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October 27, 2003
The Catawba County Board of Education met in regular session on October
27, 2003 at 5:30 p.m. at the County Schools’ Administration Building
with Chairman Charlie Wyant presiding. The following members were
present: Mr. Biggerstaff, Mrs. Blackburn, Mrs. Sherrill, Mr. Scott, Mrs.
Butler and Mr. Sigmon. Also in attendance were Superintendent Ann Hart,
Assistant Superintendents Rick Sherrill and Pat Hensley, Attorney
Crystal Davis, Finance Director Sondra Wolfe, Chief Technology Officer
Terry Bledsoe, Director of Instruction William Ross, Public
Information/Grants Writer Sonya Gordon, Secondary Education Director
Debbie Long, Workforce Development Director Roxy Poovey and Middle and
High Principals including other representatives from the schools.
Monte Mitchell represented the Hickory Daily Record and Sarah
Newell represented the Observer News Enterprise. Heather Howard
was also in attendance representing the Charlotte Observer.
The meeting opened with a Moment of Silence followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance led by Mrs. Butler. Mrs. Blackburn made the motion to
approve the minutes of the September 22, 2003 meeting. Mrs. Butler
seconded the motion with no opposition. The Consent Agenda was amended
by Superintendent Hart to add an additional camp request. After the
amendment, the agenda was unanimously approved upon a motion by Mrs.
Sherrill and seconded by Mr. Scott.
Public Hearing:
Attorney Davis conducted the Public Hearing phase of the meeting for
comments
concerning any agenda items. Several persons wished to address the
Board on behalf of allowing the current Catawba Intermediate School to
remain open and operating as is. Miss Mallory Benner, a student at
Catawba Intermediate School, shared with the members her great successes
and enjoyment while attending the school. Mrs. Rhonda Durfee, a Catawba
Intermediate parent, also emphasized the successes of the school and
children that attend. Mr. Tom Jones, Mayor of Catawba, spoke on behalf
of the Town Council and residents of Catawba. He spoke, not against
allowing Catawba to remain open, but spoke in favor of the plan for a
new elementary school in Catawba. Mayor Jones informed those in
attendance of the future growth in the Catawba area. Mr. Charles Connor
also addressed the members and applauded the successes of the current
Catawba Intermediate School, but hopes for the construction of a new
elementary school in the area. Mr. Connor commended the staff at the
school. Mr. Charles Lewis addressed the Board asking members to
maintain a school in the Catawba area. Principal Cynthia McKee and Dr.
Diana Dagenhart also asked for the Board’s consideration to allow
Catawba Intermediate to remain open and operate as is. They both
expressed their love for the students and school. Dr. Walter Zahler,
principal of Clyde Campbell Elementary School, asked the Board to
consider the growth in the Hickory area and to allow the construction of
a new elementary school in the Sweetwater area to be first priority.
Chairman Wyant thanked the persons for addressing the Board and informed
them that what had been said would be taken in consideration and under
advisement.
Superintendent’s Report:
Superintendent Hart began her report by announcing that this week marks
Red
Ribbon Week which is a time when schools and law enforcement agencies
show their commitment to drug and alcohol prevention and raise awareness
about keeping children drug free. In many of the schools, this includes
anti-drug and anti-alcohol messages, related curriculum and special
activities. Maiden Elementary School will hold an “Anyway You Look at
It, You are Special Day” and all students will wear their shirts
backwards. Oxford Elementary School’s theme will be “I Can, You Can, Be
Drug Free” and the students will be holding a canned food drive all week
for area needy families as part of the 101 Things to do Instead of
Drugs. Balls Creek Elementary School will hold a canned food drive
which will continue through Christmas under its “I Can Be Drug Free”
program.
Other items of update included:
After the passing of fifteen year old Anna McCaslin
in a tragic accident in September in which the driver of the vehicle was
under the influence of alcohol, the Bandys High School community has
decided to do something to help prevent such accidents involving teens
and alcohol in the future. Operation ANNA MAC, which stands for Another
Night Alive, Make A Call, will provide students in the Bandys High
School and Mill Creek Middle School areas a safe, non-judgmental and
confidential way to arrive at home safely. Named in honor of Anna, the
program utilizes a center of parents and concerned individuals who will
be available Thursday through Saturday year around including summer
months. If a student and/or his or her friends are under the influence
and are unable to drive home safely, they can call 381-ANNA (2662) for a
ride at the center. Volunteers will serve on three shifts. The program
will have an official kick-off at 1:45 p.m. at Bandys High School for
students. Another program will be held that same evening for the
community.
“Sing for the Animals” a program developed at St.
Stephens Elementary School was honored by the National Character
Education Partnership on October 17, 2003 in Washington, D.C. with the
organization’s national A Promising Practice Award. June Robison, music
teacher at St. Stephens Elementary School, and Rebecca Romeo, counselor
from St. Stephens Elementary School, accepted the award at the National
Education Conference. Ms. Robison was the creator of the program. To
promote moral character and to counteract negative media messages, Ms.
Robison incorporated discussions about good character in her classes
last year and gave monthly Harmonious Student Awards to students who
modeled positive character traits under the school’s Character Education
curriculum. She also taught the children to be respectful and
responsible toward animals, initiating a project called “Sing for the
Animals” which all 780 of her students sang songs for a donation to the
local Humane Society. Through this project, students collected more
than $4,000 for the effort and realized that by giving of themselves,
they held the power to make a positive difference in the lives of
animals.
Superintendent Hart welcomed and recognized Boy
Scout Troop 238 from Zion Lutheran Church in Mt. View and their parents
for attending the meeting.
Two of our schools and their students worked very
hard on community service programs as part of Make a Difference Day.
Carolyn Sosebee and twenty-five-plus fifth graders from Clyde Campbell
Elementary School have been holding, twice a year, yard sales to raise
money for the Hickory Salvation Army’s Homeless Shelter. Monies will go
towards help for the area’s homeless in other ways such as to purchase
toiletries, clothing and possibly food. At St. Stephens Elementary
School, the student project will benefit Cats’ Cradle, a non-profit
cat/kitten rescue group which rescues, cares for and finds homes for
hundreds of felines each year. Kids in Need is a fund set up by the
School Health Team of Catawba County Health Department to help meet the
medical needs of the children who lack health insurance and is not
eligible for Medicaid or NC Health Choice. About eight hundred K-6th
grade students sold their own donated toys, games and books during a
school-wide yard sale at school following by a community sale with
parents.
Character traits are being planted in the minds of
Mill Creek School students as azaleas are planted in the school’s Royal
Gardens. The school’s Warriors Team of eighth grade students have been
planting in the gardens, thanks to the state’s NC Beautiful
organization, which gave the school free plants for a school-written
grant. As part of the program to help beautify the state, one hundred
azalea plants were delivered to the school. Not only is the experience
part of the students’ science class activities, but it also teaches them
character traits such as responsibility and working together as a team.
The entire project is part of a continual plan to develop the Royal
Gardens at Mill Creek Middle School.
The week of October 20 was National School Bus
Safety Week. Getting Catawba County Schools’ students to and from
school each day in a safe and efficient manner is of the highest
importance to the district’s Transportation Department, and the 173
yellow bus drivers do just that during the 180 days students must attend
public school each year. There are other people behind the scenes who
also help keep students safe on the road. There are fourteen mechanics
and tire men who repair engines, do bus body work, check and replace
tires, wash the buses and more. Currently, Catawba County Schools’
yellow buses are transporting 9,571 students daily. On average, the
district’s yellow bus drivers travel a total average of 1,450,000 miles
per year or 8,056 miles per day. Special thanks were extended to them
for all they do for the children of Catawba County and for our district
every day.
The week of October 13 was National School Lunch
Week and our district cafeterias’ theme this year was Something to Get
Wild About at Catawba County Schools. Several lunchrooms decorated
areas in a jungle theme, staff dressed up in animal-related outfits,
special menus were created for the kids and even a costumed gorilla or
two visited lunchrooms. The week was also designed to help raise
awareness of and garner support for the role that school foodservice and
nutrition programs play in the lives of America’s children. In our
school district, the child nutrition staff serves about 30,900 pounds of
chicken, 248 cases of corn and 252,400 half-pints of all flavors of
milk, on average, each month in school cafeterias.
The Community for Drug-Free Schools, a partnership
between area school districts, churches, parent groups, social service
agencies, governments and more, is organizing a free, drug-free forum
for parents on November 23 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the CVCC
Multi-Purpose Complex. The event is organized to educate parents and
guardians about drug use among area youth and how to prevent it before
the fact, and helping those with a problem. According to a recent
survey, eighty-seven percent of all seniors in the three school
districts have tried alcohol at some point. Twenty-one percent of all
eighth graders have been marijuana at some point, according to the
survey. The forum will include a number of expert speakers, video,
powerpoint presentations and testimonials by young adults who are in
jail now for drug use and related crimes.
Congratulations were extended to Leslie Barnette,
principal of Lyle Creek Elementary School, who recently was named the
Catawba County Schools’ Principal of the Year. Ms. Barnette was
selected for this honor by her peers. She has been the principal of
Lyle Creek Elementary School since the school opened and was principal
at Oxford Elementary School prior to that.
Superintendent Hart recognized Susan Sigler,
counselor at Clyde Campbell Elementary School, as our Elementary
Counselor of the Year. She also recognized Martha Williams, counselor
as Bunker Hill High School, as our Secondary Counselor of the Year.
Both of the outstanding counselors were presented certificates and
commended for the work that they do for the students of Catawba County
Schools.
A copy of the Annual Report was given to members.
Superintendent Hart commended Sonya Gordon for her work on this project.
The Career Showcase will be on November 5, 2003
from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the CVCC Multi-Purpose Complex.
Students will have the opportunity to meet approximately seventy
exhibitors representing various businesses and speak to them regarding
the careers and pathways they are pursuing.
On a sad note Kayla Briggs, a sixth grade student
from Murray Elementary School, passed away. The student had a heart
condition and had been in the hospital. Contributions for the family to
help pay medical expenses can be sent to the school.
Board member Kim Sherrill recognized Jacobs Fork
Principal Kenny Weaver and the school’s soccer team as the 2003
conference champions finishing the season undefeated with a record of
14-0.
Board member Sherry Butler then recognized Mill
Creek Middle School football team and coach, Eddie Burris, as the 2003
conference champions finishing the season undefeated with a record of
7-0.
The following Consent Agenda items were transacted:
Budget Amendments:
Finance Officer Sondra Wolfe presented budget amendments for the Board’s
consideration budgeting additional funds allocated by the State Public
School Fund and the Local Current Expense Fund. A copy of these
amendments may be found between pages ___ and ___ and become an official
part of these minutes
Field Trip Requests and Camp:
*Fred T. Foard High School Tiger Basketball Clinic, Grades 4-8, October
25,
2003
*Clyde Campbell Elementary School Second Grade to Columbia, SC, November
13, 2003
*St. Stephens High School FBLA to Atlanta, Georgia, November 13-16, 2003
*Mill Creek Middle School Cultural Arts Club to New York, New York,
March 10-14, 2003
Personnel Requests:
*employed certified employees Kellie Batten,
Rebecca Haynes, Tina Huffman, Susan Quinn, Donna Schronce and Barbara
Walter;
*employed VIF employee Erin McConnell;
*employed classified employees Allen Allison, Lynn
Brown, Angela Buffington, Emanuel Covington, Teresa Cullars, Zackery
DeBerry, Jennifer Emmett, Denny Harbinson, Frances Houston, Donna Jones,
Blanca Lopez, Robert Noe, Buddy Parham, Leah Poovey, Samantha Roberts,
Shane Roberts, Rebecca Ross, Susan Watson and Erin Wilson;
*accepted the resignations of certified employees
Teresa Bazzle, Joel Benware, Amy Dean, Nancy Jones, Jerry Glynn Moore,
Larry Powell, Christina Wiggins and Jeanette Yates;
*granted the retirement requests of certified
employees David Echerd, Rebecca Haynes, Doris Lewers, Phyllis McMahan,
Ricky Spencer and Larry White;
*accepted the resignations of classified employees
Barbara Cline, Karen Morgan, Regina Shook and Kai Yang; and
*granted the retirement request of classified
employee Edwin Winters.
The Board was also furnished a listing of
substitute teachers.
There being no questions or discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Scott
and seconded by Mr. Sherrill to approve the presented budget amendments,
field trips/camp and personnel requests. The motion carried.
The following items of Old Business were
transacted:
OB#1: At
the September 22, 2003 Board of Education meeting, members discussed the
possibility to seeking of marketing agent for the sell of the old St.
Stephens Elementary School property. Direction was given by the Board
to Assistant Superintendent Rick Sherrill to contact various agents.
Six agents submitted their proposals. The proposals were mailed to
members for their review prior to tonight’s meeting. Assistant
Superintendent Sherrill opened the floor for discussion and/or
questions. He recommended to the Board the possibility of reducing the
six proposals to either two or three and those agents present their
information to members at the November Board meeting. Mrs. Blackburn
mentioned the possibility of Superintendent Hart, Assistant
Superintendent Sherrill and Chairman Wyant meeting with County Manager
Tom Lundy and County Commissioner Chairman Kitty Barnes regarding the
funding being advanced by the commissioners until the property is sold.
Superintendent Hart agreed to contact County Manager Lundy and schedule
a meeting soon. Members unanimously agreed, then directed Assistant
Superintendent Sherrill to contact Commercial First and McGuire
Properties to present their marketing strategies at the December Board
meeting. Superintendent Hart will discuss the outcome of the meeting
with the County Manager and County Commissioners with members once it is
conducted.
OB#2:
Action regarding the Long Range Facility Plan was delayed by the Board
at their September 22, 2003 meeting. Assistant Superintendent Sherrill
briefly reviewed again with members the two options (A and B) of the
plan along with the discussion that was conducted at the August Board of
Education Retreat. Mrs. Butler also made reference to the same previous
discussion at the Retreat. Mrs. Butler then made a motion to adopt the
Long Range Facility Plan Option B. Mrs. Sherrill seconded the motion.
Mr. Biggerstaff and Mrs. Butler both reiterated it was the commitment of
the Board to review the Long Range Facility Plan each year and make any
necessary changes. Mrs. Sherrill also commented in regards to projects
that had begun. She feels that these projects should be completed and
then look at where the needs are. All members were in favor of the
motion.
The following items of New Business were then
transacted:
NB#1:
Middle School and High School Principals and other staff members from
their schools were present to answer any questions from members
regarding their 2002-2005 School Improvement Plans. The same process
was followed as last month with the elementary school presentations.
Any revisions that schools may have to their plans were given to members
prior to the meeting for their review. Individual schools were
announced with representatives standing before the Board to answer any
questions. Members complimented schools for their outstanding plans.
Schools were applauded for the additions of high growth percentages,
AYP’s, parent representatives on the committees, making schools safe for
staff and students, goals set for No Child Left Behind and the
implementation of the FISH Program. Mrs. Butler commented about the
need for more measurable objectives overall.
NB#2:
Superintendent Hart reviewed with members the Advisory Council Dinner
Meetings of the past several years. She asked for any recommendations
from members for this year’s dinner meeting. Members felt that the
event should be held at the Holiday Inn Select again this year. Mrs.
Butler asked for the possibility of approving the Advisory Council
members at the June Board of Education meeting to expedite the meetings
next year. Superintendent Hart conveyed to members that contact had
been made with State Superintendent Mike Ward’s office regarding the
district-wide ABC Celebration. Possible dates for the dinner meeting
and celebration will be in January and February. More information,
including available dates at the Holiday Inn, will be finalized and
given to members at the next Board meeting.
NB#3:
Voting delegates were selected to officially represent the Board on all
voting matters at the 2003 NCSBA Annual Conference in Greensboro, North
Carolina. Mrs. Butler made the motion to select Chairman Wyant, Mrs.
Sherrill, Mrs. Blackburn and herself as voting delegates. Mr. Sigmon
seconded the motion with no opposition.
NB#4:
Finance Officer Sondra Wolfe presented the proposed 2004-2005 budget
calendar to the Board. This calendar will be the timeline for building
the budget requests for 2004-2005. There being no questions or
discussion, Mrs. Blackburn made the motion to approve the presented
budget calendar. Mrs. Sherrill seconded the motion with no opposition.
Public Comments:
Attorney Davis conducted the Public Comments
section of the agenda at which time Frankie Mullins, parent of a student
who attends Bunker Hill High School, desired to address the Board.
Mrs. Mullins addressed the Board at last month’s meeting. She once
again expressed concerns about her son’s education and her dealings with
school and district staff. After hearing her concerns, Attorney Davis
emphasized to her that since she had retained an attorney that she would
be in contact with Ms. Mullins’ attorney.
There being no other items of business to be conducted, Mr. Scott made a
motion to adjourn. Mrs. Sherrill seconded the motion with no
opposition. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Charlie C. Wyant, Chairman
Ann
Y. Hart, Secretary
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