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TRANSCRIPT
Board Workshop – September 24, 2020 Page 1 of 2
UPPER PERKIOMEN SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD WORKSHOP Virtual Meeting
September 24, 2020 – 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER
a. Pledge of Allegiance b. Roll Call
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Motion to approve the August 27, 2020 Board Workshop Minutes (Attachment A)
III. PRESENTATIONS a. Update on Considerations for Returning to In-Person Instruction by Dr. Roche and Dr.
Farina
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
V. PERSONNEL a. APPOINTMENTS
i. SUPPLEMENTAL POSITIONS 1. COACHES for Special Olympics Bocce for 2019-2020 school year:
Bamford, Jen $250.00 Thrush, Shane $500.00
Willett, Christina $250.00
2. SUPPLEMENTAL POSITIONS for the 2020-2021 school year:
b. LEAVE OF ABSENCE
i. Kelly Urban, approved MATERNITY LEAVE expected to commence on or about November 17, 2020 and continue for 6- 8 weeks, FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE to continue until February 9, 2021.
c. OTHER i. Grant TENURE STATUS to the following Temporary Professional Employees,
effective for the 2020-2021 school year: 1. Paige Pyatt
POSITION NAME SCHEDULE SALARY Middle School Newspaper Pamela McGovern A $1678.00 Middle School Drama Director Pamela McGovern A $2321.00
Middle School Asst. Drama Director Robin Holman A $1200.00
Middle School Asst. Drama Director Mary Wietecha A $1200.00
Board Workshop – September 24, 2020 Page 2 of 2
UPPER PERKIOMEN SCHOOL DISTRICT
VI. ACTION ITEMS a. Motion to approve the attached list of drivers employed by our transportation
contractor, Coventry Transportation, for our buses and vans. (Attachment B)
b. Motion to approve an amendment to the transportation contract with Coventry Transportation regarding the installation of new hardware and software for the Safe Transport software. (Attachment C)
c. Motion to approve the agreement with HelloSign for one year, beginning September 28,
2020, in the amount of $7,920.00. HelloSign will provide the service of electronic signatures for Pupil Service and Special Education documents.
d. Motion to approve the License Fee Plan with NFHS School Broadcast program d/b/a
PlayOn! Sports in the amount of $3,000 which would provide consumer access to regular season sports content and non-sports events (Live and On-Demand) free to watch.
VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Special Education & Pupil Services Committee – Judy Maginnis b. Curriculum & Instruction Committee – Dr. Kerry Drake c. Extracurricular Committee – Peg Pennepacker d. Facilities Committee – Melanie Cunningham e. Finance Committee – Melanie Cunningham f. Policy Committee – Raeann Hofkin g. Communication Committee – Mike Elliott h. Western Montgomery Career & Technology Center – Stephen Cunningham i. Montgomery County Intermediate Unit – Judy Maginnis j. Legislative Liaison Report – Peg Pennepacker k. Upper Perkiomen Education Foundation – Mike Elliott l. Regional Planning Commission Representative – Dana Hipszer
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS
IX. ADJOURNMENT
UPPER PERKIOMEN SCHOOLDISTRICT
2229 East Buck Road
Pennsburg PA 18073
BOARD WORKSHOP
August 27, 2020
CALL TO ORDERThe Board Workshopof the Board of School Directors of the Upper Perkiomen SchoolDistrict
wascalled to order by President Kerry Drake, at 7:06 p.m. as a virtual and in-person meeting at the
Upper Perkiomen Middle School auditorium.The following Board members attended: Dr. Kerry A. Drake, Mike W. Elliott, Melanie R.
Cunningham, Stephen L. Cunningham, Dana E. Hipszer, Raeann Hofkin, Judy Maginnis, Keith
McCarrick, and Peg Pennepacker. Administration in attendance were: Allyn Roche, EdD., Andrea
Farina, EdD., and Georgiann Fisher. Others in attendance were: David Conn, Kim Bast, Jim Roth,
Robert Carpenter, EdD., Robert Kurzweg, Dyan Hipszer, Michael Freed, ShannanBieler, Jenn
Moran, Mary Cannon, Christine Schmoyer, and Jamie Warren.
APPROVAL OF MINUTESMotion by Stephen L. Cunningham, seconded by Keith McCarrick, to approve the
June 25, 2020, Board Workshop Minutes (Attachment A). Motion carried; all voted aye.
Motion by Stephen L. Cunningham, seconded by Keith McCarrick, to approve the August13,
2020 Board Meeting Minutes. (Attachment B). Motion carried; all voted aye.
PRESENTATIONSa. First Two Week School Schedule in Virtual Environment by Mrs. Bast and Mrs. Rothermel
Mrs. Bast gave an overview of what the schooldaywill be like for the students while learning
virtually. She talked aboutthe instructional days and independent Wednesdays. Mrs. Bast said
that K-5 students and parents and Grades 6-12 students will be signing a statement of academic
integrity stating that student’s will do their own work. Mrs. Bast went over the schedules for the
upcoming weeks and also showed where parents could find resources and student’s schedules on
the schooldistrict website.
b. Classroom Technologyfor the Virtual Environment by Mr. Jim Roth
Mr. Roth gave an update onthe virtual technology that they are deploying to the faculty for them
to be better prepared to support their virtual classrooms. He showeda videoof Mr. Miller
explaining the technology that will be used in the classrooms. Mr. Roth showed the camerasthatwill be used for teachers to use in classroomsandalso for teaching at home. Mr. Roth gave anupdate on wherethedistrict is at with providing 1to1 devices. He explained aboutthe difficulty in
obtaining Chromebooks and laptops from suppliers. Most have not arrived and nodelivery date hasbeen given. He said that fortunately he was able to borrow several from another schooldistrict. The
technology department is continuing to work on moving forward with this task.
c. Update on Fall Athletics by Mr. Kurzweg and Dr. Carpenter
Dr. Roche talked about the recommendations that were given a month ago and whatthe
current state is. He shared that he has seen local school districts choose different options on theirdecisions to play. He said that tonight’s presentation is to share an update with the Board and ask
the Board to take action and direction in the term offall athletics as they are coming close to the
deadline to report to the league what thedistrict's stance is on athletics.
Dr. Carpenter and Mr. Kurzweg discussedall the recommendations and guidelines that need tobe consideredin starting the athletic fall season. They presented guidelines and recommendations
from the state and Montgomery County.
Dr. Roche discussed the importance offollowing rules and guidelines and not jeopardizing
having in-person instruction at some point.
Attachment A
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Board Workshop, August 27, 2020
The Board members had several questions and a discussion washeld.
President Drake called for a recess, the meeting reconvened at 9:08 pm.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
ShannanBieler, Upper Hanover Township, urged everyoneto allow the students to play
athletics and shared how return to play guidelines have beenfollowed through summerplay andcurrent practices.
PERSONNELMotion by Melanie R. Cunningham, seconded by Keith McCarrick, to approve the Personnel
Report:a. RETIREMENTS
i. PROFESSIONAL STAFFa. Cathy Bintliff, Family and Consumer Science Teacher, Upper Perkiomen Middle
School, intent to retire effective, August 23, 2020.
Motion carried; all voted aye.
Motion by Stephen L. Cunningham, seconded by Keith McCarrick, to approve the remainderofthe Personnel Report as presented:
li. SUPPORT STAFFa. SHERRY L. PETERSON, Paraprofessional, Upper Perkiomen Middle School,
retired from the district, effective August 17, 2020.
b. APPOINTMENTSi. PROFESSIONAL STAFF
a. Susan Michael, Temporary Professional Employee, English as a Second Language
Teacher, Upper Perkiomen SchoolDistrict, to be hired subject to review of required
employmenthistory and clearances, at Masters, Step 2 for the 2020-2021 school
year.b. Lisa Greco, current district employee appointed to Title | Reading Specialist,
Hereford Elementary for the 2020-2021 School Year.
c. RESIGNATIONSi. PROFESSIONAL STAFF
a. Jamie McFadden, English Language Development Teacher, Hereford Elementary,
resigned her position with the district, effective August 21, 2020.b. Angela Fluck, Fourth Grade Teacher, 4th and 5th Grade Center, resigned her
position with the district effective, June 24, 2020.c. Tammy Day, Special Education Teacher, Upper Perkiomen High School, resigned
her position with the district, effective approximately October 9, 2020.
ii. SUPPORT STAFFa. SHANNON GLERUM, Substitute Nurse, Upper Perkiomen SchoolDistrict resigned
her position with the district, effective June 30, 2020.
Page 3Board Workshop, August 27, 2020
YSUPPLEMENTALPOSITIONS .=—TAÀ
Head Football Coach Ben Kunkle A 3458.00School
e. LEAVES OF ABSENCEi. Robert LaSalle, approve Professional Development Sabbatical beginning January 27,
2021 through the end of the 2020-2021 schoolyear.
Motion carried; all voted aye.
ACTION ITEMSMotion by Stephen L. Cunningham, seconded by Keith McCarrick, to approve Action Itemsa,
b, and c:
a. Motion to approve the following Board Policy & Administrative Regulation Repeal &
Replacements/Adoptions (Attachment C)
i. Policy No. 103 — Discrimination/Title IX Sexual HarassmentAffecting Studentsli. Policy No. 104 — Discrimination/Sexual HarassmentAffecting Staff
ili. Policy No. 247 — Hazingiv. Policy No. 249 & AR — Bullying/Cyberbullyingv. Policy No. 252 & AR — Dating Violence
vi. Policy No. 317 — Conduct/Disciplinary Procedures
vii. Policy No. 317.1 — Educator Misconduct
vill. Policy No. 824 — Maintaining Professional Adult/Student Boundaries
b. Motion to approve Peg Pennepackerto serve as a voting delegate for the Upper
Perkiomen SchoolDistrict Board of Directors at the PSBA Delegate Assembly onSaturday, November7", 2020, at Mountain View Middle School in Mechanicsburg, PA.
c. Motion to approve MOU between UPEAandtheDistrict regarding the teaching
schedule supporting the World Language program (Attachment D)
Motion carried; all voted aye.
d. Motion by Melanie R. Cunningham, seconded by Stephen L. Cunningham, to approveChange Order EC-001 with R.J. Electric in the amount of $2,374.40 to add Best WirelessAccess Reader and Programming to the UPHSlobby auditorium entrance. (Attachment E).
Motion carried; all voted aye.
Motion by Stephen L. Cunningham, seconded by Melanie R. Cunningham, to approve ActionItems e andf:
e. Motion to approve the additional transportation services to include bus stops in the
community and at the schools for Western Center students while the district is in atotal virtual learning environment.
f. Motion to approve the temporary suspensionof the following positions: (6) KitchenManager, (1) Assistant Manager, (18) Food Service Worker, (1) District Courier, (6)Instructional Aides, (10) Cafeteria/Playground Aides.
Motion carried; all voted aye.
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Board Workshop, August 27, 2020
Motion by Stephen L. Cunningham, seconded by Melanie R. Cunningham, to approve UpperPerkiomen SchoolDistrict, to participate in Fall Athletics with the low risk sports of Singles
Tennis and Golf only, as per PIAA guidelines and the revised UPSD Health & Safety Plan.
ROLL CALL VOTE: S. Cunningham - yes, Elliott — no, Hipszer — no, Hofkin — no, Maginnis
— no, McCarrick — no, Pennepacker — no, M. Cunningham — yes, Drake — no. Motion failed.
g. Motion by Raeann B. Hofkin, seconded by Mike W.Elliott, to approve Upper PerkiomenSchoolDistrict to participate in Fall Athletics as per PIAA guidelines and the revised
UPSD Health & Safety Plan. ROLL CALL VOTE:Elliott — yes, Hipszer — no, Hofkin — yes,Maginnis — yes, McCarrick— yes, Pennepacker — yes, M. Cunningham — no, S. Cunningham
— no, Drake — no. Motion passed.
COMMITTEE REPORTSa. Special Education & Pupil Services Committee — Judy Maginnis
Mrs. Maginnis reported that the next meeting is scheduled for September 28, 2020 and the
committee will be reviewing the results of the PAYS survey and receive an update onthevirtual
instruction for the special education students.
Curriculum & Instruction Committee — Dr. Kerry Drake
Dr. Drake reported that the next meeting is scheduled for September 28, 2020 and he would like
to focus on a review ofthe virtual instruction at that time and a phased approachto return to theclassroom.
Facilities Committee — Melanie Cunningham
Mrs. Cunningham reported that a lot has been going on over the summer, such as the new
scoreboard at the high school, drainage issues and new surfaceat the tennis courts, and the
new valve in the pool. She talked about security cameras, new carpets, secure entrances and a
spring and summerto dolist where a lot of items have been completed. The next meeting is
scheduled for September 17, 2020.
Finance Committee — Melanie Cunningham
Mrs. Cunningham reported that the next meeting is scheduled for September 21, 2020.
Policy Committee — Raeann Hofkin
Mrs. Hofkin reported that the Policy committee is scheduled for September 21, 2020.
Board Communication Line/Communication Committee — Mike Elliott
Mr. Elliott reported that there has not been a meeting but the communication line has been
utilized.
Extra-Curricular Committee — Peg Pennepacker
Ms. Pennepacker announcedthe rebirth of the committee and thanked Mr. Hipszer and Mr.
Elliott for serving on the committee. She said the committee’s mission is to recognize and
support the education values inherent in student participation in all extra-curricular activities.
The first meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2020.
Western Montgomery Career & Technology Center — Stephen Cunningham
Mr. Cunningham reported that the WMCTC has not metsince the last report.
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Board Workshop, August 27, 2020
k. Upper Perkiomen Education Foundation — Mike Elliott
Mr. Elliott reported that the Education Fundraiseris selling masks,the links are on the Facebook
page.
|. Regional Planning Commission Representative — Dana Hipszer
Mr. Hipszer reported there was a meeting the evening before, there was a discussion on an agetargeted developmentin Upper Hanover, and other conversions and repairs that are happening
in the other municipalities. He said that some of the questions to him were aboutthe virtual
school year. The next meeting of the Planning Commission is September 23, 2020.
i. Montgomery County Intermediate Unit — Judy MaginnisMrs. Maginnis reported that there was a meeting the evening before. She said they approved
the MCIU Health & Safety Plan. The MCIU’s Anderson school will be opening. There will be ameeting next month.
j. Legislative Liaison Report — Peg Pennepacker
Ms. Pennepackerreported that PSBA is seeking action on both the federal and state levels,
providing temporary liability to schools while making many health related decisions. She
reported that the Governor announcedthat funds will be available to help education agencies
including schools for students with disabilities who may be negatively impacted due to COVID-19. Ms. Pennepacker said PDE issued a memoto schools about students being required to
wearface coverings, and Housebills that were passed.
Dr. Drake announcedthat the voting Board meetingswill be held as hybrid meetings and the
Workshopswill be full virtual.
PUBLIC COMMENTSJenn Moran, Pennsburg, asked about the student schedules and that the Wednesday schedule
is confusing. She also asked about issues with a student laptop.
Mary Cannon, Hereford Township, asked about the Wednesday schedule and suggested a
Town Hall type setting to receive answers.
Christine Schmoyer, Pennsburg, asked about pursuing extra-curricular activities and how thatwill work.
Mike Freed, Red Hill, and Girls soccer coach, thanked everyonefor the support of the athletic
program and the continued Health and Safety concerns.
Jamie Warren, Red Hill, thanked everyone for the support of the athletic program and that
everyonewill do their best to stay virus free.
Dr. Drake announcedthat there is an FAQ on the website, and asked for a quick overview of
who parents could reach outto.
BOARD COMMENTSRaeann Hofkin, said when she picked up her son's computer and booksthe process wasvery
efficient and well organized. Mrs. Hofkin said a prayer and in that prayed that Kyle Somer’s healthcontinues to improve.
Solicitor, David Conn, stated that although this was allowed it is not an expression of the whole
board.Keith McCarrick, thanked the staff and administration for everything they have done to keep
moving forward, fellow board membersfor discussion, and reminded parentsthatit is up to them to
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Board Workshop, August 27, 2020
continue to make responsible decisions where the sports are concerned, and that no spectators are
allowed so lookinto the network oflive streaming.Mike Elliott, said these decision are very difficult and thanked the board members and
administration and staff.Judy Maginnis, asked if there is a plan for families that might need financial help with the live
streaming.Kerry Drake, said that the Board voted to move forward with sports and that they havefaith in
administration but to rememberthat responsibility is with the athletes also and encouraged them to
use good judgement on andoff thefield.
ADJOURNMENTMotion by Keith McCarrick, seconded by Stephen Cunningham, to adjourn the meeting at
10:49 pm. Motion carried; all voted aye.
Sandra M. Kassel, Board Secretary
Coventry Transportation Driver List 2020-2021
Last Name First Name Bartholomew Michele Bearn Larry Benner Barry Berrios Jesus Berrios Rebecca Berryman Terry Betts Steve Bierbach Brenda Bierbach Lisa Brand Veronica Brannen Terry Brant Crystal Brendlinger Dianna Bullen Donna Carreras Denise Clemmer Paul Cooper Stephanie Cox Mary Dameron Julie Davis Barbara Destafney John Diblasio Kathy Dierolf Deb Effrig Lisa Erdman Nicole Feenstra Steven Fegely Rebecca Feher Joseph Forte Louis
Last Name First Name Forte Ulrike Fox Jay Gattinella Jamie Herbert Renee Hillegass Marie Jordan Lori Kopchik Daniel Kulp Marian Landis Hannah Leonard Brenda Maiuro Beth Marks Joanna McKenrick Thomas Musselman Justine Pettit Holly Roberts Ann Robinson Brenda Rothermel Allan Rozwakowski Brensa Scholl Linda Servis Leann Solliday Denise Solliday Kathy Straut Christine Straut Paul Sykes Henry Sykes Sherry Walp Bob Wells Linda Wood Carolyn
Attachment B
Attachment C