STROUDSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING 08/20/08
MINUTES OF AUGUST 20, 2008
The Regular Meeting of the Stroudsburg Area School District Board of School Directors was held in the cafeteria of Stroudsburg High School on Wednesday, August 20, 2008.
The meeting was called to order by Vice President Laubach at 7:08 P.M.
Board members present: Rachel Cardelle, Frederick Chandler, John Jakobsen, Eloise Laubach, Letitia Lladoc, Judith Magann, William White and Laurie Woods.
Board member absent: Ray Williams.
Also present: Dr. John A. Toleno, Superintendent; Stephen Brodmerkel, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel; Dr. William Riker, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction; Donovan Jennings, Business Manager; Jerome Chromey, Assistant Director of Special Education; Cathleen Crisafulli, Supervisor of Transportation; Wanda Lesoine, Assistant High School Principal; Michael Romano, Jr., Elementary Principal; Tricia Setar, Director of Special Education; Karen Thomson, Middle School Principal; Jeffrey Walters, Intermediate/ Elementary School Principal; Karen Widmer, Director of Humanities; and Daniel Corveleyn, Esquire, Solicitor.
The assembly recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Mrs. Laubach announced the Board met in Executive Session from 6:00 p.m. until they arrived, discussing personnel and property issues. The Board would not be returning to Executive Session.
COMMUNITY INPUT
Barbara Magnano spoke on dress policy; Cindy Blake spoke on PSSAs; Diane Sury spoke on the Mountie Closet; Jewel Jackson spoke regarding an educational issue regarding her son; Brenna Stewart spoke on the dress policy; Tim Harrison spoke on PSSAs.
SPECIAL REPORT
Mrs. Karen Owen-Thomson introduced Recycled Art Contest Winners and presented recognition from the Senate to Catherine Stagliano, 3rd Place, Erica Luna, 2nd Place, and Laura Mescola, 1st Place. Mrs. Shannon Henry is the Teacher Advisor.
ITEMS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION
Motion was made by Chandler and second by White to approve the minutes of the August 6, 2008 Regular Meeting. Following discussion, the cost for transportation of cheerleaders will be reimbursed and is to be reflected in the minutes. Mr. Jennings will make that correction.
Voice vote, all ayes. 8-0, motion carried.
PERSONNEL ACTIONS
Motion was made by Magann and second by Chandler to approve the following Personnel Report as presented by Stephen Brodmerkel, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel:
STROUDSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING 08/20/08
Roll call vote: Woods-yes; Cardelle-yes; Chandler-yes; Jakobsen-yes; Laubach-yes; Lladoc-yes; Magann-yes; and White-yes. 8 – 0, motion carried.
A. RESIGNATIONS:
1. DeWitt Allen, High School Head Custodian, effective August 11, 2008. 2. Kielty Glennon, Ramsey Elementary School Paraprofessional, effective August 12, 2008. 3. Betty Jackson, High School Monitor, effective August 11, 2008. 4. Annette Kaiser, Morey Elementary School Paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2008. 5. Patricia Matt, Middle School Health Office Nurse, effective August 22, 2008. 6. Renee Pullara, Middle School Paraprofessional, effective August 13, 2008. 7. Mary Schaller, School Safety/Security Officer, effective August 13, 2008. 8. Amanda Walter, Hamilton Elementary School Paraprofessional, effective August 7, 2008. 9. Nathan Bostwick, High School Boys’/Girls’ Track Asst. Coach, effective August 12, 2008. 10. Bettsy Hargrave, High School Girls’ Tennis Asst. Coach, effective August 13, 2008. 11. Lisa Rose, Middle School Monitor, effective August 15, 2008. 12. Lynn Golden, High School English Teacher, effective August 18, 2008.
B. REQUESTS FOR LEAVES:
1. Karl Detweiler, High School English Teacher -- medical leave of absence for the 2008-09 school year. 2. Maria Lombardo, Hamilton Elementary School Teacher -- childrearing leave of absence for the 2008-09 school year. 3. Hugo Murillo, Computer Technician -- military leave of absence beginning August 14, 2008 and ending August 20, 2008. 4. Daniel Nonnemacher, Middle School Custodian – medical leave of absence beginning July 18, 2008. 5. Stephen Nordmark, Middle School Head Custodian – medical leave of absence beginning August 7, 2008.
C. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT (pending receipt of all required documents and certifications):
1. Heather Johnson – Elementary Teacher assigned to Hamilton Elementary School at the annual salary of $39,991.00 (BS, Step 1) effective August 27, 2008. She replaces Cynthia Emeigh, who transferred to a Math Support position. Ms. Johnson attended ESU.
2. Eugene Newsome – Transition/Gifted Coordinator assigned to Stroudsburg High School at the annual salary of $39,991.00 (BS, Step 1) pro-rated from his start date in the district. He replaces Patrick Baughman, who was appointed Assistant High School Principal. Mr. Newsome attended Syracuse University.
3. Kristin Ramirez -- Special Education Teacher assigned to Stroudsburg Middle School at the annual salary of $39,991.00 (BS, Step 1) effective August 27, 2008. Ms. Ramirez replaces Fawn Meli, who transferred to a learning support position due to Sarah Kohut’s resignation. She attended Kean University and Grand Canyon University.
4. Kara Derry – Long-Term Substitute English Teacher assigned to Stroudsburg High School at the annual salary of $39,991.00 (BS, Step 1) effective August 27, 2008 for the duration of Karl Detweiler’s leave of absence, which is scheduled for the 2008-09 school year. Ms. Derry attended SUNY, Medaille College, NY and ESU.
5. Brooke Glaser -- Long-Term Substitute Special Education Teacher assigned to Stroudsburg Middle School at the annual salary of $39,991.00 (BS, Step 1) pro-rated effective August 27, 2008. She replaces Robin Loebsack during her leave of absence, which is scheduled from September 2, 2008 to December 1, 2008. Ms. Glaser attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and ESU.
6. Joshua Johnson – Long-Term Substitute Business Education Teacher assigned to Stroudsburg Junior High School at the annual salary of $39,991.00 (BS, Step 1) pro-rated for the duration of Jodie Haggerty’s professional development leave of absence, which is scheduled for semester 1 of the 2008-09 school year. He attended ESU. STROUDSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING 08/20/08
7. Robert Lajoie -- Long-Term Substitute Art Teacher assigned to Stroudsburg Middle School at the annual salary of $46,591.00 (MS, Step 1) pro-rated effective August 27, 2008 for the duration of Cheryl Vlahakis’s leave of absence, which is scheduled to end November 4, 2008. Mr. Lajoie attended Mass. College of Art and Design and Marywood University.
8. Carrie Mamzic -- Long-Term Substitute Kindergarten Teacher assigned to Hamilton Elementary School at the annual salary of $39,991.00 (BS, Step 1) pro-rated effective August 27, 2008 for the duration of Maria Lombardo’s leave of absence, which is scheduled for the 2008-09 school year. Ms. Mamzic attended ESU.
9. Renee Pullara -- Long-Term Substitute Special Education Teacher assigned to Stroudsburg Middle School at the annual salary of $46,591.00 (MS, Step 1) pro-rated effective August 27, 2008 for the duration of Michelle Lockley’s leave of absence, which is scheduled for the 2008-09 school year. Ms. Pullara attended Adelphi University, NY and served as a paraprofessional in the district.
10. Harold Cassady -- Music Department Chairperson for the 2008-09 school year.
11. Paul Jacobs – Junior High School Computer Facilitator for the 2008-09 school year.
12. The following Athletics Department Coaches for 2008-09:
a. Nicholas Cipriani HS Football Asst. Coach $3,166.00 b. John Brown HS Football Asst. Coach Volunteer c. Anne Ortoski JHS Field Hockey Asst. Coach $1,461.00
13. The following High School Activities Advisors, Directors and Coaches for the 2008-09 school year:
a. Leah McKain Amnesty International Advisor $ 325.00 b. Sheena Tenney Art Club Advisor $ 300.00 c. Harold Cassady Band Director $4,400.00 d. Tim Bartholomew Asst. Band Director $3,050.00 e. Benjamin Pritchard Asst. Band Director $3,050.00 f. Christine Bartholomew Asst. Band Director (Admin.) $1,325.00 g. Deborah Albrecht Bowling Club Co-Advisor $ 325.00 h. Jacki Van Gorden Bowling Club Co-Advisor $ 325.00 i. Michelle Walter Chess Teach Coach $ 900.00 j. Thomas Kurnas Debate Team Advisor $ 500.00 k. Patricia Rufe FBLA Advisor $1,050.00 l. Benjamin Pritchard Jazz Band Director $ 650.00 m. Marisa Miele Junior Class Advisor $ 282.50 n. Sarah Polacheck Junior Class Advisor $ 282.50 o. Thomas Kurnas Mock Trial Coach $1,050.00 p. Matthew Haggerty Model UN/Model Congress Advisor $ 650.00 q. Cecilia Yost National Honor Society Advisor $ 565.00 r. Jennifer Batt Parallels Advisor $ 325.00 s. Harold Cassady Percussion Ensemble Director $ 650.00 t. Bruce Baustien Presidential Classroom Advisor $ 325.00 u. Barbara Emert SADD Advisor $ 282.50 v. Mindy Muffley SADD Advisor $ 282.50 w. Debra Thornhill Scholastic Scrimmage Coach $ 900.00 x. Marisa Miele Scholastic Scrimmage Asst. Coach $ 560.00 y. Richard Mell School Musical Director $2,900.00 z. Billye Kubiak School Musical Asst. Director $1,550.00 aa. Matthew Sobrinski School Newspaper Advisor $1,650.00 bb. Mary Kaye Snyder Science Olympiad Asst. Coach $ 800.00 cc. David Hakim Senior Class Advisor $1,100.00 dd. Jennifer Batt Spelling Bee Advisor $ 100.00 ee. James Ellison Sports Club Co-Advisor $ 325.00 ff. Jeff Husick Sports Club Co-Advisor $ 325.00 STROUDSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING 08/20/08
gg. Jeff Lathom Technology Student Assn. Advisor $ 565.00 hh. Brett Youngken Wallyball Advisor $ 200.00 ii. Ilene Austin Yearbook Advisor $1,300.00 jj. Maureen Leap Yearbook Asst. Advisor $1,050.00
14. The following Junior High School Activities Advisors, Directors and Coaches:
a. Carlena Back Academic Challenge Advisor $ 325.00 b. Bonnie White Boys’ Basketball Scorer $ 450.00 c. Jill Symons Builders’ Club/Comm. Serv. Club Advisor $ 500.00 d. Paul Jacobs Chess Club Advisor $ 325.00 e. Peter Vernon Competitive Swim Advisor 7th/8th $ 325.00 f. Sarah Hitz Crafts Club Advisor $ 325.00 g. Evan Griswold Cross Country Advisor 7th/8th $ 325.00 h. Benjamin Pritchard Jazz/Marching Band Director 7th/8th $1,050.00 i. Thomas Kurnas Model UN/Model Congress Advisor $ 650.00 j. Diana Kreischer National Junior Honor Society Advisor $ 450.00 k. Eric Stinson SADD Advisor $ 200.00 l. Billye Kubiak Show Choir Advisor $1,050.00 m. Heather Nowosad Ski Club Advisor - Grade 8 $ 325.00 n. Paul Jacobs Ski Club Advisor - Grade 9 $ 325.00 o. Brandon Flatley Strings (Chamber Orch.) Director $ 400.00 p. Joseph Mikulak Technology Student Assn. Advisor $ 650.00 q. Nicole Wack Volleyball Advisor 7th/8th $ 200.00
15. The following Middle School Activities Advisors, Directors, Coaches for the 2008-09 school year:
a. William White 5th/6th Gr. Basketball & Tournament Volunteer b. Matthew Haggerty 5th/6th Gr. Basketball & Tournament Asst. $ 275.00 c. Jeffrey Diano Bat and Ball Club Advisor $ 325.00 d. Lisa Rusk Bat and Ball Club Advisor $ 325.00 e. Floyd Williams Chess Club Advisor 5/6 $ 325.00 f. Peter Vernon Competitive Swim Advisor 5/6 $ 325.00 g. Lisa Finelli Creative Writing Club Advisor 5/6 $ 325.00 h. Maureen Leap Field Hockey Advisor 5/6 $ 325.00 i. Ashley Steen Jazz Band Director 5/6 $ 275.00 j. Paula Nagle Memorybook Advisor 5/6/7 $ 700.00 k. Evelyn Williams-Smith School Newspaper Advisor 5/6 $ 400.00 l. Mary Bechtel Strings Director 5/6 $ 400.00 m. Deborah Manter Student Council Advisor 5/6 $ 500.00 n. Lisa Rusk Student Council Advisor 5/6 $ 500.00 o. Paula Nagle Student Council Advisor 7 $ 500.00 p. Amanda Nicholson Volleyball Advisor 5/6 $ 325.00 q. Jason Yost Wrestling Advisor 5/6 $ 325.00
16. The following Substitute Teachers for the 2008-09 school year:
Aldridge, Julie Gredlein, Elaine Niemoczynski, Deborah Andrews, Andronikki Harpster, Michelle Oney, Kery Argiriou, Stacey Hester, Zachary Ortenzi, Kathleen Aversano, Karissa Hillel, Barbara Pappalardo, Salvatore Baclawski, Danielle Hocking, Jordan Pena, Stanelle Beaman, Damian Houston, William Perazio, Valerie Belcher, Kristi Howarth, Laurie Perez, Susan Blanco, Andrea Hufnagle, Eric Piggot-Prawl, Lucille Blobner, William Iaconetti, Angelo Pino, Krystal Bonilla, Kathryn Johnson, Heather Plowman, Ellis STROUDSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING 08/20/08
Brizzi, Amy Weidman Jones, Alfredean Pohutsky, Joelyne Broderick, Kristin Jones, Clark Potito, Elizabeth Burden, Susan Kelley, Melissa Qendro, Michael Carl, Daniel Knapp, Brandon Reid, Danielle Celantano, Debra Kohler, Kathryn Robertson, Heather Christman, Alexandra Kornecki, Estelle Sayre, Kristen Coffin, Ginger Kramer, Sarah Schmidt, Gina Corveleyn, Karen Kutzler, Alison Serfass, Nichol Corwin, Dawn LaBar, Jacqueline Shimkus, Albert Costanzo, Rebecca Lantz, Barbara Shumaker, Kathryn Cunard, Kristen Lieberman, Jennifer Sims, Diane Czyzyk, Mary Ann Litts, James Smith, Jennifer DePerro, Heather Lutte, Ruth Steen, Michael Derguti, Valbona Mars, Sharon Stewart, Margaret Downey, Susan Mastrobattista, Adrienne Strazzera, Christine Drake, Linda Mays-Gee, Marie Sweeney, Jane Duncan, Debbie Mejia, Lizette Szasz, Carmen Emert, Alexander Mesko, Judith Weaver, Danielle Erm, Christine Miller, Lorette Weber, Kristine Flecha, Isabel Garcia Minton, Yolande Whitesell, Rose Ann Fritchman, Christopher Mitchell, Deborah Williams, Harriet Fusiak, Amber Moore, Yvonne Wilson, Gary Gallen, John Morgan, Sheldon Yale, Ann Gallo, Felicia Murphy, Erin Yorke, Jennifer Ghassan, Frantz Neal, Delores Glaser, Brooke Newport, Cynthia
17. The following Substitute Paraprofessionals for the 2008-09 school year:
Adridge, Julie Houston, William Qendro, Michael Carl, Daniel Karalunas, Jean DeVivo Strazzera, Christine Christman, Alexandra Minton, Yolande Gredlein, Elaine Potito, Elizabeth
18. The following Homebound Instructors for the 2008-09 school year:
Aldridge, Julie Gredlein, Elaine Moore, Yvonne Beaman, Damian Haggerty, Jodie Murgia, Danielle Bolton, Erin Iaconetti, Angelo Qendro, Michael Bomboy, Jennifer Karalunas, Jean Devivo Reid, Danielle Burke, Sherri Kornecki, Estelle Rodriguez, Heidi Carl, Daniel Kutzler, Alison Scarsella, Teresa Christman, Alexandra Lanfrank, Anthony Schuck, Renee Connor, Victoria Lefkowitz, Lawrence Sims, Diane Downey, Susan Lieberman, Jennifer Thornhill, Debra Drake, Linda Mahler, Patricia Verwey, Maureen Gallen, John Mesko, Judith Yale, Ann Gallo, Felicia Minton, Yolande Zito, RoseMarie
19. The following Support Staff Substitutes for the 2008-09 school year:
Ace, Tyler -- Mechanic Altemose, Dennis -- Custodian Bendixen, Anna -- Secretary Bittenbender, Andrea -- Paraprofessional, Secretary, Monitor STROUDSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING 08/20/08
Bryant, Darlene -- Monitor Cali, Charlotte -- Paraprofessional Campbell, Bridget -- Secretary Competiello, Frank -- Custodian Doll, Clinton -- Custodian Dorm, Carolyn -- Secretary Goding, Doona -- Paraprofessional Heller, Rebecca -- Secretary Hernandez, Jennifer -- Paraprofessional Hughes, Justin -- Custodian Jurjevic, Britt -- Paraprofessional, Monitor Kaiser, Ella -- Secretary Kammerer, Virginia -- Secretary Keiser, Patricia -- Monitor Kubiak, Billye -- Paraprofessional, Monitor Kuschner, Brenda -- Secretary Maikisch, Jennie -- Monitor Markantonis, Sarah -- Secretary Modica, Madeline -- Bus Monitor Molnar, Angeline -- Paraprofessional Norcross, Cordula -- Paraprofessional, Secretary Pembleton, Glen -- Paraprofessional Pohutsky, Joseph -- Custodian Pomichowski, Ann -- Monitor Possinger, Ann -- Paraprofessional, Monitor Repp, Barbara -- Bus Monitor Rose, Lisa -- Paraprofessional Rutt, Jennifer -- Monitor Seymour, Donna -- Paraprofessional Smith, Karen -- Paraprofessional Smith, Marjorie -- Secretary Steinberg, Lori -- Paraprofessional, Monitor Stio, Eileen -- Paraprofessional, Secretary Swanson, Alfred -- Custodian Vaughn, Judith -- Secretary Wade, Lamont -- Custodian Walter, Lesley -- Secretary Walter, William -- Custodian Werkheiser, Bonnie -- Custodian Woolard, Margaret -- Paraprofessional Zagame, Linda -- Paraprofessional
20. The following Substitute Nurses for the 2008-09 school year:
Eufemio, Kathleen Hashey, Joann Schiavone, Barbara
D. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGE IN EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
1. Andrew Kurnas -- from Long-Term Substitute Junior High School Business Education Teacher to High School English Teacher for the annual salary of $39,991.00 (BS, Step 1) effective August 27, 2008. He replaces Lynn Golden, who has resigned.
2. Edwina Drozd – from Intermediate School Secretary I to Arlington Elementary School Secretary I at her current hourly rate, effective approximately August 14, 2008. She replaces Karen Walter, who resigned. STROUDSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING 08/20/08
3. Amy Huffman -- from Clearview Elementary School Monitor to Clearview Elementary School Secretary II/Clerk at the hourly rate of $7.69 (Probation) effective August 26, 2008. She replaces Sue Ellen Walsh, who transferred to the Transportation Office.
CONFERENCES AND FIELD TRIPS
Dr. Riker reported eleven (11) members of the professional staff, administration, and school board attended conferences and workshops during the month of July. The requested total of these conferences and workshops was $2,084 leaving a balance of approximately $43,716 for the remainder of the 2008-2009 school year.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Motion was made by Chandler and seconded by Woods to approve report of cash and investment accounts as of July 31, 2008, showing receipts of $7,276,988.85, disbursements of $7,126,932.97, and balances of $16,283,664.64.
Roll call vote: Cardelle-yes; Chandler-yes; Jakobsen-yes; Laubach-yes; Lladoc-yes; Magann-yes; White-yes; and Woods-yes. 8 - 0, motion carried.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Motion was made by Chandler and seconded by Magann to approve payment of General Fund invoices of $2,247,497.28 and Bond Fund invoices of $153,535.85, and ratify General Fund payments of $4,509,159.97, and to approve exoneration of school taxes on the following properties owned by the school district:
07/13/1/72, HCR Box 218, Sciota 18-4/1/8/1, West Main & Elizabeth 18-4/1/8/3, 1116 West Main 18-4/1/8/18, Elizabeth & Hamilton 18-4/1/9/1, 123 Wayne 18-4/1/9/2, 107 Wayne 18-4/1/9/5, 110 Linden 18-4/1/9/6, 120 Linden 18-4/1/10/3, 113 Elizabeth 18-4/1/10/4, 111 Elizabeth 18-4/1/10/5, 1208 Hamilton 18-4/1/10/6, 1218 Hamilton 18-4/1/10/8, 122 Wayne 18-4/1/10/9, 126 Wayne 18-4/1/11/44, 1054 West Main 18-4/1/11/44-1, 1052 West Main
Roll call vote: Cardelle-yes; Chandler-yes; Jakobsen-yes; Laubach-ye; Lladoc-yes; Magann-yes; White-yes; and Woods-yes. 8 - 0. motion carried.
Motion was made by Cardelle and seconded by Magann to accept the low bid for the demolition of 24 structures to Northeast Site Contractors in the amount of $194,021.00.
Roll call vote: Chandler-yes; Jakobsen-yes; Laubach-yes; Lladoc-yes; Magann-yes; White-yes; Woods-yes and Cardelle-yes. 8 – 0, motion carried.
STROUDSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING 08/20/08
Motion was made by White and seconded by Chandler to approve the first reading of the District Wellness Policy (with updated Mission Statement).
Voice vote, all ayes. 8-0, motion carried.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Toleno updated the Board with regard to maintenance projects in and around the district.
STANDING REPORTS
Dr. Chandler reported on the Monroe Career and Technical Institute and the PSBA Leadership Conference in Hershey, October 13-17, 2008.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE RESOLUTION
Mr. Jennings reviewed the process to be followed regarding revisions/updates to the District Policy Manual. Policies #004.1, 004.2, 005, 006 and 007 will appear on the September 3, 2008 agenda for a first reading.
COMMUNITY INPUT
Lucy Cohowicz spoke on the traffic light on Chipperfield Drive; Cindy Blake and Barbara Magnano spoke on the study of a bridge to a potential softball field; Camilla Lind spoke on sidewalk markings on West Main Street; and Judy Semon spoke on dress policy and grade 7/8 activities.
ADJOURNMENT
As there was no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 P.M. on motion from Woods.
Respectfully submitted,
Donovan Jennings Secretary