[../../../banner.htm]
[../../../navbar.htm]

 

Carteret County Public School System
COMMUNICATOR


COMMUNICATOR

September 20, 2005 (meeting was delayed one week because of Hurricane Ophelia) – 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 Mike Hodges and Board members Bill Blair, June Fulcher, Al Hill and Dr. Rick Luettich. Board member David Carr was absent. Others attending included Superintendent Dr. David Lenker, Assistant Superintendent John Welmers, Board Attorney Neil Whitford, Communications Director Tabbie Nance Merrill, 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 September 25, at 12 noon.

Prior to the meeting, Board members conducted a public forum from 6-6:30 p.m. and met with Advisory Council members from 5-6 p.m.

WELCOME

Chairman Cathy Neagle welcomed those in attendance.

June Fulcher gave the invocation and led the Pledge to the United States flag.
Chairman Neagle recognized Rep. Jean Preston and invited her to make comments. Rep. Preston attended the meeting to recognize the school system’s Employees of the Year. She noted the many successes of the school system and thanked the administrators, teachers and staff members for their hard work and dedication to students.


C
ONSIDER APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Mike Hodges made the motion to amend the agenda to delete IV.B – Consider Naming Gym at Morehead City Elementary School for Ralph Wade. Mr. Hodges noted the presenter, teacher Diane Tyner, had a death in her family. He requested the item be placed on the October agenda. Al Hill provided the second.

Mike Hodges made the motion to approve the agenda as amended. June Fulcher provided the second and all members voted aye.


RECOGNITION SCHOOL SYSTEM EMPLOYEES OF YEAR
The 2005-2006 Employees of the Year were recognized. The announcement of these five award winners was made in August. Recognized were:
Debbie Baysden, Classified Employee of the Year; Marylene Tootle, Certified Employee of the Year; Deborah Belknap, Teacher of the Year; Dr. Rita Mullins, Assistant Principal of the Year; and Cathy Tomon, Principal of the Year.

Wachovia Marketing President John Eagan made a special presentation to Principal of the Year Mrs. Tomon. Mr. Eagan noted this was the 22nd year of Wachovia Principal of the Year award program. She will advance to the regional level and then the eight regional winners will compete on the state level.
Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative representative Bill Ward presented a plaque containing the pictures of the five award winners to Board members. Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative hosts the August announcement reception each year.

HIGH STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND ACHIEVEMENT
RECOGINITION OF ELISSA HACHMEISTER
Board members honored Elissa Hachmeister for her outstanding accomplishments in Speech and Debate last year. At East Carteret High School, Miss Hachmeister is a member of the Speech and Debate Team and was honored for receiving more than 50 awards in National Forensic League (NFL) competition. She is this year’s NFL President. Teacher and NFL Coach Julia Millush made the presentation.


CONSIDER APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Chairman Cathy Neagle reviewed the items on the Consent Agenda. These items were: Consider Approval of Minutes of August 9, 2005, Board Meeting; Consider Fund Raiser Requests; Consider Field Trip Requests; Consider Student Transfers; and Consider School Advisory Council Recommendations.

Mrs. Neagle noted David Carr was absent because the date of the Board meeting had been changed. She shared some concerns he had about field trips that involved rental cars, specifically that the policy requires background checks on drivers and verification of insurance coverage.

Mike Hodges reported the Transportation Committee was meeting to address those concerns.

Dr. Rick Luettich noted that field trip requests must include an explanation of the education benefit of the trip for students.

June Fulcher made the motion to approve the items on the consent agenda. Bill Blair provided the second and all members voted aye.

EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE AND ACCOUNTABLE OPERATIONS
RECEIVE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS UPDATE

Director of Plant Operations Judson Walton provided the Board with information on a number of construction projects.

Morehead City Elementary – The preliminary bid date for both the HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) and the roofing will be about December 5, 2005.

Newport Elementary – The replacement canopy is 100 percent complete.

Morehead City Primary – Painting of this school is about 80 percent complete.
Smyrna Elementary – Painting for this school will start after the Morehead City Primary painting is completed.

Mr. Walton noted the November 8, 2005, bond included funds to replace two chillers at Broad Creek Middle School that are failing. Mr. Walton requested the Board seek permission from the County Commissioners to allow the two chillers at Broad Creek Middle School to be purchased as soon as possible. He noted the total for the replacement of the two chillers at Broad Creek Middle School and the associated work would be about $140,000.

Dr. Luettich made the motion to request the County Commissioners fund the request for about $140,000 to replace the two chillers at Broad Creek Middle School. He noted that this was an emergency. Dr. Luettich said this work needed to be done and the money could be recouped when the bond passes. He noted the County discouraged the school system from carrying a fund balance, so this was appropriate. Al Hill provided the second and all members voted aye.

Mike Hodges asked that a letter be drafted outlining all the details and presented to the County Commissioners.

RECEIVE MAINTENANCE UPDATE

Director of Plant Operations Judson Walton provided the Board with updates on a number of items.
General Issues – The mowing contractors were changed in June and again in July, and Mr. Walton said the mowing should be back on schedule in the next few weeks.

One of the original custodial contractor companies was released and all contract cleaning services have been awarded to Plain Jane’s, Morehead City.
White Oak Elementary – The mobile unit is being used and the approximate cost was $68,000 from maintenance funds.

West Carteret High – The mobile unit for the occupational school is being used. The approximate cost is slightly less than the one at White Oak because of size and class requirements.

Hurricane Ophelia Damage Assessment Report – Mr. Walton presented the Board members with an initial assessment of the damage caused to schools and school sites by Hurricane Ophelia. He estimated the damage costs of $500,000 to $750,000 to buildings, $50,000 to $75,000 for cleanup and $18,000 for utilities.
Mr. Walton and Finance Officer J. Ipock met with FEMA representatives Monday to provide them with initial estimates.

He noted the worse damage was at West Carteret High School and the Maintenance Department.

Mr. Walton said work continued to be done and assessments are ongoing.

CONSIDER FISCAL DEPARTMENT ITEMS

Board members heard a report from Finance Officer J. Ipock.

2005-2006 Budget Resolution – Mr. Ipock presented a budget resolution for 2005-2006 that reflected changes in all funds for mandated increases. Mr. Ipock noted some revenues had been changed from the original estimates to cover increases in the local budget not funded by the County Commissioners, the largest being the fund balance from 2004-2005 in the amount of $330,764. The budget resolution presented totaled $71,542,503.

Bill Blair made the motion to approve the Budget Resolution as presented in the amount of $71,542,503. Mike Hodges provided the second. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Ipock asked the Board to consider the following Budget Revisions.

Budget Revision #1 – This revision carries over outstanding purchase orders at June 30, 2005, and funds them from fund balance generated in 2004-2005.
Budget Revision #2 – This revision carries over the unspent equipment/buildings and grounds balance at June 30, 2005, and funds them from County funds carried over from 2004-2005 ($76,599.08).

Budget Revision #3 – This revision carries over unfinished capital projects at June 30, 2005, and funds them from the original funding source for each project ($289,137.79).

Budget Revision #4 – This revision adjusts the Local budget for State instructional supply and media supply funding for 2005-2006 ($391,026).

Budget Revision #5 – This revision adjusts the Local budget for State textbook funds carried over from 2004-2005 ($256,832.14).

Budget Revision #6 – This revision adjusts the Local budget for State textbook funds for 2005-2006 ($479,928).

Budget Revision #7 – This revision adjusts the Local budget for the 2005-2006 Workforce Investment Act (WIA) grant ($199,586).


June Fulcher made the motion to approve Budget Revisions 1 – 7 as presented. Mike Hodges provided the second and all members voted.

OPTIMAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
REPORT FROM ARCHITECT SELECTION COMMITTEE
Board Vice Chairman Mike Hodges updated the Board on the actions of the Architect Selection Committee. The committee is made up of Mr. Hodges, Superintendent Dr. David Lenker, Board members June Fulcher and Dr. Rick Luettich, and Plant Operations Director Judson Walton. Mr. Hodges said the committee initially reviewed 21 responses to a request for architectural services and narrowed the scope to six firms. Mr. Hodges said the Architect Selection Committee met August 30 and interviewed six firms. The Committee recommended the Board hire SFL+A Architects, a firm based in Fayetteville.

Mr. Hodges made the motion to accept SFL+A Architects of Fayetteville for the construction projects at Newport Elementary School and White Oak Elementary School contingent upon satisfactory fees.

June Fulcher and Dr. Rick Luettich both provided the second. Mrs. Fulcher said the decision was unanimous by the Architect Selection Committee. All members voted aye.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION SUPPORTING SCHOOL SYSTEM TWO BOND REFERENDUMS

Board members unanimously approved a resolution supporting the two school bond referendums voters will be asked to consider November 8, 2005. The resolution states: Professional studies chartered by the Board of Education and our Carteret County Commissioners have thoroughly documented numerous critical and immediate needs for major structural renovations, building expansions and systems improvements for public schools throughout Carteret County. The Board of Education fully supports the County Commissioners' initiative for a public voting referendum to be held on November 8, 2005, for citizens to consent to the sale of low interest General Obligation Bonds totaling $50,010,000 which are intended to finance major capital renovations, improvements and building expansions necessary to improve the state of our public education facilities. If the sale of General Obligation Bonds is not approved by this public referendum, other more expensive means of financing will be required to pay for the same critical repairs and additions to our public schools. The Carteret County Board of Education fully supports and strongly encourages all voters in Carteret County to approve the sale of General Obligation Bonds to repair and improve our public education facilities. Board members urged all voters to "Vote YES Twice" and approve this necessary investment for the health, safety and education of the county's children.

Cathy Neagle made the motion to approve the resolution supporting the school system’s two bond referendums on the November 8, 2005, election ballot.

All members provided the second and all members unanimously voted aye.

QUALITY TEACHERS, STAFF AND ADMINISTRATORS
CONSIDER PERSONNEL MATTERS

Assistant Superintendent John Welmers presented the personnel matters to Board members.
June Fulcher made the motion to approve the following personnel matters as presented. Bill Blair provided the second and all voted aye.

Mrs. Fulcher made the motion to accept Jodi Cordova as treasurer of Bogue Sound Elementary School, as recommended by Mr. Welmers. Al Hill provided the second and all members voted aye.

Licensed Employees

Hires

Bettie Baker, Elementary Teacher, Newport Elementary School

(08/17/05)

Jill Hopper, 1st semester Spanish Teacher, West Carteret High School

(08/17/05) 2nd semester Spanish Teacher, Croatan High School           

Christina Jackson, Physical Education Teacher, Newport Elementary School

(08/17/05)

Katie Meeker, Special Education Teacher, White Oak Elementary School

(08/17/05)     

Jo-Ellen Prack, Physical Education Teacher, Bogue Sound Elementary School

(08/17/05)

Daniel Roach, Special Education Teacher, White Oak Elementary School

(08/17/05)

Cara Salter, Elementary Teacher, Newport Elementary School

(08/17/05)

Catherine Saunders, Earth Science Teacher, West Carteret High School

(08/17/05)

Steven Yount, Social Studies Teacher, Croatan High School

(08/17/05)

 

Transfers

Rebecca Ballou, Fr. Computer Technician, Central Office                                   

(08/17/05) To Technology Facilitator, Newport Middle School

Shawn Bates, Fr. Social Studies Teacher, Newport Middle School

(08/17/05) To Social Studies Teacher, 50% AES/50% HIES

Madeleine Schaw, Fr. Preschool Itinerant Teacher, Central Office

(08/25/05) To Speech Pathologist, Smyrna Elementary School

 

Leave of Absence

Danette Guthrie, Career & Technical Teacher, Newport Middle School

(08/22/05-10/28/05)

 

Resignations

Richard Burke, Physical Education Teacher, Newport Elementary School

(08/01/05)

David Cubbage, Social Studies Teacher, Croatan High School

(09/03/05)

Michael McKay, Technology Facilitator, Newport Middle School

(08/02/05)

Kristen Viszneki, Music Teacher, White Oak Elementary School

(08/15/05)

 

Retirements

Richard Fritz, Science Teacher, Croatan High School

(06/06/05)

Belinda Griffin, Special Education Teacher, Newport Elementary School

(10/01/05)

Alton Hill, Special Education Teacher, East Carteret High School

(08/31/05)

 

Support Employees

Hires

Kimberly Becker, Teacher Assistant, White Oak Elementary School

(08/22/05)

Brenda Bennett, Part-time Food Service, Morehead Elementary School

(08/17/05)

Beverly Candelario, Part-time Food Service, West Carteret High School

(08/17/05)

Kristi Cole, Teacher Assistant, White Oak Elementary School

(08/18/05)

Jodi Cordova, Secretary/Bookkeeper, Bogue Sound Elementary School

(08/31/05)

Tammy Garganus, Teacher Assistant, Newport Elementary School

(08/25/05)

Jessica Gibson, Teacher Assistant, Bogue Sound Elementary School

(08/23/05)

Angel Guerry, Teacher Assistant, Morehead City Primary School

(08/25/05)

Tracy Huckaby, Teacher Assistant, Newport Elementary School

(08/19/05)

Jennifer Ingram, Teacher Assistant, White Oak Elementary School

(09/19/05)

Jamie Johnson, Teacher Assistant, Morehead City Primary School

(08/24/05)

Debbie Jones, Teacher Assistant, Smyrna Elementary School

(08/24/05)

Jennifer King, Food Service, Newport Elementary School

(08/17/08)

Cheri Kofink, Part-time Food Service, Croatan High School

(08/24/05)

Wyatt Lee, Teacher Assistant, White Oak Elementary School

(08/17/05)

Holly Minchin, Teacher Assistant, Beaufort Elementary School

(08/22/05)

Stephanie Morris, Teacher Assistant, Beaufort Elementary School

(08/22/05)

 

Scarlet Owen, Teacher Assistant, White Oak Elementary School

(08/19/05)

Sherrie Parker, Part-time Food Service, Newport Elementary School

(08/22/05)

Sophia Patterson, Teacher Assistant, Bogue Sound Elementary School

(09/12/05)

Frankie Sartin, Food Service, Newport Elementary School

(08/17/05)

Susan Scearce, Teacher Assistant, White Oak Elementary School

(08/31/05)

Kelly Schaefer, Teacher Assistant, Morehead City Primary School

(08/30/05)

Samuel Smith, Teacher Assistant, Bogue Sound Elementary School

(08/29/05)

Holly Styron, Teacher Assistant, Atlantic Elementary School

(08/31/05)

Trisha Vann, Teacher Assistant, Beaufort Middle School

(09/06/05)

Melissa Willis, Teacher Assistant, Morehead City Primary School

(08/17/05)

 

Transfers

Victor Ansel, Fr. Technician Assistant, Central Office

(09/01/05) To Technician II, Central Office

Karry Harmon, Fr. Part-time Food Service, Newport Elementary School

(08/17/05) To Full-time Food Service, Newport Elementary School

Jo Sutzko, Fr. Teacher Assistant, White Oak Elementary School

(08/17/05) To Teacher Assistant, Bogue Sound Elementary School

Gail Torres, Fr. Assist. Cafeteria Manager, Newport Middle School

(08/17/05) To Cafeteria Manager, Newport Middle School

Carolyn Ward, Fr. Teacher Assistant, Morehead City Middle School

(09/06/05) To Teacher Assistant, West Carteret High School

Denise Wyckoff, Fr. Food Service, Broad Creek Middle School

(08/30/05) To Interim Cafeteria Manager, Broad Creek Middle School

 

Returning from a Leave of Absence

Michelle Meadows, Teacher Assistant, White Oak Elementary School

(8/24/05)

 

Leave of Absence

Megan Burroughs, Teacher Assistant, Morehead City Primary School

(09/23/05-11/18/05)

Michelle Quinn, Intervenor, Central Office

(2005-2006 school year)

 

Transfers

Suzanne Tompkins, Fr. Administrative Assistant, Central Office

(10/01/05) To Technology Support, Central Office

 

Resignations

Dawn Chadwick, Teacher Assistant, Atlantic Elementary School

(08/08/05)

Dominica Davis, Food Service, Newport Elementary School

(07/29/05)

Vanessa Ellison, Teacher Assistant, West Carteret High School

(08/17/05)

Misty Hall, Part-time Food Service, Croatan High School

(08/23/05)

Carol Holder, Part-time Food Service, Newport Middle School

(07/22/05)

Sue Mason, Teacher Assistant, Smyrna Elementary School

(09/02/05)

Monica McGuffin, Teacher Assistant, Morehead City Primary School

(08/05/05)

Shannon Nelson, Teacher Assistant, Newport Elementary School

(08/23/05)

Melissa Pittman, Teacher Assistant, Morehead City Primary School

(09/16/05)

Laurie Podd, Part-time Food Service, Newport Elementary School

(08/26/05)

Lillian Thomas, Teacher Assistant, West Carteret High School

(07/30/05)

Donna Wade, Part-time Food Service, Harkers Island Elementary School

(08/10/05)

Victoria Wallace, Part-time Food Service, Newport Middle School

(08/17/05)

Retirements

Helen Foley, Custodian, Harkers Island Elementary School
(10/01/05)

Sharon Gibble, Teacher Assistant, Morehead City Primary School
(08/04/05)

Helen Jones, Secretary/Bookkeeper, Bogue Sound Elementary School
(10/01/05)

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND INVOLVEMENT AMONG STAKEHOLDERS

REPORT FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Superintendent Dr. David Lenker reported the system’s total enrollment was up about 170 students. He noted the growth was spread across the county. Growth at Bogue Sound Elementary School was a major concern because there were no additional classrooms for the expansion. Dr. Lenker said the school system would apply to the state as soon as possible to request additional funds and/or staff.

Board members asked Dr. Lenker to review the makeup days for the four days missed because of Hurricane Ophelia. Dr. Lenker reviewed the makeup days set by the Board when the 2005-2006 calendar was adopted in December 2004. Board members discussed and reviewed a number of options, all noting the calendar this year was tight and allowed few options.

Mike Hodges made the motion to set the four needed makeup days as October 10, December 19 and 20, and January 24. Bill Blair provided the second. After discussion, the motion failed 1-6 with Mr. Hodges casting the one aye vote.

Dr. Luettich made the motion to set the four needed makeup days as October 10, December 19, 20 and 21. This would result in December 16 becoming a full day and December 21 becoming an early release day. Al Hill provided the second.

June Fulcher cautioned if additional makeup days were needed this semester than Saturday makeup days would have to be considered. She said this would be the only option with the calendar being so tight, and Dare County was using Saturdays for makeup days this fall.

The motion passed 5-2 with June Fulcher and Mike Hodges casting the nay votes.

COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS

Board Chairman Cathy Neagle invited Board members to make comments.
Mike Hodges – Mr. Hodges thanked maintenance and transportation staff, principals and all staff for their hard work during the recent hurricane.

Al Hill – Mr. Hill also thanked the staff for the extra work they did, and he noted that community members also helped during the hurricane. He noted the successful bond referendums were vital to the school system.

June Fulcher – Mrs. Fulcher thanked many for their hard work: Department of Transportation, Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative, Progress Energy, the Baptist Men and Women, and the many volunteers. She noted the bond referendum would not be a financial hardship to any one individual, and it was important that people support the bonds.

Bill Blair – Mr. Blair said he now has two grandchildren living with him and he was pleased to enroll them in Beaufort Elementary School this year. Mr. Blair said water in the ditches around East Carteret High School was level to the road at the school and was all around the building. He stressed the need for the citizens to pass the bond referendum on November 8.

Dr. Rick Luettich – Dr. Luettich congratulated all the employees of the year and thanked them for their hard work. He urged the school staff to communicate with the County Commissioners at all times possible when there are substantial needs.

Mrs. Neagle – She thanked the Board members for their time.


REMINDERS
The Board of Education will hold a Fall Workshop Tuesday, September 27, at 9 a.m. in the central office.

The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., October 11, 2005. A public comment period will take place from 6-6:30 p.m. on the same evening.

CLOSED SESSION

Mike Hodges made the motion to enter into closed session for the purpose evaluating personnel and consulting with the attorney regarding matters within the attorney client privilege. June Fulcher provided the second and all members voted aye.

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
Mike Hodges made the motion to return to open session. Al Hill provided the second and all members voted aye. No action was taken in closed session.

ADJOURNMENT
Mike Hodges made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Al Hill provided the second and all members voted aye.

Archives of Past Editions of The Communicator
Sept. 2005 Oct. 2005 Nov. 2005 Dec. 2005 Jan. 2006
Feb. 2006 March 2006 April 2006 May 2006 June 2006
July 2006 August 2006 Sept. 2006 Oct. 2006 Nov. 2006
Dec. 2006 Jan. 2007 Feb. 2007 March 2007 April 2007
May 2007 June 2007 July 2007 August 2007 Sept. 2007
Oct. 2007 Nov. 2007 Dec. 2007 Jan. 2008 Feb. 2008
March 2008 April 2008 May 2008 June 2008 July 2008
August 2008 Sept. 2008 Oct. 2008 Nov. 2008 Dec. 2008
Jan. 2009 Feb. 2009 March 2009 April 2009 May 2009
June 2009 July 2009 August 2009 September 2009 October 2009
Nov. 2009 Dec. 2009 Jan. 2010 Feb. 2010 March 2010
April 2010 May 2010 June 2010 July 2010 August 2010
Sept. 2010 Oct. 2010 Nov. 2010 Dec. 2010 January 2011
Feb. 2011 March 2011 April 2011 May 2011 June 2011
July 2011 August 2011 Sept. 2011 October 2011 Nov. 2011
Dec. 2011 Jan. 2012 Feb. 2012 March 2012 April 2012
May 2012        

   


Hit Counter