Northeastern School District March 1, 2021 Administration Center Manchester, PA 17345 Work Session

Mrs. Walker, Board President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Board Members in attendance were Mr. Gingerich, Mr. Hornberger, Ms. Koerner, Mr. Leh, Mrs. Murdocca, Mr. Redding, Ms. Snell, Mrs. Stroup, and Mrs. Walker. Also in attendance were Dr. Sidle, Dr. Payne, and Mr. Geller. Mr. Walker, District Solicitor, was also in attendance as well as staff members. The meeting was a virtual meeting using Google Hangouts Meet and was live streamed via YouTube.

Mrs. Giuffrida read the roll call.

Pledge of Allegiance

Mrs. Walker amended the agenda to remove Item X. C., under Finance & Personnel and Action Item VI. C.

Motion was made by Mrs. Walker, seconded by Ms. Snell, to approve the agenda as amended above.

The motion carried by the following vote: Mr. Gingerich – yes; Mr. Hornberger – yes; Ms. Koerner – yes; Mr. Leh – yes; Mrs. Murdocca – yes; Mr. Redding – yes; Ms. Snell – yes; Mrs. Stroup – Yes; Mrs. Walker – yes. 9 – yes; 0 – no

There was an executive session held this evening at 5:30 pm to discuss student issues and introduce Mr. Fultz to the board.

Motion was made by Mrs. Walker, seconded by Ms. Koerner, to approve minutes of the Work Session held on February 8, 2021, the Regular Session held on February 15, 2021, and the Finance & Personnel Committee meeting held on February 22, 2021.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES TO THE BOARD

William Gerber and Lyndsay Ridenour reported on senior class activities, various high school activities, and recent sporting events. Thanks were given to all who donated food through the Northeastern Area Caring Community Coalition. Congratulations were given to the following students: Margaret Carroll for placing 3rd at the Champion 5K at Adidas Indoor Nationals; Abby O’Leary and Stephen Barlett for winning and qualifying for states at the PIAA District III Championships; Cole Perry for breaking 2 personal indoor records at YSU; and Riley Bell for breaking her personal indoor record for the 800 run.

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NORTHEASTERN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Dr. Ward shared photos and a video with the board via email. Mr. McClane’s class, after meeting a classroom goal enjoyed some time sledding. Mr. Nackley’s 3rd grade orchestra students are participating in orchestra karate, three students have earned their black belt; Gene Gilbert, Alvin Li, and Andrew Schlasta.

SUPERINTENDENT’S MONTHLY REPORT

Dr. Sidle shared the district celebrated Public School Week last week. She congratulated Mrs. Leah Pritchett on receiving the Dave Nett Leadership Award. A COVID update was given along with new guidelines from Governor Wolf. Dr. Sidle and Mr. Gay shared information on the planning for graduation.

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Ms. Koerner made the following report:

I. Report – Conferences and Visitations (attachment) The superintendent reports the attached list of conferences and visitations were approved.

II. Report – Student Expulsions (motion) The superintendent recommends approving the following student expulsions: A. Student #20-21-04 from Northeastern York School District for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year, effective February 23, 2021.

B. Student #20-21-05 from Northeastern York School District for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year, effective March 3, 2021.

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

Mr. Redding had no report. He asked Mr. Hornberger to share his plan for the sidewalk project at Conewago. Mr. Hornberger gave an updated on his plan for the pathway at Conewago Elementary.

HIGH SCHOOL RENOVATIONS

Mr. Gingerich reported that weekly progress meetings will start on March 16th.

FINANCE AND PERSONNEL

Ms. Snell made the following report:

I. Report – General Fund Accounts Payable (attachment and motion) The superintendent recommends approving the attached list of invoices for payment from the General Fund.

II. Report – Child Nutrition Accounts Payable (attachment and motion) The superintendent recommends approving the attached list of invoices for payment from the Child Nutrition Fund. Page 2 of 11

III. Report – Meadows Letter of Agreement (attachment) The superintendent recommends approving the agreement between The Meadows Psychiatric Center and Northeastern York School District effective for both the 2021- 2022 and 2022-2023 school years.

IV. Report – Budget Transfers (attachment) The superintendent recommends approving the attached list of budget transfers.

V. Report – Approval of the Industrial Arts Education Bid (attachment) The superintendent recommends approving the lowest bidders from the 2021-2022 district industrial arts education bid.

VI. Report – Approval of Athletic Bid (attachment) The superintendent recommends approving the 2021-2022 district athletic bid, being the lowest bidder except for the highlighted items on the attachment, due to differences in product specifications.

VII. Report – Letters of Resignation The superintendent reports that letters of resignation were received from the following individuals: A. Jo-Ann Barefoot, Custodian, High School, resignation accepted February 4, 2021. Last day of employment February 4, 2021.

B. Jaclyn Brandt, Playground/Cafeteria Aide, Spring Forge, resignation accepted January 26, 2021. Last day of employment February 11, 2021.

VIII. Report – Appointment to an Administrative Position (motion) The superintendent recommends approving the following individual’s appointment to an administrative position: A. Christopher Fultz (attachment) Principal, Shallow Brook Intermediate Salary: $106,000 Effective: To be determined pending release from current employer

IX. Report – Appointment to a Professional Position (motion) The superintendent recommends approving the following individual’s appointment to a professional position: A. Tiffany Smeltzer (attachment) Extended-Term Substitute, Biology, High School (M. Lentz) Salary: $125.00/day Effective: March 2, 2021

X. Report – Appointment to Classified Positions (motion) The superintendent recommends approving the following individuals’ appointments to classified positions: A. Margaret Rojahn (attachment) Playground/Cafeteria Aide, Part-Time, York Haven (C. Cribb) Salary: Range VI, Year 5: $11.24/hour Effective: March 2, 2021

B. Sarah Heim (attachment) Playground/Cafeteria Aide, Part-Time, Orendorf (C. Mumford) Salary: Range VI, Year 2: $10.31/hour Effective: March 2, 2021

C. Pulled from agenda

D. Brooke Stough (attachment) Cafeteria Helper, Part-Time, Shallow Brook (M. Calder)

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Salary: Range VI, Year 1: $10.00/hour Effective: March 8, 2021

XI. Report – Transfer of Position (motion) Due to enrollment, the superintendent recommends approving the transfer of an open Playground Cafeteria Aide, Part-Time position from Conewago Elementary to Mount Wolf Elementary, effective March 2, 2021. (S. Musser)

XII. Report – Approval of Substitutes and Guest Teachers (attachment and motion) The superintendent recommends approving the list of substitutes and guest teachers as listed in the attachment.

XIII. Report – Right to Know Information (attachment) The superintendent reports the attached list of right to know requests and district responses.

XIV. Report – Approval of Job Description (attachment) The superintendent recommends approving the revised Director of Human Resources job description.

Ms. Snell noted there is nothing in the job description concerning family medical leave and feels it’s a large part of Human Resources.

There will be a meeting concerning the Superintendent evaluation tool on Thursday and a meeting is being planned to discuss cocurricular positions.

ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES

Mr. Hornberger made the following report:

I. Report – Appointment to Extracurricular/Co-Curricular Positions (motion) The superintendent recommends appointing the following individuals to extracurricular/co-curricular positions with pay subject to work performed and/or event occurring: A. Corey Poulson, Track & Field Coach, Salary: $5,337.00, Effective: 2020-2021 school year

B. Gregory Cauller, Track & Field Assistant, Salary: $3,951.00, Effective: 2020-2021 school year

C. Pete LoBianco, Track & Field Assistant, Salary: $3,551.00, Effective: 2020-2021 school year

D. John Felty, Track & Field Assistant, Salary: $3,351.00, Effective: 2020-2021 school year

E. Brady Shellenberger, Girls' Volleyball Co-Assistant, Salary: $1675.50 (1/2 of $3351), Effective: 2020-2021 school year

F. Angie Irwin, Girls' Volleyball Co-Assistant, Salary: $1675.50 (1/2 of $3351), Effective: 2020- 2021 school year

G. Timothy Law, Boys' Tennis Coach, Salary: $4,254.00, Effective: 2020-2021 school year

H. David Marsh, Softball Coach, Salary: $5,337.00, Effective: 2020-2021 school year

I. Bryan Stephens, Boys' Soccer Co-Assistant – Spring, Salary: $1775.50 (1/2 of $3551), Effective: 2020-2021 school year

J. Kara Hawkesworth, Girls' Soccer Co-Assistant – Spring, Salary: $1675.50 (1/2 of $3351), Effective: 2020-2021 school year

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K. Matthew Wilson, Boys' Volleyball Coach, Salary: $6,537.00, Effective: 2020-2021 school year

L. George Miller, Boys' Volleyball Assistant, Salary: $4,151.00, Effective: 2020-2021 school year

M. Michelle Calder, Volunteer Track & Field Assistant, Effective: 2020-2021 school year

N. Brian Geller, Volunteer Boys' Tennis Assistant, Effective: 2020-2021 school year

O. Heather Goebeler, Volunteer Softball Assistant, Effective: 2020-2021 school year

P. Benjamin Weaver, Volunteer Girls' Soccer Assistant, Effective: 2020-2021 school year

Mr. Hornberger wished our student athletes the best as they move on to post-season events. There was a discussion on Items E. and F. Mrs. Walker congratulated Mr. Law and Mr. Geller on their positions.

TRANSPORTATION

Mrs. Stroup made the following report:

I. Report – Approval of Bus Changes (attachment) The superintendent recommends approval of the attached changes to the bus schedule.

Mrs. Stroup reported there has been continuing conversations with F&S Transportation and more will be shared in the future.

LEGISLATIVE/PSBA REPRESENTATIVE

Mrs. Murdocca reported on a PSBA press release from February 26 on charter school reform.

YORK COUNTY SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY

Mr. Leh followed up on questions concerning the gymnasium project. He gave an update on financials, change orders, and student assistance on the project.

YORK ADAMS ACADEMY

Mr. Redding reported there was one graduation today. He shared details from the February 23 meeting.

NORTHEASTERN FOUNDATION

Mrs. Walker reported there will be a meeting on March 25.

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LINCOLN INTERMEDIATE UNIT #12

Ms. Snell reported there is a meeting tomorrow night.

COMMENTS FROM DELEGATIONS OR CITIZENS

Lindsey Dugan – student – Alternative for graduation.

Alexandra Versace – student - The class of 2021 has not had a sense of normalcy in over a year. 1/2 of our junior year was normal, and not one single part of our senior year has been normal so far. Many of us do not have motivation nor do we feel as if this is our senior year. The least we deserve, the class of 2021, is a normal graduation on the football field. Many of us will be able to say we never had a junior or senior prom, a senior homecoming, friday night football games, basketball games to attend in the winter, and more because that is only the tip of the iceberg.

Eric Barnes – student – None

Kenadie Blum – student – Many of us seniors would enjoy having the traditional ceremony for graduation instead of an online. It is our last year and we would like to have a normal ending to it on the football field. The seniors of 2021 want to enjoy the last days of high school with their friends and have the memory of walking across the field to recieve their diploma. It would mean the world to so many of us to have this small sense of normality in these times. Social distancing would be put in place obviously, but it would aid in lifting all of our spirits in these trying times.

Emily Baile – student – I believe a tradition style graduation is possible if we are outside. If seats were placed 6 feet apart students could safely watch their classmates walk across the stage and hear all the speeches. As far as guests, I have an idea that could be possible. Seniors could receive tickets to give to their families and they could come in waves. For instance, parents of seniors last names A-G could come at a certain time to watch their child cross the stage. Then rotate through all the last names while the seniors stay on the field for the entire ceremony. Graduation could also we live streamed for family members who would not be able to come. The capacity of the football stadium could also be measured to see how many family members could safely be in the stands at a time.This would allow seniors to feel more “normal” in such a crazy year.

Ryan Smith – student – Being a senior, who has attended school in person the whole year, I do not see why we would be unable to have a graduation ceremony that is in a more traditional sense. We walk shoulder to shoulder in the hallways each day and sit less than six feet away in every class but we can’t have a ceremony with the same people we come in contact with everyday? We are willing as students to come up with a plan because we are willing to do so and so is the community. This is more than within our bounds as a district and the board should seriously reconsider their “drive-through” graduation which is the current plan.

Jenna Gross – student - WE WANT GRADUATION

Gabriella Colley – student – I feel a traditional graduation on the football field would be the best option. No drive by nothing like that because it doesn’t give the same experience for us seniors to actually have it like a graduation. This year has been hard enough we deserve that somewhat normal way of graduating.

Sophia Senko – student – I firmly believe that the senior class of 2021 should be able to have a social distance graduation on the football field. All students would be spread apart 6 ft with masks. Northeastern school district has been able to come this far through the school year while still remaining open. It would be a shame to have the seniors who have worked 13 long years to not get the recognition that they deserve.

Juan Barajas – student – As a Northeastern Senior, I believe i’m being robbed of my graduation that i’ve been waiting for, for 13 years. The least that could happen is a social distancing football field graduation.

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Jessica Kunkle – student – I think we should have a normal graduation, we’ve gotten pretty much everything taken from us this year like attending games, mini thon, homecoming, prom, etc. and we deserve to have this one thing normal, that we can look back on fondly for the rest of our lives.

Rachael Kelly – student – I would really like to have graduation at the football field with all of the students spread out in chairs. There are less than 300 students, we could easily spread everyone out on the turf. Each student could get 2-3 tickets for family members and they can be spread out in the bleachers. I’ve seen videos and pictures of other schools who did this last year and it is as close to a normal graduation that we can get. The class of 2021 has been stripped from everything this year. No watching sports games, no homecoming, no assemblies or prep rallies, no prom, and no mini thon. This year has sucked, there is no other way to put it. I want to graduate next to the rest of my classmates knowing that we all got through this together.

Kira Latshaw – student – As a Northeastern Senior, I find the graduation ceremony plan completely upsetting and ridiculous. The school district has known about COVID19 since last year! That is plenty of time to think of better graduation plan, that is different than a drive-thru. We, as the class of 2021, have been giving nothing. This is our second attempt at getting our graduation ceremony changed. After talking with the Senior Class advisor, we were told that parents prefer this way, we don't understand how boring a ceremony is, there is no between of a normal ceremony and a drive-thru, and that there is no other options. However, other school districts in the area are having more normal graduation ceremonies. For example, Dover Area High School is having two ceremonies so parents can attend and students can have a more normal graduation. A survey was conducted by myself, Jordyn Nace, and Lindsey Dugan. We put out a google form on social media and asked Northeastern Seniors to fill it out. We ended up getting 132 responses and of those responses 87.1% (115 students) said they would prefer a more normal, football field ceremony to a drive thru. Whether that be two ceremonies split in half or another approach. I just want to be able to share the moment with my friends, who have been with me through all my years of schooling. The Class of 2021 would greatly appreciate if something different and more normal was planned. Yes, we were told parents like the drive-thru, but after talking to my own parents and hearing from others’ parents, most would like their children to be able to have a normal graduation and do not care if they cannot attend. We want to be able to see our friends walk across the stage. We have completed 13 years of schooling, don't you think we deserve a more normal graduation? And if we can have sporting events with spectators, why can't we have a graduation ceremony with the same limits? With that being said, we could even live stream the graduation! Please, take in consideration everything I and other Seniors have stated. We just want to have some sort of normalcy.

Gina Sikora – student – oh behalf of the class of 2021, i feel that we really need a traditional graduation ceremony. we have waited 12 years for this? we need something to have some semblance of normalcy.

Troy Billingslea – student – Seniors need a semi normal graduation

James Herman – student – I would like to bring up the fact that the seniors at the high school this year have not had the best year and not even a good year and it feels like for commencement everyone is taking the easy way out. Also instead of asking for the parents opinion why not ask the students since it is our year and we have a lot more options than the seniors last year, but like I said the easy way is being taken. Please take the opinion of the students and try to give us a semi normal rest of the year.

Trinity Schraudner – student – On the first day of my senior year, I came home and went to my room and was overwhelmed with sadness. I couldn’t bare walking around the halls of Northeastern and seeing everyone with masks on covering half of their faces, arrows on the ground telling me which direction to go, and not even having the ability to see half of my friends. I told my mom in the summer of 2020 that I hope that my senior year is the best yet, I knew covid was still happening but I was praying and hoping that maybe we could get some normalcy. I thought wrong. Us, seniors of 2021, got nothing this year. We were stripped from everything. From homecoming dance, student section, pep rally, assemblies, concerts, prom, etc. Everything. I have a paper that I drew from kindergarten- it is a drawing of me wearing a graduation robe and cap holding my diploma. In the background, there are all my friends, family, and classmates cheering me on. I believe with all my heart that we can make a graduation on the turf possible. I believe that we can spread out chairs on the turf, while we spread out our families and friends on the bleachers, the hills on the side (where they can have blankets to sit on), and even the track. There are ways, please allow us to have a chance to remember this big milestone. This is something we will always cherish. Thank you

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Jordyn Nace – student – I think the graduation plan is ridiculous. As a senior at Northeastern High School, I feel as though us seniors are being gipped of a proper graduation. A survey was conducted by myself, Kira Latshaw, and Lindsey Dugan, about wanting a change in graduation. Half of the senior population at Northeastern took the form, and 87.1% voted saying they wanted a socially distanced, football field graduation. You may have asked the parents about what they think, but you have not taken into consideration to what the students think. It is about the students and not the parents. The students were the one taking tests, the students were the ones struggling through this rough time in school. After talking to some parents of others, they all agreed that they just want what we want, and that is to have as normal of a graduation as we can. All of the seniors can be easily spread out over six feet apart on the football field. Other schools in the area, such as Dover Area High School, are planning a this type of graduation for their students. There is no reason why we cannot have a similar one. We talked to the senior class advisor, and we were told that we were the only ones who cared, because some students are not getting higher education. That is one of the many reasons why we should have a graduation with all of our friends. This may be the only shot that some kids have, and we all want to be able to celebrate it together. It is astounding how you guys had a whole year to plan, but are still taking the easy road out. Us seniors got absolutely nothing this year. Please, just at least give us one thing that we can smile about when we look back on our senior year.

Ally Hudak – student – As a current NHS senior, I would like to address the issue of Commencement this year. As many people are beginning to realize, the entire senior class has lost not only part of their Junior year, but their entire Senior year as well. No junior prom, senior prom, homecoming, football games, pep rallys, assemblies, musicals, senior trips- essentially losing everything that makes a senior year memorable. And despite this, it appears that nobody cares enough to salvage any semblance of normalcy for Graduation. Last year's drive-through graduation was acceptable, especially considering the fact that COVID was entirely new, leaving only two months to plan an alternative with no knowledge of how the pandemic would continue. However, with over a year to plan an alternative- and with more knowledge of the pandemic every day, I frankly find it unacceptable to simply resort to a commencement that was the last resort last year. Other school boards have used creative thinking to salvage even more than commencement, including prom and other vital senior activities, and yet ours has not communicated any desire to attempt any type of traditional plan. Last year, when the largest topic of discussion was returning to school, the largest drawbacks were unknowns, concerns about students complying (particularly those in younger grades), as well as the ability to remain distanced. However, these concerns are no longer viable to the magnitude that they were in that discussion, as it would primarily be seniors and families attending commencement- all of which have been living with masks and distancing for over a year- and distancing is perfectly reasonable in terms of an outdoor graduation. Similar to indoor graduations, a limit of family members can easily be set, with multiple distanced rooms and/or streamed broadcasts available. The football field is large enough to fit 300 socially distanced graduates, with bleachers holding a minimum of 250 spectators, along with area on the track and surrounding fields available for additional seating. With proper planning, the area could easily fit the graduates, teachers, and 1-2 family members per student while complying with state guidelines. If this is not feasible, though, some districts have opted for a divided graduation, with the first half of the class having a commencement separate from the second half, allowing even more room. Ultimately, the board members were most concerned about a sense of normalcy when choosing to return this school year, and I believe that same value should be upheld to maintain the largest event thus far in the class of 2021's life.

Wendy Latshaw – 345 Apple Tree Lane - Kudos to the seniors for standing up for their graduation. These comments are due to the fact that a graduation schedule was distributed to the seniors via schoology the beginning of February.

Dr. Sidle and Mr. Gay responded to the comments about graduation. There was a discussion on prom. There was a discussion on the fact that this is the first time the board is discussing these topics, no decision has been made and that students should go to their administrators to let them know their wishes for graduation.

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ACTION ITEMS

I. Motion is made to approve the following student expulsions: A. Student #20-21-04 from Northeastern York School District for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year, effective February 23, 2021.

B. Student #20-21-05 from Northeastern York School District for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year, effective March 3, 2021.

II. Motion is made to approve the attached list of invoices for payment from the General Fund.

III. Motion is made to approve the attached list of invoices for payment from the Child Nutrition Fund.

IV. Motion pulled for separate vote.

V. Motion is made to approve the following individual’s appointment to a professional position: A. Tiffany Smeltzer, Extended-Term Substitute, Biology, High School (M. Lentz), Salary: $125.00/day, Effective: March 2, 2021

VI. Motion is made to approve the following individuals’ appointments to classified positions: A. Margaret Rojahn, Playground/Cafeteria Aide, Part-Time, York Haven (C. Cribb), Salary: Range VI, Year 5: $11.24/hour, Effective: March 2, 2021

B. Sarah Heim, Playground/Cafeteria Aide, Part-Time, Orendorf (C. Mumford), Salary: Range VI, Year 2: $10.31/hour, Effective: March 2, 2021

C. Pulled from agenda

D. Brooke Stough, Cafeteria Helper, Part-Time, Shallow Brook (M. Calder), Salary: Range VI, Year 1: $10.00/hour, Effective: March 8, 2021

VII. Motion is made to approve the transfer of an open Playground Cafeteria Aide, Part-Time position from Conewago Elementary to Mount Wolf Elementary, effective March 2, 2021. (S. Musser)

VIII. Motion is made to approve the list of substitutes and guest teachers as listed in the attachment.

IX. Motion is made to approve the appointment of the following individuals to extracurricular/co-curricular positions with pay subject to work performed and/or event occurring: A. Corey Poulson, Track & Field Coach, Salary: $5,337.00, Effective: 2020-2021 school year