COUNCIL ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT Bucks County, Pennsylvania MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC BOARD MEETING COUNCIL ROCK BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS May 18 2017 The Council Rock Board of School Directors met in public session on May 18, 2017 at the Chancellor Center, 30 N. Chancellor Street, Newtown, PA. The following persons were in attendance: BOARD MEMBERS: ADMINISTRATORS: Mr. Edward Tate, President Dr. Robert Fraser, Superintendent Mrs. Denise Brooks, Vice President Dr. Susan Elliott, Asst. Superintendent for Teaching & Learning Mr. Andy Block Mr. Barry Desko, Director of Secondary Education Mr. Mark Byelich Mr. Matthew Frederickson, Director of Information Technology Dr. Bill Foster Dr. Charles Lambert, Director of Special Services Mr. Jerold Grupp Mr. Robert Reinhart, Director of Business Affairs and Mrs. Kyle McKessy Board Treasurer Mrs. Wendi Thomas Mr. Doug Taylor, Director of Operational Services Dr. Michael Thorwart Ms. M. Christine Trioli, Director of Human Resources BOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT: OTHERS: Approximately 60 persons from the public, staff Mr. Andy Block and press SECRETARY: Ms. Kapua A. Rice SOLICITOR: Robert Cox, Esq. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mr. Tate. The meeting was recorded by the Council Rock School District and was broadcast “live” in all five municipalities. Pledge of Allegiance Mr. Tate asked those in attendance to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. The Newtown Sound, Newtown Elementary School, sang The National Anthem followed by That Dixie Land South, directed by Ms. Benedict. Dr. Fraser took the opportunity to recognize Ted Qualli, Jr. and congratulate him on receiving Cintas’ 2017 Janitor of the Year Award. Mr. Qualli, maintenance supervisor, Newtown Elementary School, has been an employee of CRSD for 45 years. CRHS North Student Advisory Board Ms. McCarthy introduced members of the CRHS North Student Advisory Board. Class of 2017 Hadley Grundman Class of 2018 Hadley Grundman for Finn Thompson Class of 2019 Jake Cohen Class of 2020 Veda Allam MBIT Kristen Fern Unofficial Each student representative reported on his/her class activities. MBIT Senior Recognition on June 5, MBIT Philanthropy Today Club, Middle Bucks Garden, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), Diversity Advisory Committee, Sock ‘N’ Buskin performance The Secret Garden, class elections, District playoffs, Suburban One League (SOL) champions, Music Spring Concert in Hershey, PA, and 2017 Rock-A-Thon were among the activities discussed. Superintendent’s Report Dr. Fraser recognized 43 employees retiring from CRSD. The retirees have a combined 959 years of work experience. He also shared a story about Mrs. Szagola, Hillcrest Elementary School. Every year she lacquers the wooden desks circa 1947. Mr. Grupp also noted that the son of Mr. Fash, a retiree after 44 years of service, was named Bucks County Teacher of the Year. 2016-2017 PIAA State Champions - Dr. Foster, Ms. McCarthy and Mr. Layer recognized and congratulated the following student-athletes and coaches from CRHS North and CRHS South. 2016 SOL National Conference Champions, District One Champions, PIAA State Champions • CRHS North: Jake Voy, Ryan Campbell, Sam Earley, Kevin Ergot, CJ Haus, Tim Haus, Ryan Keller, Ethan Koza, Matt Roan Men’s Track & Field/Running: Assistant Coach Rob Rogers and Head Coach Dave Marrington who was named 2016 PA Track and Field Coaches Association Mall Cross Country Coach of the Year. • CRHS South: Mr. Layer introduced and congratulated Coach Brad Silimperi, and Zack Trampe, 2017 PIAA State Wrestling Champion. SY2016-17 was another great year for the wrestling program as National Conference Champions, District One Champions, District One Team Champion, Sectional Champions, Regional Champions. He further noted that five (5) wrestlers were sent to the state championship. Recognition of National Law Enforcement Week May 10-16, 2017 The following officers of the local law enforcement agencies were recognized for their service to the community and were presented with Certificates of Appreciation. They keep our schools and students safe. o Newtown Borough Police Department . Chief Anthony Wojciechowski . Corporal James Warunek . Officer George Rusinko o Newtown Township Police Department . Chief Henry Pasqualini . Sergeant Stephen J. Meyers . Officer Renee Hurst (School Resource Officer) o Northampton Township Police Department . Chief Michael B. Clark . Officer James Caldwell (School Resource Officer) o Upper Makefield Police Department . Chief Mark Schmidt . Officer Lee Crawford • CREF Grant Awards Gail Acosta, Executive Director, recognized CREF’s Board members and introduced Maryann Molishus, Co-Presidents Kevin Beauparlant and Allison McMahon. This is the 10th year of awarding innovative Minutes 2017_05_18 2 Unofficial grants throughout CRSD. The first grant of $1500 was for Camp Ophelia and since then over $200K have been awarded for creative initiatives. Mss. Acosta, McMahon and Mr. Beauparlant awarded 12 Innovative Learning Grants totaling over $35K for STEM/STEAM learning, Skype is the Limit, Tinker Tuesday, Accepting Me Accepting You, UNLESS Project at Philadelphia Zoo, Richboro Elementary School Library Mural in memory of Robert H. Winters, One School One Book. Kevin Beauparlant, VP of Customers Bank, presented a check to CREF in the amount of $12,000 to support its innovative programs. Public Comment Jeff Gold, Northampton Township, PA. Dr. Fraser advised that schools are closed primarily due to safety concerns. On election day, schools are public polling places and with on-going construction projects, the District did not want to run the risk of something happening to the students. Robin Schwartz, Holland, PA. commented on the world language program. A majority of students at CR do not have the option beyond Level 4 to continue their studies in world language. Students in honors have the option to take an AP (Advanced Placement) course. However, there is no offering for students in academic or those in honors who do not wish to pursue an AP course. New Hope Solesbury, Central Bucks and Lower Merion are among the districts who offer Level 5. Many colleges, including Penn State, require students to take 12 credits at Penn State. Students at CRHS South are at a disadvantage. All world languages above Level 2 should be considered accelerated or honors. CRSD needs to allocate its limited resources in an efficient manner. The demand of certain languages far exceed the demand of other languages. Nancy Carroll, Newtown, PA, feels that it is important to preserve the history of CR, including the history of Newtown Middle School and Holland Middle School. Everyone in the District attended Richboro Intermediate School before Richboro Elementary School was built. Richboro Intermediate School played a big role in CR’s history. Chantz Kouveras, Washington Crossing, PA. commented on the rise of radical, liberal protest and attacks following November 8th. There’s a larger shift towards intolerance of conservative ideas. He shared his experience with fellow students when expressing his conservative views and was told that his views were disturbing. When your opinion holds that those who disagree with you are unenlightened and some of these become more accepted than others, he finds these actions particularly unnerving and hypocritical. A community which stands against hate and foments tolerance should make an effort to not just promote diversity of race or lifestyle but that thought as well. Discussion Items • 2017-2018 Board of Directors Meeting Calendar Dr. Fraser reviewed the calendar and noted that the Board meeting in September will be held on Tuesday, September 19, since Rosh Hashanah falls on Thursday, September 21. Mr. Tate further stated that the committee meetings are open to the public. Consent Agenda A. Approval of Minutes of Meeting ● April 20, 2017 ● February 16, 2017 - Revision B. Approval of Special Services Agreements ● Austill’s Rehabilitation Services, Inc. – OT and PT during ESY 2017 ● Rosemary Harris, MD – District Medical Advisor ● Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams LLP – Pool Counsel Minutes 2017_05_18 3 Unofficial C. Approval of Service and Supply Bids ● Bid #17-16 Waste Removal – Recycling Services Description: Districtwide waste removal and recycling services Vendor: Advanced Disposal Services – Eastern PA, Inc. Bid Award: $243,675.24 Vendor: Waste Management of Pennsylvania, Inc. Bid Award: $121,893.00 TOTAL AWARD: $365,568.24 ● Bid #17-29 Propane Supply Description: Propane supply for SFES and TFR Vendor: Suburban Propane, LP, Suburban Heating and Oil Partners, LLC Bid Award: Fixed Price of $1.18 per gallon for 2017-18 school year ● Bid #17-30 No. 2 Fuel Oil and Gasoline Supply Vendor: Riggins, Inc. Bid Award (No. 2 Fuel Oil): Floating Price of $0.0590 over the market rate Bid Award (Unleaded Gasoline): Floating Price of $0.1800 over the market rate D. Approval of Bids (Items discussed during the May 6, 2017 Finance Committee Meeting) ● Musical Instrument and Supply Bid #17-10 – Award to the companies at the unit costs identified in the Summary of Bids and the Bid Awarded Item List with the bid expiration date of December 31, 2017, attached hereto as Appendix A and by this reference incorporated as if set forth in full herein. ● Audio Visual and Library Bid #17-06 - Award to the companies at the unit costs identified in the Summary of Bids and the Bid Awarded Item List with the bid expiration date of December 31, 2017, attached hereto as Appendix B and by reference incorporated as if set forth in full