-1- Department of Education Ms. Carla Dixon 4th Floor 333 Market St. Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333 10/23/06 Dear Ms. Dixon, Per our discussion, I would like to submit a formal complaint as part of the Act 34 hearing process. Per our discussion, on 9/21106 your office received a packet of information from the Methacton School District pertaining to the Woodland Act 34 hearing. After you reviewed the packet, you confirmed to me that the public testimony and my two written submissions were not included with this information. Several weeks later you confirmed that the hearing testimony and my submissions, one bound and one unbound (apparently a copy), was received by your office after the district's intial submission on 9/21106. I had signed the bottom of each page of the 40 plus page revised 9/21106 submission to assure authenticity. The Act 34 hearing took place on 8/22/06 at the Methacton High School. Per our discussion, I informed you that the Board voted on and approved PlanCon D on 8122/06 at its regular Board meeting, shortly after the Act 34 hearing that evening. At the Methacton School Board meeting on 10117/06, both the Superintendent and Board President confirmed that PlanCon D was submitted to the state the day after the Board meeting and Act 34 hearing which were held on 8/22/06. (I have video backup if you need it). 1. It is my opinion that the proper PlanCon procedures were not followed as follows; According to the Plan Con D instructions, "In the case of the first hearing, 30 days must elapse before Part D and the Act 34 materials are approved by the board for submission to the Department." A. The Methacton School Board voted for approval and submission of PlanCon D on the same day as the Act 34 hearing (8/22/06) and less then 30 days after the Act 34 hearing was held. I have enclosed the minutes from the 8122106 meeting for your review and have videotape/DVl) backup of the meeting if necessary.
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Department of EducationMs. Carla Dixon4th Floor333 Market St.Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333
10/23/06
Dear Ms. Dixon,
Per our discussion, I would like to submit a formal complaint as part of the Act 34hearing process.
Per our discussion, on 9/21106 your office received a packet of information fromthe Methacton School District pertaining to the Woodland Act 34 hearing. After youreviewed the packet, you confirmed to me that the public testimony and my two writtensubmissions were not included with this information.
Several weeks later you confirmed that the hearing testimony and mysubmissions, one bound and one unbound (apparently a copy), was received by youroffice after the district's intial submission on 9/21106. I had signed the bottom of eachpage of the 40 plus page revised 9/21106 submission to assure authenticity.
The Act 34 hearing took place on 8/22/06 at the Methacton High School. Per ourdiscussion, I informed you that the Board voted on and approved PlanCon D on 8122/06at its regular Board meeting, shortly after the Act 34 hearing that evening.
At the Methacton School Board meeting on 10117/06, both the Superintendent andBoard President confirmed that PlanCon D was submitted to the state the day after theBoard meeting and Act 34 hearing which were held on 8/22/06. (I have video backup ifyou need it).
1. It is my opinion that the proper PlanCon procedures were not followed asfollows;
According to the Plan Con D instructions,"In the case of the first hearing, 30 days must elapse before Part D and the Act
34 materials are approved by the board for submission to the Department."
A. The Methacton School Board voted for approval and submission of PlanCon Don the same day as the Act 34 hearing (8/22/06) and less then 30 days after the Act 34hearing was held.
I have enclosed the minutes from the 8122106 meeting for your review and havevideotape/DVl) backup of the meeting if necessary.
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B. I cannot find anything to confirm that the Act 34 materials were evaluated andapproved by the Board to date. As of the last regular Board meeting on 10/17/06, theBoard had not even seen the Act 34 testimony and my submissions. In addition, the Act34 hearing testimony and my submissions were sent to you prior to the Board reviewingand approving them at a regular meeting.
According to the PlanCon A instructions, page 6,Page AO 1 must be completed in order to formally submit PlanCon A "after the
board has adopted a specific plan. "C. The board has never voted on and adopted a specific plan. The board
president has repeatedly stated that the project was approved when the Board approvedPlanCon A. According to the PlanCon instructions, the Board must adopt a specific planprior to completing and submitting PlanCon A.
After our discussion, I feel that these procedural irregularities warrant theapplication be invalidated and denied.
2. The PlanCon A application forms for the Woodland and/or 5-6 Arcolaproject contain inaccurate and misleading information. Therefore it is my opinionthat the applications and the project(s) should be rejected by the state.
The PlanCon A application, page A02, indicates that one of the reasons justifyingthe planned project was "enrollment shifts/growth".
I have repeatedly informed the Superintendent and the Board that there is no basisusing actual enrollment to support that there is an increase in enrollment and theprojections used by the district and the Board are not accurate and significantlyoverestimate enrollment.
1. THE ACTUAL DISTRICT K-5 ENROLLMENT HAS DECREASED BYABOUT 38 STUDENTS FROM 2001-02 TO 2005-06.
This was further supported by the 2006-07 October 1 enrollments recentlysubmitted to the state illustrating a continued decline from 2001-02.
The district model start year was 7/2001Analysis of Actual 5 year trend in Enrollment is as follows,(Actual PDE enrollment)
2006-07 District 10/01106 1906 2331Actual K-4, K-5 data was taken from Revised 7/2006 (2005 Enrollments)2006-07 enrollment obtained from Districts Website (10/1/06 data)
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2. THE ENROLLEMENT AT THE \VOODLAND ELEMENTARYSCHOOL HAS DECREASED AND REMAINED FLAT EVEN WITHPROJECTIONS.
Both tables illustrate that the enrollment at Woodland Elementary is decreasingand is not consistent with the PlanCon application. The enrollment projection from 7/05overestimated enrollment by 35 students.
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3. THE ENROLL~IENT PROJECTIONS USED TO JUSTIFY THISPROJECT (K-4), OPTION 6, ARE NOT RELIABLE AND SIGNIFICANTLYOVERESTIMATED ENROLLMENT.
The enrollment projections found in the District's Feasibility Study dramaticallyoverestimated enrollment for 2005-06 and in my opinion are too unreliable to be used tojustify this project as follows,
A. DISTRICT ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS K-5 FROM THEORIGINAL 7/13/04 FEASffiILITY STUDY (pAGE 10) WERE AS FOLLOWS,
Blue represents actual PDE enrollment revised 7/2006 website-R J . .eu represents projections
District K 1 2 3 4 5 K-4 PDE K-5 PDEStatistic District Actual District Actual
(Generated from the 7113104Feasibility Study, District Enrollment Projections4/16104, page 10,) (PDE Actual taken from 912005 (2004 enrollments PDE website))
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(District EnrollmentiProjections 4/16/04, pg. 10, Feasibility Study 7/04)R d P . . BI ts Act I PDE II te represents rejections ---------- ue re )resen s ' c ua enro men
(PDE actual enrollment taken from the 7106revisions to 2005 enrollment onPDE Website)
PDE overestimated K-4 and K-5 enrollment in 2003-04, 2004-05, and 2005-06as follows,
1st year of projections 2003-04K-4 -------------------- +31K-5 ---------------------- +41
2nd year of projections 2004-05K-4 ----------------- +115K-5 ----------- +114
3rd year of projections 2005-06K-4 --------------- +214K-5 --------------------- +213
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D. ELEMENTARY ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS
The District overestimated elementary enrollment in their projections (4/16/04) inthe 7/13/04 Feasibility Study.
Comparing the Actual District 2005-06 data from the Web, by school, to DistrictEnrollment Projections (4/16/04) in the 7113/04 Feasibility Study,
(District Enrollment ProjectionslElementary School, 4/16/04 from the 7/13/04 FeasibilityStudy, (pages 8, 9»
Original Feasibility Website 2006 ERRORStudy (7113104)District Projections Actual District Data(4/16/04)2005-06 2005-06 2005-06
Arrowhead 454 442 +12 (overestimate)
Eagleville 472 431 +41 (overestimate)
Woodland 440 415 +25 (overestimate)
Audubon 520 580 -60 (underestimate)
Worcester 611 465 +146 (overestimate)
Overestimate total +164(overestimate)
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UPDATED FEASffiILITY STUDY DISTICT FROM 'VED SITE 2006(11123/04 excerpts)
A. October 2004 - PDE Enrollment Projections (From Feasibility Study)R d urn:,'· d '1 BI A 1PDE II.1 e renresents l U.G projecte enrollment- ue represents ctua enro mentK 1 2
07 II iActual K-4, K-5 data was takenfrom Revised 712006 (2005 Enrollments) PDEActual 2006-07 from District Website 10/1106 data2005-06 E1 overestimated K-4 and K-5 enrollment by 85 students.2006-07 E1 overestimated K-4 and K-5 enrollment by 170 and 166 students
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c. February 2005 - EI Enrollment Projections (From Feasibility StudyWebsite)
BLUE reflects actual PDE enrollment RED reflects EI projected enrollmentp thesis i . dicati ti b di triaren esis IS error, m catmg overes imate by IS ctK 1 2
Actual K-4, K-5 data was taken/rom Revised 712006 (2005 Enrollments) PDE.2006-07 actual/rom District Website 1011106enrollment to PDE
In 2004-05, EI overestimated K-4 and K-5 enrollment by -------- 21 and 26 studentsIn 2005-06, EI overestimated K-4 and K-5 enrollment by -------- 90 and 91 studentsIn 2006-07, EI overestimated K-4 and K-5 enrollment by ------ 171 and 173 students
D. District Projections (September 2004) found in the 11/04 presentation on theWebsite overestimated enrollment.
District Enrollment (September 2004) HJA Revised 1217104K 1 2 3 4 K-4 K-4 Over- 5 K-5 K-5 Over-
As part of my Act 34 testimony, I submitted a list of 79 questions to BoardSecretary Donna Koons by email, regular, and certified mail dated 8/28/06, as I wasinstructed to do by the Solicitor. To date, none of my questions have been answered andat the most recent School Board Meeting (10117/06), the Superintendent refused toanswer them. I respectfully request that you compel the district to provide answers tothese questions. I have also enclosed a copy.
In addition, I have requested by email and in person to be allowed to tour theElementary Schools to evaluate and confirm class configuration and utilization. TheSuperintendent also denied that request.
I have enclosed my revised 9/21106 Woodland K-4 Project submission from theAct 34 hearing with each page signed to assure authenticity. I have also included thebackup materials from the Feasibility study, the latest enrollment update from the districtwebsite, the Elementary School update dated 6114/06, and a copy of the original minutesfrom the Regular Board Meeting on Tuesday, August 22, 2006. Thank you for yourconsideration. . ./"~J
,/ .", /SincereW, /r
James~\\2114 C01.trl'tryView Ln \\Lansdale, PA 19446
METHACTON SCHOOL DISTRICTBOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Regular Meeting MinutesTuesday, August 22, 2006Methacton High School
I. CALL TO ORDER: Immediately Following Act 34 Hearing
II. OPENING CEREMONY
III. ATTENDANCE
BOARD OFSCHOOL DIRECTORSMr. James T. Van Horn, PresidentMrs. Marijane Barbone, Vice PresidentMr. Wilson P. BohanakMr. Theodore 1. Chylack, Esq.Dr. Winifred S. HayesMr. William B. KazimerMr. John P. LynchMrs. Margaret M. MartinezMr. Daniel B. Sattler
PRESENT ABSENTXXXXXX
LATEARRIVAL
XXX
NON-VOTING MEMBERSDr. Jeffrey A. Miller, Superintendent x
OTHERSMrs. Kathleen J. Hazzard, Assistant Board SecretaryMr. Paul R. Koehler, Board TreasurerDr. William R. Kirk, Assistant SuperintendentMr. Denis J. McCall, Director of Business and Operational ServicesMr. James P. Devlin, Director of Labor Relations and Human ResourcesMs. Connie Y. Jiang - Student RepresentativeMs. Njeri Kimani - Student RepresentativeMs. Megan A. MacFarland - Student RepresentativeMs. Elizabeth A. Turner - Student Representative
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDAIt should be noted that public notice was given for this meeting in accordance with Act 84 of1986. The preliminary agenda with additions and deletions as discussed at the work session onAugust 15,2006 is submitted for Board approval.
May I have a motion to approve the agenda as indicated.
Motion: Mrs. MartinezSecond: Dr. HayesVote: 8-0Result: Approved
August 22, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes
V. RECOGNITION OF GUESTS AND SCHEDULED SPEAKERS
A. Recognition of GuestsB. Scheduled Speakers
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS (Regular Meeting Only)
VII. REPORTS
A. TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE - Mr. Daniel B. Sattler• Mr. Sattler gave a report
B. CURRICULUM COMMITTEE - Mrs. Margaret M. Martinez, Dr. William R. Kirk• Dr. Kirk gave a report
C. LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE - Mr. Wilson P. Bohanak• No report
D. NORTH MONTCO TECHNICAL CAREER CENTER - Mr. Theodore J. Chylackand Mr. William B. Kazimer
• Mr. Chylack gave a report• Mr. Kazimer gave a report
E. INTERMEDIATE UNIT #23 - Mrs. Margaret M. Martinez• Mrs. Martinez gave a report
F. COMMUNITY LIAISON -Mr. Theodore J. Chylack, Mr. John P. Lynch• No report given for either Lower Providence or Worcester Township
G. HOME AND SCHOOL REPORT - Mrs. Marijane Barbone• No report
H. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES• No report
I. SUPERINTENDENT - Dr. Jeffrey A. Miller• Dr. Miller gave a report
VIII. ITEMS FOR BOARD ACTION
By notice of the President, the following action items suggest a roll call vote. You will berecorded as voting in the affirmative for the motion unless you say "nay" or "I abstain".Board Members are further advised that they must publicly announce and disclose the nature ofany conflict of interest before the vote on the matter is taken and file the appropriate form withthe Secretary of the Board.
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August 22, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes
A. CONSENT AGENDA
1. APPROV AL OF MINUTESCopies of the minutes of the work session held July 18,2006 and the minutesof the regular meeting held July 25,2006 were forwarded in advance to allmembers of the Board of School Directors.
2. FISCAL ITEMS
a. TAX EXONERATIONS
MunicipalityLower ProvidenceWorcester
Per Capita$ 15.00$ 0
Total $ 15.00
h. BILLS
The bills that will be presented for Board approval are chargeable againstthe funds and accounts indicated. The list of bills recommended forapproval will be provided prior to the regular meeting.
(1) General Fund Account $2,523,530.98
(2) Activity Account $ 0
(3) Athletic Account $ 7,780.21
(4) Capital Improvements $ 117,936.15
(5) Capital Reserve $ 0
(6) Food Services $ 41,473.45
(7) Scholarship/Memorial $ 0
3. SUPERINTENDENT'S RECOMMENDATIONS ON PERSONNELISSUES:
a. RESIGNATIONS - PROFESSSIONAL
1) Todd D. Cantrell, social studies instructor at Methacton HighSchool. Effective: August 29,2006.
2) Cindy J. Murphy, social studies instructor at Methacton HighSchool. Effective: August 29,2006.
3) Carla A. Rotondo, special education instructor at Arcola IntermediateSchool. Effective date to be determined.
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August 22, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes
h. EMPLOYMENT - SUPPLEMENTAL
1) Department/Subject Area Coordinators in the amount of $73,027.
2) Instructional Software Support Specialists in the amount of$14,065.80.
3) Mentors in the amount of $20,445.60.
c. ADDITIONSIDELETIONS TO CLASSIFIED SUBSTITUTE LIST
1) ADDITIONS
Christa Rotay - clerical, food service, bus assistantJoseph Gambone - bus driverMichael Burner - bus driverCollen Hays - bus driver
d. CHANGE OF STATUS - PROFESSIONAL
1) Katie Young from special education instructor to grade twoinstructor at Arrowhead Elementary School. Effective: August29,2006. Salary: $41,265 based on Bachelors, Step 3. This is anew position.
e. CHANGE OF STATUS· CLASSIFIED
1) Jonathan P. Faikish from personal care assistant to instructionalassistant at Methacton High School. Effective: August 29,2006.Hourly rate: $11.85. This is a new position.
2) Cynthia A. Hart from instructional assistant to personal careassistant at Methacton High School. Effective: August 29, 2006.Hourly rate: $11.47. This is a replacement position.
3) Donna Johnson, from personal care assistant at ArcolaIntermediate School to instructional assistant at WoodlandElementary School. Effective: August 29, 2006. Hourly rateof $10.45. This is a new position.
4) Margaret Roach from part-time to full-time bus driver.Effective: August 10,2006. No change in hourly rate.This is a replacement position.
5) Joan Ewing from part-time to full-time bus driver.Effective: August 10,2006. No change in hourly rate.This is a replacement position.
6) Richard Renninger from part-time to full-time bus driver.Effective: August 10, 2006. No change in hourly rate.This is a replacement position.
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August 22, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes
7) Evelyn Sharp from part-time to full-time bus driver.Effective: August 10,2006. a change in hourly rate.This is a replacement position.
8) Vickie E. Hawkins from part-time to full-time bus driver.Effective: August 10, 2006. No change in hourly rate.This is a replacement position.
f. RESIGNATIONS - CLASSIFIED
1) Janice B. Lamphere, instructional assistant at WorcesterElementary School. Effective: September 29,2006.
2) Brenda R. Haley, instructional assistant at Arcola Intermediate School.Effective: August 29,2006.
4. POLICY AND PROGRAM ISSUES
a. "M" AWARDS
1) Approve "M" Awards for qualifying recipients of the PresidentialPhysical Fitness Award. Awards will be distributed on September19,2006.
2) Approve "M" Awards for Methacton High School students inrecognition of achieving a G.P.A. of 93% or higher for the 2005-06school year. Awards will be distributed on September 26, 2006.
3) Approve "M" Awards for Arcola Intermediate School students inrecognition of achieving a G.P.A. of 93% or higher for the 2005-06school year. Awards will be distributed on September 26, 2006.
b. ESTABLISHED BUS STOPS FOR 2006-07
Approve the list of established bus stops for Methacton School District forthe 2006-2007 school year.
c. FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT
Enrollment of Lars Heeringa, foreign exchange student fromKralendyk-Bonaire NA, Netherlands, for the 2006-2007 school year atMethacton High School.
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
May I have a motion to approve the consent agenda as recommended.
Motion: Mrs. BarboneSecond: Dr. HayesVote: 8-0Result: Approved
Page 5 of 12
August 22, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes
B. FISCAL
1. TREASURER'S REPORT
Weare recommending that the Board approve the treasurer's reportfor the month of July. The treasurer's report was forwarded in advance toall members of the Board of Directors.
May I have a motion to approve the treasurer's report as presented.
Motion: Mr. SattlerSecond: Mr. ChylackVote: 8-0Result: Approved
2. CAPITAL PROJECTS
Approve the list of Capital Projects for the 2006-2007 school year.
May I have a motion to approve the Capital Projects as presented.
Motion: Mr. ChylackSecond: Mrs. BarboneVote: 8-0Result: Approved
3. PLANCON PART D - WOODLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Approve submission of PlanCon Part D for Woodland Elementary School.
Mr. Kazimer• In favor of the Woodland renovation, but not with a K-4 school or 5-6
building and cannot vote "yes".
Mr. Van Horn• Board voted in favor of this project and they will make an effort to review
the enrollment data given at the Act 34 hearing and communicate thenumbers to the community.
May I have a motion to approve the submission of Plan Con Part D as presented.
Motion: Mrs. BarboneSecond: Dr. HayesVote: 7-1 with Mr. Kazimer opposingResult: Approved
4. HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM SOUND SYSTEM UPGRADES
Approve the certification application for the sound system upgrades forthe Methacton High School auditorium.
Page 6 of 12
August 22, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes
5. HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM SOUND SYSTEM UPGRADES
Approve the certification application for the sound system upgrades for theMethacton High School gymnasium.
May I have a motion to approve items 4 and 5 as presented.
Motion: Mrs. MartinezSecond: Dr. HayesVote: 8-0Result: Approved
Approve the consortium agreement in the amount of $4,000 with MontgomeryCounty Intermediate Unit and Public Financial Management for services requiredby the Tax Study Commission under Act 1.
May I have a motion to approve the consortium agreement as presented.
Motion: Mr. BohanakSecond: Mr. ChylackVote: 8-0Result: Approved
7. FINANCING AGREEMENT FOR COMPUTER EQUIPMENT ANDBUSES
• Removed at the Superintendents request
8. ARROWHEAD MODULAR LEASE AGREEMENT
Approve the twenty-four (24) month lease agreement with Vanguard ModularBuilding Systems for the modular at Arrowhead Elementary School at a monthlyrate of $387.00.
May I have a motion to approve the modular lease agreement as presented.
Motion: Mr. SattlerSecond: Dr. HayesVote: 8-0Result: Approved
C. PERSONNEL
1. EMPLOYMENT - PROFESSIONAL
a. Beth Fitzgerald, speech therapist at Arrowhead and Audubon ElementarySchool. Effective: August 29,2006. Salary: $49,566 based onMasters, Step 6. This is a replacement position.
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August 22, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes
b. Margaret M. Greene, grade 7 English and science instructor at ArcolaIntermediate School. Effective: August 29, 2006. Salary: $44,250 basedon Masters, Step 1. This is a new position.
c. Laurie G. Markle, social studies instructor at Methacton High School.Effective: August 29,2006. Salary: $43,101 based on Bachelors +15,Step 4. This is a replacement position.
d. Eugenie M. Sloan, grade 6 geography and grade 7 reading instructor atArcola Intermediate School. Effective: August 29, 2006.Salary: $45,400 based on Masters +30, Step 1. This is a replacementposition.
e. Kara E. Cunningham, speech therapist at Arcola Intermediate School,Methacton High School and Audubon Elementary School. Effective:August 29,2006. Salary: $44,250 based on Masters, Step 1. This is anew position.
f. Nicole M. Cieri, grade 7 special education instructor at ArcolaIntermediate School. Effective: August 29, 2006. Salary: $40,450based on Bachelors, Step 1. This is a replacement position.
2. EMPLOYMENT - CLASSIFIED
a. Lindsay J. Bath, personal care assistant at Methacton High School.Effective: August 29,2006. Hourly rate of $11.47. This is areplacement position.
b. Helen M. Fornal, instructional assistant at Methacton High School.Effective: August 29, 2006. Hourly rate of $11.85. This is a newposition.
c. Sandra Gelet, personal care assistant at Methacton High School.Effective: August 29, 2006. Hourly rate of $11.47. This is a newposition.
d. Amy Raley, instructional assistant at Arcola Intermediate School.Effective: August 29,2006. Hourly rate of $11.85. This is a replacementposition.
e. Carolyn Wilson, personal care assistant at Methacton High School.Effective: August 29, 2006. Hourly rate of $11.47. This is a replacementposition.
f. Edna 1. Evans, library assistant at Methacton High School.Effective: August 29,2006. Hourly rate of $10.10. This is a replacementposition.
g. William Johnston, part-time bus driver. Effective: August 11,2006.Hourly rate of $21.05. This is a replacement position.
Page 8 of 12
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August 22, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes
h. Rosario Evans, part-time bus driver. Effective: August 11,2006.Hourly rate of $2l.05. This is a replacement position.
1. Jane Yashin, part-time bus driver. Effective: August 11,2006.Hourly rate of $2l.05. This is a replacement position.
J. Laura Palermo, part-time bus driver. Effective: August 11,2006.Hourly rate of $2l.05. This is a replacement position.
k. William Moran, part-time bus driver. Effective: August 11, 2006.Hourly rate of $21.05. This is a replacement position.
1. Donna Fehr-Cannon, personal care assistant at Methacton High School.Effective: August 29,2006. Hourly rate of $12.10. This is a replacementposition.
m. Nancy Dodds, personal care assistant at Eagleville Elementary School.Effective: August 29, 2006. Hourly rate of $11.47. This is a newposition.
3. EMPLOYMENT - LONG TERM SUBSTITUTES - PROFESSIONAL
a. Michael D. Anastas, long-term substitute grade 8 science instructor atArcola Intermediate School. Effective: 2006-2007 school year.Salary: $40,150 based on Bachelors, Step l.
b. Removed at the Director of Labor Relations and Human Resourcesrequest.
c. Yvonne M. Eglinton, long-term substitute grade one instructor atAudubon Elementary School. Effective: 2006-2007 school year.Salary: $40,650 based on Bachelors +15, Step l.
d. Sean A. McCracken, long-term substitute grade 6 science instructor atArcola Intermediate School. Effective: 2006-2007 school year.Salary: $40,150 based on Bachelors, Step l.
e. Kristi L. Kosh, long-term substitute grade 3 instructor at AudubonElementary School. Effective: First marking period of the 2006-2007school year. Salary: $40,150 based on Bachelors, Step 1 (prorated).
f. Lacey Lattanzi, long-term substitute reading specialist at ArrowheadElementary School. Effective: First marking period of the 2006-2007school year. Salary: $40,150 based on Bachelors, Step 1 (prorated).
a. Lynn M. Gureck, long-term substitute instructional assistant at ArcolaIntermediate School. Effective: 2006-2007 school year. Hourlyrate of $1l.85.
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August 22, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes
b. Sandra L. Parker, long-term substitute instructional assistant at MethactonHigh School. Effective: 2006-2007 school year. Hourly rate of $11.85.
May I have a motion to approve items C, 1-4, as presented.
Motion: Dr. HayesSecond: Mrs. MartinezVote: 8-0Result: Approved
5. RESIGNATIONS - ADMINISTRATIVE
a. Accept the resignation of Superintendent, Jeffrey A. Miller, effectiveDecember 31, 2006.
May Ihave a motion to accept the resignation of the individual as presented.
Motion: Mr. SattlerSecond: Mr. BohanakVote: 8-0Result: Approved
D. POLICY AND PROGRAM ISSUES
E. OTHER
IX. INFORMATION ITEMS
A. DATES FOR BOARD MEMBERS' CALENDARS
September 12, 2006September 26,2006
Work SessionBoard Meeting
7:30 p.m7:30 p.m.
B. ADVISEMENTS
1. POLICY REVIEW
a. First Reading of Board Policies, Section 300 - Administrative Employees.
2. TRANSFERS - PROFESSIONAL
a. Mary Ellen Barbuto from reading specialist at Woodland to grade 3-5district reading specialist.
b. Elizabeth M. Barndt from special education instructor at Eagleville tograde 3 instructor at Audubon.
c. Carrie Brower from grade 1 instructor at Woodland to grade 1 instructorat Arrowhead.
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August 22, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes
d. Stefania M. Davidse from grade 1 instructor at Eagleville and Audubonto grade 2 instructor at Audubon.
e. Bethany A. Getway from kindergarten instructor at Arrowhead andEagleville to kindergarten instructor at Arrowhead and Woodland.
f. Cynthia Golden from grade 3 instructor at Audubon to elementarymath support specialist at Eagleville and Arrowhead.
g. Abigail M. Hollenbeck from grade 2 instructor at Woodland to grade 6mathematics and geography instructor at Arcola.
h. Cynthia Kirschner from grade 1 instructor at Arrowhead to readingspecialist at Woodland.
1. Nancy Leneweaver from teacher on assignment/acting elementary specialeducation supervisor to special education instructor at Arrowhead.
J. Michelle A. Offner from special education instructor at Methacton HighSchool to teacher on assignment/acting supervisor of elementary specialeducation.
k. Eileen Patram from grade 7 reading specialist to grade 6-8 districtreading specialist.
1. Jenifer Pivnichny from math specialist at Arrowhead to K-5 district mathspecialist.
m. Sally H. Roberts from grade 7 special education instructor at Arcola tograde 6 geography instructor at Arcola.
3. TRANSFERS - CLASSIFIED
a. Cynthia L. Clark from instructional assistant at Worcester to instructionalassistant at Audubon.
C. DISTRIBUTIONS
X. OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Chylack• Although he was unable to attend the Plan Con A&B Meeting, he wanted it to be
public knowledge that had he attended, he would have voted in favor of movingahead with the 5-6 building.
XI. NEW BUSINESS
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August 22, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes
XI. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR
Jim Mollick, Worcester questioned the following:• Plan Con A• Minutes on the Web• Auditor's Report• Earned Income Tax• Advertising - Times Herald
nXIII. ADJOURNMENT
May I have a motion to adjourn.
Motion: Mrs. MartinezSecond: Mr. SattlerVote: 8-0Result: Approved
Respectfully Submitted,
Mrs. Donna E. Koons, SecretaryBoard of Education I,
Rooms Emptv f (short ) m (::;l (~) {9j (W} (Hn 09.) (11) (lJ~ {1$) ,..,', .··.,fl?)
Actual ActualI JuIl05-Jun/06IJuI/06-Jun/071 Jul/07-Jun/oal Ju1l08-Jun/091 Ju1/09-Jun/10 I Ju1l10-Jun/11 Ju1/11-Jun/12 I Ju1/12-Jun/13I Ju1l13-Jun/14 I Ju1/14-Jun/15 I Ju1l15·Jun/16 I
Methacton School District- October 2006 Enrollment Projections
, .
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Donna KoonsSchool Board SecretaryMethacton School District1001 Kriebel Mill RoadNorristown PA ]9403-1047
8/28/06
Dear Donna,
Per Mr. Tucker, I am subrrut t Lnq wri t t.en quo s tLon.s to bepart of the ACT 34 hearing as follows;
1. What is a "Graded Classroom" as do fLnod in thofeasibility study?2. a. Who had the authority to appoint I noi vidua f s to theFacilities Advisory Committee?
b. Who appointed individuals to the F'acjlJ.tjesAdvisory Committee?
c. Are the Facilities Advisory Comrni t t.ee and tllC~"Facilities task force" the same thing?3. a. What criteria were used to select and or appointindividuals to the F'acilittes Advisory Commtttee'?
b. If applicable, how were appointees notjfied aboutthe opportunity to participate on the Facilities AdvisoryCommittee?4. a. Was the process of appointment toAdvisory Committee open to the public andgeneral public recruited, allowed to signparticipate on the committee?
b. How were appointees notified about the opportunityto participate on the Facilities Advisory Commit.tee?5. How, why and by whose direction was the FacilitiesAdvisory Committee formed?6. a. By what process was Option 6 from the feasibilitystudy chosen?
b. Who chose Option 6?7. Did the Facilities Advisory Committee vote on Option 6?8. If the Facilities Advisory Committee voted on approvingOption 6 , was there a vote tally and documentation of whovoted for the option and why?9. a. Why weren't alternatives including the use ofmodular classrooms, more classes at the Woodland projectallowing for minor student relocation, adjusting class sizeconsistent with Board Policy 126 and the use of permanentadditions to the schools, documented, discussed, consideredand compared in the Feasibility Study?
t.he Faci 1l t .i e swere any of tileup and t.o
b. Why wasn't there ?J CO~3t. anrdYBJ1'I o I fd\nrnAt:!voaLike using rnodu fa rs , ac j ua t lnq c lass s Lz e , TlI(HO cl asse s atWoodland wi th studo n t. r o loca tJ on, po rrneno n t adeLl U o na andstate v s . no state f urrdinq in t.ho },'o[:)9 j Lll ]:! t Y ,"It udy?10. Why wasn't there a co s t a na lyei s of st.s to funding w it.hprevailing wage VB. no slale fundJng oft!et by decreasedcanst r-uc t j on cost wi r h no p rcva j J j nq wage!?11. How docs the Facility Advisory Cornm.it.t.onJustify anexpansion project wi.t.ha de craa si nq enro lLmo n l, , 1\-4 and K-5, over the Jast 5 years (2001-02 to 2005-06)712. Were El's enrollment projection studios from 2004 and2005 and PDE enroJlmonts from 2004 included in thofeasibility study originally? Jf not whon warn theyinserted and did members have ac ce ss to them p rlor tovoting on Option 6?13. a. Did the Facililies Advjsory Commillee have ~rassociates population studies from 10/04, J.] /O~) and PDr:;from 10/04 when they originally rnet and than when theychose option 6? Is there any record of U10 cornIlli t.t.eeanalyzing this data?
b. Did anyone from the district at anv t ime prior tothe Act 34 hearing confirm the 2004-05 and 2005-06projections by EI and PDE by comparing them to the ActualPDE enrollment? If not, why not?14. At whose direction were modular classrooms excludedfrom capacity estimates in the Feasibility study and why?15. Who made the decision to use a class sj.ze of 22 inperforming capacity calculations jn the Feasibi1ity Studyand why?16. Why did the feasibility study ignore at least 1/2 ofthe Kindergarten enrollment in capacity estimates?17. If the maximum guidelines from Board Policy No.126 areused for class size, what is the existing building capaci.tywith and without modulars?18. Which Board member or members directed thesuperintendent to study the District's growth, need forspace and the ability to address those needs over theforeseeable future? When was this done?19. What specific information prompted members of theBoard of School Directors to direct the superintendent tostudy the districts growth? The district website suggeststhat the prime reason was "growth".20. Did the Board take a formal public vote authorizingthe superintendent or Mr. VanHorn to form the FacilitiesAdvisory Committee, to select and confirm members of thecommittee and or to approve their participation in thestudy? If so, when was it taken?
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21. Was the cornmun Lt.y notified, f'nclu\\od, and i:t1Jowod topart icipate on the Fa c i Li LJ os Adv i ao rv COlfllrd CLeo? How WlH3this done?22. Were there any member."; of t; ho Ft:lc \ 11 L 10!1 Adv 1ao r yCommittee that wero not past or rH'O~H:Hll DO~Hd mombe rs ,committeemen and or cu rr-entz forrne r Mol hfl(:1 on omrJl('.lytHH~1
With no ch i Ld r'en, no ch Ll d run at Mottl:Jcton, senlorcitizens or a business? l f so, ~IOW many rnornbe ra worethere?23. What was the total nurnbo r of ind'lv,lduc'Llnon theFaculties Advisory Committee?24. If the Board decided at t h is po l.n t In tl rno t.ha t theydid not want to go through with the proj0cl, could theyabandon it? Could they alter ll7 ]f not, why nol.725. Up until what point could the Board ~ilop UH~ buildJngproject(s)?26. What was the actual POE Enrollment 1\-4 .i n27. What was the actual POE enrollment K-4 in28. What was the actual rOE enrollment K-~ in29. What was the actual PDE enrollment: K-~J in
a. Was there a de crease in K-4 and or 1\-:'over the last 5 years from 2001-02 to 2005-06?how much?30. If the Plan Con applicationcan the school district still go31. Is the approval of Plan Conto build the proposed project?32. Can the district build the proposed projects withougoing through the Plan Con process? If not why not?33. If the district did not apply for state funding forthe proposed projects via the Plan Con process, what wouldthe financial impact be on total project cost vs. obtainingstate funding through Plan Con?34. Was there on overestimation in the K-4 and K-5enrollment for 2004-05 and 2005-06 by the 2004 PD£enrollment projections in the feasibility study?35. What was the overestimation in the K-4 and K-5enrollment for the years 2004-05 and 2005-06 in the 2004POE enrollment projections used in the feasibility study?36. Was there on overestimation in the K-4 and K-5enrollment for 2004-05 and 2005-06 by the 2004 £1enrollment projections in the feasibility study?37. What was the overestimation in the K-4 and K-5enrollment for the years 2004-05 and 2005-06 in the 2004 £1enrollment projections used in the feasibility study?
2001-0272005-0672001-0272005-067enrollment
If so, by
is rej eo t. cd by the st at e ,ahead with the project?A -'D absolutely required
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38. Was there on ove r'e s t Lrna t i on In tha 1\-4 and K-benrollment for 2004-05 and 2005-06 by Lho 2005 81enr'ollment projections in tho f0n~ibj)jly ~Ludy?39. What was the ovo res t.Jma ti on in tho K..•4 and K"'Senr'oLl.ment for the ye ars 2004-05 and 200~')-06 in t h« 2005 rSlenrollment pro j ec t Lons u~.H~din the f€,H'ilsib.U j t Y st.udy ?40. What will happen to the Wood,land pro j act con fl.qur'ed 1\-4, if the 5-6 project is not congLructed and or terminated?41. If the Woodland project configured K-4 iM ~pproved bythe Board, isn't th.i.san automatic approval of the ::'-6project at Arcola? If not then why not.42. Is it possible f'o r the board to t orrnlna te eithe rproj ect prior to act ua 1 can s t, ruct Ion 'f 1f not then why not '?43. a. When was the actual financjng approved for thisproject?
b. Was the debt service for this project included inthe recent budget that the Board voted on7
c. If the Board decides to terminate the project(s),what will happen to the debt service aJ.ready approved bythe board in the budget? Will it be used for tax reductionin the upcoming political election year?44. a. How many classrooms are usable for the K-5Elementary schools?
B. What is the current enrollment for the K-5Elementary schools (2005-06)45. A. How many usable classrooms are there in AudubonElementary?
B. What is the current enrollment for the AudubonElementary school (2005-06)46. A. How many usable classrooms are there in EaglevilleElementary?
B. What is the current enrollment for the EaglevilleElementary school (2005-06)47. A. How many usable classrooms are there in ArrowheadElementary?
B. What is the current enrollment for the ArrowheadElementary school (2005-06)48. A. How many usable classrooms are there in Worcesterelementary?
B. What is the current enrollment for the WorcesterElementary school (2005-06)49. A. How many usable classrooms are there in WoodlandElementary?
B. What is the current enrollment for the WoodlandElementary school (2005-06)
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50. How many t ot a l c Las e roorna a ro l.he re ill AudubonElementary'?51. How many t.o t.a ) c l a s s rooms a ro then} f n 1;~rlq)evJllee Leme nt ary ?52. How many total classrooms aro there in Arrowheadelementary'?53. How many total classrooms aro lhero in Woudlandelementary?54. How many tolal classrooms arB thore 1n Worcesterelementary?55. How many modular classroom3 are al Worcestorelementary?56. How many modular classrooms are at WoodlandElementary?57. How many modular classrooms are at ArrowheadElementary?58. How many modular classrooms ara at Audubon elementary?59. How many modular classrooms are at EaglevilleElementary?60. a. What is a "special usc'!"classroom?
b. How many are there K-5?c. Are there any "sp(~cial needs" or "special Ed"
classrooms K-5?d. How many special Ed or Special needs classrooms
are there by Elementary school and total K-S?61. Can a special use classroom be used as a regularclassroom, if not, why not?62. What is the average class size at Woodland elementary?63. What is the average class size at Audubon Elementary?64. What is the average class size at ArrowheadElementary?65. What is the average class size at EaglevilleElementary?66. What is the average class size at WorcesterElementary?
a. How was average class size calculated?67. In the latest enrollment projections on the website,what does the "rooms" category in green represent?68. a. How many total Kindergarten students are currentlyenrolled?
b. How many special ED students are currently enrolledK-5?69. a. How many Kindergarten classrooms are currentlyavailable?
b. How many Kindergarten classes are being used?c. How many Kindergarten students are in each class?
d. How many Kinde r qa r t en cIalHISEl oro t.ho r e pa r dayper classroom'?70. What is a "special US(£)" cle ssroom?71. How many special education students ar~ there in thedistrict total?72. How many classrooms are dedicated Lo special necdschildren or special Ed children?73. a. How many special ED children are in each clasHeither special Ed or in a regular classroom?
b. Are there special needs and or special 8d studentsintegrated into regular classrooms? If so how many specialEd/needs students are in regular classes?74. a. Are there any classrooms in the Elementary Schoolsthat are currently being used for storage and or forpurposes other than education? If so, how many?
b. If so what is the use?c. How many total classrooms are there K-S that are
could be used as a regular classroom?a. Are there any classrooms in the Elementary Schoolscould be used for student education but are not?b. If so why?
76. Does any Board member have a financial interest in theproject? If so, what is it?77. How much money has been spent on the Woodland and or5-6 project to date?78. When was option 6 approved and by whom? Did thisoccur in public?79. Did the Board have any non-public discussions as aBoard about either the Woodland and or 5_6th grade Schoolproject? If so, when did this occur, and what was thecontent of the conversation.