolution #1224 – Memorandum of Understanding between McKeesport Area School District and the Borough of White Oak Police Department dated August 1, 2019 pending review by the solicitor. Seconded by Mrs. Keller.Voting aye. Mr. Brown, Mr. Donato, Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessPrices – Mr. Poston moved to approve adult cafeteria prices as follows:Adult lunch$3.65Adult lunch entre$1.75Adult breakfast$1.90Adult breakfast entre$1.05Seconded by Mr. Kondrosky.Voting aye. Mr. Brown, Mr. Donato, Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessAgreement – Mrs. Sturgess moved to approve an agreement with Interim Health Care to provide skilled nursing services for a district student. Seconded by Mrs. Keller.Voting aye. Mr. Brown, Mr. Donato, Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessAgreement – Mrs. Sturgess moved to approve an agreement with Capital Healthcare Services to provide skilled nursing services for a district student. Seconded by Mr. Hampton.Regular Board MeetingAugust 14, 2019Voting aye. Mr. Brown, Mr. Donato, Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessAct #64 – Mr. Poston moved to approve the application for Act #64 of 2019 – Flexible Instructional Day Program. Seconded by Mr. Filotei. Dr. Holtzman explained.Voting aye. Mr. Brown, Mr. Donato, Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessGreen Sheets – Mr. Kondrosky moved to approve personnel recommendations (green sheets). Seconded by Mrs. KellerACT 93:CHANGE OF STATUS:1.Don WilliamsFrom:ResignationTO:RetirementTO BE HIRED: Effective immediately. Salary per Act 93 Agreement:1.Timothy WilsonTechnology Coordinator/Network AdministratorPROFESSIONAL:RETIREMENT: Effective 06-04-19: Retirement is requested under the Early Retirement Incentive Program for Professional Employees adopted 12-06-17: The Board agrees to waive stipulation 1 under Section 2:1.Jamie FiloteiElementary Teacher, McClure Elementary SchoolRESIGNATION: Effective 08/15/19:1.Dylan CliffordSpecial Education Teacher, Founder’s Hall.2.Madeline NeelyHealth/Physical Education Teacher, High School.3.Kelly ShashSpecial Education Teacher, Twin Rivers Elementary SchoolLEAVE OF ABSENCE:1.Shelby KeenanElementary Teacher, Twin Rivers Elementary School, Unpaid leave of absence effective 08-20-19 to an undetermined date. (FMLA)2.Rachel MitchellSpanish Teacher, High School, leave of absence effective 08-15-19. Unpaid leave will commence at the expiration of specified sick days. (FMLA)Regular Board MeetingAugust 14, 20193.Katie HasselhoffElementary Teacher, Twin Rivers Elementary School, unpaid leave of absence for the 19-20 school year.TO BE HIRED: Effective 08-15-19:1.Samuel LigerosMathematics Teacher, High School(McCormack)Step 1B$41,778.002.Brandi BrownElementary/Special Education Teacher, East End (A. Smith)Academy Step 1B$41,778.003.Brennan McMahonSpecial Education Teacher, East End Academy(J. Perry)Step 1B$41,778.004.John SchnatterlySpecial Education Teacher, Founder’s Hall(D. Clifford)Step 1B$41,778.005.Cara LatusekSpecial Education Teacher, Twin Rivers Elementary (K. Shash)Step 1M$41,978.006.Victoria PomilioHealth/Physical Education Teacher, High School(M. Neely)Step 1M$41,978.00TO BE HIRED: LONG TERM SUBSTITUTE. 1.Danielle JiancristoforoSpecial Education Teacher, McClure Elementary (D. Chorik)Rate of pay will be $100.00/day + benefits and increase to $125.00 on the 61st day.2.Marie HayesElementary Teacher, Twin Rivers Elementary (S. Keenan)Rate of pay will be $100.00/day + benefits and increase to $125.00 on the 61st day.3.____________________Spanish Teacher, High School(R. Mitchell)4.Joanna MichalakElementary Teacher, Twin Rivers Elementary (K. Haselhoff)Rate of pay will be $100.00/pay + benefits andincrease to $125.00 on the 61st day.CHANGES TO THE SUBSTITUTE TEACHER LIST:ADDITIONS:1.*Taeler WrightEmergency Day-to-Day Substitute (pending certification)2.*John DomarskyEmergency Day-to-Day Substitute (pending certification)3.*Kenyatta HamlinEmergency Day-to-Day Substitute (pending certification)TO BE HIRED: Title I Facilitators effective 08-20-19: Rate of pay will be either $100.00/day + individual benefits or $110.00/day without benefits:Regular Board MeetingAugust 14, 20191.__________________McClure Elementary School(DelleFemine)2.Emily CornishMcClure Elementary School(B. Truss)TO BE HIRED: Permanent Day-to-Day Substitutes for the 2019-2010 school year. Rate of pay will $100.00/day + individual benefits and increase to $125.00 on the 61st day.1.Monica PoupakisMcClure Elementary School2.Tyrone NealMcClure Elementary School3.Antoinette DiBattistaMcClure Elementary School4.Sade BanksTwin Rivers Elementary School5.Jessica GerberTwin Rivers Elementary School6.Jackie TreeseTwin Rivers Elementary School7.Lauren CuppsFounder’s Hall8.Kristen AssiFounder’s Hall9.Donald KorinkoFounder’s Hall10.Theresa KulasaHigh School11.Kevin JohnsonHigh School12.Kyler MaddiganHigh School13.Elaine HrindaHigh SchoolCHANGES TO THE SUBSTITUTE TEACHER LIST:DELETIONS:1.Nicole SchierElementaryBOARD ACTION TO ELIMINATE THE FOLLOWING PROFESSIONAL POSITION EFFECTIVEAT THE BEGINNING OF THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR:(1)Grade 4 at McClure Elementary SchoolBOARD ACTION TO CREATE THE FOLLOWING PROFESSIONAL POSITION EFFECTIVEAT THE BEGINNING OF THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR:(1)Math Specialist at Founder’s Hall SUPPORT STAFF:RESIGNATION:1.Angelique FowlerGeneral Worker, High School, effective 08-15-19.2.Joanna MichalakSpecial Education Assistant, Twin Rivers Elementary effective 08-15-19.Regular Board MeetingAugust 14, 20193.John DomarksySpecial Education Assistant, High School, effective 08-15-194.Sona SanfordGeneral Worker, High School, effective 08-15-19.TO BE HIRED: Effective immediately:1.*Brandon PostonGroundskeeperYearly Salary $35,085.00 (pro-rated)2.*Tracy FicheraInstructional Assistant, placement to be determined.Step 1Salary $16,300.00 (pro-rated)3.*Monica LaRotondaInstructional Assistant, placement to be determined.Step 1Salary $16,300.00 (pro-rated)4.*Jennifer GorscakInstructional Assistant, placement to be determined.Step 1Salary $16,300.00 (pro-rated)5.Sona SanfordInstructional Assistant, placement to be determined.Step 1Salary $16,300.00 (pro-rated)6.*Ashley KittaFederal Instructional Assistant, CTC – High School(M. Grimball)Step 1Salary $15,957.00 (pro-rated)LEAVE OF ABSENCE:1.Lynne CopeInstructional Assistant, Founder’s Hall, unpaid leaveof absence effective 08-15-19 to an undetermined date (not to exceed 1 year)2.Rosin BrownGeneral Worker, Food Service Department, unpaid leave of absence effective 08-23-19 to an undetermined date (not to exceed 1 year)CHANGES TO THE SUBSTITUTE LISTS:1.*Nassiah BrayInstructional Assistant2.*Anica PaigeInstructional Assistant3.*Sharyn MahoneyFood Service4.*Nancy SiskoFood Service* Pending receipt of Act 24, 34, 114 and 151 clearances, Act 168 Disclosure Release, T.B. Tine and Drug Test results.Regular Board MeetingAugust 14, 2019Voting aye. Mr. Brown, *Mr. Filotei, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Kondrosky, Mr. Lopretto, **Mr. Poston, Mrs. SturgessVoting no. Mr. Donato*Mr. Filotei – abstaining on Professional Retirement – Jamie Filotei**Mr. Poston – abstaining on Support Staff To Be Hired – Brandon PostonCommittee Reports -Athletic –Mary Jane Keller/James Brown/Ivan Hampton – Mr. Hampton reported. Our Athletic Committee met August 6th to discuss personnel recommendations for spring sports. That would be available on the green sheets. We discussed the Parkvale Community Credit Union sponsorship which Mr. Kiss already went over. Season tickets for this upcoming football season will be available in the Athletic Office August 14, 15 and 16. It was also mentioned that tailgate tickets $12 for adults, $5 for children. T-shirts will be given with each purchase. The homecoming tailgate will be honoring cheerleaders, dance, band and colorguard. You can contact the Athletic Director’s office for any further information.Buildings & Grounds – Steve Kondrosky/Mindy Sturgess– Mr. Kondrosky reported. We met this morning, Mr. Mihalov, Mr. Balogh and Mr. Gergely. They gave me a list of things that they have accomplished over the last few months. Founders Hall room small lab was renovated, rearranged room 112 for more classroom. Founders Hall hallway storage area was set up for shop class. Founders Hall cafeteria fan motor blade was changed out. That’s all done in house. It’s a savings. The main hallway ceiling tile was replaced. Founders Hall pre-k entrance railing was removed and put back in place. They scrapped some desks. Founders Hall trophy case for Ashlee Boyle was addressed and the Founders Hall lockers were all re-combinated. At the high school, the AC units were picked up from the home ec room. The outside drain was connected where we were having a water problem outside one of the guidance areas. Tudi Electrical worked on the stage, did some landscaping. The high school band hallway tile asbestos abatement. Administration, the ceiling tile was repaired. Old damper removed and sealed from a leaking area. Twin River elevator primary wing, they had to have the board replaced on the elevator, obviously it was out of warranty and it cost us a couple of dollars. Twin River gates were repaired. McClure counter top was repaired for Dr. Petrick. The landscaping and shrub removal took place. They repaired a water leak in room 88. The playground fence was removed on the 29th and Redrock installed a new fence on the 31st. The stadiums were cleaned for three consecutive days. The new keys cut for the football staff per our Athletic Director, Charley Kiss. New chains and locks were put on the practice field gates. The stadium meeting room, heat and exhaust fan was repaired. Bathroom sink was replaced. PAWS year end party Regular Board MeetingAugust 14, 2019was held at the stadium on the 18th. All football practice areas are lined and prepped. All football equipment was delivered to the practice fields. There is one move sled that has to be put together. Soccer fields were lined and prepped. Abco inspected all of the fire extinguishers and hoods district wide. AGX state mandated water lead testing came back. No elevated lead levels and we’re good to go. That concludes my report. Community Relations/Cultural Diversity – James Brown/Ivan Hampton – Mr. Brown reported. No meeting this month.Education/Legislation/Policy – Mary Jane Keller/Mindy Sturgess – Mrs. Sturgess reported. The Education/Legislation and Policy committee met today. There were no items for legislation. But in terms of the Education committee, we had asked for some more in depth information on Founders Hall comprehensive school improvement plan. The comprehensive school improvement plan is for Title I schools that are having some academic struggles and Founders Hall was identified as one of those school eligible. Starting back in January a committee was put together and over a series of meetings the plan was developed. I’m not going to go over the entire thing as it is a little bit hefty, but within it are specific goals that have been established. There will be some additional monitoring in terms of student performance. There is going to be a heave focus on our mathematics program this year which I am really excited about. There was a lot of enthusiasm in the classrooms about some of the changes including some additional assessments and some additional resources for teachers, additional training. We are looking to hopefully improve or increase communication with parents based on some of those assessments that will put in place. That concludes my report.Finance/Grants/Outside Funding – Mary Jane Keller/James Poston – Mrs. Keller reported. We met today also. We discussed the refinancing of money for projects that we recently did and we discussed prioritizing those projects. The budget for the 19/20 school year shows a decrease in Title I funding which is a concern. Our discussion was about Access billing issues and good news, the S&P rating for the district has gone up from BBB+ to A-. That’s my report.Personnel – Mindy Sturgess/Steve Kondrosky – Mrs. Sturgess reported. The personnel committee met on August 7th and we discussed those personnel items that were approved on this evening’s green sheets. That concludes my report.Safe Schools – James Poston/Tom Filotei – Mr. Poston reported. Dr. Wanzo and Dr. Holtzman met with the building principals yesterday I believe it was to go over the beginning of the school year. All metal detectors are up and ready for the first day of school.Dr. Holtzman – I would like to just take a second. There are a couple of individuals were part of Regular Board MeetingAugust 14, 2019the process and now are going to be part of the McKeesport Area School District family and I want to congratulate you and take a minute to just to congratulate a new member of my administration, Mr. Tim Wilson, who is right here in the front row. He will be our new Technology Coordinator here in the district. We are excited not only of his skills and ability, but his reputation. We’re happy to have him. We’re proud to have him and I look forward to him joining my administrative team very soon. So, congratulations. Solicitor’s Report – No report.Correspondence – None.New Business – None.Adjournment – 8:15 PM – Mr. Kondrosky moved for adjournment. Seconded by Mrs. Keller.Voting aye. All Members present.ATTEST: _____________________________________________________________________Matthew R. Gergely, Business Manager/Board Secretary ................
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