Agenda Elizabethtown Area Board of School Directors High ... · PSBA elections FAQ sheet 2015 Slate...
Transcript of Agenda Elizabethtown Area Board of School Directors High ... · PSBA elections FAQ sheet 2015 Slate...
Agenda Board Workshop Session of the
Elizabethtown Area Board of School Directors Tuesday, September 9, 2014
High School Large Group Instruction Room 7:30 p.m.
1. Superintendent’s Announcements 2. Citizens' Comments on Agenda Items 3. Overnight Field Trip (Mr. Schwarzman)
The Board will discuss the 2014 High School Student Council State Conference overnight field trip.
4. Curriculum (Mr. Schwarzman)
The Board will discuss the proposed 11th grade ELA curriculum.
5. Board Committee Discussion (Mr. Seiders)
Board Committee structure and operations will be discussed.
6. PSBA Officer Election (Mr. Seiders) Discussion will be held regarding voting for PSBA officers.
7. Finance Items (Mr. Longridge)
a. Special Education Contracts b. Borough Tax Exoneration
c. PlanCon H
d. Donation Request
8. Policies (Mrs. Pelna)
The following policies will be discussed in preparation for second reading:
a. Policy 100 – Comprehensive Planning b. Policy 707 – Use of School Facilities
9. Citizens' Comments on Any Topic
10. Committee Reports (Updates) 11. Announcement of Executive Session 12. Adjournment Each of the above items is for information and discussion at this meeting. Action, where needed, will be sought at the Board meeting to be held September 16, 2014.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN BOARD MEETINGS Participants must be recognized by the presiding officer and must preface their comments by an announcement of their name, address, and group affiliation, if appropriate. Statements made by participants may be limited to one statement not longer than five (5) minutes in duration. All statements shall be directed to the presiding officer; no participant may address or question Board members individually. After visitors have been heard and the Board has begun its deliberations on an item of business, no comments or questions shall be permitted from the floor. Visitors may be tempted to make a suggestion, voice disagreement, or ask for clarification, but the Board cannot carry on an orderly discussion if the deliberative body is suddenly to be enlarged to include those who have come to observe. The Board is the only legitimate "citizens committee," since only Board members are the duly elected representatives of all the citizens of the District. The Board, through its presiding officer, shall maintain control of all meetings and shall not release control to any individual or groups during any part of any meeting for any reason. The presiding officer, may exercise discretion in recognizing any visitors at a public meeting to make brief comments. The presiding officer may interrupt or terminate a participant's statement when the statement is too lengthy, personally directed, abusive, obscene, or irrelevant and may: 1. Request any individual to leave the meeting if that person does not observe reasonable
decorum. 2. Request the assistance of law enforcement officers in the removal of a disorderly person
when that person's conduct interferes with the orderly progress of the meeting. 3. Call for a recess or an adjournment to another time when the lack of public decorum so
interferes with the orderly conduct of the meeting as to warrant such action. No placards or banners will be permitted within the meeting room or on school grounds without prior approval. (The above are excerpts from EASD Board Policy 903, Public Participation in Board Meetings, which can be found in full in the EASD Board Policy Manual.)
Electing PSBA Officers
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association is a nonprofit statewideassociation of public school boards, pledged to the highest ideals of local layleadership for the public schools of the commonwealth.
2015 PSBA Slate of Candidates
PSBA members seeking election to office for the association were required to submit a nomination form no later than April 30,2014, to be considered. All candidates who properly completed applications by the deadline are included on the slate ofcandidates below. In addition, the Leadership Development Committee met on June 21-22, 2014, at PSBA headquarters inMechanicsburg to interview candidates. According to bylaws changes approved at 2013's annual business meeting by themembership, the Leadership Development Committee also may endorse candidates who it feels are highly qualified for the officethey seek. These endorsements are noted next to each person's name with an asterisk (*).
More detailed biographical information and photos will be available on PSBA's website in the near future.
Voting procedureEach school entity will have one vote for each officer and at-large representative position. This will require boards of the variousschool entities to come to a consensus on each candidate and cast their vote electronically during the open voting period (Sept.9-Oct. 6, 2014). Voting will be accomplished through a secure third-party, web-based voting site that will require a password login.One person from each member school entity will be authorized as the official person to cast the vote on behalf of his or her schoolentity. In the case of school districts, it will be the board secretary who will cast votes on behalf of the school board. More detailson the specifics of the voting procedure will be available in the near future.
Special note: Boards should be sure to include discussion and voting on candidates to its agenda during one of its meetings inSeptember.
PSBA elections FAQ sheet
2015 Slate of Candidates
According to PSBA Bylaws, the Leadership Development Committee drew lots to determine the order in which names appear onthe official slate of candidates. Photos, bios and videos will be posted on PSBA's website by Aug. 4.
President-elect
Kathy K. Swope*, Lewisburg Area SD (Union Co.)Charles H. Ballard, East Penn SD (Lehigh Co.)
Vice President
Mark B. Miller*, Centennial SD (Bucks Co.)
Treasurer
Otto W. Voit III*, Muhlenberg SD (Berks Co.)
At-Large Representative (East)Representing Regions 7,8,10,11,15
Robert M. Schwartz*, Wallenpaupack Area SD (Pike Co.)Michael Faccinetto*, Bethlehem Area SD (Northampton Co.)Edward J. Cardow, Chichester SD (Delaware Co.)
At-large Representative (West)Representing Regions 1, 2, 3, 13, 14
Daniel J. O'Keefe*, Northgate SD (Allegheny Co.)
At-large Representative (Central)Representing Regions 4, 5, 6, 9, 12
David Hutchinson*, State College Area SD (Centre Co.)
(Candidate videos are included on the individual's page, below the candidate's information. You also may view all candidatevideos in succession through this link.)
* ENDORSEMENT is noted in compliance with PSBA Bylaws (Art. IV, G) and Policy #302 which requires those who seekendorsement to be interviewed (D, 1) and that the published slate clearly indicate whether a candidate has been endorsed (E, 2). The committee is also to consider "...the extent to which the candidate's background, experiences, talents, training andinvolvement in Association activities and other pertinent attributes indicate their potential for valuable contributions to the successof the Association at increasing levels of Association leadership and responsibility"; consider "…fiscal acumen and experience infinance and accounting…" for the office of Treasure; and, additionally, the policy requires the LDC " …shall further outlineendorsement criteria…" (D, 3). The committee has incorporated these directives into a rubric to assure all applicants areevaluated consistently in identifying those considered highly qualified.
PSBA, 400 Bent Creek Blvd. | Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-1873 | Phone (717) 506-2450 | Fax (717) 506-2451
© 2014 Pennsylvania School Board Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Frequently asked questions (The answers below are drawn primarily from PSBA Bylaws and PSBA Policy 108 - Procedures And Campaign Policy For Election Of Officers and At-Large Representatives)
• How many affirmative votes are needed to select a candidate? A candidate must receive a simple majority of votes of a quorum of the entity’s governing board in order for an entity’s vote to be cast for that candidate.
• What happens if a school board is deadlocked and cannot select one candidate for a particular office? If the board is unable to produce a majority vote for a candidate, no vote is cast by the entity for that elected position.
• Does the school board need to vote at a public meeting to elect PSBA officers? Yes. PSBA Policy 108 specifies that votes of an entity’s board are to be cast at a public meeting.
• Is a roll call vote needed? A roll call vote is not required. However, that procedure may be used if it appears necessary in order to accurately determine the outcome of a vote that is not unanimous.
• Are governing boards of intermediate units, career and technical centers and community colleges also entitled to cast votes in PSBA elections? Yes. The boards of all PSBA member entities whose current-year membership dues are paid in full are eligible to cast that entity’s votes in PSBA elections. For purposes of the PSBA election process, the joint operating committee of a career and technical center is regarded as that entity’s governing board.
• If I am also on the IU board or CTC JOC, does that mean I am able to participate in the voting of each entity? Yes.
• May a board abstain from voting on a particular office? There is no general rule that requires a vote to be cast for every office on a ballot, so as a practical matter abstention is allowed, but of course not encouraged.
On the following page is an excerpt from PSBA Policy 108 (as amended April 27, 2013), addressing how votes are cast by member entity boards. (over)
J. Voting procedures. 1. Voting and registering of votes shall take place during a period commencing six weeks prior to the annual meeting of the Delegate Assembly and ending two weeks prior to the annual meeting of the Delegate Assembly, unless the PSBA Governing Board declares a shorter voting period. Specific dates for the first and last day of voting shall be widely publicized to the membership. 2. Sufficiently prior to the voting window, printed slates of candidates, along with instructions for voting, shall be distributed to the board secretary of the governing board of each member entity eligible to cast votes. For purposes of the PSBA election process and this policy, the joint operating committee of a career and technical school is regarded as that entity’s governing board.
3. Casting of votes by member entities. a. Each member entity whose current year PSBA dues have been paid in full shall be entitled to cast one vote for each elected position presented for election. An entity may cast a vote only for an at-large position for the section of the state to which it is assigned. b. The vote of the entity for each position shall be determined by simple majority vote of the entity’s governing board (majority of a quorum), cast at a public meeting of the board. c. A candidate must receive a majority of votes of a quorum of the entity’s governing board present and voting in order for an entity’s vote to be cast for that candidate. A plurality of votes by an entity’s governing board for any candidate is not sufficient. In the event that no candidate for a position receives at least a majority of votes of the quorum present and voting, a run-off shall be conducted between the two candidates previously receiving the most votes. If the board is unable to produce a majority vote for a candidate, no vote is cast by the entity for that elected position. d. The secretary of each entity’s board shall record the board’s vote as to each elected position on the ballot. e. The selections of each member entity’s board for the elected positions on the ballot cast for that entity shall be registered with the PSBA Credentials Committee by the secretary of each entity’s board.
Electing PSBA Officers
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association is a nonprofit statewideassociation of public school boards, pledged to the highest ideals of local layleadership for the public schools of the commonwealth.
President-Elect: Kathy Swope*
Related Experience:Member of the Lewisburg Area School Board (1999-Present)
President (2007-Present)Vice President (2001-2007)
Accredited PSBA Master School Board MemberPSBA Board of Directors Member (2008-Present)
PSBA At-Large Representative (Central) (2014)Susquehanna River Region 6 Director for six years (2008-2013)
NSBA Federal Relations Network member (2014)PSBA Charter School Legislation Advisory Workgroup member (2014)PSBA Pension Advisory Workgroup member (2014)Chair PSBA Regional Directors' Coordinating Council Transition Team (2013)Early Learning Investment Committee of Susquehanna River Valley – ChairStrategic Planning Committee (2013)Speaker on behalf of PSBA - Local Governments Council – Rotunda Press Conference –'Impact of Prevailing Wage' (2013)Chair PSBA Evaluation Committee (2012 & 2014)Testified on behalf of PSBA before House Education Committee on Teacher Evaluation(2012)Member PSBA Legislative Platform Committee (2012)Member Team Pennsylvania Foundation Gates Momentum Grant StakeholderCommittee on Teacher Effectiveness (2010-2012)Member PA Department of Education Phase II Teacher Evaluation Committee(2011-2012)Member PSBA Bylaws Committee (2011)Testified on behalf of PSBA before House Finance Committee on Proposed Elimination ofAll Exceptions under Act 1 (2011)Member PSBA Policy Committee (2012 & 2010)Co-Chair Council Realignment Governance Structure Committee - Girl Scouts Heart ofPA (2005-2006)Executive Board Member - Hemlock Girl Scout Council (2003-2006)Assistant Regional Director IU 16 (2005-2007)PSBA Legislative Coordinator Union County (2002-2004)Delegate to PSBA Legislative Action Council (1999-2009)
Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree - Elementary Education - Susquehanna University
Occupation: Freelance Writer (Self-employed)
Statement
Reasons for Seeking Position:
I believe in public education and the work we do as school directors. We work to make a difference in the education of children inour communities. We have an obligation to the next generation to educate children with high levels of knowledge, critical thinkingskills, and creativity, to confront the unknown challenges of their future. Education is the cornerstone of democracy, and the waythat we as a society ensure that civilization advances. We have an important job, but we need strong support and an organizationthat unites us to build a strong voice on behalf of children and public education.
I want to begin the vital work of making public education a valued priority in the Commonwealth. We need to work together, tochange the perception that public education is failing. PSBA is our association, and it needs to become a respected authorityguiding education policy in the state.
As an organization of over 4,500 members, imagine the powerful impact we can have if we unite our voices. Together, we canmake a difference, not only in our local districts, but also for children across the Commonwealth.
* Endorsed – "The Leadership Development Committee may, by majority vote, choose to endorse the nomination(s) of one ormore candidates for any elected position as a means of identifying those candidates that the Leadership Development Committeeconsiders to be highly qualified." PSBA Bylaws, Article IV, Section 5.C.
Video Introduction
PSBA, 400 Bent Creek Blvd. | Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-1873 | Phone (717) 506-2450 | Fax (717) 506-2451
© 2014 Pennsylvania School Board Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Electing PSBA Officers
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association is a nonprofit statewideassociation of public school boards, pledged to the highest ideals of local layleadership for the public schools of the commonwealth.
President-Elect: Charles Ballard
Chuck Ballard has been a Board Member of the East Penn School District since 1995. Hehas served as Legislative Chair and PSBA Liaison since 1998. Until being elected PSBAVice President last year, he was the PSBA Legislative Coordinator for Lehigh County and anAssistant Regional Director for Region 8.He has been married to his wife Vi for 46 years, and has two children, Jennifer, who is adoctor in Boston and Doug who is a Middle School Music Director in Pennsylvania.
Chuck has a BS degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Michigan and aMaster's degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University ofCalifornia, Berkeley. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in California andPennsylvania.
Statement of CandidacyThank you for the honor of being your Vice President for the past year. You supported my message of change and I have beenworking hard to get change accomplished within PSBA.
I have been spearheading efforts by the Platform Committee and the staff to update the PSBA Statement of Beliefs (which hasn'tbeen touched since 1979) and the Platform Document to make both more useful and relevant to the legislative challenges PSBAfaces today.
Change, especially for an organization like PSBA, is difficult. Unfortunately, the challenges we face in public education havegrown to the point where if we don't change, other people and other forces will dictate the future of public education.Change is especially difficult when power shifts in an organization. If individuals are not oriented primarily toward bettering theorganization, it can be especially painful. For this reason, I asked the Leadership Development Committee what steps theorganization was taking to make sure we were selecting candidates whose primary focus was on improving PSBA. I think wehave to do much more in the area of developing such candidates.
We need to improve member services focus, and deliver more to our members in the way of help to make them more effective asboard members. There have been much needed improvements in this area over the past year, but much more needs to be done.
PSBA needs to get out in front of the public with more messaging to counter the constant barrage of attacks on public education. We can't sit back and just surrender the high ground to people with big advertising budgets and campaign coffers. We are publiceducation, We are Pennsylvania, We are PSBA.
175+ years ago, Thaddeus Stevens saved public education with a speech in the Pennsylvania Legislature that noted that therewere people who didn't want to pay for education of other people's children, would rather pay for prisons, and who 'cling to theirgold'. We still have those people 175 years later, and we don't have a Thaddeus Stevens in the Legislature.
That is why I think PSBA has to step up its game, and I am asking you to help me do that. Again, it has been an honor to serveyou.
Video Introduction
PSBA, 400 Bent Creek Blvd. | Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-1873 | Phone (717) 506-2450 | Fax (717) 506-2451
© 2014 Pennsylvania School Board Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Electing PSBA Officers
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association is a nonprofit statewideassociation of public school boards, pledged to the highest ideals of local layleadership for the public schools of the commonwealth.
Vice President: Mark B. Miller *
I am Mark B Miller, Bux-Mont Region Director of Pennsylvania School Boards Association, School Director in Centennial School District, and Co-Chair of Keystone State EducationCoalition. I also serve with Diane Ravitch on the Board of her Network for Public Education, anational organization supporting public education.
My goals as your Vice President are to work with our Executive Director and his team torefocus PSBA on our "Core Values" and to complete implementation of PSBA's governancechanges initiated in 2012. Rely that seek to include PSBA's Membership, plus importantstakeholders like PASA, PASBO, PSEA, PAESP, PARSS and our General Assembly.
I bring experience to the Governing Board, having served as 2nd Vice President in 2012 and1st Vice President in 2013. One highlight of my term in office was being invited to participatein a nationally broadcasted conference call with First Lady Michelle Obama to promote healthand wellness in schools.
Last year, I served as Chairperson of PSBA's Legislative Platform Committee and PSBA'sCareer and Technical Education Task Force. I constantly "Stand up for Public Education"testifying at all levels (federal and state). In addition to providing testimony to several Houseand Senate Committees, I've performed numerous speaking engagements acrossPennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, California and also for NSBA.
My PSBA advocacy carries over to Keystone State Education Coalition. KeySEC is agrassroots organization reaching more than 2,500 Pennsylvania education policymakers –school directors, administrators, legislators, legislative and congressional staffers, parents,leading educators, media, several regulatory agencies, professional associations andeducation advocacy organizations each day.
At the national level, I am a delegate to NSBA's Federal Relations Network since 2009,visiting regularly with members of Congress and their staffs to share my insight as a memberof NSBA's Teacher/Principal Effectiveness and Early Childhood Education Committees. Istrive for increased funding of IDEA, reauthorization of ESEA and Child Nutrition Act. I am acharter member of NSBA's Corporate Partnership Council.
Professionally, I am a marketing consultant and artist manager/agent with a roster ofprominent clients, including The Jacksons, four movie studios, Kellogg Company, Wyeth-Ayerst and Nestle. I attended/graduated from Philadelphia's Central High School, PierceCollege, Philadelphia College of Textiles & Science and Temple University. I am managingpartner of a small west coast publishing company (Journey Publications LLC), vice presidentof NIXLE, Past Master of my Masonic Lodge and PIAA sports official. I am most proud ofbeing a single parent to three adult children, Jaclyn (a public school teacher), Brooke andLeland.
See my partial list of PSBA and other service:
Region Director, PSBA1st Vice President, PSBA2nd Vice President, PSBAChair – PSBA Career & Technical Education Task ForceChair – PSBA Ad-Hoc Technology Review CommitteeChair – PSBA Regional Action Plan CommitteeMember – PSBA Bylaws CommitteeMember – PSBA Charter School Services CommitteeCo-Chair – Keystone State Education CoalitionDirector – Network for Public EducationDelegate – NSBA Federal Relations Network since 2009Charter Member – NSBA Corporate Partnership CouncilMember – NSBA Teacher/Principal Effectiveness CommitteeMember – NSBA Early Childhood Education Committee
* Endorsed – "The Leadership Development Committee may, by majority vote, choose to endorse the nomination(s) of one ormore candidates for any elected position as a means of identifying those candidates that the Leadership Development Committeeconsiders to be highly qualified." PSBA Bylaws, Article IV, Section 5.C.
Video Introduction
Due to scheduling conflicts Mark B. Miller was not available for videotaping at PSBA headquarters. All candidate videos wereproduced by PSBA for consistency and fairness.
PSBA, 400 Bent Creek Blvd. | Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-1873 | Phone (717) 506-2450 | Fax (717) 506-2451
© 2014 Pennsylvania School Board Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Electing PSBA Officers
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association is a nonprofit statewideassociation of public school boards, pledged to the highest ideals of local layleadership for the public schools of the commonwealth.
Treasurer: Otto W. Voit III *
"Sometimes it is not enough to do our best; we must do what is required"- Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
I am passionate about public education and in the belief that they are critical institutionsnecessary to keep America great. Others do not agree – we read everyday about somepolitician or some billionaire or some think tank assailing public education for the ills ofsociety.
PSBA is an advocate for public education. If elected I will stand with PSBA to make its voiceeven stronger and to stand against those who are misguided in their beliefs about whateducation is and just how hard it is to educate the youth of today.
I believe in and live by PSBA's 6 core values:
Leadership – to inspire others to achieve extraordinary results. This requires vision,risk-taking and demonstrating excellence.Excellence – to strive to always give our best.Commitment – to demonstrate our belief in public education and the importance of localschool governanceIntegrity – to are honest, responsible and ethical in everything that we doRespect – to recognize the dignity and worth of everyone by treating them with courtesyand fairnessTeamwork – Individually, we possess unique strengths and skills. Together, we achievegreater common goals through collaboration and communication.
To take our message forward we must have money and therefore we must be fiscally sound. Iam running for PSBA Treasurer to insure that we have the resources necessary to supportour mission of promoting public education.
Because most of our PSBA's staff are participants in PSERS, our greatest challenge is toplan for the PSERS retirement funding, which like our school districts, is grossly underfunded.To that end I have developed a comprehensive 10 year plan for our local board as well as amodel to use for PSBA. A copy is available by writing to me at [email protected]
I have the strong business and financial acumen necessary to do this job well. I have servedin progressive executive positions which include Chief Financial Officer, Executive VicePresident, General Manager and President. I have been recognized for my critical thinkingand analytical capabilities. I have been CFO of a $100million dental and cosmetic company,an engineering software company and an INC500 educational materials company.
Some personal highlights are:
Executive MBA, w/honors, St. Joseph's University
B.S., Penn State UniversityMember - Institute of Management AccountantsVeteran of the Persian Gulf WarActive in Cub Scouts and Little League CoachingElected member of the Muhlenberg School Board in Berks County for 14 years and haveserved as President and Vice President.
I reside in Muhlenberg with my wife of 25 years, Sheryl.
Together we can advocate for public education. Public education is so critical to our country'sfuture that doing our best is not enough; we must do what is required.
* Endorsed – "The Leadership Development Committee may, by majority vote, choose to endorse the nomination(s) of one ormore candidates for any elected position as a means of identifying those candidates that the Leadership Development Committeeconsiders to be highly qualified." PSBA Bylaws, Article IV, Section 5.C.
Video Introduction
PSBA, 400 Bent Creek Blvd. | Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-1873 | Phone (717) 506-2450 | Fax (717) 506-2451
© 2014 Pennsylvania School Board Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Electing PSBA Officers
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association is a nonprofit statewideassociation of public school boards, pledged to the highest ideals of local layleadership for the public schools of the commonwealth.
At-Large Representative (East): Robert M. Schwartz*
My name is Robert Schwartz, the endorsed candidate for re-election as the Eastern Region -Member at Large to the PSBA Board of Directors. I am a 51 year old Financial Advisor withan independent practice near Lake Wallenpaupack in the Poconos. Having 2 children, onethat was his class salutatorian, AND one with special needs is what originally drew me toservice on the school board. However, I waited to serve until they both graduated to avoidany conflicts of interest or appearance of hidden agendas.
My tenure on the board is nearing 8 years of service and I have been the representative to IU19 for over 3 years. I was recently re-elected as President of the Board of IU 19. One of myshort-term plans for the PSBA is to increase its value as a resource for IUs and CareerTechnology Centers. As board members of these organizations we do not have manyresources or advocates to turn to for those special needs. To that end, PSBA's WesternRegion director-at-large, Daniel O'Keefe and I are working together to form just such asegment within the auspices of the PSBA. As a matter of fact, there will be both aneducational session and a breakfast roundtable at this year's conference to address theneeds of IUs and how the PSBA can be of service to them.
One of the important challenges that I see for the PSBA and public education in Pennsylvaniais the proliferation of cyber-charter schools and their drain on public school budgets. I havespoken with several legislators and intend to interact with them further to address the inequityof the cyber-charters being able to extract funding from the public school system without thesubstantiation of their expenses or meeting the rigorous educational standards that publicschools must meet. Without even having expenses such as brick and mortar they can'tpossibly require the same type of funding.
On the other side of the equation- as public schools we have to find a way to appeal to thosestudents that need to avail themselves of a cyber-education. Although we don't want tochase students out of the classroom, we must help them understand that through their owndistrict (or through the IUs in some cases) they can utilize cyber-education while attendingtheir home district. This will allow them reap the benefits of being in the district; such asextracurricular activities and walking with their friends at graduation.
Now that I have experience as a PSBA board member I feel comfortable sharing my expertisein the financial arena with the board. I know that I can add to the depth of knowledge on ourfinance committee.
My allegiance is only to the board and organization as a whole. I enter all discussions with anopen mind and make my decisions only after careful consideration of all sides and opinions. Ilook forward to your support in my endeavor to retain my tenure on the PSBA board.
* Endorsed – "The Leadership Development Committee may, by majority vote, choose to endorse the nomination(s) of one ormore candidates for any elected position as a means of identifying those candidates that the Leadership Development Committeeconsiders to be highly qualified." PSBA Bylaws, Article IV, Section 5.C.
Video Introduction
PSBA, 400 Bent Creek Blvd. | Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-1873 | Phone (717) 506-2450 | Fax (717) 506-2451
© 2014 Pennsylvania School Board Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Electing PSBA Officers
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association is a nonprofit statewideassociation of public school boards, pledged to the highest ideals of local layleadership for the public schools of the commonwealth.
At-Large Representative (East): Michael Faccinetto*
Hello, my name is Michael Faccinetto, candidate for the Eastern Section At LargeRepresentative. I am a member of the Bethlehem Area School District (BASD) Board servingin my second term. I have held various leadership roles within the board and our jointvocational technical school. I serve as the negotiator for the board for the past 4 yearsoverseeing six collective bargaining agreements as well as the HR Committee Chair. I amthe past president and vice president of the Vo-Tech Board which is a collaboration of threedistricts. Currently, I am in my third year as the BASD board president having been electedunanimously three times.
Within the PSBA organization I am currently serving as the Region 8 Director and was anAssistant Regional Director in the past. I was part of the bi-laws committee in 2013 and theplatform committee in 2014 and a multiple year attendee of the October LeadershipConference.
In my professional life I am a licensed Insurance Agent in Bethlehem for the past 14 years. Itake pride in providing my customers with not only personal service, but an understanding oftheir needs. I value my local community and volunteer with several organizations to makeBethlehem a better place. I am an active volunteer and executive board member of the MinsiTrails Council, BSA. I have served and presented on several different committees during thedevelopment of 2 separate strategic plans for the council. As a founding member of the WestBroad Street Business Association in Bethlehem I worked with 3 other business owners tolaunch our organization. We worked closely with the City of Bethlehem to highlight thebusinesses of the West Broad Street neighborhood. For the past 3 years we presented acommunity festival for over 50 businesses and 1,200 community members. I am married tomy wife Amy for 10 years and have 3 great children. Somewhere in all of this I find time totrain for and run marathons.
I feel all aspects of my community service from the Boy Scouts to the West Broad StreetBusiness Association to work in my church illustrate my dedication to the community. Mywork with any of these organizations has helped prepare me for statewide service to thePSBA. However, my 3 years as president of the BASD Board of Directors has prepared methe most. Bethlehem is the 6th largest district in PA and encompasses the City of Bethlehemand surrounding townships. We educate over 14,000 students daily, employ over 2,000people including 1050 teachers, log 6500 miles a day on our buses, and operate 22 schoolbuildings. We are a busy board and have a very active community. To have had the privilegeto serve as president for 3 consecutive terms in my 5 years on the board is humbling. Ibelieve it is a testament to my ability to build a consensus, involve everyone, and respectdiffering opinions. All of which will help me serve the PSBA.
* Endorsed – "The Leadership Development Committee may, by majority vote, choose to endorse the nomination(s) of one ormore candidates for any elected position as a means of identifying those candidates that the Leadership Development Committeeconsiders to be highly qualified." PSBA Bylaws, Article IV, Section 5.C.
Video Introduction
PSBA, 400 Bent Creek Blvd. | Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-1873 | Phone (717) 506-2450 | Fax (717) 506-2451
© 2014 Pennsylvania School Board Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Electing PSBA Officers
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association is a nonprofit statewideassociation of public school boards, pledged to the highest ideals of local layleadership for the public schools of the commonwealth.
At-Large Representative (East): Edward J. Cardow
Hope this finds all of you well and enjoying your summer.
In the coming weeks you will be asked to cast your vote for the 2015 PSBA Representatives.Better communication between all PSBA constituents is a top priority. To this end, I amseeking the office of Eastern Section At Large Representative.
Being a member of the Chichester School Board since 2003, I have served as the Board VicePresident and am currently the Board Secretary and Chairman of the Building and GroundsCommittee. In addition, I have been a member of the Delaware County Intermediate UnitBoard of Directors since 2003 and am currently serving my fifth year as President. In myservice as a Board Director, I have been a member of several negotiating committees andleadership search committees.
Being the parent of three daughters has presented many opportunities to become involved inthe Public school system in order to bridge the gap between school and family. Variousorganizations require the support of energized individuals to serve
the school community as a whole. Band Parent Associations as well as Home and SchoolAssociations are together working to better the system. Having served as Treasurer for bothof these groups for over fifteen years has provided me unique insight and experience injoining the efforts of schools, parents, and students. As well as Coaching girls softball,baseball, basketball, and Soap Box Derby I was also officers within each organization.
Involvement is key to any successful organization and all of the membership is entitled tosupport. I wish to become an officer with PSBA to better support the membership of theAssociation as well as to better communicate with you, the PSBA constituents. Your supportwould be greatly appreciated.
Video Introduction
Due to scheduling conflicts Edward Cardow was not available for videotaping at PSBA headquarters. All candidate videos wereproduced by PSBA for consistency and fairness.
PSBA, 400 Bent Creek Blvd. | Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-1873 | Phone (717) 506-2450 | Fax (717) 506-2451
© 2014 Pennsylvania School Board Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Electing PSBA Officers
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association is a nonprofit statewideassociation of public school boards, pledged to the highest ideals of local layleadership for the public schools of the commonwealth.
At-Large Representative (West): Daniel J. O'Keefe*
Dan O'Keefe, a current member of the PSBA Governing Board, serving in the position ofAt-Large Representative (West), has received an endorsement from the LeadershipDevelopment Committee for another term. Dan has over 13 years of service to the NorthgateBoard of School Directors and is serving in his third term as President of that board.
Dan offers an extensive professional background and a background in service and leadershipto school and community that enhance his capacity to benefit PSBA and its membership. Highlights of his PSBA, school and community involvement and leadership have included:
PSBA Accredited Master School Board Member (2011)PSBA Board of Governors (2014)PSBA By-Laws Committee (2013)Northgate Board of School Directors (President, Vice-President, Board Treasurer,Finance Chair, PSBA Liaison, and Legislative Chair)A. W. Beattie Career Center Joint Operating Committee (2001-2003; 2011-2013)Board of Governors of the North Hills Arts Festival Inc., including two terms as President(1988-1997)Church Festival Leadership Committee (1997-2009)Northgate Band Chaperone, Elementary Drama Club Co-Founder, School MusicalVolunteerHoly Family Institute – One-on-One Companion and Group Tutoring Programs
Dan has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. His 33-year career includesproject management for manufacturing and engineering firms and purchasing managementfor a global manufacturer. With this professional experience, he brings skills in organizing,planning, conceptualizing and analyzing, to enrich his service to the PSBA board.
As a regular attendee at PSBA annual conferences, the regional meetings and the legislativemeetings, Dan has participated in numerous trainings, seminars and webinars to heighten hisability to serve the students of his community. He is a strong advocate within his board forthe opportunities and services provided to members of the PSBA, having found theinformation provided by PSBA to be an essential component of his ability to serve the district.
As a member of the PSBA Board, Dan seeks to improve PSBA's dissemination of informationto and obtain feedback from the Western Pennsylvania area, while serving all members of thestate. He believes improving the ability of PSBA to serve a greater number of the members,in Western Pennsylvania and statewide, will permit members to better serve their districts.
Dan emphasizes the benefits of training for PSBA members throughout the state recognizingthat, for many, school board service is an introduction to an array of new concepts, ideas andissues. Through the use of technology and by providing more flexibility in the trainings, hehopes that more members can be reached. Diversification of the training to also includeissues encountered by IU boards, CTC boards and community college boards is a component
that needs to be enhanced.
An extensive background in leadership and community involvement; professional experiencein achieving results as a project manager; and an interest in improving the value of PSBA toits members, are some of the qualification that Dan O'Keefe brings to the PSBA board.
Please support him as your represent to PSBA.
* Endorsed – "The Leadership Development Committee may, by majority vote, choose to endorse the nomination(s) of one ormore candidates for any elected position as a means of identifying those candidates that the Leadership Development Committeeconsiders to be highly qualified." PSBA Bylaws, Article IV, Section 5.C.
Video Introduction
PSBA, 400 Bent Creek Blvd. | Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-1873 | Phone (717) 506-2450 | Fax (717) 506-2451
© 2014 Pennsylvania School Board Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Electing PSBA Officers
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association is a nonprofit statewideassociation of public school boards, pledged to the highest ideals of local layleadership for the public schools of the commonwealth.
At-Large Representative (Central): David Hutchinson*
Biography:
State College Area School Board: 2003-present; PSBA/ Legislative Liaison, 2007-present
PSBA: Region 4 Director, 2011-present
RDCC, 2014; Board of Directors, 2011-2013Platform committee, 2011-2013Evaluation committee, 2012-2013; chair, 2013Centre/Clinton county Legislative Coordinator, 2008-2011Presentation to Student Delegate Program, October, 2007Pennsylvanian FRN delegation, 2007-2010
Jan., 2008: Testified before State Board of Education on GCA (Keystone exams) proposal
May, 2007 Testified before House Tourism Committee on proposed calendar legislation
Pennsylvania Service-Learning Association, Board, 2010-present
National School Climate Council, 2011-present; Standards Review committee, 2010
Community leadership:
Public Issues Forum of Centre County, 2003-present; chair, 2007-presentForum on the role of Standardized Testing in School, 2014Teacher Institute on Deliberation in the Classroom, 2010-2012State College Public Issues Forums on education, 2008, 2009Community/Board representative on the SCASD Small Schools committee, 2001-2005 Chair of the SCASD Diversity committee, 2001Guest lecturer, Penn State Univ. 2010-present:Numerous Centre Daily Times op-eds, blog postings and Twitter feeds("The Hijacking of the Charter School Movement". 2014)
Education:
Penn State University: B.A., 1975; M.B.A., 1984Kettering Foundation Leadership Training (U.Penn), 2004
Statement:
Within my passion for public education, I have three areas of interest that I see as being particularly well-aligned with the missionof our organization and my potential role on the PSBA Governing Board.
First, I believe in the importance of good governance and professional development for school board members. This has always
been a strength of PSBA, but I believe there is more that we can and must do if we are to increase PSBA's stature. The publicmust know that we stand for good governance.Second: advocacy, which is becoming an increasingly important part of PSBA's mission. We must take better advantage of thefact that school board members are uniquely positioned to advocate for good education policy – we see the results first-hand. Thisinvolves fostering good relationships with legislators of both political parties, and striving to keep the public informed, both ofwhich I have worked to do locally.
In addition, as leaders in our local communities, we are well-positioned to help the public engage on these issues. In my years ofexperience with the Public Issues Forum, including several well-attended forums on education, I have found that the public is ableto speak with a clear voice when given the opportunity to do so; our recent forum on standardized testing being an example.These forums are attended by a broad cross-section of citizens, including many of our students, so it has the added benefit ofhelping to develop their citizenship skills.
I believe that PSBA is in the position to promote a model for public engagement that could substantially change the publicconversation.
Finally, as a member of the National School Climate Council, I would like to see PSBA promote the value of creating schoolenvironments in which every student, and teacher, feels respected and engaged, and share in the responsibility of creatingcultures of learning. I see school climate as central to every effort to improve our schools.
* Endorsed – "The Leadership Development Committee may, by majority vote, choose to endorse the nomination(s) of one ormore candidates for any elected position as a means of identifying those candidates that the Leadership Development Committeeconsiders to be highly qualified." PSBA Bylaws, Article IV, Section 5.C.
Video Introduction
Due to scheduling conflicts David Hutchinson was not available for videotaping at PSBA headquarters. All candidate videos wereproduced by PSBA for consistency and fairness.
PSBA, 400 Bent Creek Blvd. | Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-1873 | Phone (717) 506-2450 | Fax (717) 506-2451
© 2014 Pennsylvania School Board Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Special Education Supplemental Contract
WHEREAS, the Elizabethtown Area School District and the Hempfield School District (collectively the “school districts”) each provide special educational and related services to school-‐aged children (“student” or “students”) pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (“Section 504”), their implementing regulations and related state laws;
WHEREAS, the school districts wish to work cooperatively together with one another to provide such special education services in a more cost-‐effective manner by sharing and/or pooling together resources when they deem it beneficial to the school districts and the students to do so; and
WHEREAS, the school districts wish to enter into this Special Education Supplemental Contract (“Contract”) in order to establish a framework in which individual school districts may obtain educational placement slots and/or related services for their own special education students from other participating school districts.
THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound, the Elizabethtown Area School District and the Hempfield School District agree as follows:
1. Term: This Contract shall be in effect for the 2014-‐2015 school year, the school districts may agree to extend this contract for one additional school year pursuant to mutually agreed upon terms and conditions. Absent an agreed upon extension, this Contract shall expire on June 30, 2015.
2. Definitions: The following terms shall be defined as follows for purposes of this Contract:
a. Student – a school-‐aged child entitled to receive special education services who is enrolled as a student in a Home School District.
b. Sending School District – a student’s school district or residence or a school district otherwise obligated to provide educational services to a student under Section 1302 of the Public School Code.
c. Educating School District – a school district that agrees to provide some or all of the special educational services to a student in place of the student’s Home School District.
d. Special Educational Services – an educational placement and/or related service(s) that a student is entitled to receive pursuant to IDEA or Section 504.
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3. Providing Special Education Services: An Educating School District may agree with a Sending School District to provide special education services for one or more students during the 2014-‐2015 school year. When such an agreement is reached between the Special Education Directors from the Educating School District and Sending School District, the following information shall be specified in that agreement:
a. The name and age of the student to receive special education services; b. The special educational services to be provided to the student by the
Educating School District (i.e. educational placement, related service, etc.) c. The duration of time such special education services shall be provided to the
student by the Educating School District; d. The location where the special education services are to be provided; e. The agreed upon cost that the Sending School District shall pay the Educating
School District for provide such special education services in accordance with this Contract; and
f. Provide a copy of the student’s Individual Education Plan (“IEP”) and/or Section 504 plan to the Education School District.
4. Schedule for Providing Special Education Services: Special education service(s) shall be provided to a student pursuant to the Educating School District’s calendar.
5. Charges of Special Education Services: The school districts agree to use the following
a. Classroom/Educational Placement – The per student charge shall be based upon the total salaries and fringe benefits paid to the classroom staff members (limited to teachers and para-‐educators assigned to the classroom) providing services to students enrolled in the class. The total cost of salaries and fringe benefits of the classroom shall be determined on October 1st of the given year of service shall be divided by the maximum approved number of students and the per student value shall be billed by the Educating School District to the Sending School District for each student enrolled in the class or program. In addition, a five percent (5%) administrative fee shall be charged to the specified per student amount. If a student is enrolled in the class for only a portion of the school year, a pro-‐rated student charge shall be determined.
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b. Related Services Provided by Educating School-‐ speech and/or language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral support services, and job training services provided by the Educating School will be billed between the Educating and the Sending School Districts pursuant to the agreed upon hourly rate (including a 5% administrative fee) prior to the services rendered.
c. Related Services Provided by Outside Agency Services -‐ If the special education services are provided directly by an outside agency, the Sending School District shall pay the applicable contracted fee directly as billed by the agency. The parties agree that the Educating School Districts may use providers already engaged to provide related services with no administrative fee added.
6. Payment for Special Education Services: The payment for all special education
services contemplated by Contract shall be paid as follows:
a. Half paid of the total amount owed on or before January 30, 2015;
b. Half paid of the total amount owed on or before June 22, 2015;
Any adjustments to the total average daily membership will be adjusted on the final amount paid on or before June 22, 2015 as agreed to by both parties. Additional costs identified for related services and any additional costs agreed upon by the Educating and Home School District that are necessary to implement any student’s IEP will be billed separately to the district on or about January 1, 2015 and June 10, 2015 and payable by the dates above. Should contracted services be billed to the Educating School District, the Sending School District shall reimburse charges as incurred.
7. School Transportation: The Sending School District shall be responsible for transporting any students to and from school each instructional day (including any transportation to the Educating School District).
8. Access Billing: The Educating School District will submit data for ACCESS billing. In the case where funds are received for personal care aides, these funds will be reflected as a benefit to the sending school district on the end of the year billing statement.
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9. Child Accounting: The sending school district will be responsible for all child accounting reporting for each student receiving special education services from the Educating School District, which may include special reporting required by PDE.
10. Issuance of Diplomas: The Sending School District shall be responsible for issuing the high school diploma to any student that has successfully completed his/her high school education.
11. Cost of Special Education or Related Litigation: The Sending School District shall be solely responsible for the cost to defend any complaint filed by a student and/or the student’s parent/guardian for any alleged violation of IDEA or Section 504 (“Complaint”). The Educating School District shall immediately notify the sending school district of any potential legal claims made or threatened by the student, the student’s parent/guardian or student’s attorney, so the sending district may timely report and notify its insurance carrier. The Educating School District shall fully cooperate with the Sending School District in the defense of any Complaint, including but not limited to, providing to the Sending School District such relevant documents and testimony of personnel as may be reasonably required by the Sending School District to defend a claim.
12. Responsibilities of Educating School District: The Educating School Districts shall be responsible for the following when providing special education services to a student:
a. Ensure that its educational staff are properly certified and trained to provide the contemplated special education services, in compliance with all applicable Federal and/or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania laws and regulations;
b. Ensure that the special education services are delivered in manner that complies with all applicable state and federal law, to the extent that such compliance does not depend on the performance or actions of any individual or entity beyond the control of the Educating School District;
c. Preparing and/or providing assistance in preparing a student’s multidisciplinary reevaluation and/or IEP for the subsequent school year;
d. Making the appropriate school personnel reasonably available to participation as needed in MDEs and IEP planning conferences;
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e. Adhere to all provisions contained in the student’s IEP and/or Section 504 plan regarding the provision of programs, services, accommodations, or support to the student.
13. Responsibilities of the Sending School District: The Home School Districts shall
be responsible for the following when providing special education services to a student:
a. retain responsibility for the multidisciplinary evaluation and reevaluation (MDE) and IEP development and revision processes for all exceptional or thought-‐to-‐be exceptional students who reside within the Sending School District and shall remain the Local Education Agency (LEA) for all such students;
b. The Sending School District shall make appropriate members of its staff available at reasonable times to confer with the Educating School District regarding the implementation of a student’s IEP and/or Section 504 plan. The Educating School District shall reasonably comply with all interpretation made by the IEP team that require the provision of programs, services, accommodations, or support not contemplated within the scope of the programs and services enumerated in this Contract;
c. The Sending School Districts shall remain responsible for the provision of such legal or advisory services and representation as are necessary to support the appropriateness of the evaluation, classification, program, or placement of its students who participate in or are assigned to a program or service provided or operated in accordance with this Contract, when evaluation, classification, program, or placement is challenged through due process; provided, however that nothing in this paragraph shall require the Sending School District to pursue due process or other legal proceedings in place of an amicable or mediated settlement. If at any time the Sending School District is not satisfied that the IEP and/or Section 504 plan of any student is being handled properly by the Educating School District, the sole and exclusive remedy for the Sending School District will be to remove the child from the program;
d. The Sending School District shall retain legal responsibility at all times to provide special education services to a student in compliance with the current IEP, order issued by a hearing officer or court, or consent degree or
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settlement agreement entered into by the Sending School District. If the Sending School District materially alters the contemplated programs, services, accommodations, or support after the Educating School District agrees to provide special education services, the Educating School District may terminate the provisions of services.
14. Education Records: The Sending and Educating School Districts shall share or
otherwise make reasonable available a student’s education records and any other relevant information to ensure they both fulfill their respective responsibilities in ensuring special educational services are provided in a manner that complies with state and federal law.
15. Payment Obligation: The Sending School District’s obligation to make payments in accordance with this Contract is not contingent upon the receipt of funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the federal government or any other source.
16. Indemnification: The Educating and Sending School Districts agree as follows regarding indemnification rights under this Contract:
a. The Educating School District agrees to indemnity, defend, and hold harmless the Sending School District and its directors, officers, agents, and employees against all claims, damages, losses or penalties that result either from the acts or omissions of the administrative, professional, paraprofessional or support staff provided by the Educating School District under the terms of this Contract or from the maintenance or operation of any equipment or vehicles provided or used by the Educating School District under the terms of this Contract. The Educating School District shall maintain sufficient liability insurance for this purpose in amounts not less than $1,000,000 per incident or occurrence and shall provide the sending school district with evidence of this coverage on demand;
b. The Sending School District agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Educating School District and its directors, officers, agents, and employees against all claims, damages, losses, or penalties that result either from the acts or omissions of the Sending School District, or its administrative, professional, paraprofessional, or support staff or from the maintenance, use, or operation of any real property, equipment, or vehicles used by the Sending School District. The Sending School District shall maintain sufficient liability insurance for this purpose in amounts not less
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than $1,000,000 per incident or occurrence and shall provide the Educating School District with evidence of this coverage on demand; and
c. Nothing in this paragraph, or its subparagraphs, is intended to waive or otherwise extinguish the immunity protections of the Educating School District and/or Sending School District under the Political Subdivision Torts Claims Act, as amended.
17. Independent Contractors: None of the administrative, professional,
paraprofessional, or support staff provided by the Educating School District under the terms of this Contract shall be considered employees or agents of the Sending School District for any purpose, and none of the administrative, professional, paraprofessional or support staff of the Sending School District shall be considered employees or agents of the Educating School District for any purpose.
18. Severability: The Sending and Educating School Districts agree that this Contract shall be interpreted and otherwise construed in a manner that fully complies with all applicable state and federal laws. If any provision of this Contract is contrary to applicable law, that provision shall be considered severable, and the remainder of the provisions herein shall be enforceable.
WITNESS/ATTEST: Sending School District _____________________________ By_________________________________________(SEAL) Business Manager Superintendent
Educating School District _____________________________ By_________________________________________(SEAL) Business Manager Superintendent
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Special Education Supplemental Contract
WHEREAS, the Columbia Borough School District and the Elizabethtown Area School District (collectively the “school districts”) each provide special educational and related services to school-‐aged children (“student” or “students”) pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (“Section 504”), their implementing regulations and related state laws;
WHEREAS, the school districts wish to work cooperatively together with one another to provide such special education services in a more cost-‐effective manner by sharing and/or pooling together resources when they deem it beneficial to the school districts and the students to do so; and
WHEREAS, the school districts wish to enter into this Special Education Supplemental Contract (“Contract”) in order to establish a framework in which individual school districts may obtain educational placement slots and/or related services for their own special education students from other participating school districts.
THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound, the Columbia Borough School District and the Elizabethtown Area School District each agree as follows:
1. Term: This Contract shall be in effect for the 2014-‐2015 school year, the school districts may agree to extend this contract for one additional school year pursuant to mutually agreed upon terms and conditions. Absent an agreed upon extension, this Contract shall expire on June 30, 2015.
2. Definitions: The following terms shall be defined as follows for purposes of this Contract:
a. Student – a school-‐aged child entitled to receive special education services who is enrolled as a student in a Home School District.
b. Sending School District – a student’s school district or residence or a school district otherwise obligated to provide educational services to a student under Section 1302 of the Public School Code.
c. Educating School District – a school district that agrees to provide some or all of the special educational services to a student in place of the student’s Home School District.
d. Special Educational Services – an educational placement and/or related service(s) that a student is entitled to receive pursuant to IDEA or Section 504.
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3. Providing Special Education Services: An Educating School District may agree with a Sending School District to provide special education services for one or more students during the 2014-‐2015 school year. When such an agreement is reached between the Special Education Directors from the Educating School District and Sending School District, the following information shall be specified in that agreement:
a. The name and age of the student to receive special education services; b. The special educational services to be provided to the student by the
Educating School District (i.e. educational placement, related service, etc.) c. The duration of time such special education services shall be provided to the
student by the Educating School District; d. The location where the special education services are to be provided; e. The agreed upon cost that the Sending School District shall pay the Educating
School District for provide such special education services in accordance with this Contract; and
f. Provide a copy of the student’s Individual Education Plan (“IEP”) and/or Section 504 plan to the Education School District.
4. Schedule for Providing Special Education Services: Special education service(s) shall be provided to a student pursuant to the Educating School District’s calendar.
5. Charges of Special Education Services: The school districts agree to use the following
a. Related services -‐ speech and/or language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral support services, and job training services will be billed between the Educating and the Sending School Districts pursuant to the agreed upon hourly rate (including a 5% administrative fee) prior to the services rendered.
b. Classroom/Educational Placement – The per student charge shall be based upon the total salaries and fringe benefits paid to the classroom staff members providing services to students enrolled in the class. The total cost of salaries and fringe benefits of the classroom shall be determined on October 1st of the given year of service shall be divided by the maximum approved number of students and the per student value shall be billed by the Educating School District to the Sending School District for each student enrolled in the class or program. In addition, a five percent (5%) administrative shall be charged to the specified per student amount. If a
131610.1
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student is enrolled in the class for only a portion of the school year, a pro-‐rated student charge shall be determined.
c. Outside Agency Services -‐ If the special education services are provided directly by an outside agency, the Sending School District shall pay the applicable contracted fee directly as billed. The parties agree that the Educating School Districts may use providers already engaged to provide related services with no administrative fee added.
6. Payment for Special Education Services: The payment for all special education
services contemplated by Contract shall be paid as follows:
a. Half paid of the total amount owed on or before January 30, 2015;
b. Half paid of the total amount owed on or before June 22, 2015;
Any adjustments to the total average daily membership will be adjusted on the final amount paid on or before June 22, 2015 as agreed to by both parties. Additional costs identified for related services and any additional costs agreed upon by the Educating and Home School District that are necessary to implement any student’s IEP will be billed separately to the district on or about January 1, 2015 and June 10, 2015 and payable by the dates above. Should contracted services be billed to the Educating School District, the Sending School District shall reimburse charges as incurred.
7. School Transportation: The Sending School District shall be responsible for transporting any students to and from school each instructional day (including any transportation to the Educating School District).
8. Access Billing: The Educating School District shall bill for and collect funds for services covered through ACCESS. In the case where funds are received for personal care aides, these funds will be reflected as a benefit to the sending school district on the end of the year billing statement.
9. Child Accounting: The sending school district will be responsible for all child accounting reporting for each student receiving special education services from the Educating School District, which may include special reporting required by PDE.
10. Issuance of Diplomas: The Sending School District shall be responsible for issuing the high school diploma to any student that has successfully completed his/her high school education.
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11. Cost of Special Education or Related Litigation: The Sending School District shall
be solely responsible for the cost to defend any complaint filed by a student and/or the student’s parent/guardian for any alleged violation of IDEA or Section 504 (“Complaint”). The Educating School District shall immediately notify the sending school district of any potential legal claims made or threatened by the student, the student’s parent/guardian or student’s attorney, so the sending district may timely report and notify its insurance carrier. The Educating School District shall fully cooperate with the Sending School District in the defense of any Complaint, including but not limited to, providing to the Sending School District such relevant documents and testimony of personnel as may be reasonably required by the Sending School District to defend a claim.
12. Responsibilities of Educating School District: The Educating School Districts shall be responsible for the following when providing special education services to a student:
a. Ensure that its educational staff are properly certified and trained to provide the contemplated special education services, in compliance with all applicable Federal and/or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania laws and regulations;
b. Ensure that the special education services are delivered in manner that complies with all applicable state and federal law, to the extent that such compliance does not depend on the performance or actions of any individual or entity beyond the control of the Educating School District;
c. Preparing and/or providing assistance in preparing a student’s multidisciplinary reevaluation and/or IEP for the subsequent school year;
d. Making the appropriate school personnel reasonably available to participation as needed in MDEs and IEP planning conferences;
e. Adhere to all provisions contained in the student’s IEP and/or Section 504 plan regarding the provision of programs, services, accommodations, or support to the student.
13. Responsibilities of the Sending School District: The Home School Districts shall
be responsible for the following when providing special education services to a student:
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a. retain responsibility for the multidisciplinary evaluation and reevaluation (MDE) and IEP development and revision processes for all exceptional or thought-‐to-‐be exceptional students who reside within the Sending School District and shall remain the Local Education Agency (LEA) for all such students;
b. The Sending School District shall make appropriate members of its staff available at reasonable times to confer with the Educating School District regarding the implementation of a student’s IEP and/or Section 504 plan. The Educating School District shall reasonably comply with all interpretation made by the IEP team that require the provision of programs, services, accommodations, or support not contemplated within the scope of the programs and services enumerated in this Contract;
c. The Sending School Districts shall remain responsible for the provision of such legal or advisory services and representation as are necessary to support the appropriateness of the evaluation, classification, program, or placement of its students who participate in or are assigned to a program or service provided or operated in accordance with this Contract, when evaluation, classification, program, or placement is challenged through due process; provided, however that nothing in this paragraph shall require the Sending School District to pursue due process or other legal proceedings in place of an amicable or mediated settlement. If at any time the Sending School District is not satisfied that the IEP and/or Section 504 plan of any student is being handled properly by the Educating School District, the sole and exclusive remedy for the Sending School District will be to remove the child from the program;
d. The Sending School District shall retain legal responsibility at all times to provide special education services to a student in compliance with the current IEP, order issued by a hearing officer or court, or consent degree or settlement agreement entered into by the Sending School District. If the Sending School District materially alters the contemplated programs, services, accommodations, or support after the Educating School District agrees to provide special education services, the Educating School District may terminate the provisions of services.
14. Education Records: The Sending and Educating School Districts shall share or
otherwise make reasonable available a student’s education records and any other relevant information to ensure they both fulfill their respective responsibilities in
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ensuring special educational services are provided in a manner that complies with state and federal law.
15. Payment Obligation: The Sending School District’s obligation to make payments in accordance with this Contract is not contingent upon the receipt of funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the federal government or any other source.
16. Indemnification: The Educating and Sending School Districts agree as follows regarding indemnification rights under this Contract:
a. The Educating School District agrees to indemnity, defend, and hold harmless the Sending School District and its directors, officers, agents, and employees against all claims, damages, losses or penalties that result either from the acts or omissions of the administrative, professional, paraprofessional or support staff provided by the Educating School District under the terms of this Contract or from the maintenance or operation of any equipment or vehicles provided or used by the Educating School District under the terms of this Contract. The Educating School District shall maintain sufficient liability insurance for this purpose in amounts not less than $1,000,000 per incident or occurrence and shall provide the sending school district with evidence of this coverage on demand;
b. The Sending School District agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Educating School District and its directors, officers, agents, and employees against all claims, damages, losses, or penalties that result either from the acts or omissions of the Sending School District, or its administrative, professional, paraprofessional, or support staff or from the maintenance, use, or operation of any real property, equipment, or vehicles used by the Sending School District. The Sending School District shall maintain sufficient liability insurance for this purpose in amounts not less than $1,000,000 per incident or occurrence and shall provide the Educating School District with evidence of this coverage on demand; and
c. Nothing in this paragraph, or its subparagraphs, is intended to waive or otherwise extinguish the immunity protections of the Educating School District and/or Sending School District under the Political Subdivision Torts Claims Act, as amended.
17. Independent Contractors: None of the administrative, professional,
paraprofessional, or support staff provided by the Educating School District under the terms of this Contract shall be considered employees or agents of the Sending
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School District for any purpose, and none of the administrative, professional, paraprofessional or support staff of the Sending School District shall be considered employees or agents of the Educating School District for any purpose.
18. Severability: The Sending and Educating School Districts agree that this Contract shall be interpreted and otherwise construed in a manner that fully complies with all applicable state and federal laws. If any provision of this Contract is contrary to applicable law, that provision shall be considered severable, and the remainder of the provisions herein shall be enforceable.
WITNESS/ATTEST: Sending School District _____________________________ By_________________________________________(SEAL) Secretary President
Educating School District _____________________________ By_________________________________________(SEAL) Secretary President
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No. 100 SECTION: PROGRAMS TITLE: COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING ADOPTED: November 16, 1999 REVISED: October 21, 2014 REVIEWED: April 12, 2005 March 24, 2007
ELIZABETHTOWN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
100. COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
1. Purpose
The Board recognizes the importance of comprehensive planning in developing and guiding the district’s goals, and the educational programs and operation of the schools. Participation by educational stakeholders is a critical element of such planning.
2. Authority Title 22 Sec. 4.13
The Board shall provide guidance in the district’s comprehensive planning process, and shall ensure active participation by Board members, administrators, teachers, other district personnel, students, parents/guardians and representatives from local businesses and the community. As part of the comprehensive planning process, the Board directs that the district develop and implement individual plans and components as required by law, regulations, and funding and program requirements. The Board directs that the goals and action plans developed through comprehensive planning shall be continuously monitored and reviewed to ensure students are achieving at high levels.
SC 1205.1 Title 22 Sec. 4.13, 49.17 Pol. 333
Professional Education The district shall develop and submit a professional education plan to the Secretary of Education for approval every three (3) years, as required by law and regulations. Prior to approval by the Board and submission to the Secretary of Education, the professional education plan shall be made available for public inspection and comment in the district's administrative offices and the nearest public library for a minimum of twenty-eight (28) days.
Title 22 Sec. 4.13, 49.16 Pol. 333
Induction The district shall develop and submit an induction plan to the Department of Education for approval every six (6) years, as required by law and regulations. Prior to approval by the Board and submission to the Department of
100. COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING- Pg. 2
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Education, the induction plan shall be made available for public inspection and comment in the district’s administrative offices and the nearest public library for a minimum of twenty-eight (28) days.
Title 22 Sec. 4.13, 12.41 Pol. 146
Student Services The district shall develop and implement a written plan every six (6) years for providing a comprehensive and integrated K-12 program of student services, as required by law and regulations. Prior to approval by the Board, the student services plan shall be made available for public inspection and comment in the district’s administrative offices and the nearest public library for a minimum of twenty-eight (28) days.
Title 22 Sec. 4.13, 14.104 Pol. 113
Special Education The district shall develop and submit a special education plan to the Department of Education for approval every three (3) years, and shall implement such plan as required by law and regulations. Prior to approval by the Board and submission to the Department of Education, the special education plan shall be made available for public inspection and comment in the district’s administrative offices and the nearest public library for a minimum of twenty-eight (28) days.
Title 22 Sec. 4.13, 16.4 Pol. 114
Gifted Education The district shall develop and implement a gifted education plan every six (6) years, as required by law and regulations. Prior to approval by the Board, the gifted education plan shall be made available for public inspection and comment in the district’s administrative offices and the nearest public library for a minimum of twenty-eight (28) days.
Title 22 Sec. 4.20, 49.17
Prekindergarten Education When offering or contracting with a community agency to offer a prekindergarten program, the district shall develop an implementation plan that meets the requirements of law and regulations. The plan shall be submitted to the Department of Education in the initial year and every three (3) years, or when the plan is amended, whichever is sooner. Prior to approval by the Board and submission to the Department of Education, the district shall make the prekindergarten implementation plan available for public inspection and comment in the district’s administrative offices and the nearest public library for a minimum of twenty-eight (28) days.
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3. Delegation of Responsibility
The Superintendent shall be responsible for organizing the comprehensive planning process, ensuring participation in accordance with Board policy and submitting the required plans to the Department of Education.
The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for implementing the goals and action plans developed through comprehensive planning and providing written quarterly progress reports to the Board.
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 1205.1
State Board of Education Regulations – 22 PA Code Sec. 4.4, 4.13, 4.20, 12.41, 14.104, 16.4, 49.16, 49.17 Technology Plans, Title 47, Code of Federal Regulations – 47 CFR Sec. 54.508 Board Policy – 002, 004, 101, 105, 107, 109, 113, 114, 146, 333, 701
NOTE: Language on making the plans available at “the nearest public library” is included in the official sign-off sheet for PDE’s comprehensive planning tool. Chapter 4 Regulations only require the plans to be made available for public inspection and comment, generally.
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ELIZABETHTOWN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
No. 707 SECTION: PROPERTY TITLE: USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES ADOPTED: June 16, 1980 REVISED: July 20, 1999 May 27, 2003 January 17, 2012 October 21, 2014
707. USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
1. Authority
The Board directs that school facilities of this District shall be made available for community purposes, provided that purpose does not interfere with the educational program of the schools.
The District shall provide the use of school facilities when permission has been requested in writing and has been approved by the school district. The Greater Elizabethtown Area Recreation and Community Services (GEARS) serves as a proxy on behalf of the school district and authorizes the use of school facilities in accordance with the following order of priority:
SC 511
1. Requests by school-related organizations.
2. Requests by GEARS activities.
3. Requests by nonschool-related community activities.
4. Requests by private interest groups.
The Superintendent's delegated authority for the use of the facilities is the GEARS in
coordination with District designees.
The District shall be held harmless and be indemnified by the user for any liability that arises from use of school facilities by any nonschool-related organization, individual or activity.
SC 775
The District shall establish annually a schedule of fees for the use of school facilities. Areas included will be:
1. Athletic Fields & Fairgrounds.
2. Gymnasiums.
3. Auditoriums.
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4. Cafeteria – High School and Middle School.
5. Elementary Schools – Auditorium/Cafeteria.
6. Classrooms.
2. Responsibility The Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures for the granting of
permission to use school facilities.
3. Guidelines
Each user shall present evidence of purchased organizational liability insurance to the limit prescribed by District guidelines. The District shall be identified as the first insured and loss payee.
School equipment used in conjunction with requested facilities shall be identified at the same time as the request for use is made. Users of school equipment must accept liability for any damage or loss to equipment that occurs while in their use. Where rules so specify, no equipment may be used except by a qualified operator.
Users shall be financially liable for damage to the facilities and shall have proper supervision.
Nonschool groups with less than seventy percent (70%) District residents shall not be permitted to use the facilities on a regular basis.
Use of school facilities for activities related to the District's educational program and District operations shall be without cost to the users:
1. Except that the users shall be responsible for any extra custodial fees.
2. Except that users shall be responsible for any police, event staff, security staff, and technical staff fees.
Unless exempted, all organizations or persons granted the use of schools shall
assume the scheduled fee and shall contract with District personnel based on District procedures.
Recreation Program
1. GEARS is authorized to coordinate and provide recreation programs in the area which encompasses the District.
2. GEARS shall schedule, coordinate, plan and approve all Recreation and
Community Service Commission activities of the Elizabethtown Area School District.
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3. District facilities utilized in the recreation program shall be subject to all District
policies and regulations. The utilization of such school facilities shall be under the direction of the Superintendent or designee.
4. All groups and organizations utilizing school facilities for recreation and/or
athletics shall assure that there shall be participation of all eligible and interested persons. The emphasis of such programs shall be for recreational value and/or the development of skills in athletics and with participation of all those eligible and interested. GEARS shall monitor the programs for policy implementation.
5. All functions shall be according to the Board‘s agreement with all programs of
the GEARS authorized as per agreement and subject to review by the Board.
The use of school facilities shall be without cost to District students using school facilities for educational purposes.
Students shall not be permitted in the school building unless under the supervision of the responsible person as approved by the Superintendent or designee.
References: School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 511, 775, 779 State Board of Education Regulations – 22 PA Code Sec. 403.1 Department of Revenue Regulations – 61 PA Code Sec. 901.1, 901.701 Local Option Small Games of Chance Act – 10 P.S. Sec. 311 et seq. School Tobacco Control – 35 P.S. Sec. 1223.5 Pro-Children Act of 2001 – 20 U.S.C. Sec. 7181 et seq. Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act – 20 U.S.C. Sec. 7905