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May 24, 2004
The Catawba County Board of Education met in regular session on May 24,
2004 at 2:00 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 Pat Hensley, Nancy Yount and Rick Sherrill,
Attorney Crystal Davis, Finance Director Sondra Wolfe, Chief Technology
Officer Terry Bledsoe, Public Information/Grants Writer Sonya Gordon,
Student Services Director Paul Holden, Career-Technical Education
Director Roxy Poovey, Federal Programs Director Barbara Piekarski, Child
Nutrition Director Karen Duncan, Director of Instruction William Ross,
Secondary Education Director Debbie Long and AIG Facilitators Gina
Humphries and Jo-Nell Ward.
Tracie Setzer represented the Observer News Enterprise. Also in
attendance was Christina Cupo who represented the Hickory Daily Record.
The
meeting opened with a Moment of Silence followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance led by Mr. Biggerstaff. A motion was made by Mrs. Blackburn
to approve the revised April 26, 2004 minutes. The motion was seconded
by Mrs. Sherrill with no opposition. The Consent Agenda was amended by
Superintendent Hart to add eight field trip requests, three camp
requests and move the Closed Session portion of the agenda after the
Superintendent’s Report. After the amendments, the agenda was
unanimously approved upon a motion by Mrs. Butler and seconded by Mrs.
Sherrill.
Public
Hearing:
Attorney
Crystal Davis conducted the Public Hearing phase of the meeting for
comments concerning any agenda items. Several individuals wished to
address the Board on a Consent Item during the Closed Session portion.
Superintendent’s Report:
Superintendent Hart began her report by recognizing the outstanding work
the Human Resources Department did in arranging and organizing another
successful Board-hosted Retiree Luncheon.
Other
items of update included:
•Ms. Beth
Pace, a teacher from River Bend Middle School, threw the first pitch on
May 19th for the Hickory Crawdads’ baseball game against the Delmarva
Shorebirds for the Crawdads’ Baseball in Education Day. Elementary and
middle school students enjoyed a free day of baseball, including an
educational booklet with math problems and other lessons related to
baseball.
•Ms.
Lizbeth Alfaro received her new Mazda 6 sports sedan from the Roberts
Mazda dealership for her state NC Teacher of the Year award courtesy of
the NC Automobile Dealers Association. There was media coverage of Ms.
Alfaro receiving her new car. Ms. Alfaro has been interviewed by every
local Hispanic newspaper and news agency. Her story has also been
published in many Spanish newspapers in Costa Rica, her home country.
•A called
Board of Education meeting will be held on May 27th beginning at 1:00
p.m. in the Central Office Boardroom. The agenda item for discussion
will be the new Maiden High School construction bids.
•There
will be a reception on May 26th to honor teachers’ assistants receiving
their Journeyman certification at Maiden Elementary School beginning at
5:00 p.m. The guest speaker will be Commissioner of Labor Cherie Berry.
•On behalf
of the three school boards, the Catawba County Board of Education,
Newton-Conover Board of Education and the Hickory City Board of
Education, letters were written to area legislators and delegation in
opposition of the Labor Day calendar bill that has been proposed.
Thanks were extended to the Board members.
•While in
attendance at the National American Alliance Health, Physical Education,
Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) Convention in New Orleans, Catawba
Intermediate School Physical Education Teacher Dee Robertson received
her first email from her son since he was deployed to Baghdad. Army ILT
Bandy Blanton emailed his mother that Iraqi children loved to play
soccer, but soccer balls were items in demand and difficult to obtain.
While at the convention, Ms. Robertson asked physical education
equipment companies to donate balls. Including local donations from
area businesses, more than seventy soccer balls were collected and
shipped to Baghdad. Ms. Robertson is also planning a student “Support
Our Soldiers Fun Run.” The entry fee for the run will be a letter
written to a soldier and a pack of pre-sweetened drink mix.
•St.
Stephens High School head wrestling Coach Billy Baker received an
outstanding send-off as he left the school for the last time until his
one-year tour of duty is over in Iraq. Coach Baker will be trained with
the Army National Guard in Oklahoma for two weeks and then will serve
for one year in Iraq.
•Oxford
Elementary School teacher Patti Ervin was awarded the Reading
Renaissance Model Classroom Level I certification by the Madison,
Wisconsin based company. Ms. Heather Ollis was awarded the Math
Renaissance Model Classroom Level I certification. Model Classroom
certification indicates that by using the Renaissance methods of
teaching, Ms. Ervin and Ms. Ollis have fostered measurable increases in
student performance in the reading and math areas.
To
conclude her report, Superintendent Hart commended the high schools for
five outstanding graduations.
Upon a motion by Mrs. Butler and seconded by Mr. Sherrill,
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 Mrs. Blackburn, seconded by
Mr. Scott with no opposition.
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:
*Jacobs
Fork Middle School Dance/Drama Classes to New York, NY, June 2-7, 2004
*Bunker Hill High School FFA to Raleigh, NC, June 8-10, 2004
*Fred T. Foard High School Varsity Men’s Basketball to
Greensboro, NC, June 10-13, 2004
*Bunker Hill High School AFJROTC to Goldsboro, NC, June
13-18, 2004
*St. Stephens High School NJROTC to Conway, SC, June 14-19,
2004
*Maiden High School Women’s Basketball to Salisbury, NC,
June 16-19, 2004
*Fred T. Foard High School Band/Guard to Columbia, SC, June
17-19, 2004
*St. Stephens High School Women’s Basketball to Greensboro,
NC, June 17-20, 2004
*Bunker Hill High School AFJROTC to Misenheimer, NC, June
26-July 2, 2004
*St. Stephens High School Yearbook Staff to Hilton Head, SC,
June 28-30, 2004
*Fred T. Foard High School Band/Guard to Jacksonville, NC,
June 29-July 3, 2004
*Fred T. Foard High School Band/Guard to Greensboro, NC,
July 5-8, 2004
*Maiden High School Volleyball Team to Raleigh, NC, July
23-25, 2004
*St. Stephens High School NJROTC to Union Mills, NC, July
26-31, 2004
*Fred T. Foard High School Guard Camp, June 21-25, 2004
*Fred T. Foard High School Band and Guard Camp, July 18,
2004, July 19-22, 2004 and July 23, 2004
*Fred T. Foard High School Percussion Camp, July 26-30, 2004
Personnel Requests:
*employed
classified employees Karen Duncan, Melissa Parker and Ricky Sain;
*granted
administrative contract to Kelly Rhoney;
*granted
leave of absence requests of certified employee Gretchen McManus;
*granted
leave of absence request of classified employee Charles Odom;
*accepted
resignations of certified employees Karen Burr, JoAnne Falls, Rebecca
Lockwood and Terri Salmon;
*accepted
resignations of classified employee Stephanie Cloninger;
*granted
the transfer requests of certified employees Dora Brawley, Connie
Burkett, Tanya Frye, Caine Houser, Mary Hornick, Roger Irvin, John
Jaynes, Karen Long, Sallie Pope, Michael Slaughter, Angela Totty and
Ginger Wakefield;
*granted the retirement requests of certified employees
Alfreida Bowman, Suzanne Eller, Carole Sigmon and Norma Stewart; and
*granted
the retirement request of classified employee Linda McAteer.
The Board
was also furnished a listing of individuals recommended for employment
in the 2004 Summer School Program.
The motion
was made by Mr. Scott and seconded by Mrs. Sherrill to approve the
budget amendments, presented field trips/camps and personnel requests
including the additions. Mr. Sigmon abstained from the vote on the
Summer School Program portion due to a family member being recommended
on the list. The motion carried.
Superintendent Hart then announced the following principal changes:
Ms. DeAnna
Finger was named the new principal of Blackburn Elementary School;
Mr. Chris
Gibbs was named the new principal of Claremont Elementary School;
Mr. Jerry
Griffin was named the new principal of Bunker Hill High School; and,
Mr. Robin
Honeycutt was named the new principal of Oxford Elementary School.
The
following items of Old Business were transacted:
OB#1: Assistant Superintendent Hensley presented to members
the 100% Tobacco-Free Schools policy on second reading. Presentations
were made and a discussion was held regarding the policy at the April
26, 2004 Board of Education meeting. Mrs. Butler made the motion to
adopt the presented the 100% Tobacco-Free Schools policy on second
reading with Mrs. Blackburn seconding the motion. Mr. Sigmon asked two
questions about the presented policy. He asked Assistant Superintendent
Hensley if employees have been spoken to about how they would deal with
the policy if implemented. Assistant Superintendent Hensley addressed
the question. She spoke with several employees who said that they would
follow any policy that was implemented. The second question from Mr.
Sigmon dealt with the question of trespassing. If a visitor was smoking
on the property of Catawba County Schools and asked to stop smoking and
did not, could the school system legally ask the visitor to leave the
property? Attorney Davis addressed Mr. Sigmon’s question by stating
yes. Since there were no other questions or discussion, the vote was
then taken with all members voting to adopt the 100% Tobacco-Free
Schools policy on second reading except for Mr. Sigmon.
OB#2: Members received two drafts of the Use of Facilities
policy prior to the meeting for their review. The first draft policy
was the current Board of Education policy with the revisions to-date as
a result of previous discussions held. The other draft policy contained
more detailed information that was gathered from administration and
surrounding counties. Also mailed to members was a suggested
Reservation Contract for Use of School Facilities. Administration asked
for direction from the Board on how to proceed with the Use of
Facilities policy. The floor was opened for discussion. Mr. Sigmon
began the discussion by stating that he felt the school system needed to
allow Community Schools and principals decide who would be allowed to
use the facilities with Assistant Superintendent Sherrill monitoring the
usage. Assistant Superintendent Sherrill addressed other questions from
members regarding the policies and monthly usage of the facilities. Mr.
Sigmon made the motion to allow the use of facilities including the gym
and cafeteria with the approval of Community Schools and principals with
Assistant Superintendent Sherrill monitoring the usage. Mr. Scott
seconded the motion. Attorney Davis reminded members of the Fair Labor
Standards Act law and how that would be impacted if an employee of
Catawba County Schools was involved. Mr. Scott withdrew his second to
the motion causing the motion to no longer be on the floor. Mrs. Butler
stated that she did have a problem with Mr. Sigmon’s motion. Attorney
Davis suggested some legal wording to the current draft policy.
Superintendent Hart then highlighted with members the suggested
revisions resulting from the discussion to the current Use of Facilities
policy which included: change the of wording “will to may” in the
first paragraph; change the wording of “will to may”, “and/or to and/or
designee”, and “director of community schools to assistant
superintendent or designee” and the addition of “use of cafeteria” in
the second paragraph; and, change the wording of “community schools to
Catawba County Schools” in the third paragraph. Mrs. Butler made the
motion to adopt the draft policy as presented by Superintendent Hart.
Mrs. Sherrill seconded the motion with no opposition. Revisions will be
made and the policy will be brought back to members on second reading at
the June 28, 2004 Board of Education meeting. Administration will also
work on administrative procedures for the policy.
OB#3: At the April 26, 2004 Board of Education meeting,
Assistant Superintendent Yount presented the 2004-2007 AIG Plan. Mrs.
Blackburn made a request at the last meeting to conduct a study of time
allowed for Advanced Placement courses, which will begin in the fall.
Two replacement pages were given to members for their plans.
Superintendent Hart commended Assistant Superintendent Yount and her
staff for their outstanding work on the plan. Mrs. Blackburn and Mrs.
Butler also commended Assistant Superintendent Yount and her staff.
There being no other questions or any discussion, Mrs. Blackburn made
the motion to accept the AIG Plan on second reading. Mr. Biggerstaff
seconded the motion with no opposition. The plan will now be sent to
Raleigh for any comments, and then it will become law.
The
following items of New Business were then transacted:
NB#1:
Federal Programs’ Director Barbara Piekarski presented to the Board the
projects of the “No Child Left Behind Program” Program. Members were
given at the meeting a copy of the federal fund allotments for the four
projects. The handouts also included detailed information on each
project. Title I flexible funding is used to provide additional
instructional staff, professional development, parent workshops in
reading and other strategies for raising student achievement in
high-poverty schools. There are seven elementary schools that receive
targeted assistance funds to help students most in need of academic
assistance. Balls Creek no longer qualified for Title I because the
school has less than the system average of 34% free and reduced
students. Currently, Sweetwater Elementary School is the only school in
Catawba County with school-wide assistance. Lyle Creek Elementary
School will consider going to school-wide services next year to provide
more flexibility in spending funds. Title I funding will be setting
aside funding to hire tutors for homeless children in schools that to no
receive Title I services. Title I funds are also set aside for some
preschool services at Sweetwater, Claremont, Startown and Oxford
Elementary Schools. Title II project is directed toward improving the
quality of teachers, administrators and paraprofessionals and increasing
the number of teachers resulting in reduction of class size. The focus
of Title II is on high quality professional development that will
support activities across all core academic subjects. Title III project
assists school districts in teaching English to limited English
proficient students and in helping those students meet the same
challenging standards required of all students. These federal funds are
used to provide an additional teacher and three staff members who speak
Hmong and Spanish. Title V funds are used in the area of high qualified
teachers and technology for the continuation of the initiatives in place
for supporting staff development and technology. Federal Programs
Director Piekarski opened the floor for any questions from the members.
Mrs. Blackburn asked about the amounts from St. Stephens. There being
no other questions, Mr. Scott made a motion to accept the projects as
presented and Mrs. Butler seconded the motion. All members were in
favor.
NB#2:
Assistant Superintendent Hensley presented the proposed 2005-2006 school
calendar. She informed members that meetings were held with Assistant
Superintendents from the Newton-Conover City Schools and the Hickory
City Schools to discuss comparable calendars among the three systems.
Assistant Superintendent Hensley highlighted the proposed calendar with
the beginning date being August 3, 2005. “Non-days” are also scheduled
in this calendar, like with the 2004-2005 calendar, which will allow
inclement weather make-up days without affecting other school days.
Other highlights included: fall break aligning with the other two
school systems, Veteran’s Day holiday observation, Christmas and Easter
holidays, and five workdays projected for the end of the school year.
There being no discussion about the proposed calendar, Mrs. Butler made
the motion to adopt the proposed 2005-2006 calendar as presented. Mrs.
Blackburn seconded the motion with no opposition.
NB#3:
Finance Officer Sondra Wolfe recommended to the Board that the coverage
for the 2004-2005 school year continue with American Advantage Insurance
Group for student accident and athletic insurance. This group is
endorsed by the NC High School Athletic Association. The premiums for
basic coverage, without additional dental benefits, will continue at the
same level as last year. Principals were asked if there had been any
problems and none were identified. Mr. Scott made the motion to
continue the coverage for the 2004-2005 school year. Mrs. Sherrill
seconded the motion with no opposition.
NB#4:
Superintendent Hart began by introducing the newly named Child Nutrition
Director Karen Duncan. Child Nutrition Director Duncan then presented
this item of new business. At the May 2003 Board of Education meeting,
the Sara Lee Bakery Group (Earthgrains), Pet Dairy and U.S. Food Service
were awarded the milk, ice cream, bread and food contracts for the
2003-2004 school year with the provision that if the services were
satisfactory the contracts would be extended through June 30, 2005.
Child Nutrition Director Duncan informed the members that services have
been satisfactory and recommended extensions of the contracts. The
motion was made to extend the contracts through June 30, 2005 by Mr.
Scott. Mrs. Sherrill seconded the motion. All members were in favor.
NB#5:
Members received prior to the meeting recommended meal prices along with
a comparison of area school systems’ meal prices. Child Nutrition
Director Duncan informed members that meal prices have remained at the
same level for the past four years. Due to the cost of labor increase
and related increases such as fuel prices, Child Nutrition Director
Duncan recommended that lunch prices be increased by five cents for
students (to $1.50 for elementary schools and $1.65 for middle and high
schools) and ten cents for adults (to $2.35). The cost for breakfast
prices would remain the same. There being no discussion, Mrs. Butler
made the motion to approve the recommended meal price increases. Mrs.
Sherrill seconded the motion with no opposition.
NB#6:
Superintendent Hart presented the student transfer recommendations for
the 2004-2005 school year. These recommendations of space availability
for transfer students are the result of the study of building capacity,
projected enrollment, student-teacher ratio and expected growth at each
school for new resident students. Space availability at the elementary
schools was recommended by grade levels. Middle and high schools’
availability was recommended as a total for all grade levels at each
school. Mr. Scott made the motion to approve the recommended space for
student transfers. Mrs. Sherrill seconded the motion. All members were
in favor.
NB#7:
Members received information for their review regarding the upcoming
District 7 NCSBA meeting on September 29, 2004. Hosting
responsibilities were discussed which included the location and clinic
sessions. After brief discussion, members decided for the location to
be Lyle Creek Elementary School. Superintendent Hart asked members to
bring any clinic sessions or other suggestions regarding the meeting to
the June 28th Board of Education for additional discussion.
Superintendent Hart suggested to members to think about some type of
entertainment for the meeting.
Public
Comments:
Attorney
Crystal Davis conducted the Public Comments section of the agenda at
which time Ms. Becky Gladden, media specialist at Banoak Elementary
School and parent from Fred T. High School, wished to address the
Board. Ms. Gladden presented to members two proposals which were: to
allow All-State Honor’s Orchestra to be approved as a field trip; and,
to allow an “Orchestra Independent Study” offering through Hickory High
School. Chairman Wyant informed Ms. Gladden that the Board would take
her proposals under advisement.
There
being no other items of business to be conducted, Mrs. Butler made the
motion to adjourn. Mr. Scott seconded the motion. All members were in
favor. The meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Charlie C.
Wyant, Chairman
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Ann Y.
Hart, Secretary
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