1. Call to Order; Pledge of Allegiance

ORDER OF BUSINESS

President Jeffrey W. DeHaan called the meeting of the East Penn Board of School Directors to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room located at 800 Pine Street, Emmaus, PA, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Board Members Present: J. W. DeHaan, F. E. Fuller, E. Gannon, J. J. Lucadamo, S. Rhodes, T. Richwine, M. Robert, A. Thompson Board Member Absent: C. H. Ballard Board Solicitors: Marc Fisher, Esq. and Robert Magee, Esq., Worth, Magee, & Fisher Board Secretary: Cecilia R. Birdsell Board Treasurer: Gary Reigal Superintendent of Schools: Dr. Alrita L. Morgan Press Present: Kathleen Parrish, Morning Call Reporter Cheryl Baker, East Penn Press Reporter

2. Recognition of Students:

Dr. Herman Corradetti said there are 11 students, the largest number in the Lehigh Valley, who have been named semifinalist. He explained that 1.2 million students take the test as juniors in October. Only 15,000 students qualify as semifinalists. Their success represents the common effort of the students themselves, their parents, teachers, and administrators from K-12. Dr. Morgan and Mr. DeHaan presented the following students with a Certificate of Excellence:

2002 National Merit Scholarship Program – Semifinalists

Udit Agrawal Joshua L. Callen Michael S. Hodavance Elliott J. Joh David B. Kluck Jacqueline D. Kroll Jason B. Lee Michael E. Marx Ryan M. Muldowney Ray Maitri Nancy Wu

Several of the following Commended students would have been semifinalists last year, but for some reason, the competition became tougher. The next group of 27 students are sought out by colleges and universities equally. The Commended students do as well if not better in college as the semifinalist students. Dr. Morgan and Mr. DeHaan presented Certificates of Excellence to the following students.

2002 National Merit Scholarship Program – Commended Students

Nicholas W. Bailey Rachel M. Brandell Jason A. Chlipala Katherine J. Drizos Brandon Eng-Rohrbach Bruce R. Fox Adam S. Hartman Rachel M. Hull Joel S. Hwang Nathan R. Jones Kira D. Kleaveland Nicholas A. Kokkinos Marc S. Leblond Alka Mathur Shana L. Metzger Brock A. Mosovsky Sunil Raman Catherine M. Sacchi Lauren E. Sloane Adam J. Smartschan Gretchen A. Souerwine Christopher Tien Andrew Tkaczuk Steve A. Weller

-1- October 8, 2001 Alexandra J. Wilson Chad E. Yaindl Janelle C. Zelko

Dr. Corradetti indicated that over 2,000 students competed in this contest and Miss Zelko has been recognized as the winner. Dr. Morgan and Mr. DeHaan presented Miss Zelko with a Certificate of Excellence.

2001 National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Award in Writing Winner

Janelle C. Zelko

Dr. Corradetti explained that each year students compete to be part of the Governor’s Schools of Excellence. The following students represented Emmaus High School. Dr. Corradetti thanked the Board for their support of the students at Emmaus High School. Dr. Morgan and Mr. DeHaan presented each student with a certificate acknowledging their participation.

2001 Students Completing Pennsylvania Governor’s Schools of Excellence

Jatin Gupta, Health Care Christopher Tien, Health Care Adam Hartman, Information Technology Sunil Raman, Information Technology Maitri Ray, International Studies Solai Vairavan, Global Entrepreneurship

Dr. Jerry Zinner, Director of K-12 Curriculum, explained the 2001 Regional Summer School of Excellence and was conducted this summer with 40 gifted and talented Grade 5 going to Grade 6 students. This was a collaborative effort among the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit, Allentown School District, Allentown Art Museum, and the East Penn School District. The Museum’s internationally identified Renaissance works of art were used as a foundation for teaching the identified subjects of art, mathematics, and language arts. There were additional opportunities for students to attend the Armor display at the Philadelphia Art Museum. The activities involved research, problem solving, writing in journals, art making and other mediums that culminated in making the four banners on display in the Board Room. Students used both old and new processes that helped them relate elements of the Renaissance to contemporary life. Dr. Zinner described and explained the four banners that were on display. The themes of the banners deal with artists and architects, explorers, scientists, and playwrights, poets, and authors. Dr. Morgan and Mr. DeHaan presented the students with certificates acknowledging their participation.

Regional Summer School of Excellence

Chris Mayberry Macungie School Jonathon Davis Macungie School Sarah Schaefer Jefferson School Christopher Markwich Macungie School Pratyusha Banik Wescosville School Aaron Cheung Wescosville School Doug Schwartz Wescosville School Julia Green Wescosville School

3. Requests to Address the Board

Mr. Don Frasier, 4989 Celia Drive, Wescosville reinforced the need for additional football, baseball and softball fields to eliminate borrowing fields. He asked that the Board consider these needs when recommendations are made from the Feasibility Study.

Mr. Tim Peek, 898 Frank Drive, Emmaus criticized the decision to ban field trips and travel out of the Commonwealth and to high profile areas. He specifically referred to the Marine Fitness Team, a club at Emmaus High School, that competes in San Diego, CA. He felt there was no reason to ban travel in the United States and that the decision should have been left up to the parents. He spoke about the letter that Dr. Morgan sent home on September 11.

4. Approval of Minutes

Motion by Lucadamo, Seconded by Rhodes RESOLVED, That the East Penn Board of School Directors approve the minutes of the September 24, 2001 meeting.

This resolution was unanimously adopted by voice vote.

5. Report of the Superintendent of Schools – Dr. Alrita L. Morgan

1. Personnel

-2- October 8, 2001 Motion by Lucadamo, Seconded by Rhodes RESOLVED, That the East Penn Board of School Directors approve the following personnel items:

Request for General Leave of Absence

Employee: Isabelle Patnaude Remedial Assistant Effective: October 1-November 9, 2001 Reference: Board Policy 539, General Leave

Childrearing Leave

Employee: Christine Gain, Speech Therapy Effective: October 3, 2001

Awarding Tenure

In accordance with Section 1121 of the PA School Code, the following temporary professional employees based upon satisfactory service be awarded tenure:

Nicole Caputo Special Education Wescosville School David Domchek Special Education Emmaus HS Marcia Friedberg Mathematics Lower Macungie MS Robin Zeth Healy Grade 4 Wescosville School Nicole Hromiak Grade 1 Lower Macungie School Gena Kaskus Kindergarten Lower Macungie School Tracie O’Connor Science Eyer MS Brent Ohl Science Emmaus HS Stuart Speicher English Emmaus HS Martha Teed Home Economics Emmaus HS Diane Tintle Special Education Shoemaker School Anthony Toto Social Studies Lower Macungie MS Maureen Welsh Health/Physical Ed. Lower Macungie MS David Willett Art Shoemaker School

Change in Employment Status

Employee From To

Jennifer Eaton Temporary Professional Professional Jill Bachl Full-Time Substitute Temporary Professional

Full-Time Substitute Teacher Appointment

Name/Address: Kristine K. Meichtry 1686 Victoria Circle, Allentown 18103 Education Level: B. A. Degree (2000) Undergraduate School: Cedar Crest College Effective: October 9, 2001 Assignment: Grade 2, Macungie School New Position Certification: Instructional I, Elementary Experience: 3/00-10/01: Per Diem Substitute (Salisbury/East Penn) Salary: $37,050, Step A, Year 1, Col. B

Teacher Aide Appointment

Name/Address: Judy Lynne Bomboy 3932 Eagle Circle, Slatington 18080 Assignment: Health Room, Lower Macungie School Vacancy created by transfer of Health Room Aide. Salary: $9.60/hour, 32 hours/week

Additions to the 2001-02 Per Diem Substitute List

-3- October 8, 2001 Heather Sheridan, Elementary Cathryn Yurasits, Elementary Annette Ackerman, Special Education Robin Monteleone, School Nurse Michael Russo, Science Erin Siegfried, Art

Patsy Vanim, Remediation Assistant

Co-Curricular Advisors

Maureen Welsh Intramurals-Girls Basketball $23.33/Session 10 Sessions Marc Dobbs Instramurals-Boys Basketball $23.33/Session 10 Sessions Tracy Maley Art Club & Ski Trips $23.33/Session 10 Sessions Each

Deb Suessmuth Ski Club $23.33/Session 10 Sessions Joe DiRado Table Tennis $23.33/Session 10 Sessions Conservancy Kids $23.33/session 5 Sessions Envirothon $23.33/session 10 Sessions

Educational Conferences

That the East Penn Board of School Directors approve the expenses for the individuals attending educational conferences as listed on Attachment 1.

These resolutions were duly adopted by the following roll call vote: Aye: DeHaan, Fuller, Gannon, Lucadamo, Rhodes, Richwine, Robert, Thompson------8 Absent: Ballard------1

Dr. Morgan said the calls received about field trips were mostly about obtaining refunds for deposits. The district administration is working through that process. They are also looking for alternative trips such as the Christmas Carol in Allentown instead of in New York. Dr. Morgan said she understands the disappointment of not going on the trips. She said there had been consultation with the principals and Central Office and there was a lot of discussion about what the district’s mission is in the schools. She said given the responsibility for safety and welfare of children and the unknown, that went into making the decision. Mrs. Thompson asked if the Board was going to discuss the Board Policy on Field Trips. Mr. DeHaan said the policy was not on the agenda. She said there were several board members who thought it would be helpful to put it on and discuss it in the Sunshine. Mr. DeHaan asked what would be the purpose of putting the policy on the agenda - to discuss it or to recommend changes. Mr. Robert said it would be on for revision to the policy and, if there were no revisions, then for discussion. Mr. DeHaan said it would be on the next agenda.

6. Facilities Audit Report

1. Enrollment Projections Update

Dr. Morgan said there has been a lot of information collected beyond the Feasibility Report. This evening she would be addressing enrollments and housing projections. She indicated that Dennis Ramella had presented field information in June and would be getting back with prices. The building systems report has been forwarded. This evening the Safe School Audit that was completed by New Century Solutions would be discussed. Dr. Morgan explained that each recommendation for the schools was reviewed by the principals and some of the suggestions have been implemented. There are some recommendations that are extensive, such as replacement of the lock system. There are some areas that can be covered by grant funds. Dr. Ziolkowski reviewed the audit of the secondary buildings, noting that about 50% of the recommendations were in the process of being implemented. There are items that are beyond the control of the Safety Committees because there are large ticket items. The internal security is what is the focus. The Emmaus HS report noted the following high priority items: locking of classrooms when not in use; student awareness of Student Assistance Program; and having a person monitor who comes in and out at the high school entrance. One of the major items is the disposable visitor badge. Signage across the district is also a problem. Different buildings have different signs and in different places. It is a problem of safety, direction and moving people in times of crisis. More staff should also be instructed in the use of alarm systems. Dr. Ziolkowski felt that grant funds could also be used. Dr. Ziolkowski emphasized that many of the things had been completed by the time the audit report had been received. There is an active Steering Committee and building level committees throughout the district. New Century Solutions will

-4- October 8, 2001 also help with a survey and will calculate the results. Ms. Gannon asked if the video tape would replace booklets. Dr. Ziolkowski said that the videotape would eventually replace the booklets; however, the booklets will be used for new students and parents. Ms. Gannon asked about the status of pending items such as the traffic light. Dr. Ziolkowski responded that there have been contacts with PENNDOT concerning the traffic light at Cedar Crest Boulevard and North Street. However, sometimes it is out of the control of the district to do anything, citing the light at Lower Macungie Middle School as an example. Referring to the elementary schools, Dr. Morgan said the lists were smaller and contained references to signage and keeping doors locked when classroom is not in use, etc. New Century Solutions will also provide some assistance in other areas such as staff training. Dr. Ziolkowski commented that the whole thing about the safety issue is to change the culture of the school and get people to respect each other, change attitudes, and change the culture of the community.

Mrs. Leslie Daniel, Director of Administrative Services, indicated that the greatest growth is in Lower Macungie Township and there has not been significant growth in Upper Milford. There has been a significant move in the developments that were in the planning stage to under construction. There are six major developments that have changed in the last five months. All of those except one (a 55+ development), have impacted on enrollment. Spring Creek Estates, Penn Meadows, Rolling Meadow Estates, Farmington Hills III, Town Homes at Krocks have been on the books for years and are now being constructed. Referring to a map of Lower Macungie, Mrs. Daniel indicated that the developments are located in very concentrated areas. The schools most affected are Lower Macungie Middle School, Lower Macungie Elementary School, and Wescosville School. She presented the following information that shows the statistics for summer enrollments: Transferred/Moved within East Penn-97; Transferred from Non-Public School-155; Moved to EP from out-of-state-112; Moved to EP from Lehigh/Northampton Counties-134; Moved to EP from another PA school district-89; Other (out-of-country/homeschooled, etc.-30. In answer to a question raised by Ms. Fuller regarding building permits on the census website, Mrs. Daniel answered that in the year 2001 in Lower Macungie Township, between January and September, there were 288 building permits issued. This is almost identical for the entire year of 2000. She is also looking at a ten year history. Mr. Lucadamo asked if there was any activity in the Alburtis area. Mrs. Daniel said the status of the Hills at Lockridge has not changed. This will be a major development with 700 units. It is difficult to compute the number of children per household to estimate the impact. Dr. Morgan said that a .33 is used by architects to compute students/household. Ms. Daniel said that the original Brandywine Village has had a major impact. The students for the middle school areas are not evenly distributed. The district has been looking at ways to redistribute new students to Eyer Middle School. It was indicated that the district is trying not to redistrict people who are already in place since it has not been that long ago that redistricting occurred. Mrs. Thompson mentioned that she found the information on where students were coming from very helpful. Ms. Gannon asked if the district is looking at other established developments to see if they are aging since the district is increasing at the secondary level. Mrs. Daniel indicated that most of the students are already here but there may be a way of looking at the developments to sort the age groups.

7. Business Operations

1. Bill List Approval

Motion by Lucadamo, Seconded by Rhodes RESOLVED, That the East Penn Board of School Directors approve the attached bill list, including the addendum, and that the Treasurer be authorized to issue checks and vouchers in the amounts indicated.

Curriculum Services Agreement – Attachment 2

RESOLVED, That the East Penn Board of School Directors approve an agreement, in the amount of $3,000 with Lehigh University for the development of curriculum- based normative data in math computation.

Alternative School Program Contract – Attachment 3 RESOLVED, That the East Penn Board of School Directors approve a contract in the amount of $104,247 with St. Luke’s Additions Treatment Services to provide alternative school program services to a consortium including East Penn, Salisbury, and Southern Lehigh School Districts for the 2001-02 school year.

Per Capita Tax Exonerations

RESOLVED, That the East Penn Board of School Directors exonerate the following Tax Collectors for the reasons stated:

Peter Ickes, Borough of Alburtis

Moved 10 Military 1 Deceased 1

-5- October 8, 2001 Total Requested 12 Previous Exonerations 39 Total Current Year Exonerations 51 Previous Year’s Exonerations 250

Dennis Hinkel, Lower Macungie Township

Student/Low Income 14 Total Requested 14 Previous Exonerations 13 Total Current Year Exonerations 27 Previous Year’s Exonerations 1555

New Century Solutions, Inc. Agreement-Attachment 4

RESOLVED, That the East Penn Board of School Directors approve the agreement with New Century Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $12,000.00, plus travel expenses at . 345 per mile as stipulated in Attachment 4.

Note: This agreement will be funded from the Safe School Initiative Grant.

Construction Fund Payments – Attachment 5

RESOLVED, That the East Penn Board of School Directors authorize the payment of funds from the appropriate Construction Fund as listed on Attachment 5.

These resolutions were duly adopted by the following roll call vote: Aye: DeHaan, Fuller, Gannon, Lucadamo, Rhodes, Richwine, Robert, Thompson------8 Absent: Ballard------1

8. Announcements

Monday, October 8 No School for Students 7:00 p.m.-CLEAR Session (Legal, Personnel, Negotiations) 7:30 p.m.-Board Meeting, Board Room 800 Pine Street, Emmaus, PA

Mr. DeHaan announced that Girls Field Hockey Coach Sue Butz-Stavin won her 500th game. The EHS girls beat Bethlehem Catholic.

Saturday, October 13 6:00 p.m.-Festival of Champions Marching Band Competition EHS Stadium (Mr. DeHaan has been asked to distribute trophies.) SAT, Emmaus HS

October 15-18 PSSA Writing Tests, Grades 6, 9 October 18 7:00 p.m.-EHS Parent Night

9. Adjourn

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned, upon motion, at 8:35 p.m.

Cecilia R. Birdsell Board Secretary

-6- October 8, 2001