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September 27, 2005
The Catawba County Board of Education met in regular session on September 27, 2005 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 Pat Hensley, Nancy Yount and Dr. Doyle Brinson, Attorney Crystal Davis, Finance Officer Sondra Wolfe, Exceptional Children’s Director Sharon Fox White, Public Information Officer/Grants Writer Beverly Lampe, Career-Technical Education Director Karen Cale, Child Nutrition Director Karen Duncan, Systems Engineer Marty Sharpe, Balls Creek Elementary School Principal Jeff Isenhour and St. Stephens High School Principal DeAnna Taylor.
Lauren Williamson represented the Hickory Daily Record. Also in attendance was Lauren Miller who represented the Observer News Enterprise and Jennifer Aronoff who represented the Catawba Valley Neighbors portion of the Charlotte Observer.
The meeting opened with a Moment of Silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Scott. Mrs. Blackburn then made the motion to approve the minutes of the July 25, 2005, August 22, 2005 and September 12, 2005 meetings. Mr. Hilton seconded the motion with no opposition. The Consent Agenda was amended by Superintendent Markley to add three additional field trip requests. After the amendment, the agenda was unanimously approved upon a motion by Mrs. Butler and seconded by Mrs. Spencer.
Public Hearing:
Attorney Davis conducted the Public Hearing portion of the meeting for comments concerning any agenda items. There were several persons present who wished to address members on redistricting. Attorney Davis asked persons addressing members to identify themselves and to limit their comments to three minutes. The first person to address members was Mr. John LaCount. Mr. LaCount asked members to not approve the presented proposed redistricting plan and to look at other possibilities. Others addressing members regarding redistricting were Ms. Cindy Lisk, Ms. Anita Painter and Ms. Janelle Callahan. Their concerns ranged from length of time on buses if the redistricting plan was approved, members should take additional time to review the proposed plan, look at better ways of addressing capacity problems in the schools,
and to consider the students that will be affected.
Other persons present wished to address members regarding track renovations at St. Stephens High School as it relates to the proposed budget. Mr. Jim Overwyke was the first person who made comments to members. Mr. Overwyke began by reviewing his comments that were made to members when he addressed them at the February meeting. Members were given folders with containing support documentation from the St. Stephens High School Athletic Boosters, St. Stephens High School PTO President, correspondence from Dr. Thomas Hill, correspondence from students on the track team, newspaper articles and copies of minutes from Board of Education meetings February 28, 2005 and March 21, 2005. Mr. Overwyke informed members that their community and school were under the impression that the monies were approved for their school’s track
renovations, but later discovered that the monies were not available. He stated that track meets at St. Stephens High School have already been scheduled for upcoming season. Mr. Overwyke asked for clarification of the misunderstanding and how dialog could begin with members.
Others addressing members regarding track renovations at St. Stephens High School were: Dr. Thomas Hill, Staff Anesthesiologist from Catawba Valley Medical Center; four members of the St. Stephens High School track team (James Cooper, Emily Hinson, Jessica Neal and Elise Siemering); Pam Siemering; Dale Rockensuess; and Steven Klecha. Dr. Hill addressed obesity among children today. He asked members to move forward with track renovations for the physical activity aspect for students. The four students who addressed members shared their concerns which included: safety concerns, the disappointment in finding out that funding was not available at the present time, and not being able to “host” track events. Ms. Elise Siemering emphasized the importance of the relationship among the team members and their inspiration to
her. Ms. Pam Siemering and Mr. Dale Rockensuess, both parents of members of the track team, reiterated the importance of building self esteem by participating in athletics.
To conclude the comments, Mr. Steven Klecha, a junior at St. Stephens High School and pole vaulting champion, stressed the need for safe track conditions.
There being no other persons present who wished to address members, Attorney Davis closed the Public Hearing portion of the meeting at 6:10 p.m.
Superintendent’s Report:
Superintendent Markley began his report by announcing that St. Stephens Elementary School was pre-selected to be eligible for the National Title I Distinguished Schools Award for Significantly Closing the Achievement Gap. The National Association of State Title I Directors and the United States Department of Education are sponsoring the recognition program. If selected by the State and with the passing of the Compliance/Civil Rights review, St. Stephens Elementary School could possibly be recognized during the 2006 National Title I Conference scheduled in January. First Lady Laura Bush will be the guest speaker as she honors the National Title I Distinguished Schools.
Other items of update included:
•All high school sophomores from Catawba County Schools are invited to attend the Career Showcase on Tuesday, October 11 at CVCC. More than seventy exhibitors representing various businesses will speak to the students about career options. For more details, contact Marion Gwaltney at the Central Office.
•The final two Q and A Sessions for the community will be held at St. Stephens Elementary School on Thursday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m. and then again on Sunday, October 2 at Mill Creek Middle School from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. These community meetings offer families a chance to exchange dialogue about future opportunities for their children as they discover ways in which Catawba County Schools is making a difference.
•The students of Catawba County Schools have raised thousands of dollars for the Katrina Hurricane Relief Fund. The final numbers will be announced during the ABC Celebrations scheduled next month.
•The 2005 Counselor of the Year Committee announced the selection of Ms. De Batchelor from Bandys High School as the Secondary Counselor of the Year and Ms. Rebecca Romeo from St. Stephens Elementary School as the Elementary Counselor of the Year. Congratulations were extended to both Ms. Batchelor and Ms. Romeo!
•Mill Creek Middle School’s Science Department will be presenting at this year’s Science Conference in Greensboro during November. The Mill Creek teachers will present the school-wide Science Olympiads. Congratulations were extended to the Science Department of Mill Creek!
•Spouses of the senior champion golfers (soon to visit Rock Barn Golf and Spa for the “Battle at the Barn”) will be reading to students at Lyle Creek Elementary School on October 6.
•The Fred T. Foard High School Tiger Band will be competing at the Third Annual Spartan Southern Classic at South Caldwell High School on Saturday, October 1 at 3:00 p.m. The band will also be competing at other marching band contests throughout October and November. In addition to these contests, the Eighth Annual Foard Band Classic will be held on Saturday, October 22 at the Tiger Stadium of Fred T. Foard High School. Twenty-one bands from the area, including Bandys High School, Maiden High School and St. Stephens High School will be competing.
•The 5C’s Restaurant of Catawba County Schools has reopened for business. Be sure to check out the delicious menus on the Catawba County Schools’ website. The restaurant is open every Wednesday and Thursday for lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The all-you-can-eat menu is offered to the public for only $6.00, which includes drinks and homemade desserts. The 5C’s will be featured in an article in the Catawba Valley Neighbors portion of the Charlotte Observer on Friday, September 30. Thanks were extended to Janet Ward for her leadership with the Culinary Arts Instructional Program.
•Ms. Leslie Black will be serving as the new Director of Information Services (formerly known as Media Services) at the Central Office. Ms. Black has worked as a Media Coordinator at Maiden High School and as one of the system’s Technology Facilitators. Congratulations were extended to Ms. Black on her new position.
•Ms. Joy Buff was named the 2005 Exceptional Children’s Teacher of Excellence. Ms. Buff’s principal, Beth Isenhour, describes Joy as “truly a joy” to her students, colleagues, parents and administrators. Ms. Buff provides a magnificent transition in terms of moving students from the sheltered environment of an elementary setting to the more autonomous middle school setting. Her calm demeanor and high expectations are the catalyst for the transition. In addition, Ms. Buff utilizes a myriad of strategies and approaches to help her students, whether they are in her classroom or an inclusion setting. Her positive attitude and thirst for “Best Practices” distinguishes her as a “Teacher of Excellence.” Congratulations were extended to Ms. Buff!
Lastly, Superintendent Markley informed members of his and Construction Coordinator Ernest Williams’ attendance at the Town of Catawba’s Planning Meeting on September 22, 2005. He informed members of the approval for rezoning of the new Catawba Elementary School property from industrial to residential.
The following Consent Agenda items were transacted:
Personnel Requests:
*approved certified employees Linda Caudill, Ray Clawson, Molly Rice, Miriam Starnes and Ronald Swanson;
*approved rehire of retirees Phyllis Biggerstaff, Marty Curtis, Nancy Dellinger, Marian Ford, Marion Gwaltney, Ed Klinck, Darrow Mann, Linda Moose, Terry Sidelinker, Donna Sigmon, Lecia Simmons, Kerry Stoker, Robert Whisnant and Laura Woodruff;
*approved VIF employee Susan Sutcliffe;
*approved classified employees Shannon Abernathy, Brian Bennett, Raegan Bolick, Dana Bradshaw, Tammy Brown, Phillip Daye, Janet Donadio, Dean Eades, Kim Faulkner, Kim Hayes, Holly Hoover, Linda Isenhour, Carrie James, Nancy Lail, Renea Lee, Luanne McCourry, Candice Mills, Paula Murphy, Monica Phillips, Tonya Self, Donna Smith, Susan Snyder, Corey Starr, Laura Stone, Rhonda Stone, Amy Watts and Tammy Winchell;
*granted leave of absence to certified employee Toni Sain;
*accepted the resignations of certified employees Cheryl Dyson, Cynthia Faucher, Dr. William Ross;
*granted the retirement request of certified employees Phyllis Biggerstaff, Debbie Bowman, Jill Crawford, Marty Curtis, Nancy Dellinger, Marian Ford, Marion Gwaltney, Mary Long, Darrow Mann, Linda Moose, Terry Sidelinker, Donna Sigmon, Frank Snider, Kerry Stoker, Robert Whisnant and Laura Woodruff;
*accepted the resignations of classified employees Barbara Cook, Frances Houston, Melissa Keller, Bonita Lester and Susan Snyder, and
*granted the retirement request of classified employees Scott Bowman, Mark Bumgarner, Linda Isenhour, Samlene Norman and Helena Shannon.
The Board was also furnished a listing of substitute teachers.
Field Trip Requests:
*Bandys High School FFA to Raleigh, North Carolina, October 12-16, 2005
*Arndt Middle School Seventh and Eighth Grade Social Studies Classes to Washington, DC, October 27-29, 2005
*St. Stephens High School FBLA to Greensboro, North Carolina, November 3-5, 2005
*Arndt Middle School Chorus to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, November 12-13, 2005
*St. Stephens High School Chorus to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, November 12-13, 2005
*St. Stephens High School Choral Department to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, November 13-14, 2005
*St. Stephens High School FBLA to Greensboro, North Carolina, April 6-8, 2006
*Fred T. Foard High School VICA-Masonry to Greensboro, North Carolina, April 10-12, 2006
*Bunker Hill High School Student Council to New York City and Washington, DC, April 20-24, 2006
*Jacobs Fork Middle School Seventh Grade Classes to Atlanta, Georgia, April 27-29, 2006
*River Bend Middle School Jr. Beta Club to Washington, DC, May 4-6, 2006
There being no questions or discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Hilton and seconded by Mrs. Blackburn to approve the presented Consent Items including the additional field trip requests. The motion carried.
The following items of Old Business were transacted:
OB#1: Conversation began in regards to redistricting with the construction of a new Maiden High School. A proposed redistricting was presented at several Board meetings. Four community meetings were held, two in April and two in May, to receive community input on redistricting. Many factors were discussed in order to provide what is best for the education of all students in Catawba County Schools. Earlier in today’s Work Session, members were presented the Growth Estimation Model of Catawba County from the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (current data and proposed redistricting data). Members were also presented information regarding the Long Range Facility Plan and long term needs for the school
system. Superintendent Markley stated that the proposed plan will address growth for the next ten years. Assistant Superintendent Brinson reiterated that all our schools make strong efforts every day to provide the best education for all students, and all persons involved in the proposed redistricting have high expectations for the schools.
Superintendent Markley began this item of business by reviewing Option 5 of the redistricting plan which was based on feedback from members earlier at the Work Session. Option 5 consisted of:
*No students will move from Bunker Hill High School to Bandys High School.
*Move all of Oxford Elementary School into the Bunker Hill Feeder District (a small corner currently is located in the Bandys/Mill Creek area).
*Reduce the proposed redistricting from Blackburn Elementary into Mt. View Elementary. The number of students under the Option 5 who would have been redistricted will be reduced. Students living on River Road and south of River Road on Zion Church Road will remain in the Blackburn Elementary district. Students living on Zion Church Road north of River Road will attend Mt. View Elementary School.
*Change certain “grandfather provisions:”
Allow all current middle and high school students to remain at their current school. No transportation will be provided for students who choose this option. Intent to stay must be made prior to the end of March 2006. Forms will be available January 1. When students exit middle school, they will have to attend the high school assigned to their residency.
Allow all current 4th/5th/6th grade students to remain at their current school.
No transportation will be provided for students who choose this option. Intent to stay must be made prior to the end of March 2006. Forms will be available January 1. When these students exit elementary school, they will have to attend the middle school assigned to their residency.
Superintendent Markley opened the floor for any discussion from members. Mr. Scott stated that he would like to “grandfather all K-12 students.” Mr. Sigmon then stated that redistricting was a very difficult task to do, but doing what was best for 17,000 students was what had to be done. There being no other questions or any discussion, Mr. Sigmon made the motion to accept administration’s recommendation to adopt Option 5 as presented by Superintendent Markley. Mrs. Butler seconded the motion. All members were in favor of the motion except for Mr. Scott who voted against the motion. After the vote was taken, Superintendent Markley addressed a question regarding “grandfathering all students” from the audience.
OB#2: Due to the absence of Chief Technology Officer Judith Ray at tonight’s meeting, Superintendent Markley presented six new Board of Education policies, required by the State, on second reading. The policies were approved on first reading at the September 12, 2005 Board of Education meeting. There being no questions or discussion regarding the policies, Mrs. Butler made the motion to approve the following six new Board of Education policies: Equipment/Materials Donation Policy, NCWISE Password and Workstation Policy, Remote Access Policy, Security Awareness Policy, Virus Protection Policy, and Technology Hardware and Software Procurement Policy. Mrs. Blackburn seconded the motion with no opposition.
The following items of New Business were then transacted:
NB#1: Members received prior to the meeting a copy of the 2005-2006 Catawba County Schools’ Budget Summary document. Superintendent Markley and Finance Officer Wolfe presented to members at their Work Session detailed information outlined in the document. Key points presented by Finance Officer Wolfe included: an average of 2.24% salary increase for all teachers; an average 2.11% salary increase for principals and assistants principals; and either a $850 increase or 2%, whichever is greater, for all other positions; retirement rate increased from 5.815% to 6.82%; and hospitalization insurance increased from $3,420 per year per employee to $3,745 per year.
The State Budget is based on initial allotments from the State Department of Public Instruction. Amendments will be made as changes occur. The Federal Budget is based on projects submitted and approved by the State Department of Public Instruction. The Capital Outlay Budget include carry-over projects in addition to new funding for four yellow buses, furniture and media retrieval system at Maiden High School, bus parking and air conditioning at Maiden Middle School, Tuttle Elementary School renovations and equipment, roof work, planning for the new Catawba Elementary School, future projects and per capita. The State Budget includes discretionary reductions of $545,759 which resulted in the loss of: four teacher positions, $114,439 (At-Risk Remediation Funds), $115,000 (teacher assistants), and
$125,000 (non-instructional support – custodians). The County Commissioners approved an allocation of $1,194 per student, an increase of $1,800,828. This amount included $794,052 in new funding for the 2% performance based bonus. The does not reflect the tremendous growth or the realities of opening a new high school and converting two other schools in a middle school and an elementary school. On the tenth day of school, enrollment was 17,137 up from 16,983 the previous year. Two other recommendations in the expansion items included: increase of $2.00 per ADM for library books and Phase II of expansion of classified salary schedule. Approximately $4.4 million is available in fund balance, of which $1.9 million is recommended in the presented budget. Within the $1.9 million is $54,962 of activity bus funds that are being transferred into the Capital Outlay Fund for the purchase of an additional bus. Approximately $2.5 million will be left in undesignated fund balance.
$2.5 million is 9.4% of our Local Current Expense Budget. The Local Government Commission recommends an undesignated fund balance between 8% and 15%. While the finalization of the 2005-2006 budget occurs, several issues to monitor during the 2006-2007 budget process will include: State Lottery Revenue, ½ cent local option sales tax (on hold until the next Senate session), and loss of sales tax revenue.
After Finance Officer Wolfe highlighted the key points of the presented budget, the floor was opened for any discussion or questions from members. Mrs. Butler commended Finance Officer Wolfe and her staff for their outstanding work with the budget. There being no other discussion, Mrs. Butler made the motion to approve the presented 2005-2006 Catawba County Schools’ Budget Summary document as presented by Finance Officer Wolfe. Mrs. Spencer seconded the motion with no opposition.
NB#2: Construction Coordinator Ernest Williams presented to members the Site Plan and Floor Plan for the new Catawba Elementary School during the Work Session earlier in the day. He informed members that monies have been set aside for the design and completion of the plans. Complete funding of the project is not available at this time, but in order to bid the project in February, approval of Site Plan and Floor Plan is necessary at the time. Mr. Hilton clarified that the members were only voting to proceed with the Site Plan and Floor Plan for the new Catawba Elementary School. There being no other comments or questions, Mr. Hilton made the motion to approve the presented Site Plan and Floor Plan for the new
Catawba Elementary School as presented by Construction Coordinator Williams. Mrs. Blackburn seconded the motion. All members were in favor of the motion.
NB#3: On September 22, 2005, Superintendent Markley and Construction Coordinator Ernest Williams attended the Town of Catawba’s Planning Meeting. The property, owned by Catawba County Schools where the new Catawba Elementary School will be built upon, currently is not in the town limits. Construction Coordinator Williams informed members that the Zoning Board approved the rezoning of the property from industrial to residential use. As a result, administration is requesting that the Town of Catawba annex the new Catawba Elementary School property into the town limits. No taxes will be involved with annexation, only members’ approval for this annexation request. There being no questions, Mrs. Spencer made the
motion to proceed with the annexation request for the new Catawba Elementary School property. Mr. Sigmon seconded the motion. All members were in favor of the motion.
NB#4: During the Work Session earlier in the day, Construction Coordinator Ernest Williams presented to members the Site Plan and Floor Plan for Bunker Hill High School Classroom addition. Board approval of the plans is necessary at the present time for future bidding when funding for the project becomes available. Construction Coordinator Williams addressed a school capacity question from Mrs. Butler. Upon a motion by Mrs. Blackburn and seconded by Mr. Hilton, members unanimously approved the Site Plan and Floor Plan for the classroom addition at Bunker Hill High School as presented by Construction Coordinator Williams.
NB#5: Administration received a bid on the surplus property at Startown Elementary School. Members received information, including the tax value of the .24 acres at $4,800.00, prior to the meeting for their review. The floor was opened for questions and discussion. Mrs. Butler’s questions evolved around the location of the property of the person placing the bid on the property in relation to the surplus property. She also asked about the property owner on the other side of the surplus property. Mrs. Butler made the motion give direction to Dr. Brinson to follow up with the offer and notify the bidder that the members were not interested in accepting the submitted bid of $2,400.00. Mrs. Butler and Mr. Sigmon
both asked that administration seek other interested parties for additional bids. Mrs. Blackburn seconded the motion with no opposition.
Public Comments:
Attorney Crystal Davis conducted the Public Comments portion of the agenda. Two persons present wished to address members. Ms. Renee Neal, parent of a St. Stephens High School student, was the first person to address members. Her comments and concerns addressed the communication factor between the general public and the Catawba County Board of Education. She stressed the importance of better communication with parents and the community.
Ms. Anita Painter then addressed members. She also stressed the importance of better communication with parents and the community. Ms. Painter’s concerns dealt with items of business conducted by members not being discussed with the public and not getting answers addressed by members.
There being no other persons present who wished to address members, Attorney Davis closed the Public Comments portion of the agenda. She informed those present of the Q and A Sessions with the Superintendent, one being held in the St. Stephens area on September 29. Attorney Davis encouraged those present to utilize the meeting for any questions they may have for the Superintendent. She also stated that members were legally bounded by laws and that specific questions were responded to in the Work Sessions that were held on the day before and earlier that day.
There being no other items of business to be conducted, Mrs. Butler made the motion to adjourn. Mrs. Blackburn seconded the motion. All members were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
__________________________
Charlie
Wyant, Chairman
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Timothy S.
Markley, Secretary
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