COMMUNICATOR
April
3, 2007 – The Carteret County Board of Education met in regular
session at 6:30 p.m. in the administrative offices of the school
system, Beaufort, NC. Attending the meeting: Chairman Cathy Neagle,
Vice Chairman June Fulcher and Board members Bill Blair, David Carr,
Adele Collins, Al Hill and Dr. Rick Luettich.
Others attending included Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ralph Lewis
(filling in for Superintendent Dr. David Lenker who is on medical
leave), Assistant Superintendent Dr. Pennylloyd Baldridge, Attorney
Neil Whitford, Communications Director Tabbie Nance, principals,
parents, community members, employees and members of the media.
This Carteret County Board of Education meeting can be viewed on TV
10 Time Warner Cable Sunday, April 8, at 12 noon.
Board members conducted a public comment forum from 6-6:30 p.m. No
one spoke during this time.
WELCOME
Chairman
Cathy Neagle welcomed those in attendance. Al Hill gave
the invocation and led the Pledge to the United States flag.
CONSIDER
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Adele
Collins made the motion to amend the agenda to include a Closed
Session after item IX.
Al Hill provided the second and all members voted to amend the
agenda.
Mrs.
Collins then made the motion to accept the agenda as amended.
Al
Hill provided the second and all members voted aye.
CONSIDER
PROCLAMATION FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL VOLUNTEER WEEK, APRIL 15-21, 2007
Board
members voted to proclaim April 15-21, 2007, as Public School
Volunteer Week in the Carteret County Public School System.
Communications Director Tabbie Nance read a proclamation that noted
annually about 3,600 volunteers donate about 146,830 hours of
service to students, teachers and staff.
Board member June Fulcher made the motion to proclaim April 15-21,
2007, as Public School Volunteer Week in the Carteret County Public
School System.
Adele
Collins provided the second and all members voted aye.
RECOGNIZE STUDENTS
SELECTED TO ATTEND THE 2007 SESSION OF GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL
Dixie
Leibert, President of the Arts for the Hospital, presented
certificates to student winners of the People’s Choice Art Awards.
She noted the Student Art Exhibition was combined with The Arts
Council of Carteret County’s Art from the Heart Exhibition. More
than 500 pieces of student art were exhibited along with 300 pieces
of adult artwork.
Students
honored were:
Nicole
Willis, Croatan High School, for piece titled Still Life;
Meagan
Arenas, Croatan High School, for piece titled Mental Regurgitation;
Shelby
Moore, Morehead City Middle School, for piece titled Masmoo;
Gabrielle
Gearin, Newport Middle School, for piece titled Pears;
Deanne
Wesler, Newport Elementary School, for piece titled Three Ships;
Sarah
Best, Beaufort Elementary School, for piece titled Abstract; and
Sabrina
Carraway, Beaufort Elementary School, for piece titled High Heel
Shoe.
RECOGNIZE
STUDENTS SELECTED TO ATTEND 2007 SESSION OF GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL
Fourteen
Carteret County Public School System students are among the 800
North Carolina rising high school juniors and seniors selected to
attend the 2007 Governor’s School, a six-week summer program for
academically or intellectually gifted students. Governor's School
West is located at Salem College in Winston-Salem. Governor's School
East takes place at Meredith College in Raleigh. The 2007 session
begins in June.
Croatan High School had four students selected: Casey Goepel, April
Harrison, Lauren Heath and Nicole Willis.
East Carteret High School had five students selected: Chris Berner,
Emily Jurow, John Haught, Nathan Sandlin and Hannah Townsend
West
Carteret High School had five students selected: Jordan Campbell,
Katie Coleman, Symone Huff, Jessica McDonald and Bobbie Ann Saleeby.
AIG staff members Patti Dill and Celeste Young and Counselor Kim
Krohn presented certificates.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF CONSENT
AGENDA
Chairman Neagle reviewed the items on the Consent Agenda.
These items were:
A. Consider Approval of Minutes of March 13, 2007, Special Board
Meeting, and of March 15, 2007, Special Board Meeting;
B. Consider Personnel Matters (personnel matters are listed at end
of this document);
C. Student Transfers;
D. Field Trip Requests;
E. Fund Raiser Requests;
F. Bond Projects Funding Requisitions for:
1 – Broad Creek Middle Change Order #1, no dollar change,
2 – Beaufort Middle Change Order #1, no dollar change
3 – Broad Creek Middle Change Order #3, $2,744.59;
G. QZAB Funding (Morehead City Elementary) Change Requests for:
1 – HVAC Change Order #M-1, $1,050.00;
2 – HVAC Change Order #M-2, $6,600.00.
H. Smyrna Elementary Window Replacement – Designation of
Construction Management Project;
I. Harkers Island Elementary Window Replacement – Designation of
Construction Management
Project.
Al Hill made the
motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Bill Blair provided the second. The motion passed with all Board
members voting aye.
HIGH STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND ACHIEVEMENT
CONSIDER SECOND READING OF REVISIONS TO POLICY AND REGULATION JGA
– USE OF RESTRAINT, SECLUSION OR AVERSIVE PROCEDURES
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Pennylloyd Baldridge presented the
second reading of revisions to Policy and Regulation JGA – Use of
Restraint, Seclusion or Aversive Procedures for consideration. She
presented these revisions for first reading at the Board of
Education’s March 13, 2007, meeting. She presented these revisions
on behalf of the Policy Committee, and noted that Policy and
Regulation JGA were rewritten to comply with NC House Bill 1032
(Reasonable Force). That bill mandates that public schools notice,
report and document all permissible and prohibitive incidences
involving restraint, seclusion and isolation. A reporting form has
also been written to be included with the policy and regulation. Dr.
Baldridge noted the school system has trained all principals, and
principals are in the process of training staff as required by the
mandates of House Bill 1032.
Dr. Rick Luettich made the motion to approve Policy and Regulation
JGA as presented.
June Fulcher provided the second and all members voted aye.
CONSIDER
SECOND READING OF REVISIONS TO POLICY AND REGULATION JPA –
PARTICIPATION IN CURRICULAR AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Assistant
Superintendent Dr. Pennylloyd Baldridge presented the second reading
of revisions to Policy and Regulation JPA – Participation in
Curricular and Co-Curricular Activities for consideration. She
presented the first reading at the Board of Education’s March 13,
2007, meeting. Dr. Baldridge noted the policy and regulation address
the eligibility of alternative students to participate on high
school athletic teams in the county. The added language is from the
NC High School Athletic Association’s Handbook and aligns the
eligibility of alternative high school students with what is already
in practice with middle school alterative students.
David Carr made the motion to approve Policy and Regulation JPA as
presented.
Adele Collins provided the second and all members voted aye.
CONSIDER FIRST READING ON NEW POLICY IAG – CITIZENSHIP AND
CHARACTER EDUCATION
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Pennylloyd Baldridge presented
Policy IAG – Citizenship and Character Education for first
reading. She noted this policy complies with recent NC General
Statutes regarding the display of flags and the Pledge of Allegiance
as well as citizenship and character education.
RECEIVE
MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Plant Operations Director Judson Walton presented information to the
Board.
Bridges Alternative – Permitting is complete through the
County Planning Department for the new Bridges Alternative School
building and site. The modular units are complete and are currently
being placed on site. Inspections by the county are ongoing as work
continues. Mr. Walton said the goal was to have the site ready for
occupancy on or about June 15, 2007. He said at that time the school
system would cease all maintenance at the Charles S. Wallace site
including supplies for custodial services.
Communication – Staff have identified the communication
needs at each school and the information has been shared with
schools in the event they decide to purchase a new system. Staff is
investigating Voiceover-IP as a local phone service.
Harkers Island Elementary – The intercom at the school has
been contracted and work should start during spring break.
Mowing Season – A regular mowing schedule has started at
all sites, including sites identified by the county athletic
director.
West Carteret High – The HVAC serving the stage area is
being installed.
General – Staff continues to work on a preventive and
predictive maintenance program.
RECEIVE
BOND PROJECTS UPDATE
Receive Update
Mr. Maready noted that all active bond projects are progressing
well.
He updated the Board on several Bond projects.
Beaufort Middle – Roof work is near completion with
manufacturer’s inspection being conduced this month.
Bogue Sound Elementary – The classroom addition project is
progressing well with no issues and is expected to be available for
the start of school in August 2007. While the HVAC renovation
project has no activity on site, submittals are being reviewed and
equipment is being ordered for a surge of summer work.
Broad Creek Middle – Roofing work will be completed in
mid-May with satisfaction in project and progress.
East Carteret High – The settlement plates are being
monitored twice a week and reported to all concerned parties. There
has been minimal settlement as of March 26, 2007. Bids on the
addition are being analyzed for presentation at the next Board of
Education meeting.
Harkers Island Elementary – A pre-construction meeting for
the roof replacement will take place April 4, 2007, with work
commencing and coordinating with the HVAC work.
Newport Elementary – Bids for the classroom addition and
the HVAC renovation will be received April 12, 2007.
White Oak Elementary – Bids for the classroom addition and
the HVAC renovation will be received April 10, 2007.
Door Renovations – This system-wide project will be
completed by the end of April.
HVAC Renovations – A pre-construction meeting for the HVAC
renovations at Atlantic Elementary, Harkers Island Elementary and
Smyrna Elementary will take place April 4.
Update on QZAB Project – The Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB)
project at Morehead City Elementary is progressing. The HVAC and
electrical project continues to move ahead with no issues. This
project is scheduled for completion in mid-August. The window
replacement study is complete and bids are expected later this
month.
FISCAL
DEPARTMENT ITEMS
CONSIDER BUDGET REVISION
Finance Officer J. Ipock requested Board members consider one budget
revision.
Budget Revision 19 – This revision amends the Capital outlay fund
for amendments to the Bond Project Ordinance requested by the Board
of Education at its March meeting and approved by the County at its
March meeting. These were for: HVAC upgrades at Atlantic Elementary
($688,700), Harkers Island Elementary ($728,131) and Smyrna
Elementary ($791,000); Harkers Island Elementary roof replacement
($180,530); West Carteret High softball field lights ($68,216); and
a change order for Beaufort Middle roof replacement ($8,511).
Dr. Rick Luettich made the motion to approve the changes to the Bond
Project ordinance requested by the Board of Education and approved
by the County in March relating to HVAC upgrades at Atlantic
Elementary, Harkers Island Elementary and Smyrna Elementary; Harkers
Island Elementary roof replacement; West Carteret High softball
field lights; and a change order for the Beaufort Middle roof
replacement.
Al Hill provided the second and all members voted aye.
Dr. Luettich noted the County had already approved these items.
CONSIDER
REQUEST TO AMEND BOND PROJECT ORDINANCE
Mr. Ipock requested the Board amend the Bond Project Ordinance for
two requests.
Mr. Ipock noted the first request was for the change orders
affecting the contract amounts in the consent agenda. These were for
the Broad Creek Middle roof change order #3 for $2,744.59; and the
Morehead City Elementary HVAC change orders #1 for $1.050 and #2 for
$6,600. These change orders do not increase the total contract
amount over the budgeted amount so no change to the QZAB Project
Ordinance is required but copies of these change orders will be
forwarded to the County.
The second request was for line items in the construction projects
for “owners costs associated with construction contracts”. These
items are small costs such as safety fencing, construction
entrances, debris removal and testing that are the owner’s
expense. The request is for $10,000 for East Carteret High and
$5,000 each for Bogue Sound Elementary, Newport Elementary and White
Oak Elementary.
Dr. Luettich made the motion to approve a request to amend the Bond
Project Ordinance for: Change Order #3 on the Broad Creek Middle
School roofing contract; Change orders #1 and #2 on the Morehead
City Elementary HVAC contract; and “owners costs associated with
construction contracts” for East Carteret High, Bogue Sound
Elementary, Newport Elementary and White Oak Elementary.
Al Hill provided the second and all members voted aye.
EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION AND INVOLVEMENT AMONG STAKEHOLDERS
DISCUSSION OF OFFER FROM COUNTY FOR NEWPORT PROPERTY
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ralph Lewis stated County Manager
John Langdon had brought a formal offer to the Board of Education to
purchase 11 acres of property adjoining the Newport Middle School
campus. Dr. Lewis said there was also an alternative offer to
purchase 6 of those 11 acres. Mr. Langdon stated in his letter that
both offers for the purchase would be for no less than the appraised
value as determined by Earl Jones’ appraisal.
Dr. Rick Luettich asked if this item was on the agenda for
information, as stated, or action.
Ms. Neagle stated the item was on the agenda for information and to
allow Board members to discuss the concerns.
Ms. Neagle asked Dr. Lewis if information had been gathered about
growth in that area.
Dr. Lewis said membership figures had been compiled but no
demographic study had been done of the area. He said contact had
been made about a possible study, and said the estimated costs
figures would be $10,000 or less for a study of the area.
Ms. Neagle said that inquiry about a study should go forward because
that information was important for the Board to have in their
consideration of the offer to purchase the property. She noted the
bond referendum meets the needs of the school system yesterday and
not in the future. She said the new classrooms that are part of the
bond for Newport Elementary would be replacing existing mobile
classrooms. Ms. Neagle said results of demographic study of the area
would be important information for the Board of Education to have.
Mr. Carr said the study was necessary, but he does not know how the
study will be paid for. He said he is not in any position to move on
this item quickly. Mr. Carr said the new superintendent should have
input in this decision. Mr. Carr thinks the people of the county
should have an opportunity to speak on a decision that is this
important. Mr. Carr also suggested the Board of Education get its
own appraisal of the property. He thinks the market should determine
what that property is worth. Mr. Carr said if the Board does decide
to sell the property, it should be advertised and the county could
then have the first right of refusal.
Mr. Hill said he would not make any decision without a growth study.
He believes it would be premature to make any decision without data.
Mr. Hill said citizens of Newport are encouraging him to gather
data. He said it would be nice if the Board of Education and the
County Commissioners could use the same energy being aired with the
media and with others to work together for the benefit of the
county’s citizens. Mr. Hill said he would not be forced into
making a decision without data, and added that property is not going
down in value.
Adele Collins asked if Newport Middle had room to expand and for
verification that Newport Elementary did not have room to expand.
Board members confirmed those two statements.
Dr. Luettich said the new classroom building at Newport Elementary
School allowed for the most space at the least cost. He noted that
if money is available from that project, it would help with the
parking and traffic issues.
Bill Blair asked if this study could address what a good optimal
enrollment for an elementary school is in the county. Mr. Blair said
he is particularly interested in data for the Newport and western
end of the county.
June Fulcher said she would like input from the current
superintendent. She noted that Dr. Lenker had knowledge about the
property and its intent when purchased.
Mr. Carr would like the study to address the entire county so it
would provide data for future discussions.
Ms. Neagle asked Dr. Lewis to convey the information from the
discussion to County Manager John Langdon and to the County
Commissioners. She then asked Dr. Lewis to proceed with seeking a
demographic study of the whole county.
Dr. Lewis said he will do this and will provide the information to
Dr. Lenker as well.
Mr. Carr said this would take time so the Commissioners might want
to look at other property.
Mr. Blair said the issue of the F18 Super Hornets is still open, and
said that could impact the student populations on the western end of
the county.
Dr. Luettich asked Mr. Ipock if the student enrollment projections
he does take into account new developments.
Mr. Ipock said the projections he does are based on historical data
and take into account the number of students who move from grade to
grade. He said the kindergarten projection is based on the average
of the last three years. The projections are no longer based on live
births in the county because of the number of people moving in and
out of the county. Mr. Ipock said the projections are not 100
percent accurate. He believes the demographic study being discussed
would be helpful.
Mr. Hill said starter homes in Newport cost less than elsewhere in
the county, and these attract young families. He cautioned the Board
not to move quickly without data.
COMMENTS FROM ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ralph Lewis is handling many of the
duties of the superintendent’s office while Dr. David Lenker is on
medical leave.
Dr. Lewis noted the NC School Boards Association is conducting the
superintendent’s search. As part of that search, two online
surveys are being conducted. One is for community members and one is
for staff members. Dr. Lewis invited the public to complete the
survey by going to the school system’s website at www.carteretcountyschools.org.
Dr. Lewis told Board members four Carteret County students were
among the top 100 finalists in the state competition for the
National Geographic Bee. Beaufort Middle School’s Morty Gaskill, a
7th grader, finished second in the state competition.
COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Board Chairman Cathy Neagle invited Board members to make comments.
June Fulcher – Mrs. Fulcher said the end of the school year is
near and testing would be taking place. She noted this was a busy
time of year.
Bill Blair – Mr. Blair said the recent Battle of Books competition
was exciting, and the students impressed him.
Dr.
Rick Luettich – Dr. Luettich said it was gratifying to see so many
bond projects underway, and to see some of the bond projects being
completed and closed out.
David Carr – Mr. Carr said spring break is next week and he
reminded everyone to be careful and safe while traveling. He
expressed his appreciation to all staff members and principals for
their extra time. He also thanked Commissioner Greg Lewis for
attending the meeting.
Adele Collins – Mrs. Collins thanked the town of Cape Carteret for
footing the bill for a School Resource Officer at White Oak
Elementary School.
Al Hill – Mr. Hill encouraged students to be safe and smart during
Spring break.
Ms. Neagle
thanked the Board and staff for their preparation. She encouraged
community members to complete the surveys related to the
superintendent’s search.
REMINDERS
Chair Cathy Neagle noted the next Board of Education meeting would
take place May 1, 6:30 p.m. The Board will meet with School Advisory
Council chairmen from 5-6 p.m. and then will conduct a public
comment time from 6-6:30 p.m. that evening.
CLOSED SESSION
David Carr made the motion to convene in closed session to receive a
report on pending litigation and related matters subject to the
attorney client privilege.
Al Hill provided the second and all members voted aye.
RETURN TO OPEN
SESSION
June Fulcher made the motion to return to open session.
David Carr provided the second.
No
action was taken in open session.
ADJOURNMENT
Adele Collins
made the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Dr. Rick Luettich provided the second and all members voted aye.
APPROVED
PERSONNEL MATTERS – APRIL 3, 2007
Licensed
Employees
Leave
of Absence
Michelle
Phillips, Math Teacher, West Carteret High School
(04/06/07-06/04/07)
Resignations
Claudia
Byrd, Pre-K Teacher, Morehead City Primary School
(06/08/07)
Kelly
Crichton, Special Education Teacher, Bridges Alternative School
(03/21/07)
David
Lee, NOVA NET Teacher, West Carteret High School
(02/15/07)
Charles
Toler, Electrical Trades Teacher, West Carteret High School
(03/15/07)
Michael
Turner, PE Teacher/Coach, West Carteret High School
(06/01/07)
Retirements
Rebecca
Ackert, English Teacher, West Carteret High School
(07/01/07)
Laurie
Brown, State Assistance Team, West Carteret High School
(07/01/07)
Theresa
Jones, Assistant Principal, Morehead City Middle School
(06/12/07)
Sharon
Lewis, Special Education Teacher, Morehead City Primary School
(07/01/07)
Gordon
Patrick, Principal, West Carteret High School
(07/01/07)
Support
Employees
Hires
Michael
Huckaby, Warehouseman, Warehouse
(03/09/07)
Cynthia
Kirkbride, Temporary Teacher Assistant, Morehead City Middle School
(03/26/07-06/12/07)
Marcus
McDonald, Custodian, Beaufort Elementary School
(03/20/07)
James
McGinnis, Temporary, Sp Ed Teacher Assistant, Bogue Sound Elementary
School
(02/23/07)
Resignations
Matthew
Lara, Teacher Assistant, Morehead City Middle School
(02/21/07)
Shanovia
Sutton, Part-time Food Service, Newport Elementary School
(03/08/07)
Retirements
Merita
Eubanks, Cafeteria Manager, Smyrna Elementary School
(03/05/07)
