Noteworthy highlights:

Item D – Facilities
1. Discussion and action on proposal for custodial services for Weisenberg Elementary School for the 2010-2011 school year.

Item E – District Finances
1. Approval of final 2010-2011 General Fund budget and supporting tax levies for Northwestern Lehigh School District as follows:

a. Budget Expenditures – $36,932,065.00

b. Local Tax Levies:

• Real Estate Tax – 50.66 mills (1.25 mill increase)
• Earned Income Tax – 1% (net .5%)
• Real Estate Transfer Tax, Act 511 – 1/2% for each of 4 townships
• Local Services Tax – $10
• Amusement Tax – 10%/not to exceed 40%

NEW — Agendas now include clickable links to discussion items.

This document reflects updated information received on Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Agenda Highlights:

B.  Curriculum/Building Issues

1. 7th Grade Team “Roar” baseball project presentation
2. Presentation of recommendations from 2009-2010 Curriculum Council
3. Report on 2009-2010 Professional Development and 2010-2011 Professional Development plans
4. Approval of Act 80 Days for 2009-2010

Agenda highlights:

Item D – District Finances
1. Approval of PlanCon Part J Extension for Northwestern Elementary

Explanation: When a school district undertakes a major school construction project and seeks reimbursement from the Commonwealth, a process known as PlanCon is initiated. PlanCon, an acronym for Planning and Construction Workbook, is a set of forms and procedures used to apply for Commonwealth reimbursement. The forms are designed to:

1. document a local school district’s planning process;
2. provide justification for a project to the public;
3. ascertain compliance with state laws, regulations and standards; and
4. establish the level of state participation in the cost of the project.

PlanCon Part J (Project Accounting Based on Final Costs) is the final accounting for the construction project. The permanent reimbursable percent by the Commonwealth is calculated at this stage.

Item E – District Finances
1. Approval of proposed final 2010-2011 General Fund budget and supporting tax levies for Northwestern Lehigh School District as follows:

a. Budget Expenditures – $36,964,316.00

b. Local Tax Levies:

• Real Estate Tax – 50.66 mills (1.25 mill increase)
• Earned Income Tax – 1% (net .5%)
• Real Estate Transfer Tax, Act 511 – 1/2% for each of 4 townships
• Local Services Tax – $10
• Amusement Tax – 10%/not to exceed 40%

Noteworthy Highlights:

Personnel: Approval of a new 3-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Northwestern Lehigh Education Association (NWLEA). The administration released the highlight sheet below to summarize the details.

Approval of the employment contract for incoming Superintendent Dr. Mary Anne Wright.

Finance: Approval of a Parameters Resolution for refinancing the 2005 GOB issue pending a minimum required savings level of $65,000 can be achieved, net of all costs.

Earned Income Tax (EIT) revenues continue to lag budget estimates. Although this month’s report shows nearly a 15% decrease for the year, our actual trend is closer to a 10% decrease due to a timing issue for the March EIT deposit.

The previously scheduled Building and Grounds meeting for May has been canceled. In its place, the Board has scheduled a Finance/Budget public meeting at 8:00 pm on May 5, 2010.

Pursuant to the most recent joint statement regarding collective bargaining, I fully expect a “last-minute” action item or two to be added to this agenda posted on the District’s website and included below.

Noteworthy Highlights:

Personnel: Retirement announcement of Sharon Ulshafer (Business Office Accountant) effective June 30, 2010 after 14 years of service to the District.

David Hunsicker was reappointed to serve as Trustee to Lehigh County Community College for a 6-year term.

Curriculum/Building Issues: LeAnn Stitzel, Director of Curriculum and Technology, gave an update on the 2010-11 Concurrent Enrollment Agreements with Seton Hall University and Lehigh County Community College.

• Number of students enrolled in Dual Enrollment courses at LCCC and Seton Hill in the 2009-2010 school year: 118
• Number of Dual Enrollment classes taken by students at LCCC and Seton Hill which fall under the grant parameters: 186

The numbers above may not be inclusive of some students who enrolled in additional college courses, who took courses over the summer, or who took courses at other universities. Those students are not reflected in the numbers reported to PDE.

A report was received on possible locations for future graduation ceremonies for 2011 and beyond.

Policies: Revisions to District Policies 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, and 228 were presented and approved.

Facilities: A report of the Building and Grounds Committee indicated the boiler exhaust issue at Weisenberg Elementary School should be completed by April 23, 2010.