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Saucon Valley School District
Regular Meeting of the Board of Education
October 14, 2014 – 7 pm
High School Audion

Welcome to the meeting of the Saucon Valley School Board. Our objective is to serve the students,
parents, and residents of our community. You are an important part of this meeting and we look
forward to your questions and comments.
We are all here for the same reason. All opinions are welcomed and equally valuable. Our only
request is that we address each other with civility and respect. Our courtesy toward each other is
the best way to show our students how much we respect them as well.
Notice to Public - This is to notify all in attendance at the Saucon Valley School Board meeting that
the district is video and audio taping the meeting and the meeting will be posted for public viewing
according to district policy.
Agenda
6:30 pm – Executive Session for the purpose of personnel and negotiations.
I.
Call to the Order – Michael Karabin, President, presiding
II.
Pledge of Allegiance
III.
Recording of Attendance – David Bonenberger, Secretary
IV.
Motion to Approve Agenda
V.
Announcement of Executive Session
October 14, 2014 – Personnel and Negotiations
VI.
Approval of Minutes – September 23, 2014
VII.
Recognition – None
VIII.
Presentation
A. Negotiations Update by Negotiations Committee
B. SAIL (Summer Academy for Incoming Learners) PASA-PSAB School Leadership
Conference Presentation – James Deegan
IX.
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Monica McHale-Small, Superintendent
October 14, 2014
Business Agenda
Page 2 of 6
X.
Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors – Agenda Items Only – Visitors should state their
name and address.
XI.
Presentation of Bills – David Bonenberger
A.
General Expenditure – $1,489,156.56
B.
Cafeteria Expenditures – $31,967.98
C.
Health Benefits – None
D.
Capital Projects – $66,576.85
Recommendations for Approval
Presentation of Bills
1.
Approve the above presentation of bills.
Recommendation: To approve all motions and recommendations as listed above in Presentation of Bills.
XII.
Treasurer’s Report - Edward Inghrim/David Bonenberger
A.
Cash Investment and Bond Activity - None
B.
Condensed Board Summary Report - None
C.
Capital Project Finance Report - None
D.
Budget Transfers – $162,202.00
E.
Middle School Activity Report – October 1, 2014
F.
High School Activity Report – September 30, 2014
Recommendations for Approval
Treasurer’s Report
1.
Approve the above Treasurer’s Report.
Recommendation: To approve all motions and recommendations as listed above in Treasurer’s Report.
AGENDA ITEMS
A.
Education
Items/Projects for Discussion and Possible Resolution
None
Recommendations for Approval
Obsolete/Surplus
1.
Approve the attached list of Obsolete/Surplus items.
Recommendation: To approve all motions and recommendations as listed above in Treasurer’s Report.
October 14, 2014
B.
Business Agenda
Page 3 of 6
Personnel
Items/Projects for Discussion
None
Recommendations for Approval
Administrator Resignation
1.
Approve the resignation of Dr. Shawn Rutt, Supervisor of Special
Education effective no later than December 5, 2014.
Long Term Substitute
2.
Approve the following long term substitute. Salaries are based on
the 2011-12 contract and are subject to change following approval
of the new professional contract.
Lynette Wakefield as kindergarten long term substitute beginning
approximately October 31, 2014, and continue until approximately March
2, 2015. The base salary is $44,232 (B, Step 1) which will be prorated for
number of days worked. Mrs. Wakefield is replacing Holli Conrad, who
will be on maternity leave during this time.
Unpaid Leave
3.
Approve the request for four days of unpaid leave for Erin Cheripka,
elementary long term reading specialist, for November 11-14, 2014.
She will be using a personal day for November 10, 2014.
Elementary After School Homework Club
4.
Approve the following 2014-15 Elementary After School Homework
Club advisors. Salary is $35/hour for ½ hour per day
(approximately 83 days). Not to exceed a total of $4,342. (Budgeted)
Sharon Bender
Lisa Benza
Jennifer Burkholder
Vivian Demko
Amanda Hicks
Paige Histand
Allyssa Miara
Michael Sakelarides
Middle School Ski and Snowboard Club Volunteer Advisors
5.
Approve the following 2014-15 middle school ski and snowboard
club volunteer advisors/chaperones:
Amber Brody
Bob Boyer
Carol Free
Victoria Gazzana
Robyn Heppenheimer
Ruben Rivero
Phillip Russell
October 14, 2014
Business Agenda
Page 4 of 6
Conference/Travel Request(s)
6.
Approve the attached conference/travel request(s).
Addition(s) to the Professional Substitute List
7.
Approve the following 2014-15 professional substitute(s):
Lisa Bardinelli-Madigan – Emergency Certified
Frank Behum – Emergency Certified
Nichole Cerullo – Emergency Certified
Kathleen Miller – Emergency Certified
Sarah Oswald – Health/Physical Education
Neil Tichelaar – Emergency Certified
Pamela Westphal – Emergency Certified
Substitute Maintenance
8.
Approve Nicholas Peteto as a substitute maintenance worker at an
hourly rate of $11.79 on a “call as needed” basis, no benefits,
effective immediately.
Substitute Paraprofessional
9.
Approve Lisa Madigan as a substitute paraprofessional at an hourly
rate of $9.99 on a “call as needed” basis, not benefits, effective
immediately.
Substitute Food Service
10.
Approve Tara Reccek and Deborah Kelahan as a substitute food
services workers at an hourly rate of $9.80 on a “call as needed”
basis, no benefits, effective immediately.
Substitute Custodian
11.
Approve Robert Coyle as a substitute custodian at an hourly rate of
$10.39 on a “call as needed” basis, no benefits, effective
immediately.
Recommendation: To approve all motions and recommendations as listed above in Personnel.
C.
Facilities
Items/Projects for Discussion and Possible Resolution
None
October 14, 2014
Business Agenda
Page 5 of 6
Recommendations for Approval
No Reports or Recommendations
Recommendation: No recommendations.
D.
Finance
Items/Projects for Discussion
None
Recommendations for Approval
No Reports or Recommendations
Recommendation: No recommendations.
E.
Community Outreach
Items/Projects for Discussion
None
Saucon Valley Partnership Meeting – Edward Inghrim and Mark Sivak
The next meeting of the Saucon Valley Partnership is scheduled for
November 12, 2014, at 7 pm at Lower Saucon Township.
Recommendations for Approval
No Reports or Recommendations
Recommendation: No recommendations.
F.
Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech School – Jack Dowling and Bryan Eichfeld
(Meetings are the first Tuesday of every Month)
G.
Colonial Intermediate Unit – Susan Baxter
(Meetings are the fourth Wednesday of every Month)
H.
PSBA – Jack Dowling and Sandra Miller
I.
Hellertown/Lower Saucon Chamber of Commerce – Jack Dowling
J.
Saucon Valley Foundation for Educational Innovation – Sandra Miller
October 14, 2014
K.
Business Agenda
Page 6 of 6
Northampton Community College – Susan Baxter
(Meetings are the first Thursday of every Month)
L.
Old Business
XIII.
Citizen’s Inquiries and Comments – Visitors should state their name and address.
XIV.
Announcements
Future Meetings ~
October 28, 2014 – 7 pm – Business Meeting – Audion
November 11, 2014 – 7 pm – Business Meeting – Audion
December 2, 2014 – 7 pm – Reorganization Meeting - Audion
Business Meeting – Audion
XV.
Motion to Adjourn Meeting
The Saucon Valley School District does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or handicap.
SAIL
Summer Academy for Incoming Learners
Transition
- Think about issues surrounding transition of
students from
-  grade to grade
-  building to building
1
What is SAIL?
-Transition program for children moving from
community education centers or home care to
parochial, private or public school
-Two week program scheduled during Summer
Learning Academy at Saucon Valley SD
-  Organized academic, behavioral and social
activities
Why SAIL?
“…transition from preschool to formal schooling is
widely acknowledged as a critical developmental
milestone for children and families, with potentially
significant implications for later school outcomes.”
(Eckert et al. 2008)
“…the kindergarten transition has been labeled a
‘‘sensitive period’’ necessary for later school
success.”
(Rimm-Kaufman and Pianta 2000).
2
July
21, 2014
Who is involved in SAIL?
- Open to all children of Saucon Valley SD entering any
Kindergarten in the fall of the upcoming school year
- Parents
-Saucon Valley Kindergarten Transition Community
Partnership/Lehigh Valley United Way Children’s Coalition
(2011)
- Pre-service teachers and staff from Lehigh University
- Saucon Valley OT/PT, Speech and SD administrators
3
Involving Community Stakeholders in SAIL
PARENTS
S
C
H
O
O
L
B
O
A
R
D
S
V
S
D
S
T
A
F
F
CHILDREN
SAIL Participation
- 2014, 65 out of 109 enrolled students participated, 60% participation
- 2013, 57 out of 120 enrolled students participated, 48% participation
- 2012, 50 out of 123 enrolled students participated, 40% participation
- Increase of Lehigh University student teachers to provide
8:1 student to teacher ratio
4
SAIL In Pictures
SAIL Data: Parent/Student/Teacher Feedback
5
SAIL Data: Parent/Student/Teacher Feedback
-  “I was happy to have this program for my daughter to participate in. Although she
reported still feeling afraid of first day of kindergarten, I know that was much better
than it would have been without SAIL. “
- Parent
-  “I think it's a great program. My child had a hard time the first day with crying and
me leaving. By the second day she ran in! And now everyday she goes to
kindergarten without any problems.”
-  Parent
-  “Please continue to do this program every year! It helped my youngest get
excited about going to school and let her see what it was all about. I will tell
parents with future kindergarteners what a great experience it is! Thanks for all of
the hard work you put in, it is very appreciated.”
- Parent
SAIL Data: Parent/Student/Teacher Feedback
- “Thank you so much for this opportunity. I think it is wonderful that the school
offers this program and for it to be free of charge is a wonderful and generous
thing you all are doing for the children and families.”
- Parent
-  “The children are transitioning very nicely”
-  Saucon Valley Extended Day Kindergarten Teacher
-  “I thought the sail program was fantastic! We feel very lucky to be a
part of this district! Thank you for this great program!”
-  Parent
-  “I thought it was a great experience for my daughter. She was very
comfortable moving into kindergarten since she was able to spend the
time in the building at SAIL camp.”
-  Parent
6
How do we proceed?
Next Steps: Broaden Community Involvement
“…family involvement in transition is considered
important for positive child outcomes.”
(Rimm-Kaufman and Pianta 2000)
- Continued IU 20 offered professional development
with Early Childhood focus for:
- Community education centers
- Parents/Grandparents providing home care
Thank you:
Lehigh University Students and
College of Education Staff
Mrs. Carla Kologie
Dr. Brook Sawyer
Dr. Lynn Columba
Dr. Julie Santoro
Saucon Valley SD Custodial Staff
Dr. Shawn Rutt
Mrs. Cindy Motter
Ms. Lynn Cheddar
Mrs. Theresa McDermott
7
September
12, 2014
Questions ?
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
United Way PA Locations
http://apps.unitedway.org/myuw/luindex.cfm?
id=browsecities&zip=00000&abbr=PA&app
8
September 23, 2014
Page 3599
A Business Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Saucon Valley School District was
held on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 in the High School Audion. Present were
Directors Charles Bartolet, Susan Baxter, Jack Dowling, Bryan Eichfeld, Edward
Inghrim, Michael Karabin, Sandra Miller, Mark Sivak. Absent – Ralph Puerta with prior
notice. Also present were Superintendent Monica McHale-Small, David Bonenberger,
Business Manager, and Kyle Berman, District Solicitor.
I.
Call to the Order at 7:02PM – Michael Karabin, President, presiding
II.
Pledge of Allegiance
III.
Recording of Attendance – David Bonenberger, Secretary
8-present, 1-absent (Puerta with prior notice)
IV.
Motion to Approve Agenda – Director Inghrim, seconded by Director Miller moved to
approve the Agenda. Vote: 8-yes, 0-no, 1-absent (Puerta)
V.
Announcement of Executive Session
September 9, 2014 – Negotiations and September 23, 2014 – Legal
VI.
Approval of Minutes – Director Bartolet, seconded by Director Inghrim moved to
approve the minutes of September 9, 2014. Vote: 8-yes, 0-no, 1-absent (Puerta)
VII.
Recognition
VIII.
Presentation
IX.
Superintendent’s Report –Dr. McHale-Small thanked the Elementary School PTO and the
Middle School PTG for hosting a meet the Superintendent night on October 1st. She also
mentioned the state has released the school performance data but is still finalizing results before
making them public. Dr. McHale-Small will be posting to replace Dr. Atkinson which will be
advertized as an Assistant to the Superintendent. Every year the seniors of the girls’ soccer team
recognize teachers who have made an impact on their academic careers. They are Theresa
Andrucci, Jessica Friday, Barb Psathas, Theresa Weidner, Cheri Chisesi and Rich Simononis.
X.
Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors – Agenda Items Only
XI.
Presentation of Bills – David Bonenberger
A.
General Expenditure – $1,435,869.32
B.
Cafeteria Expenditures – $20,854.03
C.
Health Benefits – $283,842.07
D.
Capital Projects – None
1.
Approve the above presentation of bills.
Director Inghrim, seconded by Director Bartolet moved to approve the Presentation of
the Bills. Vote: 8-yes, 0-no, 1-absent (Puerta)
XII.
Treasurer’s Report - Edward Inghrim/David Bonenberger
A.
Cash Investment and Bond Activity
B.
Condensed Board Summary Report
C.
Capital Project Finance Report
D.
Budget Transfers – None
E.
Middle School Activity Report – September 1, 2014
F.
High School Activity Report – August 31, 2014
Page 3600
September 23, 2014
1.
Approve the above Treasurer’s Report.
Director Miller, seconded by Director Inghrim moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report.
Vote: 8-yes, 0-no, 1-absent (Puerta)
A.
Education
A.
Super Kids Literacy Curriculum for Grades K-2
No Reports or Recommendations
B.
Personnel
1.
Approve the following professional appointments. Salary is based
on the 2011-12 contract and are subject to change following
approval of the new professional contract:
Amanda Giangiobbe as sixth grade mathematics teacher effective
September 24, 2014. Her base salary is $45,600 (B, Step 2), which will
be prorated. Ms. Giangiobbe is replacing Lucy Kennedy, who recently
resigned.
Jennifer Screnci as .5 high school social studies teacher effective
September 24, 2014. Her base salary is $22,116 (B, Step 1), which will
be prorated. Ms. Screnci is replacing Kristin Arnold, who recently
resigned.
2
Approve the following long term substitute. Salary is based on the
2011-12 contract and is subject to change following approval of the
new professional contract.
Melissa Maynard as sixth grade language arts long term substitute
beginning September 24, 2014, and continue for remainder of the 201415 school year. Her base salary is $45,600 (B, Step 2) which will be
prorated. Ms. Maynard is replacing Amanda Giangiobbe, who was
transferred to a permanent position.
3.
Approve the following mentors for the 2014-15 school year.
Salary is per the current professional contract which is $500.
(Salary will be pro-rated if not a full school year.)
Inductee
Katie Roberts
Jennifer Screnci
Mentor
Alice Friend
Jeremy Kittek
4.
Approve the middle school dance team program under the direction
of Tonya Rodriquez, who was previous approved as volunteer.
5.
Approve the following 2014-15 substitute(s):
Martin Brynildsen III – Emergency Certified
Linda Dieterly – Emergency Certified
Adrienne Gorzelic – Art
September 23, 2014
Page 3601
William Oatman – Emergency Certified
Jeffrey Parks – Emergency Certified
Jennifer Philipp - Music
6.
Approve the transfer of Elijah Tirado from the custodial department
to the maintenance department at an hourly rate of $25.22. He is
replacing Doug Peffer who retired.
Director Bartolet, seconded by Director Miller moved to approve Personnel Item
#6. Vote: 6-yes, 1-no (Karabin), 1-abstain(Eichfeld)
7.
Approve Maureen Kardell as the K – 8 Attendance Secretary
effective September 24, 2014, at an hourly rate of $15.05 with
benefits per the current Secretarial/ Clerical Agreement. Ms. Kardell
is replacing Kathleen Prindible who transferred to the Middle
School Office.
8.
Approve the following substitute support staff:
Heather Budline as a Food Service Substitute at an hourly rate of $9.80,
on a “call as needed” basis, no benefits, effective immediately.
Kathryn Miller as a Secretarial Substitute at an hourly rate of $9.99, on a
“call as needed” basis, no benefits, effective immediately.
Andrew Meilinger as a Part Time Bus Driver at an hourly rate of $18.67
for driving and $10.00 for riding and as a Substitute Custodian at an
hourly rate of $10.39, no benefits, on a “call as needed” basis, effective
immediately.
9.
Approve Dwight Thompson as an Emergency Van Driver at an
hourly rate of $18.67, no benefits, on a “call as needed” basis,
effective immediately.
10.
Approve an extension of an unpaid medical leave for Michael
Gerstenberg, custodian, until October 20, 2014.
11.
Approve the following 2014-15 fall coaches. Salary is based on the
2011-12 contract and is subject to change following approval of the
new professional contract.
Field Hockey
Ashley Kratochvil
Phil Danaher
Kristen Shickora
12.
Assistant Coach
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Resigned
$4,805.00
$2,745.00
Approve the following high school co-curricular/extra duty position
for the 2014-15 school year. Salary is based on the 2011-12
contract and is subject to change following approval of the new
professional contract:
High School
Mock Trial Club – Genia Miller - $798
Page 3602
September 23, 2014
Director Inghrim, seconded by Director Miller moved to approve Personnel Items
1-5 and 7-12. Vote: 8-yes, 0-no, 1-absent (Puerta)
C.
Facilities
No Reports or Recommendations
D.
Finance
No Reports or Recommendations
E.
Community Outreach
The next meeting of the Saucon Valley Partnership is scheduled for
November 12, 2014, at 7 pm at Lower Saucon Township.
F.
Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech School – Jack Dowling and Bryan Eichfeld
G.
Colonial Intermediate Unit – Susan Baxter
H.
PSBA – Jack Dowling and Sandra Miller
A.
Discussion of PSBA candidates
1.
Approve slate of officers per board ballots.
Director Miller, seconded by Director Inghrim moved to approve the election of PSBA
officers per board ballots. Vote: 8-yes, 0-no, 1-absent (Puerta)
XIII.
I.
Hellertown/Lower Saucon Chamber of Commerce – Jack Dowling
J.
Saucon Valley Foundation for Educational Innovation – Sandra Miller
K.
Northampton Community College – Susan Baxter
L.
Old Business
Citizen’s Inquiries and Comments –
L. Rebnick – Asked what we are doing with the rest of the children in the district (grades 3-12) to
catch them up since they are not part of the Super Kids program.
G. Gress – Commented on the difference of property assessments between a house on Black
River Road and one on Bingen Road.
XIV.
Announcements
Future Meetings ~
October 14, 2014 – 7 pm – Business Meeting – Audion
October 28, 2014 – 7 pm – Business Meeting – Audion
November 11, 2014 – 7 pm – Business Meeting – Audion
XV.
Motion to Adjourn Meeting
Director Dowling, seconded by Director Miller moved to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 9-yes, 0-no, 1-absent (Puerta)
7:40PM
ATTEST: ____________________________
Secretary
___________________________
President
Beginning Balance
Income
Expenses
End Balance
$
$
SAUCON VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
STUDENT ACTIVITIES ACCOUNTS REPORT
10/1/2014
Activities Fund
$13,339.15
2,964.66
170.74
$16,133.07
ACCOUNT BALANCES
Band
$
Cheerleading(Competition Club)
Chorus
Community Service
Honor Society
$
iTeam
$
Odyssey of the Mind
$
Reading Olympics
$
Ski Club
$
Student Council
$
Volleyball
$
Woodworking
$
Yearbook
$
5th Grade
$
6th Grade
$
7th Grade
$
8th Grade
$
Total Account Balances
154.12
4.38
767.42
161.67
(32.99)
236.64
5.81
143.39
489.15
3,134.03
766.64
829.97
4,158.84
81.72
231.61
2,946.85
2,053.82
$
Respectfully submitted - Pamela J. Bernardo, Principal
16,133.07
SAUCON VALLEY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
FINANCIAL REPORTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
ACTIVITIES FUND
BALANCE
INCOME
EXPENSES
BALANCE
$ 38,438.92
$ 4,692.73
$ 6,698.15
$ 36,433.50
ACCOUNT BALANCES
2ND MILE LEADERSHIP
BAND
CHORUS
CLASS OF 2015
CLASS OF 2016
CLASS OF 2017
DANCE TEAM
ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB
FBLA
LANGUAGE & CULTURE CLUB
LEO CLUB
MINI-THON
MODEL UN
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
NEWSPAPER
PAINTBALL
READING TEAM
SADD
SKI CLUB
SPOTLIGHT UGANDA
STUDENT STORE – SGA
SVSSC
UNICEF
YEARBOOK
351.48
2,119.22
207.20
3,351.10
343.49
1,835.24
3,878.77
300.50
6,171.71
399.09
475.18
441.96
328.45
3,710.40
515.85
58.29
25.77
2,455.23
1,107.41
450.12
1,650.08
33.39
3.09
6,220.48
STUDENT ACTIVITIES FUND BALANCES
$ 36,433.50
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
ERIC D. KAHLER
PRINCIPAL
SAUCON VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Office of the Superintendent
Conference/Travel Breakdown
October 14, 2014
Name
Date
Conference/
Travel Title Location
Rationale
Estimated Cost Breakdown
Number
Conferences/
Events
Attended this
Year
Total Costs of
Conferences/
Events to Date
-0 -
-0-
-0-
-0-
-1 -
$481.45
Conference
Megan Kern
H.S. English
11/20/14 –
11/23/2014
National Conference
of Teachers of
English
Washington,
DC
Megan Hauser
H.S. English
11/20/14 –
11/23/2014
National Conference
of Teachers of
English
The National Council of Teachers of English
is devoted to improving teaching. Many
different sessions will be available such as:
Linking Young Adult Literature and NonFiction; Passionate, Savvy Writing
Instruction; Igniting Change Through
Literature, Read Like a Writer, Write Like a
Reader; Telling Our Stories; Integrating the
Stem Philosophy into the English
Classroom; Bridging the Gap Between
Common Core and College Writing and
more.
Same as above
Washington,
DC
Pam Bernardo
M.S. Principal
3/19/2015 –
3/24/2015
ASCD
Annual Conference
Houston, Texas
Ms. Bernardo will be presenting a session
entitled – Developing a One-to-One 24/7
Implementation of Technology.
At this conference there will be access to
more than 350 educational sessions; the
opportunity to network with approximately
10,000 education leaders and entry to an
exhibit hall featuring 300 education
companies.
Principals and assistant principals learn new
ways to lead and inspire the entire school
community.
Lodging (2
nights $250/night)
Sharing with
Megan Hauser
Registration
Meals
Mileage
Tolls/parking
$500.00
$325.00
$60.00
$210.00
$50.00
Sub Needed
(2 days)
$200.00
Total:
Registration
Meals
Lodging –
$1,345.00
$325.00
$60.00
sharing Megan
Sub Needed
(2 days)
$200.00
Total:
Registration
$585.00
$179.00
Ms. Bernardo
will cover all
other cost.
Total:
$179.00