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February 3, 2004
The Catawba County Board of Education held its Board Retreat on February
3, 2004 at the County Schools’ Administration Building with Chairman
Charlie Wyant presiding. The following members were present: Mrs.
Blackburn, Mrs. Sherrill, Mr. Scott, Mrs. Butler and Mr. Sigmon. Also
in attendance were Superintendent Ann Hart, Assistant Superintendents
Pat Hensley, Rick Sherrill and Nancy Yount, Attorney Crystal Davis,
Finance Officer Sondra Wolfe, Technology Director Terry Bledsoe,
Construction Coordinator Ernest Williams, Maintenance Director Mark
Bumgarner, Transportation Director Cecil Davis and Public
Information/Grants Writer Sonya Gordon. Other Central Office staff
attended various portions of the meeting. Mr. Biggerstaff was not
present for the beginning of the meeting due to jury duty. He later
joined the meeting.
Christina Cup represented the Hickory Daily Record. The
Observer News Enterprise was represented by Sarah Newell. Also
in attendance was Jim Wrinn from the Charlotte Observer.
The meeting opened with a Moment of Silence followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance led by Mrs. Blackburn.
The 2004-2005 Proposed Budget was the first item on the agenda.
Superintendent Hart began the budget presentation by extending her
thanks to Finance Officer Wolfe, the finance department, Cabinet and the
school administration for their work and decision-making in creating the
2004-2005 proposed budget. She emphasized that the school district’s
Strategic Plan remains the filter for all budgetary decisions. Members
received a copy of the Current Expense and Capital Outlay Budget Request
notebook prior to the meeting for review. The notebook consisted of:
Budget Message, Local Current Expense Budget, Current Expense Expansion
Requests, Proposed Capital Outlay Category I Requests, and Proposed
Capital Outlay Category II Requests. Superintendent Hart thoroughly
explained the Local Current Expense Budget which included a 4% salary
increase and an increase on retirement matching from 3.42 to 5.77
percent. Also included was an expected increase in hospital insurance
cost paid by the district of 3.9 percent. Recommended items on the
Current Expense Expansion Request included funds to provide additional
instructional materials and library books as well as to enhance school
improvement efforts. In order to meet these needs, there will be an
increase in the ADM allocation to schools: $1 for supplies; $1 for
remediation; and $2 for library books. Other recommended items
included: ten additional teachers; ten additional teacher assistants;
two support positions with the Maintenance Department; additional weeks
of employment for assistant principals; an adjustment in the salary
schedule for classified staff in specific categories; and additional
amount to request for equipment for a new course in Career-Technical
Education. Superintendent Hart welcomed any changes from members
regarding the proposed budget. Several questions were asked by
members. Mrs. Butler asked if experience would be included in the
adjustment of the salary schedule for classified staff. Chairman Wyant
asked Finance Officer Wolfe to explain the Mentor line item. Mr. Sigmon
asked about the additional bonus pay amount that was in last’s year
allotment. Mrs. Blackburn then asked about the increase in the Employee
Assistance Program allotment. Questions were addressed by Finance
Officer Wolfe and Superintendent Hart. Mrs. Blackburn commended
Superintendent Hart on the instructional program work with the proposed
budget.
The Proposed Capital Outlay Category I and Category II Requests were
then discussed. Status reports were also included for members to view.
Superintendent Hart commended Assistant Superintendent Sherrill,
Maintenance Director Bumgarner and Construction Coordinator Williams for
their diligent work with the schools and the ever-growing needs in the
district. Items of discussion from members ranged from flooring, air
conditioning, bleacher request increase, land acquisition, yellow buses
and outside lighting at Maiden Elementary School. Assistant
Superintendent Sherrill addressed the need of a new wrecker at the
Transportation Department. An additional need was presented to members
by Construction Coordinator Williams.
He asked members to consider as a priority item the need for a sprinkler
system at the Maintenance Department, in the event of a
fire, to safely secure all records and plans for the district. It was
the consensus of the members to revise the Capital Outlay Requests
moving the need for a sprinkler system at the Maintenance Department and
purchase of a new wrecker at the Transportation Department to higher
priorities. Members will receive a revised copy of the Capital Outlay
Requests prior to the Public Hearing. The Public Hearing on the
Proposed Budget 2004-2005 will be held on February 9, 2004. At that
meeting, Superintendent Hart will ask for Board direction to present the
budget needs to the County Manager and Commissioners. The budget will
then be on the agenda at the February 23, 2004 meeting for final
approval.
Next on the agenda was the review of the 2002-2003 Strategic Plan
Evaluation. Members received a copy of the plan prior to the meeting
for review. Assistant Superintendent Yount presented a power point
presentation for members. The valuable resourceful tool was developed
in 2000-2001 and will be effective for the 2000-2006 school years. The
National Study of School Evaluation format was used in the development
of the plan. The Strategic Plan is an annual evaluation to get a
clearer picture of impact, study current data, check for progress and
check to see if the district has remained true to its vision, mission
and purpose. The Strategic Plan Evaluation consists of nine goals which
are: focus on strengthening the educational community by building
collaborative networks for communication and understanding; promote and
maintain a professional, safe and inviting environment; focus on student
achievement as demonstrated by all schools attaining expected growth and
80% proficiency as measured by the NC ABC Program and will continue to
improve beyond 80% proficiency by 2006; focus on instructional programs
aligned to students’ current needs and aspirations; continue to enhance
resources and evaluate the use of funding i.e., technology, facilities,
equipment, and materials to provide its students optimum learning
opportunities; increase graduation rate; focus on character development
using the National Schools of Character criteria; promote understanding
and respect for all people and implement a plan to foster and appreciate
the diverse differences of our community; and focus on staff development
programs that align with learning and personal development needs of all
students. Mrs. Butler asked Assistant Superintendent Yount for the
breakdown information on drug possession, physical fights, vandalism and
verbal abuse. She also asked that administration look into the
Volunteer Program and see about the possibility of refining the
collection process. Superintendent Hart commended Assistant
Superintendent Yount for her hard work on the development of the plan.
Superintendent Hart also emphasized the importance of the plan as an
internal use for the system and to monitor achievements and/or any ways
to improve. Mrs. Butler and Mrs. Blackburn commended Assistant
Superintendent Yount for the outstanding plan.
Other items on the agenda included:
•A brief overview of the 2003 Audit Report was presented to the Board at
their December 1, 2004 meeting. At that meeting, it was the consensus
of the Board to allow a more in-depth presentation of the report at the
upcoming Retreat. Finance Officer Wolfe introduced Roger Bowman and
Melanie Starr with Bowman, Pegg & Starr, CPA’s. Ms. Starr began the
presentation while Mr. Bowman distributed handouts containing
comparative balances with the previous years. These handouts included:
General Fund Comparative Balance Sheet; General Fund Statement of
Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance; All Special Revenue
Funds Combining Balance Sheet; All Special Revenue Funds Combining
Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance; State
Public School Fund Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in
Fund Balance; Federal Grants Fund Statement of Revenues, Expenditures,
and Changes in Fund Balance; Capital Project Fund Comparative Balance
Sheet; Capital Project Fund Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and
Changes in Fund Balance; Food Service Fund Comparative Balance Sheet;
School Fund Services Fund Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures;
Expendable Trust Fund Combining Balance Sheet; and, Expendable Trust
Fund Combining Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund
Balance. Ms. Starr’s in-depth presentation included the increases and
decreases in actual expenditures and budget amounts. During the
presentation, members were allowed time for any questions or
discussion. Mrs. Butler made a comment regarding Table 8 on page 74 –
Average Daily Membership for the Last Ten Fiscal Years. She asked for a
notation to be made that would indicate grade levels at the individual
schools, which would make a difference in the totals from year to year.
Members thanked Mr. Bowman and Ms. Starr for their outstanding work.
The 2003 Audit Report will be on the agenda for approval at the regular
meeting.
•Assistant Superintendent Hensley led the discussion with members
regarding a Board of Education Policy on Random Student Drug Testing.
She informed members that St. Stephens High School led a group across
the county to look at the drug problems that exist. Ms. Donna Pate,
counselor at St. Stephens High School, has been working closely with
Assistant Superintendent Hensley. Sample drug testing policies have
been reviewed. Possible reasons for drug testing would be reasonable
cause (when the principal identifies the student to be tested), randomly
conduct a drug testing process, students who operate a motor vehicle
parked at school or voluntary drug testing. The goal, in the next few
months, would be to gather information working closely with legal
counsel and bring the data back to members regarding the random student
drug testing. Mr. Sigmon asked about the procedure of employee drug
testing. He feels that educators need to educate the students not to
use drugs and look at how students are being educated about drugs. Mr.
Scott asked if restriction would be stronger on student drug testing
than employee drug testing. Another question was asked regarding the
punishment of positive drug testing. Assistant Superintendent Hensley
addressed these questions. Members gave direction to Assistant
Superintendent Hensley to gather additional data and bring back to an
upcoming meeting.
•Proposed plans have been made for renovations to the additional
unoccupied space at the Catawba County Schools’ Annex Facility. The
total facility space is approximately 40,000 square foot. It is the
recommendation from administration for the Finance and Child Nutrition
departments to be relocated in the renovated space. Superintendent Hart
reiterated to members the importance of locating department together to
work more efficiently. Meetings were held with the two departments to
gather ideas about the renovations. Construction Coordinator Williams
then drafted proposed renovation plans. He presented to members the
proposed site plan and construction schedule. The proposed site plan
included thirteen office spaces, one large meeting room to accommodate
up to 150 people (the room can also be divided into two smaller rooms),
one conference room, dry storage area, restrooms and lounge/workroom
with completion of construction in July 2004. Finance Officer Wolfe
delivered cost estimations of $368,469 for the renovations. An
additional 100 parking spaces would also be available across the street
from the facility. Superintendent Hart commended the Maintenance
Department and Construction Coordinator Williams for their outstanding
work on the current occupied space at the facility. Mrs. Butler made
the motion to adopt the proposed design and schedule for the renovations
at the Catawba County Schools’ Annex Facility with Mrs. Blackburn
seconding the motion. The motion carried. Superintendent Hart then
asked for the Board’s approval to renovate the current Boardroom space
into office spaces and a small meeting room. There was no opposition
from any members. Board meetings will then be conducted at the newly
renovated facility.
•At the December 1, 2003 Board of Education meeting, members heard a
presentation from Mr. Truman Adkins regarding ways to conserve energy by
contracting with his employer, Energy Education. It was the consensus
of the Board to invite Mr. Adkins back to the next meeting for
additional discussion. Board members also gave administration direction
to gather additional energy conservation information from surrounding
counties. Members were mailed the findings from the surrounding
counties prior to the meeting for review. Assistant Superintendent
Sherrill reviewed the findings and then introduced Mr. Adkins and fellow
colleagues from Caldwell County Schools, Mr. Donnie Bassinger and Mr.
Angelo Spadaccini for any questions or discussion. Mrs. Butler asked
Mr. Adkins about the cost breakdowns in the contract and if the savings
amount would be included and guaranteed in the contract. Other
discussion and questions from members ranged from ways energy
conservation was conducted in the past, the need for facility updating
before energy conservation could occur, how savings is determined, the
recommended salary range to be stated in the proposed contract with
Energy Education and length of contract with Energy Education for one
year instead of four years. Mr. Bassinger emphasized the success of
Caldwell County’s savings with Energy Education. Both Mrs. Blackburn
and Mrs. Butler expressed their feelings for the utmost need of energy
conservation in the district. Mrs. Blackburn made the motion to accept
the Energy Conservation Plan, after careful review of the proposed
contract by Attorney Davis. Mrs. Butler seconded the motion with no
opposition. Assistant Superintendent Sherrill thanked members, Mr.
Adkins and fellow colleagues from Caldwell County Schools.
The last item on the agenda for the day was an update on the new Maiden
High School. Architect Atilla Orkan, Maiden High School Principal
Dwayne Finger, Maiden High School Assistant Principal Jeff Price and
Coach Tom Brown joined the meeting. Construction Coordinator Williams
reviewed the site plan and facility layout and highlighted any necessary
changes. Architect Orkan then took those in attendance on a video tour
of the new facility. Construction Coordinator Williams informed members
that an electrical provider needed to be chosen for the new facility.
Members received proposals from three electrical providers who were in
attendance at the meeting: Mr. Kevin Saunders from the Town of Maiden;
Mr. Darrell Gettys from Rutherford Electric Membership Corporation; and
Mr. Bill Roberts from Duke Power. Individually, representatives
presented their proposals and invited any questions from members. Mrs.
Butler asked representatives what year their proposed rate could be
guaranteed to. Responses were: Town of Maiden–year 2010; Rutherford
Electric Membership Corporation-year 2015; and Duke Power-year 2007.
Board action on this selection of electrical provider will be taken
later at the evening’s regular meeting.
Construction Coordinator Williams presented the bidding process for
Preferred Brand Product Alternatives. Senate Bill 1170 requires
separate bidding for those items, which were HVAC and carpet. Mr. Scott
made the motion to approve the process for the previous two mentioned
items with Mrs. Sherrill seconding the motion. All members were in
favor of the motion.
The proposed schedule, including other bidding items, for the new Maiden
High School was then presented to members with final completion on May
10, 2006 with school opening August 5, 2006. Construction Coordinator
Williams emphasized the importance of keeping every task on schedule.
Mrs. Blackburn made the motion to accept the proposed schedule. Mrs.
Butler seconded the motion with no opposition.
The last item of update on the new Maiden High School facility was the
discussion of utilizing an artificial turf on the football/soccer
stadium in lieu of the traditional sod surface. Assistant
Superintendent Sherrill informed members that a group consisting of him,
Construction Coordinator Williams, Maiden High School Principal Dwayne
Finger, Assistant Principal Jeff Price and Coach Tom Brown visited
athletic complexes that used artificial turf. Members were given a
handout with data supporting the use of artificial turf or AstroPlay
turf. The handout explained the following regarding both kinds of
artificial turf: the objective of the use; what the artificial turf
actually is; the usage; number of playing and/or practice fields; cost
of installation ($557,700); cost differences; cost savings; warranty and
maintenance; safety; replacement costs; additional funding sources; and
facility references where the artificial turf is being used. Coach Tom
Brown addressed members and emphasized the multiple use of the
artificial turf surface showing an actual example of the artificial
turf. Coach Brown also assured members that the additional cost of the
artificial turf verses the cost of a traditional sod surface could be
raised to cover the difference in cost with no added expense to the
school district. Members continued to discuss the artificial turf
issues while Construction Coordination and Architect Orkan informed
members that a decision needed to be made because of the bidding
timeline/schedule. To wait and take action at a later meeting would
cost an extra expense between $15,000-$20,000. Mr. Sigmon expressed his
concerns regarding the approval of the artificial turf and the cost. He
felt that priority is being put on athletics before education. Mr.
Biggerstaff joined the meeting and expressed his feeling of needing to
offer the best thing that can be offered for the students in that
school. There being no other discussion, Mr. Sigmon made the motion to
proceed with the original plans of a traditional sod surface. Mrs.
Butler seconded the motion. Additional discussion began with Mr. Scott
asking Attorney Davis if the Board had other options of postponing the
action and reconsider allowing the additional dollars to be obtained by
the Maiden High School Boosters by utilizing grant opportunities, etc.
Mrs. Butler expressed her concerns regarding the replacement costs of
artificial turf. The vote was then taken on the motion. Voting in
favor of Mr. Sigmon’s motion was: Mrs. Butler, Mrs. Blackburn, Mrs.
Sherrill and Mr. Sigmon. Voting against the motion was: Mr. Scott and
Mr. Biggerstaff. The motion carried.
Upon completion of the new Maiden High School update, Chairman Wyant
concluded the Retreat. The regular Board of Education meeting will
begin at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Charlie C.
Wyant, Chairman
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Ann Y. Hart, Secretary
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