MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

Homer-Center School Board

Homer City, PA 15748

Elementary Library

May 15, 2008

         The board held an executive session for personnel reasons to interview high school principal candidates on the following dates and times:  April 21, 6:30 –10 p.m.; April 22, 6:30 -10:10 p.m.; April 28, 6:30 -10:15 p.m.; May 5, 7:25-7:45 p.m. and May 14,
6:30 -10:45 p.m. 

           The board held an executive session that evening for personnel reasons from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.

            President Vicki Smith called the meeting to order at 7:47 p.m.  Seven members were present at Roll Call to comprise a quorum.

MIINUTES      

On a Taddie/Yurky motion the minutes of the April 17, 2008 meeting were approved.  Voice vote; unanimous.

VISITORS/PRESENTATION

               
              Helen Bencic, Kiwanis club representative, gave a history of their scholarship.  The Kiwanis Club, established about 26 years ago, presently has 18 members (about 13 active).  They will award three scholarships—one $300; one $200; one $100 and the remaining Seniors of the Month will receive $50 (which is double from last year).

                Kim Thomas, representing the Women’s Club of Homer City, gave its history.  The club was formed in 1940 and scholarships have been awarded the past 25 years.  The clubs’ scholarship committee selects the Girls of the Month and a special committee from IUP selects the scholarship recipient.

                Board members and assistant principal, Gene Raymond, recognized the Kiwanis Club Seniors of the Month and the Women’s Club Girls of the Month with certificates.

                Mr. McLoughlin came to the meeting at this time, 7:55 p.m.

TREASURER’S REPORT

           Mrs. Sasala, board treasurer, gave the treasurer’s report dated April 30, 2008.  On a Thomas/Galasso motion the treasurer’s report was approved.  Voice vote; unanimous.

BILLS

On a Sasala/Galasso motion the general fund, cafeteria and bond fund bills were approved.  Poll vote; motion carried 7-0.

BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT

The business manager reported that as of April 30, 2008. investments held by the district were $970,933.79.  Interest earned from investment amounts was $5,094.17.

            On a Taddie/McLoughlin motion the following depositories were approved for school district funds:
                                    First Commonwealth Bank
                                    S&T Bank
                                    PLGIT (Pa. Local Government Investment Trust)
                                    PSDLAF (Pa. School District Liquid Asset Funds)
Poll vote; motion carried 7-0.

            Mrs. Gardner informed the board that the 2008-09 Real Estate Tax Installment Payment Plan Dates for approved Homestead and Farmstead Taxpayers were approved as August 15, October 15, and December 15, 2008.

On a McLoughlin/Sasala motion authorization was granted to advertise and conduct the sale of furniture, equipment and other miscellaneous items due to the renovation of the high school.  Voice vote; unanimous.

            The April Cafeteria Report showed a loss of $6,770.18 compared to a $265.69 gain last year at this same time.  Year-to-date figures showed a loss of $38,901.67 compared to a $76,327.14loss last year.  Meal participation was given as follows: 

REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT

PERSONNEL

           On a McLoughlin/Thomas motion, the resignation, due to retirement of Ron Coy, custodian, effective July 4, 2008, was accepted.  Voice vote; unanimous.

            On a Sasala/Galasso motion the resignation of Kathie Yanci, seven-hour cleaner, effective May 7, 2008 was accepted.  Voice vote; unanimous.

              On a Taddie/Thomas motion Lee Hagan was approved as an elementary substitute teacher.  Voice vote; unanimous.

            On a Thomas/Yurky motion Patricia Hovanik and Linda Graves, ARIN employees, were approved as tutors for the elementary school.  Voice vote; unanimous.

            On a McLoughlin/Taddie motion approval was granted a one-half unpaid day for Lucinda Valuchuck, instructional assistant, on Tuesday afternoon, May 13, 2008.  Voice vote; unanimous.

EDUCATION

          On a Sasala/Thomas motion homebound instruction was approved for three secondary students (Tracking #07-08-11, 307-08-12 and #07-08-13).  Voice vote; unanimous.

            On a McLoughlin/Galasso motion the attached list (see appendix 1) of candidates were approved for graduation on June 3, 2008, pending the completion of the requirements of the Homer-Center School District.  Poll vote; motion carried 7-0.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

         On a McLoughlin/Yurky motion the following student field trips were approved:
(1)       Angela Long, Suzanne Mateer, Sherry Dellaposta and Elementary Breakfast
            Book Club, final book breakfast, Indiana Eat’n Park Restaurant, May 21.
            District cost is transportation.
(2)       Joy Baum and chorus students, Pittsburgh Pirate Game, May23.  No district cost.
(3)       Jane Mastro, Vicki Olinger and sophomore class, Washington, DC, June 2.
            District cost is $140 for two substitutes for a day.
Voice vote; unanimous.
            On a Taddie/Thomas motion Joy Baum, Mark Pangonis, Roxanne Rouse, Rob Stossel, Chris Yurky and the senior class were approved for the senior class picnic at Blue Spruce Park, June 2.  District cost is $140 for two substitutes for a day plus transportation.  Voice vote; unanimous.

            On a Taddie/Sasala motion Chris Yurky and six students were approved to attend the National Affairs Conference for Youth and Government in July, 2008.  The district will contribute $1,200 toward the total cost of the trip.  Voice vote; unanimous.
                                               
            The superintendent reported that commendations are due the following:
(1)       Kiwanis Senior of the Month:
            a.         May—Audrey Fennell
            b.         June—Lauren McQuiston
(2)       Women’s Club Girl of the Month:
            a.         March—Michelle Taddie
            b.         April—Brianne Thomas
(3)       Youth and Government:
            a.         Bills Passed by Jenny Yurky, Audrey Fennel, Courtney Henry, Megan Gaydosh
            b.         Outstanding Administrative Member—Beth Yurky
            c.         Outstanding Page—Ann Arone
            d.         National Conference Attendees—Brittany Fabin, Mike Rummel, Beth Yurky, Jenny Yurky, Stephen Holt (alternate)

            On a Galasso/McLoughlin motion Tony Maggio was approved as volunteer for the girls’ softball team for the 2007-08 season.  Voice vote; unanimous.

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

           Tom Dixson, clerk of the works, gave a High School Building Renovation update:
(1)       New entrance doors and glass walls are complete, along with dry wall installa-
            tion.  June 2 is the scheduled move-in date for the new high school office.
(2)       In the gym, the wooden floor was all removed and they are preparing for new floor.   They are finishing wiring for the new lights and the roof is about 30 percent complete which is scheduled to be done by August 8.
(3)       All the demolition is done in the high school kitchen.  All equipment has been measured and is in production.  August 22 is the move-in date scheduled for the cafeteria. 
(4)       In the Large Group Instruction room, 90 percent of the ductwork and electrical wiring is done.

CAFETERIA

            No report at this time.

POLICY

          On a Sasala/Yurky motion, under Pupils, for Policy No. 3272, Pregnant/Married Students, was adopted.  Poll vote; motion carried 7-0.

            On a McLoughlin/Sasala motion, under Pupils, for Policy No. 3273, Student Records, was adopted.   Poll vote: motion carried 7-0.

TRANSPORTATION

            No report at this time.

BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS

           On a Thomas/Yurky motion Joy Sasala was reappointed board treasurer at a salary of $900 per year.  Poll vote; Mrs. Sasala abstained from voting.  Motion carried 6-0-1.

           On a Sasala/Galasso motion James McLoughlin was reappointed assistant board treasurer.  Voice vote; Mr. McLoughlin abstained from voting.  Motion carried 6-0-1.

            On a Taddie/Thomas motion a three-year trainer contract between the Homer-Center School District and CSOM Rehabilitation for the 2008-11 school years was approved.  The contract rate for the 2008-09 school year will increase three percent each year.  Poll vote; motion carried 7-0.
           
            On Yurky/McLoughlin motion the 2008-09 General Fund Budget was tentatively adopted in the amount of $14,376,631 proposed tax structure and will be displayed until June 6, 2008:
            Real Estate                                          102.5 mills
            Wage Tax                                             0.9 percent
            Real Estate Transfer                          0.5 percent
            Emergency & Municipal Services    $5.00
Voting yes                                                                 Voting no
Mr. McLoughlin        Mr. Taddie                             Mr. Galasso
Mrs. Sasala               Mrs. Thomas
Mrs. Smith                 Mr. Yurky
Poll vote; motion carried 6-1.

            On a Thomas/Yurky motion the attached (see appendix 2), planning/board meeting dates from August 2008 through December were approved.  Voice vote; unanimous.

OTHER REPORTS

                      The board acknowledged the written report of elementary principal, Mr. Stofa.

            Gene Raymond, assistant principal, spoke about: (1) 42 new members inducted into the Junior and Senior National Honor Society the evening of May 12; (2) the Kiwanis Seniors of the Month will be recognized at a banquet will May 19; (3) the counselors have almost completed student schedules for the 2008-09 school year; and (4) Homer-Center won second place out of forty-one teams at the recent Physics Olympics held at IUP.

            Jane Mastro, HCEA president, thanked the board for the May 9 Employee Luncheon.  The board also received a written thank you note.  Student projects were from   Kristina Smith’s Rainbow Room and Nathan Fulmer’s band trip to Disney World.  Also present from the 10th Grade World Cultures class were, Jim Pettenati, teacher; Liam O’Donnell, Mr. Pettenati’s student teacher, and Jonathan Harvilla, tenth grader.

            On a McLoughlin/Taddie motion the meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m.  Voice vote; unanimous.                                      

                            
Submitted for board approval,
                                               
                       
                                                                        Carol N. Black, Board Secretary
_________________________
Vicki L. Smith, President