The mission of the Warren County School District is to educationally empower all students to think critically and solve problems through a rigorous curriculum that will provide them with the skills necessary to graduate and pursue a career of their interest.

To promote student growth and achievement, an effective school board models responsible governance and leadership by: (1) interacting with school officials in other districts and using resources provided by organizations and agencies committed to effective governance and management of public schools, and (2) complying with board policy and all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations, and an effective School Board advocates for a thorough and efficient system of public education by maintaining legislative awareness and communicating with members of local, state and federal legislative bodies.

1. Sheldon McMeans

Minutes attached.

Minutes attached.

Financial Reports

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

1. IU5 - Mr. Paul Mangione

2. PSBA Liaison - Mr. Arthur Stewart

3. Career Center Advisory - Mrs. Marcy Morgan, Mr. Michael Zamborik

Candidates video presentations may be viewed by clicking on the links below.

President-Elect

Mark B. Miller - https://www.psba.org/2015/07/mark-b-miller/

Mary Birks - https://www.psba.org/2015/07/mary-d-birks/

Vice President

John Love - https://www.psba.org/2015/07/john-love/

Robert Schwartz - https://www.psba.org/2015/07/robert-schwartz/

Michael Faccinetto - https://www.psba.org/2015/07/michael-faccinetto/

Candidate Page

https://www.psba.org/about/governance/electing-psba-officers/psba-officer-elections-slate-of-candidates/

State Senator

State Representative

Re:  Pass a Budget That Contains PlanCon Reform

Dear ________:

As a constituent and school board President, I am contacting you on behalf of the Warren County School District Board of Directors regarding budget-related legislation providing for full state reimbursement for school construction projects that was passed by the General Assembly and subsequently vetoed by the governor. Under the plan, the state would have eliminated the backlog of payments due to school districts by bonding $5.3 billion to fully fund projects in the PlanCon pipeline at Part G and above. Our district would have received payment in full for our school project; however, with budget negotiations stalled, both school funding and PlanCon reimbursement are caught in the stalemate.  I strongly urge you to pass a budget that includes full reimbursement of funds owed to school districts and the necessary reforms to the PlanCon process. These actions are vital for the fiscal health of our district.

Thank you for your consideration on this matter.

Executive Summary This is one year contract for Behavioral Support Services to be provided at YEMS and YHS throughout the 2015-2016 school year.  The contract reflects an increase of one additional qualified agency employee.  Two (2) Beacon Light employees will support YEMS and one (1) at YHS.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

The agreement with Saint Bonaventure University continues the dual enrollment program for the 2015-2016 school year, with the understanding that parents and students will be responsible for all costs related to the courses.  The agreement is attached.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

This is the normal process for a purchase request for property that is not on the tax rolls due to non-payment of taxes.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

As a part of the Board’s commitment to protecting the health, safety and welfare of its students, staff, and school community, this policy is intended to provide education on youth suicide awareness and prevention; to establish methods of prevention, intervention, and response to suicide or suicide attempt; and to promote access to suicide awareness and prevention resources.

The District shall notify District employees, students and parents/guardians of this policy and shall post the policy on the District’s website.

SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION EDUCATION

Protocols for Administration of Student Education

Students shall receive age-appropriate education on the importance of safe and healthy choices, coping strategies, how to recognize risk factors and warning signs, as well as help-seeking strategies for self or others including how to engage school resources and refer friends for help.

Lessons shall contain information on comprehensive health and wellness, including emotional, behavioral and social skills development.

Protocols for Administration of Employee Education

All District employees shall receive information regarding risk factors, warning signs, response procedures, referrals, and resources regarding youth suicide prevention.

As part of the District’s professional development plan, professional educators in school buildings serving students in grades six through twelve shall participate in four hours of youth suicide awareness and prevention training every five years. 

Additional professional development in risk assessment and crisis intervention shall be provided to school counselors, District mental health professionals and school nurses.

METHODS OF PREVENTION

The methods of prevention utilized by the District include, but are not limited to, early identification and support for students at risk; education for students, staff and parents/guardians; and delegation of responsibility for planning and coordination of suicide prevention efforts.

Suicide Prevention Coordinators

A District-wide suicide prevention coordinator, and a suicide prevention coordinator at each school, shall be designated to be responsible for planning and coordinating implementation of this policy.

Early Identification Procedures

Early identification of individuals with one (1) or more suicidal risk factors or of individuals exhibiting warning signs is crucial to suicide prevention efforts.

Risk factors refer to personal or environmental characteristics that are associated with suicide including, but not limited to:

Behavioral Health Issues/Disorders:

1.         Depression.

             2.         Substance abuse or dependence.

             3.         Previous suicide attempts.

             4.         Self injury.

Personal Characteristics:

1.         Hopelessness/low self-esteem.
            2.         Loneliness/social alienation/isolation/lack of belonging.
            3.         Poor problem-solving or coping skills.
            4.         Impulsivity/risk-taking/recklessness.

           Adverse/Stressful Life Circumstances:

              1.        Interpersonal difficulties or losses.

             2.        Disciplinary or legal problems.
 3.        Bullying (victim or perpetrator).

             4.        School or work issues.

             5.        Physical, sexual or psychological abuse.

             6.        Exposure to peer suicide.

Family Characteristics:

             1.        Family history of suicide or suicidal behavior.

             2.        Family mental health problems.

             3.        Divorce/death of parent/guardian.

             4.        Parental-Child relationship.

Warning signs are indications that someone may be in danger of suicide, either immediately or in the near future. Warning signs include, but are not limited to:

1.         Expressions such as hopelessness, rage, anger, seeking revenge, feeling trapped, anxiety, agitation, no reason to live or sense of purpose.

2.         Recklessness or risky behavior.

3.         Increased alcohol or drug use.

4.         Withdrawal from friends, family, or society.

5.         Dramatic mood changes.

Referral Procedures

If a student is identified by a District employee as being at increased risk of suicide because (i) he/she has  been identified as having one (1) or more of the risk factors specified above or (ii) has been identified as exhibiting a warning sign specified above indicating that he/she may be in danger of suicide, either immediately or in the near future, the District employee shall refer the student  to a suicide prevention coordinator for the implementation of further assessment and intervention.

METHODS OF INTERVENTION

The methods of intervention utilized by the District include, but are not limited to, responding to suicide threats, suicide attempts in school, suicide attempts outside of school, and family intervention for a completed suicide by a student. 

Procedures for Students identified as having an Increased Risk of Suicide

A District-approved suicide assessment instrument may be used by trained mental health staff such as counselors, psychologists, social workers.

Parents/Guardians of a student identified as being at increased risk of suicide shall be notified by the school. If the school suspects that the student’s risk status is the result of abuse or neglect, school staff shall notify Children and Youth Services pursuant to District Policy 10960.

The District shall identify mental health service providers to whom students can be referred for further assessment and assistance, which may include hospital emergency departments, psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and primary care providers.

The District shall create an emotional or mental health safety plan to support a student and the student’s family if the student has been identified as being at risk of suicide.

METHODS OF RESPONSE TO SUICIDE OR

SUICIDE ATTEMPT BY A STUDENT OR STAFF

The District’s methods of response to a student or staff suicide or a suicide attempt include, but are not limited to:

1. Identifying and training the school crisis response/crisis intervention team.

2.   Determining the roles and responsibilities of each crisis response team member.
3.   Notifying students, employees, and parents/guardians or spouses.

4.   Referrals to appropriate mental health service providers.

4.   Working with families.
5.   Responding appropriately to the media.
6.   Collaborating with community providers.

Re-Entry Procedures

A District-employed mental health professional, the building principal or a suicide prevention coordinator shall meet with the parents/guardians of a student returning to school after an absence that a parent/guardian has identified as being due to mental health and, if appropriate, meet with the student to discuss re-entry and applicable next steps to ensure the student’s readiness to return to school.  When authorized by the student’s parent/guardian, a designated District employee may also coordinate with the appropriate outside mental health care providers as necessary to ensure the student’s readiness to return to school. 

DOCUMENTATION Procedures

The District shall document the reasons for referral, including specific warning signs and risk factors identified as indications that the student may be at risk.  The District shall document observations, recommendations and actions/responses conducted throughout the intervention and assessment process including verbal and written communications with students, parents/guardians and mental health service providers.

Information, documents, and reports shall be provided, as appropriate, to the Superintendent, school counselors, District mental health professionals and school nurses.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention Resources

A listing of resources regarding suicide awareness and prevention is attached to this Policy.

Adoption Date         -     ______________, 2015

Revision Date          -    

Review Date            -    

Legal Reference       -     24 P.S. §1526

                                       22Pa. Code §12.12                     

Cross Reference          -           District Policy 10960

1.         DEFINITION/SCOPE OF POLICY.

This Policy shall apply to, and govern, all booster organizations.  For purposes of this policy, the term “booster organization” shall refer to any organization comprised of parents or community members that exist to support an extra-curricular or co-curricular activity or to support a school or its programs.    

2.         PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY.

The Board recognizes and appreciates the cooperation, encouragement, and support given by booster organizations and further recognizes that it is necessary for the Board, pursuant to Section 511 of the School Code, to implement reasonable rules and regulations that govern the operation of booster organizations and their members.   

3.         ESTABLISHING A BOOSTER ORGANIZATION.

To initiate a booster organization for a particular activity, the following process must be followed:

A.        An adult sponsor shall discuss the proposed purpose of the booster organization with the appropriate athletic director and coach (if the proposed purpose of the booster organization is to support a sport) or teacher (if the proposed purpose of the booster organization is not to support a sport).   

B.        The athletic director or teacher shall then discuss the request with the building principal.  If approved by the building principal, a formal written request to establish a booster organization must be submitted by the proposed booster organization to the Board for approval and must contain the following information: 

1. The name of, and a detailed description purpose for, the booster organization.

2. The names of any founding members of the proposed booster organization.

3. A copy of the proposed Bylaws for the booster organization that contain all of    the information specified in Section 4(I) of this Policy. 

4. The name of the District employee who will serve as the advisor to the organization. 

4.         GUIDELINES.

Each booster organization shall conform to the following operational guidelines:

1. Organization.

Booster organizations shall be governed by published Bylaws, which must be submitted to the building principal.  The Bylaws must be approved minimally by a majority of those involved in the booster organization and must contain language that provides for: 

A.  The approval of the Bylaws by a majority of the booster organization.

B.  The manner in which officers are to be elected. 

C.  Two (2) signatures are required on all accounts for disbursement of funds.

D.  A process is in place for members to vote upon how funds will be used.   

E.   The purpose and goals of the booster organization.

F.   The criteria for membership and voting rights in the booster organization.

G.  The mechanism by which an internal audit is conducted annually. 

H.  How the booster will disperse its money in the event that it is disbanded.

2. Fundraising.

Students are not to be involved in fundraising activities during school hours without the permission of the building principal.  Booster organizations may raise funds through activities, subject to the requirement that prior written notification of a planned activity must be provided to the building principal through the completion of an appropriate notification form, which must include:    

A.  The name of the organization, contact person, and contact information.

B.  The date, time, and location of the fundraiser.

C.  The purpose and description of the fundraiser.

3. General Expectations.

A.  Booster organizations must complete the “Use of Facilities” form and comply with all other requirements of Policy 11401.

B.  All gifts to the District shall be donated pursuant to Policy 11501 and, once accepted by the District, shall become the property of the District.

C.  Each booster organization associated with an activity that is governed by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 shall provide an audit or treasurer’s report, which accounts for all funds, deposits, expenditures, and financial transactions once each year.  A copy of the audit or treasurer’s report shall be submitted to the Director of Business Services no later than ninety (90) days following the conclusion of the season, or June 30 if a year-round activity, and forwarded to the Board upon request.  All other booster organizations must maintain records regarding deposits and expenditures and  must make any and all such records available to the District within five business days of the District’s request for the records. 

D.  Booster organizations shall not be permitted to use the District’s tax-free number for purchases.          

E.   Students are eligible for membership in a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) because student membership in this organization is nationally recognized.  Otherwise, students are not eligible for membership in any booster organization.   

F.   Each booster organization shall have a District employee that serves as the advisor for the organization.  A District employee’s  role in the functioning of the booster organization is solely in an advisory capacity, and he/she should not handle money or make purchases in the name of the booster organization.  Only the booster organization shall control money or accounts of the booster organization. 

G.  In the event that a booster organization contracts with any individual or entity for services that take place on School District-owned facilities, the contract must be preapproved by the building principal, the booster organization must carry a minimum $1 million liability insurance policy, and the booster organization must provide certificates of insurance to the Director of Business Services.    

H.  Prior to July 1 of each year, all booster organizations shall provide to the Superintendent, in writing, a list of  the current officers of the organization.   Said booster organizations shall also immediately advise the Superintendent, in writing, of any change in the officers that occurs during the year. 

4. Small Games of Chance/Lotteries.

Small games of chance shall be permitted as authorized by the Pennsylvania Small Games of Chance Act.  The booster organization is solely responsible for obtaining any necessary permits and for complying with all aspects of the Pennsylvania Small Games of Chance Act.  The District shall provide no guidance or assistance of any kind in this respect. 

5. Camps.

Any camp sponsored by a booster organization must be preapproved by the building principal and, if a District employee participates, the responsibilities of the employee and the booster organization must be clearly defined.

5.         LEGAL COMPLIANCE.

A Booster organization shall comply with all PIAA, NCAA, or other governing organization’s rules or regulations and any applicable local, state, or federal law, regulation, or ordinance.   

6.         TIME PERIOD FOR AN EXISTING BOOSTER ORGANIZATION TO COME INTO COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY.

Any booster organization established prior to the effective date of this Policy shall not require additional Board approval, but shall have 90 days to establish to the appropriate building principal that it is in compliance with the requirements of this Policy. 

7.         DISBANDING A BOOSTER ORGANIZATION.

The Board may revoke a booster organization’s authorization to operate if the Board determines that it is in the best interest of the District to do so or if the booster organization, or one of its members, violates any of the requirements contained in this Policy.  A booster organization may also disband on its own accord. 

8.         DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY.

The Superintendent or his/her designee is authorized to develop and implement administrative procedures, as deemed necessary, to effectuate this Policy. 

9.         EXCLUSION FROM LIABILITY.

Each booster organization is its own independent entity, and members of the booster organization are not employees or agents of the District and have no legal authority to act on behalf of the District .  Neither the District nor the District’s Board of School Directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives assumes any liability of any kind relative to (i) the conduct, actions or inactions, or operation of a booster organization or its member(s); (ii) the violation of any local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance by a booster organization or its member(s); (iii) the violation of any PIAA, NCAA, or other governing organization’s rule or regulation by a booster organization or its member(s); or (iv) any loss of, damage to, or theft of equipment owned by a booster organization or its member(s).   

Adoption Date         -    

Revision Date          -    

Review Date            -    

Legal Reference       -     24 P.S. §5-511; 61 Pa. Code §901.701; 10 P.S. §311, et. seq.; 31 Pa. Code §32.23

Cross Reference       -     Policy 11401; Policy 11501; Policy 4215

The Board of Directors approved at the May 28, 2015 Special Board Meeting the agreement with American Red Cross to conduct  the First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor training on August 27-28, 2015.  This Authorized Provider Agreement is an additional component of the initial agreement that lists the individuals that will be trained and outlines the fee structure for the certificates.

00206 Algebra Concepts

00213 Consumer Mathematics with Applications

00226 Algebra IB

00291 Calculus Honors

00292 AP Calculus AB

00293 AP Calculus BC

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

The August 27, 2015 Handle With Care Training will provide Instructor Certification Training to a core team of 12 WCSD employees in the Special Education Department.  
 

Warren County School District will have 14 Certified Handle With Care Instructors after the August 27, 2015 training.  The core team of Certified Instructors will train WCSD Special Education Teachers and Paraprofessionals on October 9, 2015.  Each Certified Instructor can train up to 20 participants in one full day training. 

Handle With Care Behavior Management will be implemented district wide as the Primary Restraint Technique moving forward.   

Attorney Andy Foust with Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams will provide consultative services throughout the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 school year.  This is a two (2) year agreement.

Over the course of the next two school years Attorney Foust will provide: 1) up to five video conference in-service session and 2) five face-to-face training sessions.  Attorney Foust will provide consultative services to meet needs of the WCSD Special Education Department.  

Executive Summary

Administration is recommending the appointment of Attorney Jennifer Gornall from the Knox, McLaughlin, Gornall, & Sennett Firm as Legal Counsel for WCSD Special Education Department.  The hourly rate for legal services rendered to WCSD is $50.00 per hour to $185.00 per hour.