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April 24, 2006
The Catawba County Board of Education met in regular session on April
24, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. at the County Schools’ Administration Annex
Building with Chairman Charlie Wyant presiding. The following members
were present: Mr. Hilton, Mrs. Blackburn, Mrs. Spencer, Mr. Scott, Mrs.
Butler and Mr. Sigmon. Also in attendance were Superintendent Timothy
Markley, Assistant Superintendents Doyle Brinson, Pat Hensley, Nancy
Yount and Beth Isenhour, Attorney Crystal Davis, Finance Officer Sondra
Wolfe, Public Information/Grant Writer Beverly Lampe, Chief Technology
Officer Judith Ray, Career-Technical Director Karen Cale, Middle School
Education/Athletics Director Michael Wyant, Secondary Education Director
Debbie Long, Director of Federal Programs Barbara Piekarski, Elementary
Education Director Walter Zahler, Maiden High School Principal Dwayne
Finger, Bandys High School Principal John Westberg, newly appointed
Startown Elementary School Principal Barbara Bell, newly appointed Mill
Creek Middle School Principal Rob Rucker, Catawba Intermediate School
Principal Cynthia McKee, Tuttle Middle School Principal Nan Van Hoy,
Bunker Hill High School Principal Jerry Griffin, Blackburn Elementary
School Principal Donna Sigmon, St. Stephens High School Principal DeAnna
Taylor, Fred T. Foard High School Principal Sally Bradshaw, Lyle Creek
Elementary School Principal Leslie Barnette and Bandys High School
Assistant Principal Eric Hight.
Lauren Williamson represented the Hickory Daily Record and Chris
Gilfillan represented the Observer News Enterprise.
The meeting opened with a Moment of Silence followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance led by Mr. Sigmon. A motion was made by Mr. Scott to approve
the February 27, 2006 minutes, the March 27, 2006 minutes and the April
10, 2006 minutes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hilton with no
opposition.
The Consent Agenda was amended by Superintendent Markley to add one
overnight/out-of-state field trip request and a personnel addendum.
After the amendment, the agenda was unanimously approved upon a motion
by Mrs. Blackburn and seconded by Mrs. Butler.
Public Hearing:
Attorney Crystal Davis conducted the Public Hearing phase of the meeting
for comments concerning any agenda items.
No person present wished to address the Board on any agenda item.
Superintendent’s Report:
Superintendent Markley began his report by extending thanks to the many
volunteers who support Catawba County Schools. National Volunteer Week
is April 23-29.
Other items of update included:
•The sixth grade of Mountain View Elementary School will present its
eleventh annual musical Cinderella on May 4 and May 5. Performances are
scheduled for 9:15 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on both days. Admission will be
$1.
•Fred T. Foard High School will present The Music Man on April 27-29 at
7:30 p.m. A matinee performance will also be presented on April 29 at
3:00 p.m.
•Claremont Elementary School will host the Whacky West Show on May 2
with performances at 8:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. for the school’s
PTO program.
•The Tempest by William Shakespeare will be presented by the St.
Stephens High School theatre students on May 10-12 at 7:30 p.m. at the
Arts Center of Catawba Valley. Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the
door. For additional information, contact Theatre Director Cindy Lundy.
•A car wash for the Bandys High School Drama Department is scheduled for
April 29 at the Advance Auto in Conover from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
•The Bandys High School Drama Department will present its spring musical
Annie Jr. on May 4 and May 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bandys High School
Drama Room. Costs include $7 for adults and $5 for students and
seniors.
•The unveiling of the Highway Historical Marker commemorating Startown
Elementary School will be on April 28 at 1:30 p.m. Catawba County
Commissioner Glenn Barger will provide the remarks. Special music will
be performed by the Startown School Chorus. The event is open to the
Public and will last approximately 20-30 minutes.
•Maiden High School JROTC Booster Club will host an auction on May 6 in
the school gymnasium beginning with a silent auction at 10:00 a.m.
followed by the regular auction at 11:00 a.m.
•The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill seniors will play at Mill
Creek Middle School’s Barnstorm on April 29. Opponents will be school
staff and community members for a contest of will and stamina. The
Barnstorm at the Creek will feature basketball players David Noel, Byron
Sanders, Will Robinson and Thomas Wilkins. An autograph session will
begin at 6:00 p.m. and close at 6:45 p.m. followed by the game at 7:00
p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door (while available).
All profits will be donated to Mill Creek Assistant Principal Ron Doss,
who continues to battle a malignant brain tumor. Continue to remember
Assistant Principal Doss and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
•The St. Stephens High School Science Olympiad Team participated in the
North Carolina State Tournament on April 7 at the University of North
Carolina State. Winning medals in specific events were: Michael Senn
and Trae Burney for Physics Lab – first place; and, Ankit Gupta and
Michael Senn for Practical Data Gathering – fifth place. Both Michael
and Trae were awarded tuition scholarships to the University of North
Carolina State.
•Nearly 500 students from Arndt Middle School and St. Stephens High
School recently earned “superior” ratings at the annual state musical
festival competition. Congratulations were extended to all the students
in the band and choral groups and to the four directors: Cindy Benton,
Drew Stiles, Tammy Shook and Kevin Howard.
•The International Thespian Society Troupe from Fred T. Foard High
School recently traveled to the North Carolina School of the Arts for
the state festival. Led by Fred T. Foard High School Drama Teacher Tara
Pugh, students Kenzie Simpson and Kelly Lutz won three state awards.
•The French and Spanish students at Fred T. Foard High School recently
excelled at the Lenoir-Rhyne College Foreign Language Festival
competition. Students earned awards in multiple categories including
poetry recitation, singing and skits.
•The Fred T. Foard High School Technology Education students recently
competed at the 2006 TSA North Carolina State Conference. The students
now qualify to compete at the upcoming national conference in Dallas,
Texas.
•The 2005-2006 Talent Search by Duke University Talent Identification
Program (TIP) has completed another successful talent search season.
Catawba County Schools had eighty-three participants from the seventh
grade with twenty-two students who will be recognized on the state level
for their achievements.
•The Maiden High School Chess Team recently won first place in the North
Carolina Scholastic High School (Team) Chess Tournament. This was the
sixth year of the last eight years in which Maiden High School has won
the North Carolina 1A High School Team Chess Championship. Coached by
Ray Hurley, members of the team included: Clinton Benton (four wins),
Anthony Snyder (two wins), Josh Martin (two wins) and Justin Loney.
To conclude his report, Superintendent Markley recognized several
individuals and groups for their outstanding achievements. Those being
recognized included:
•Catawba County Schools was presented the United Way Spirit Award on
April 4 at a United Way Luncheon.
•The Catawba County Board of Education presented retiring Assistant
Superintendent Nancy Yount a plaque for her dedication and service to
the staff and students of Catawba County Schools. Assistant
Superintendent Yount thanked members for their support throughout the
years.
•Two newly appointed principals were introduced to members. As of July
1, Barbara Bell will assume the role of principal at Startown Elementary
School and Rob Rucker will assume the role of principal at Mill Creek
Middle School.
•Director of Federal Programs Barbara Piekarski recognized the Visiting
International Faculty and presented each one with a certificate of
appreciation for their service to Catawba County Schools. Also
recognizing the Visiting International Faculty were officers of the
local chapter of the Delta Kappa Gama International Phyllis Parsons,
Carol Boston and Carol Warren. These ladies presented the Visiting
International Faculty with gift bags of appreciation filled with items
donated from local businesses and industries.
•Assistant Superintendent Doyle Brinson recognized the 2006 Governor’s
School East and West attendees and the 2006 Teaching Fellows. All
attendees were presented a certificate of outstanding achievement. The
2006 Governor’s School East included: Montague R. Modlin, Peter Rowe,
Sarah Pollard and Megan Hildebran. The 2006 Governor’s School West
included: Christian SD Robinson, Jessica Neal, Brandon Beckler and
Wesley A. Jones. The 2006 Teaching Fellows included: Kerri Bernhardt,
Tony Warren, Amanda Klinger, Jordan Goodson, Marquis McCullough, Casey
Oakes, Chelsie Propst, Kelly Reardon, Jeni Thompson and Judy Yang.
•The last group recognized and presented certificates of achievement
were three wrestlers from Bandys High School. Bryon Sigmon was named
the Dave Schultz Wrestler of the Year for North Carolina and William
Gilleland and Patrick McIntosh were named All-American at the National
High School Coaches’ Association Tournament in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Superintendent Markley recognized all parents of the students that
received recognition and awards. Congratulations were extended to all
recipients.
The following Consent Agenda items were transacted:
Budget Amendments:
Finance Officer Sondra Wolfe presented two budget amendments for the
Board’s consideration budgeting additional funds allocated by the State
Public School Fund and the Federal Grants Fund. A copy of these
amendments may be found between pages ___ and ___ and become an official
part of these minutes.
Field Trip Requests/Camps:
*Bandys High School AP Statistics Class to New York, New York, May
19-23, 2006
*Bandys High School Girls’ Basketball Camp, Bandys High School Gym, June
19-23, 2006
*Fred T. Foard High School JROTC Raider Team to Sanford,
North Carolina, April 28-29, 2006
Personnel Requests:
*approved certified employees Mary Ciszek, Susan Dudley and
Melissa Moose;
*approved certified employee reassignment Marsha Woodard;
*approve rehire of retiree Jeannie Little;
*approved classified employees Jason Fulbright and Pamela Sprague;
*granted the resignation request of certified employees Abby
Pulley, William Long and Sallie Pope;
*granted the retirement requests of certified employees
Nancy Corpening, JoAnne Hewins, Loretta Hughes, Denise Sigmon, Mae
Bennett, Diedra Chandler, Mary Beth Hickman and Barbara Sloop;
*granted the resignation requests of classified employees
Judith Evans, Ray Santore and Melissa Brown; and
*granted the retirement requests of classified employee
Carolyn McCann, Ronald McCann and Charlene Thornton.
The Board was also furnished a listing of substitutes for teachers and
child nutrition.
There being no questions, the motion was made by Mrs. Butler and
seconded by Mrs. Blackburn to approve the budget amendments, personnel
requests and overnight/out-of-state field trips/camp requests including
the amendment made by Superintendent Markley. The motion carried.
The following items of Old Business were transacted:
OB#1:
Superintendent Markley introduced Middle School Education/Athletics
Director Michael Wyant who presented the first item of business. On
March 31, Middle School Education/Athletics Director Wyant emailed
members the proposed policy for selling reserved seating at the new
Maiden High School. The proposed policy was developed and approved by
the Transition Committee on March 30. The committee stressed that the
proposed policy would be fair to all parties interested in purchasing
reserved seating in the new Maiden High School Football Stadium. Middle
School Education/Athletics Director Wyant highlighted the three goals
and procedures for each goal in the proposed policy. The three goals
included:
1.
Ensure that people currently holding reserved seats at Bandys,
Fred T. Foard and Maiden High Schools have equal opportunity to purchase
corresponding reserved seats in the new stadium prior to opening up
additional seats for purchase.
2.
Ensure that people wanting to purchase reserved seats for the
first time have equal opportunity to purchase reserved seats available.
3.
Ensure that no one buys reserved seats for others for the purpose
of cheating the process.
Members extended their thanks to Middle School Education/Athletics
Director Wyant and the Transition Committee for their development of the
policy. There being no revisions to the proposed policy, Mr. Scott made
the motion to approve the policy as presented. Mrs. Butler seconded the
motion with no opposition. Middle School Education/Athletics Director
Wyant will oversee the process for selling reserved seating for the
2006-2007 school year to ensure that correct procedures are followed.
OB#2:
At the March 27, 2006 Board of Education meeting members approved, on
first reading, Board of Education Policy 4.4200 – Student Wellness. No
revisions were made to the policy, but members requested additional
information regarding length of time students are in the cafeteria and
how much of that time is spent waiting in lunch lines, particularly in
the high schools. Superintendent Markley presented a time study for
April 6, 2006. Fred T. Foard High School Principal Sally Bradshaw
commented on the average eating time (10-15 minutes) and the number of
lunch periods (five) at her school. Upon a motion made by Mr. Hilton
and seconded by Mrs. Spencer, Board of Education Policy 4.4200 – Student
Wellness was unanimously approved on second reading.
The following items of New Business were then transacted:
NB#1:
At the March 27, 2006 Board of Education meeting, Ms. Vikki Reed, a
parent from the Fred T. Foard district, addressed members during the
Public Comments portion of the meeting regarding the Pledge of
Allegiance. Superintendent Markley reviewed the current Board of
Education Policy and survey of the schools that recite the Pledge of
Allegiance daily. Survey results indicate seven of the twenty-six
schools do not recite the Pledge on a daily basis. Superintendent
Markley’s recommendation to members was for those seven schools’
Building Leadership Team meet and discuss ways to promote and encourage
the Pledge.
Ms. Vikkie Reed was introduced and addressed members. Ms. Reed read
thoughts from her daughter, Rebekka Adamson, who could not attend
tonight’s meeting. Both Ms. Reed and Miss Adamson strongly feel “that
it is a civic duty and everyone needs to pay respects to our country.”
They asked that the Pledge is “put back into all the schools everyday.”
Mr. Don Smith, from the Marine Corp, also made comments to members. He
feels that “the Pledge should be set by the Board members.”
After comments from Ms. Reed and Mr. Smith, Mrs. Butler recommended that
the current policy wording be changed to “give an opportunity.” Mr.
Hilton then asked Fred T. Foard High School Principal Sally Bradshaw to
address the procedure taken to encourage the recitation of the Pledge at
her school. Other high school principals in attendance made comments
surrounding the Pledge at their schools. All members strongly feel that
the Pledge of Allegiance should be promoted and encouraged in all
schools, not only to recite the Pledge, but to educate the students on
the meaning of the Pledge.
Mr. Sigmon then made the motion to encourage the recitation of the
Pledge of Allegiance in all schools, make no revisions to the current
Board of Education Policy and direct Superintendent Markley to follow-up
with the seven schools that currently do not recite the Pledge. Mr.
Hilton seconded the motion. Before the vote was taken, Mr. Scott and
Mrs. Blackburn asked for more information including how often the Pledge
is recited and the plan for educating the students, such as through
Character Education. All members were in favor of the motion, except
for Mrs. Butler who voted against the motion.
NB#2:
Assistant Superintendent Nancy Yount presented a review of the Closing
the Gap/No Child Left Behind Plan. Members received a copy of the plan
prior to the meeting for their review. Highlights of the plan consisted
of: the eight goals of the district including the action plans,
timelines, resources and person(s) responsible for each goal; different
types of data collection, parent and community involvement results and
other supporting data to ensure that each student is successful.
Assistant Superintendent Yount stated that Mr. Sigmon and Mrs. Spencer
served on the plan’s committee. Mrs. Butler extended her thanks to
Assistant Superintendent Yount for all of her outstanding work over the
years. She then commended the work of the plan’s committee members.
Superintendent Markley stated that the school system needed to prepare
students as they enter into a new society and that the county continues
to change from a manufacturing county. Upon a motion made by Mrs.
Blackburn and seconded by Mrs. Butler, the Closing the Gap/No Child Left
Behind Plan was unanimously approved as presented by Assistant
Superintendent Yount. Superintendent Markley also extended thanks to
Assistant Superintendent Yount. The plan will now be submitted to the
State.
NB#3:
Due to the new State Board of Education Policy HSP-N-004, revisions
become necessary to Board of Education Policies 3.8100 – Student
Accountability and 3.7800 – Graduation Requirements. Assistant
Superintendent Nancy Yount reviewed each page of both policies noting
the revisions and opened the floor for any questions and/or discussion
from members. After some discussion, direction was given to
administration to make additional language revisions and bring both
policies back for second reading at the May 22, 2006 Board of Education
meeting.
NB#4:
Superintendent Markley stated that for many years, the GPA for honors
designation has been 3.75. With the changes that have occurred in the
last two years regarding weighting of high school courses, principals
believe that the GPA needs to be increased for honors designation. In
addition to giving weight to numerous Career-Technical Education
courses, those community college courses that have been approved for the
Comprehensive Articulation Agreement also receive honors weight.
Additionally, the high schools are adding more honors and advanced
placement courses each year. Therefore, the present high school
students have the opportunity for a higher GPA than students did just a
few years ago. As a result, Superintendent Markley stated that the high
schools have a larger number of students who qualify as Junior Marshals
and Honors Graduates; therefore, the principals believe that the large
numbers minimize the honor of these awards. The 3.90 GPA requirement
would become effective with the first time ninth graders in the
2006-2007 school year. Members discussed several issues which
included: the success of “average” students and how they would be
affected by the increase of the GPA; GPA procedures in surrounding
counties; calendar issues; and dual enrollment. Fred T. Foard High
School Principal Sally Bradshaw made comments to members. Since this
policy is an administrative procedure, Board approval is not required.
NB#5:
High School Principals and administration reviewed the current High
School Attendance Policy. Superintendent Markley presented the proposed
changes to members. The proposed attendance policy included:
1.
Students may not miss more than six days in a course and still
receive credit.
2.
Students will be allowed to make up time in Saturday School for
missing seven or eight days. Therefore, the maximum number of days that
any student can make up is two.
3.
Principals have the authority to waive the attendance policy for
any student with extenuating circumstances.
4.
The principal or his/her designee will serve as the chairperson
of the Attendance Appeals Committee.
5.
The six-day attendance policy will be effective with the
2006-2007 school year.
Members recommended the additional wording of “beginning with and shall
continue” to the proposed policy. Since this policy is an
administrative procedure, Board approval is not required.
NB#6:
Superintendent Markley presented to members the recommendation from Fred
T. Foard High and Bunker Hill High Schools for the course addition of
Honors Anatomy and Physiology for the 2006-2007 school year. There
being no discussion, Mrs. Butler made the motion to approve the addition
of Honors Anatomy and Physiology to the course catalog for Fred T. Foard
High and Bunker Hill High Schools for the 2006-2007 school year. Mrs.
Blackburn seconded the motion. All members were in favor of the motion.
NB#7:
Members received a request from Community Schools of Catawba County for
the possibility of a rate increase for before and after school childcare
programs for the 2006-2007 school year. Members were provided with
comparison data of costs for surrounding counties. The need for the
rate change is due to increases in activity fees, fuel, employee costs
and licensure requirements. Superintendent Markley introduced Mr. Jim
Sprinkle, Director of Community Schools, who was present for any
questions or comments from members. Mr. Scott asked about the reduction
of employee hours and would those hours be given back to the employees.
Mrs. Butler asked the percentage of parents that utilize the before and
after school benefits. Director Sprinkle addressed both of these
questions. Mr. Sigmon then stated that he would like to see consistency
in the before and after school childcare programs among the schools.
Mr. Sigmon then made the motion to approve the rate increase request
from Community Schools. Mrs. Blackburn seconded the motion. All
members were in favor of the motion.
NB#8:
Members received a copy of a draft amendment from the County for the
purpose of adding the Bunker Hill High School addition. Attorney Davis
reviewed the legal document and made two minor changes (wording).
There being no other revisions or questions, Mrs. Butler made the motion
to approve the amendment from the County including the two minor changes
by Attorney Davis. Mrs. Blackburn seconded the motion with no
opposition.
NB#9:
Superintendent Markley asked members to consider
rescheduling the approved Board of Education meeting date of June 26.
Information was received regarding the 2006 Summer Leadership Conference
in Asheville on June 25-28, which most administrators plan to attend.
The recommended date to members was June 12 at 2:00 p.m. following the
Retirement Luncheon. Superintendent Markley also asked members to
consider approving a Board of Education meeting date for July, if
needed. Upon a motion by Mr. Scott and seconded by Mrs. Blackburn,
members approved the recommended Board of Education meeting dates of
June 12 and July 31. All members were in favor of the motion.
Public Comments:
Attorney Crystal Davis conducted the Public Comments section of the
agenda at which time no person present desired to address the Board.
Upon a motion by Mr. Sigmon and seconded by Mrs. Blackburn, the Board
unanimously went into Closed Session pursuant to G.S.143-318.11 for the
following purpose: under subsection (a)(1) to prevent the disclosure of
privileged and confidential personnel information pursuant to G.S.
115C-319-321.
CLOSED SESSION (Separate minutes for Closed Session are prepared and
kept confidential.)
The Board returned to Open Session with a motion by Mr. Scott, seconded
by Mr. Sigmon with no opposition.
A motion was made by Mr. Sigmon and seconded by Mr. Hilton to approve
Superintendent Markley’s two personnel recommendations: the extension of
Assistant Superintendent Hensley’s contract for three years and a
contract for Finance Officer Wolfe for three years. All members were in
favor of the two recommendations.
There being no other items of business to be conducted, Mr. Sigmon made
the motion to adjourn. Mr. Scott seconded the motion. All members were
in favor. The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________
Charlie
Wyant, Chairman
__________________________
Timothy S.
Markley, Secretary
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