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May 22, 2006
The Catawba County Board of Education met in regular session on May 22,
2006 at 5:30 p.m. at the County Schools’ Administration Annex Building
with Chairman Charlie Wyant presiding. The following members were
present: Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Scott, Mrs. Butler and Mr. Sigmon. Also in
attendance were Superintendent Timothy Markley, Assistant
Superintendents Doyle Brinson, Pat Hensley and Beth Isenhour, Attorney
Crystal Davis, Finance Officer Sondra Wolfe, Chief Technology Officer
Judith Ray, Child Nutrition Director Karen Duncan, Construction
Coordinator Ernest Williams, Energy Education Management Director Tony
Cox, Elementary Education Director Walter Zahler, Middle School
Education/Athletics Director Michael Wyant, Blackburn Elementary School
Principal Donna Sigmon, Tuttle Elementary School Principal DeAnna
Finger, Maiden Middle School Principal Nan Van Hoy and Maiden High
School Principal Dwayne Finger. Mrs. Spencer and Mr. Hilton were not
present for the meeting.
Lauren Williamson represented the Hickory Daily Record.
The meeting opened with a Moment of Silence followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance led by Chairman Wyant. The Consent Agenda was amended by
Superintendent Markley to move the personnel requests of the Consent
Items until after the Closed Session portion of the meeting. After the
amendment, the amended agenda was unanimously approved upon a motion by
Mrs. Blackburn and seconded by Mr. Scott.
Public Hearing:
Attorney Crystal Davis conducted the Public Hearing phase of the meeting
for comments concerning any agenda items at which time no person present
wished to address members.
Superintendent’s Report:
Superintendent Markley began his report by announcing the dates of his
End-of-Year Public Q and A Sessions. Dates included: May 23 – 7:00
p.m. at Balls Creek Elementary School; May 29 – 7:00 p.m. at Maiden
Elementary School; and May 30 – 7:00 p.m. at Clyde Campbell Elementary
School. The forums will provide the opportunity for anyone in the
community including parents, community members and business partners to
exchange dialogue about the successful programs of Catawba County
Schools, areas that need to be strengthened, changes within the system
and forecasting for the future. The two forums previously held
included: May 16 – 7:00 p.m. at River Bend Middle School and May 17 –
7:00 p.m. at Fred T. Foard High School.
Other items of update included:
•The Board of Commissioners Budget Hearings will be open to the public
on Wednesday, June 14 and Thursday, June 15. Catawba County Schools is
scheduled second on the agenda for Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. immediately
following CVCC. The Public Hearing and Wrap-Up Sessions will begin at
5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 15 followed by the Budget Adoption scheduled
for Monday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m.
•Three teachers were recognized during the month of May for their
excellent teaching standards and service to the children of Catawba
County Schools. Recognitions included: Andrea Ramsey, teacher at
Startown Elementary School, received the 2006 Hickory Wal-Mart Teacher
of the Year; Carol Moore, teacher at Mill Creek Middle School, was the
third time winner of the Corning Cable Systems Award which honors
“Excellence in Teaching” for math and science instruction; and Debra
Harwell-Braun, teacher at Lyle Creek Elementary School, received the
21st Annual Wachovia Award for outstanding educators in conjunction with
the Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations were extended to all three
teachers.
•Mill Creek Middle School will be hosting a Benefit Variety Show on
Thursday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m. The stage production will be held in the
cafeteria to benefit the school’s assistant principal, Ron Doss, who
continues to battle a malignant brain tumor. The production will be a
student performance that will feature a variety of talent. Admission
will be on a donation basis and concessions will be sold.
•The 5 C’s Restaurant will be closing for the season. The final two
days of operation are: Wednesday, May 24 and Thursday, May 25 from
11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The cost for lunch is $6.
To conclude his report, Superintendent Markley reminded members of the
Catawba County Teachers’ Assistants’ Banquet on Thursday, May 25
beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Maiden Elementary School.
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 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/Camps:
*Tuttle Middle School Band to South Carolina, June 3, 2006
*St. Stephens High School NJROTC to Conway, South Carolina,
June 13-18, 2006
*Fred T. Foard High School Basketball Team to Greensboro,
North Carolina, June 15-18, 2006
*Maiden High School Yearbook Staff to Hilton Head, South
Carolina, June 18-20, 2006
*St. Stephens High School HOSA to Anaheim, California, June
21-25, 2006
*Fred T. Foard High School TSA to Dallas, Texas, June 21-27,
2006
*Maiden High School Men’s Basketball Team to Catawba
College, June 25-28, 2006
*St. Stephens High School FBLA to Nashville, Tennessee, June
28-July 3, 2006
*Maiden High School Volleyball Team to Western Carolina
University, July 13-16, 2006
*Bandys High School FFA to Indianapolis, Indiana, October
24-28, 2006
*Fred T. Foard High School French Classes to Canada, June
18-23, 2007
*Fred T. Foard High School 7th Annual Tiger
Basketball Camp, June 19-22, 2006
*Fred T. Foard High School Volleyball Camp, June 26-29, 2006
*Fred T. Foard High School Lady Tiger Basketball Camp, July
10-13, 2006
*Bandys High School Children’s Workshop Theatre, July 10-21,
2006
Personnel Requests:
*approved certified employees Alisha Abernathy, Tim Adams,
Alicia Anderson, Pamela Aubuchan, Jean Bailey, Molly Barlow, Heather
Bolick, Many Boudreaux, Debbie Bowman, Joshua Bromley, Katie Bromley,
Britney Brumley, Stephanie Christopher, Preston Clarke, Elizabeth
Collins, Lisha Crowe, Kristen Edwards, Barbara Faulkner, Jean
Fitzsimmons, Dennis Frye, Matthew Gallagher, Dana Greene, Cathy Guyer,
DeAnna Houser, Capprice Howard, Cheri Hudson, Michelle Hullett, Lynda
Joyner, Jodi Kautz, Ruth Kiser, Kim Kuhn, April Langlois, Daniel Lesosky,
Brenda Lloyd, Rebecca Matthews, Sean McGovern, Challen McRee, Pamela
Moody, Meredith Moose, Patricia Mordas, Christie Moza, Ellen Mull,
Melissa Nolte, Carobeth Overcash, Donna Potter, Mark Powers, Lynn Rivoli,
Candace Robinson, Fletcher Ross, Joy Rowe, Elizabeth Sain, Kristen
Shoffner, Gantt Sigmon, Ginny Smith, Frank Snider, Robin Stewart,
Richard Kerry Stoker, Patricia Strickland, John Sullivan, Katherine
Suther, Serena Sutliff, Ronald Swanson, Amy Thomas, Susan Vapniarek,
Holly Watts, Stephanie Weaver, Scott Weider, Michelle Whitener, Sonya
Wicker, Laura Woodruff, Denise Wright and Holley Wright;
*granted administrative contracts to certified employees Brian Benton,
Amy Loyer, De Batchelor, Kelly Nicholson and Patricia Steeby;
*granted administrative contract renewals to certified employees Shelly
Black, Shawn Clemons, Chris Gibbs, Eric Hight, Robin Honeycutt, Dean
King, Debbie Long and Lisa Thompson;
*approved rehire of retirees Steve Bost, Sheila Greene, Deborah Rights,
Susan Bolick, Joe Bost, Gene Brooks, Larry Carpenter, Diane Creasman,
Tommy Edwards, Bonnie Fuldner, Gail Hildebran, Dorothy Kickasola, Darrow
Mann, Sandra Reinhardt, Marcia Rowe, Sandra Ruppe, Patricia Smith,
Pamela Wagoner, Barbara Walter, Priscilla Watts, Robert Whisnant, Judy
Williams and Helen Workman;
*approved job share positions to certified employees Mary Hancock and
Cindy Lundy;
*approved classified employees Carolina Brown, Michele Fox, Kay Hoots,
Chad Johnson, Leslie Kragh, Marnie Moser, Molly Rice, Holley Wright,
Whitney Bandy, Christina Beard, Charles Chislom, Nancy Fulbright, Sheila
Honeycutt, Annette Newton, Amy Perry, Tammy Stallings, Alisha Storey,
Kay Wright and Nha Nou Yang;
*accepted resignations of certified employees Berta Jo Bolick, Amy
Cagle, Kathryn DeWire, Diane Guelzow, Ryan Johnson, Toni Sain, Lori
Shafer, Erica Batten, Berta Jo Bolick, Michele Hayes, Adrienne Lafone,
Shannon Mullins, Gloria Schrandt, Lauren Westmoreland and Amy Worsley;
*granted the reassignment/transfer requests of certified employees
Joseph Aiello, Christina Annas, Mitzi Arrowood, Amy Beane, Laura Bickel,
Emile Blake, Ashley Brown, Melba Burgin, Cassie Burleson, Natalie
Burris, Cherie Caldwell, Katy Chapman, Jane Clark, Diane Crowder, Robin
Deal, Teresa Ellis, Amy Fier, Tara Gilleland, Thomas Gould, Mary Beth
Hennessee, Ramona Hodge, Steve Hoke, Kelly Hollar, Caine Houser, Amanda
Huffman, Carlene Jackson, Katherine Jenkins, Leslie Kiser, Rita Lail,
Christine Lowman, Erin Mackie, Jodi Marks, Grant McCracken, Sam McRee,
Lynne Mininger, Joyce Muckinhoupt, Heather Ollis, Carmen Phaup, Brooke
Potocki, Misti Richardson, Brigette Rodgers, Debbie Rogers, Rebecca
Romeo, Regina Savinsky, Hollie Sherrill, Shannon Sigmon, T. J. Sipe,
Christopher Smith, Meredith Smith, Patsy Smith, Holly Timberlake, Dan
Von Dohlen, Janet Ward, Debbie Watts, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Wyant,
Julie Young, Lorie Johnson, Roxanne Morse, Brooke Rhoney and Susan
Winters;
*granted the reassignment/transfer requests of classified employees
Johnny Bailey, Rhonda Bennett, Bobbie Jo Christopher, Annette Demers,
Bonnie Evans, Rosemary Fisher, Steve Goble, Shirley Hedrick, Jackie
Hoyle, Lisa Jones, Tommy Lowman, Rebecca Maynard, Monica McGlown, Kathy
Setzer and Dana Wyant;
*granted the leave of absence requests of certified employees Connie
Burkett, Jessica Caldwell and Tina Starnes;
*granted the retirement requests of certified employee
Robert Thomas; and
*granted the retirement request of classified employee Mary Abee.
The Board was also furnished a listing of individuals recommended for
employment in the 2006 Summer School Program and an approved listing of
teacher, cafeteria, bus driver and custodian substitutes.
The motion was made by Mrs. Butler and seconded by Mrs. Blackburn to
approve the Consent Agenda as presented excluding the personnel
requests. All members were in favor of the motion.
The following item of Old Business was transacted:
OB#1:
At the April 24, 2006 Board of Education meeting, Assistant
Superintendent Nancy Yount presented to members required revisions to
Board of Education Policies 3.8100 – Student Accountability and 3.7800 –
Graduation Requirements. After discussion among members and
administration, additional revisions were recommended, which included
those for clarity. The two policies were revised and mailed to members
prior to the meeting for their review. Superintendent Markley presented
the revisions and opened the floor for any additional discussion and/or
revisions. Revisions included: “In all courses in which students are
required to take a final exam, the final exam shall count as 25% of the
student’s final grade.” (BOE Policy 3.8100 – page 10); “The
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team, with the parents and
student as members, shall work together to determine the appropriate
course of study for students with disabilities. A student with
disabilities may earn a Certificate of Achievement, Graduation
Certificate or diploma.” (BOE Policy 3.8100 – page 13); and, “In all
courses in which students are required to take a final exam, the final
exam shall count as 25% of the student’s final grade.” (BOE Policy
3.7800 – page 1). There being no other revisions, Mr. Scott made the
motion to approve the revised Board of Education Policies 3.8100 –
Student Accountability and 3.7800 – Graduation Requirements. Mrs.
Blackburn seconded the motion with no opposition.
The following items of New Business were then transacted:
NB#1:
Finance Officer Sondra Wolfe presented to members two plans for student
accident and athletic insurance. Both plans, Mega Life with the
American Advantage Insurance Company and Sentry Life with the Young
Group Insurance Company, provide comparable coverage. Premiums are less
with Sentry Life. After review of both policies by Finance Officer
Wolfe and Director of Athletics Michael Wyant, the recommendation was
made that the student accident and athletic insurance coverage for the
2006-2007 school year be Sentry Life through the Young Group Insurance
Company. Mrs. Blackburn made the motion to accept the recommendation as
presented by Finance Officer Wolfe. Mrs. Butler seconded the motion.
All members were in favor of the motion.
NB#2:
Child Nutrition Director Karen Duncan presented to members recommended
proposals for the main food and supply distributors for the 2006-2007
school year. She briefed members on the specific stipulations section
of the bid document which reserves the right to renew the current
contract for up to four consecutive twelve month periods provided that
schools received product and service as specified. Based on above
satisfactory service last year, Child Nutrition Director Duncan
recommended to members the following suppliers’ contracts for the
2006-2007 school year for their approval: US Food Service as the main
food and supply distributor; Sara Lee Bakery Group/Earthgrains as the
bread distributor; Land O Sun/Pet Dairy as the milk distributor; and,
Blue Bell Creameries as the Ice Cream distributor. Mrs. Butler made the
motion to approve the recommendation as presented by Child Nutrition
Director Duncan for the 2006-2007 school year. Mr. Scott seconded the
motion with no opposition.
NB#3:
Due to price increases in the cost of food, supplies, operating expenses
and fuel, Child Nutrition Director Duncan presented a proposal of a
price increase of ten cents for student lunches, an increase of five
cents for student breakfast, and all adult meals be sold al a carte.
She informed members that the last increase was five cents in 2004-2005
for student lunches and no increase for breakfast. Prior to that, the
last increase was in 2000-2001 of five cents. Members were also given
comparison data of breakfast and lunch prices for surrounding school
systems. Mrs. Butler commended the Child Nutrition Department for their
outstanding work. She then made the motion to approve the price
increases for meals as presented by Child Nutrition Director Duncan.
Mrs. Blackburn seconded the motion. The motion carried.
NB#4:
Energy Education Director Tony Cox congratulated Catawba County Schools
and the Board of Education for another successful year of savings with
the Energy Education Program. Third quarter savings were presented,
which were well above the same time last school year. Energy Education
Director Cox also presented the goals and implementation of the Summer
Shutdown Plan. Members then drew names for prizes that were donated for
the shutdown contests. The three types of awards that were given to
staff members throughout the year-long conservation contest included:
the “Energy Apple Award,” the “Bright Owl,” and the “Gold Medal.” Energy
Education Director Cox reiterated that Catawba County Schools’
commitment to conservation continues to set the pace among North
Carolina districts.
NB#5:
In addition to the appointment of Mr. Ernest Stone, nominated and
approved by the Catawba County Board of Education on April 26, 2006, to
serve on the CVCC Board of Trustees, a joint appointee from all three
school systems must be nominated and approved. Both, Hickory City
Schools and Newton-Conover City Schools have approved Mr. Charles Snipes
to serve in that capacity. Mr. Snipes was appointed in 1998 and has
served since that time and is currently serving as chairman of the CVCC
Board of Trustees. Superintendent Markley recommended to members to
also nominate and approve Mr. Snipes as the joint appointee. Mrs.
Blackburn made the motion to approve Superintendent Markley’s
recommendation of Mr. Snipes. Mrs. Butler seconded the motion with no
opposition.
NB#6: The
current contract with the Boys’ and Girls’ Club at Claremont Elementary
School will expire on May 31, 2006. Due to the success of this program,
Superintendent Markley recommended to members that the contract be
extended for an additional year. Attorney Davis reviewed the contract
and agrees with the terms of the contract, which is the same as last
year’s. There being no questions or discussion, Mrs. Butler made the
motion to approve the continuation of the Boys’ and Girls’ Club contract
at Claremont Elementary School for an additional year. Mr. Scott
seconded the motion with no opposition.
NB#7:
Members received a copy of an easement, a legal document that is
required for the placement of the historical marker at Startown
Elementary School. Attorney Davis reviewed the easement and
recommended it to members for their approval. There being no questions
or discussion, Mr. Scott made the motion to approve the easement for the
historical marker at Startown Elementary School. Mrs. Blackburn seconded
the motion with no opposition.
NB#8:
Middle School Education/Athletics Director Michael Wyant updated members
on the transition/redistricting process. He stated that the feedback on
the transition process had been very positive and had been handled
smoothly. Key areas of progress included student assignments, staff
assignments, Transition Team, second letters to “grandfathered”
students, division of instructional materials and football reserved
seating. Middle School Education/Athletics Director Wyant introduced
Principals DeAnna Finger, Dwayne Finger and Nan Van Hoy who were members
of the Transition Team and present at tonight’s meeting. Upcoming issues
of the transition process will include: the physical moves of Maiden
High and Tuttle Middle Schools; the division of instructional materials
among the schools; the development of bus routes for the new school
districts; the continuation of updated student lists for schools
involved; and the finalization of reserved seating at the new Maiden
High School. Superintendent Markley and members commended Middle School
Education/Athletics Director Wyant and the Transition Team for their
outstanding work with the smooth transition process. Mr. Scott and Mrs.
Butler also commended Tuttle Elementary School Principal Finger for her
outstanding work. Mr. Sigmon asked Assistant Superintendent Hensley to
address the status of the employees who were upset with their staff
assignment.
NB#9:
Bids were received for the Bunker Hill High School addition on May 11.
Members received a copy prior to the meeting for their review.
Construction Coordinator Ernest Williams presented a summary of the bid
tabulations which included:
Construction Cost:
Base Bids
– Multi Prime
General – David E. Looper $ 934,300
Plumbing – T.M. Caldwell 92,425
HVAC – L.T. Mechanical 203,917
Electrical – Progress Electric 187,000
Sub Total
$1,417,642
Alt. No. 1
– Air Conditioning Gym
*HVAC – Triangle Contractors $ 49,336
Electrical – Progress Electric 21,100
Sub Total $
70,436
Design
Fees
Classroom Addition $ 104,165
Preliminaries for Athletic Fields and
Site Study $
15,000
Soft Cost (Survey, Topo, Material $ 50,000
Testing, Printing and Insurance)
Contingency $
25,000
Total
$1,682,243
*If
Alternate No. 1 is accepted, HVAC contractor will change from L.T.
Mechanical to Triangle Contractors.
Available
Funding
County Funding $
139,000
Additional
Funding Requested
Base Bid
$1,472,807
Alternate No. 1 (Gym A/C) $ 70,436
Total Funding Requested $1,543,243
There being no questions after Construction Coordinator Williams’
summary presentation, Mrs. Butler made the motion to accept the Base
Bids including Alternate No. 1. Mrs. Blackburn seconded the motion with
no opposition.
Construction Coordinator Williams updated members on the building status
of the Maiden area schools. Updates included: Tuttle Elementary School
will receive their Certificate of Occupancy on May 31 with move-in date
being the first week in June; completion date of the new Maiden High
School will be June 18 with move-in date being the first/second week of
July; and move-in date for Maiden Middle School will be the third week
of July.
Public Comments:
Attorney Crystal Davis conducted the Public Comments section of the
agenda at which time no person present wished to address members.
Upon a motion by Mr. Scott and seconded by Mr. Sigmon, the Board
unanimously went into Closed Session the 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. Mrs.
Butler seconded the motion with no opposition.
The following motions were then made:
Mrs. Butler made the motion to approve Superintendent Markley’s
recommendation of Ms. Lori Reed as the new principal of St. Stephens
Elementary School. Mrs. Blackburn seconded the motion with no
opposition. Mrs. Reed will receive a contract for a period of two
years.
Mr. Scott made the motion to approve the presented list of certified
employees eligible for probationary to career status. Mrs. Blackburn
seconded with motion. All members were in favor of the motion.
A motion was made by Mrs. Blackburn to remove the names of Robin
Honeycutt and Dean King from the personnel portion of the Consent
Items. Mrs. Butler seconded the motion with no opposition.
Mrs. Blackburn then made the motion pursuant to G.S. 115C-287.1 (b) and
(d) to offer an extension of Robin Honeycutt and Dean King’s contract
for two years with their consent, provided, if they do not consent to
this extension, the Board will elect not to extend or renew the contract
at all. Mrs. Butler seconded the motion. All members were in favor of
the motion.
A motion was made by Mrs. Blackburn to approve the amended personnel
requests excluding the names of Grace Drum, DeAnna Houser and Michelle
Whitener. Mrs. Butler seconded the motion with no opposition.
Mrs. Butler then made the motion to approve the name of Grace Drum with
Mrs. Blackburn seconding the motion. Mr. Sigmon abstained from the vote
due to being related to Ms. Drum. All other members present were in
favor of the motion.
The motion was made by Mrs. Butler and seconded by Mr. Scott to approve
the names of DeAnna Houser and Michelle Whitener. Chairman Wyant
abstained from the vote due to being related to Ms. Houser and Ms.
Whitener. There was no opposition and the motion carried.
There being no other items of business to be conducted, Mr. Scott made
the motion to adjourn. Mrs. Butler seconded the motion. All members
were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________
Charlie
Wyant, Chairman
__________________________
Timothy S.
Markley, Secretary
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