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Carteret
County Public School System
OCTOBER 7, 2008 Attending the meeting: Chair Cathy Neagle, Vice Chairman Al Hill and Board members Bill Blair, David Carr, Adele Collins, June Fulcher and Shelley Sylivant.
Others attending included Superintendent Brad Sneeden, Assistant
Superintendents Jeanne Huntley and Dr. Ralph Lewis, Board Attorney
Neil Whitford, Communications Director Tabbie Nance, principals,
parents, community members, employees and members of the media. WELCOMEChairman 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 June Fulcher made the motion to approve the agenda as presented.
Al Hill provided the
second and all members voted aye.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA The
Consent Agenda items were: B. Personnel Matters (personnel matters are listed at end of this document); C. Student Transfers for 2008-2009 School Year; D. Advisory Council Recommendations; E.
Fund Raiser Requests; and Al Hill addressed questions recently asked by Board members about the use of charter buses and the inspection process. Mr. Hill serves on the Transportation Committee and endorses the current procedures for checking charter buses prior to their departure. David Carr made the motion to accept the Consent Agenda as presented. Al Hill provided the second and the motion passed with all members voting aye.
HIGH STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND ACHIEVEMENT Ms. Huntley reported the school system received a $7,500 Ready Schools planning grant for staff development and classroom supplies in the reading area. Carteret County was one of only eight school systems in the state to receive the planning grant.
Mrs. Peel and Cynthia Downum, Title 1 Helping Teacher, are
co-chairmen of the Carteret County Ready Schools Task Force. Ms. Huntley noted that Bogue Sound Elementary School is going through the Ready Schools assessment. She praised Principal Terrie Beeson and the faculty and staff at that school for taking this initiative. Mrs. Peel said the Task Force has a goal of having nine schools in the county designated as Ready Schools.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF CROATAN HIGH SCHOOL BAND FIELD
TRIP Chair Cathy Neagle asked the Board members to vote on the trip in open session, and do so in two parts. One motion would be to consider the Croatan High School’s Band trip to Maryland and Washington, DC. The second motion would be to consider Croatan High School’s Band going to New York, NY, after the Maryland and Washington, DC, competition. David Carr made the motion to approve the Croatan High School’s Band trip to Maryland and Washington, DC. Adele Collins provided the second and all members voted aye. June Fulcher made the motion to approve Croatan High School’s Band trip to New York, NY, after the Maryland and Washington, DC, competition. Bill Blair provided the second. The motion passed 5-2 with Cathy Neagle and David Carr casting the nay votes.
Cathy Neagle requested time after the vote to allow Board members to make comments. Mrs. Neagle said the Croatan High School field trip request to Maryland, Washington, DC, and New York, NY, was the topic of much thought and discussion. She said the school system was fortunate to have the resources to hire highly qualified teachers and noted that recruitment and retention were important. Mrs. Neagle expressed concerned about any activity that takes students out the classroom and away from those highly qualified teachers. Mrs. Neagle said she does see the value in field trips, but is concerned that the New York portion of the trip is not a focused experience. She is also concerned about the cost of the trip. Mrs. Neagle said there were 180 days of instruction, leaving the remaining 185 days of the year for trips. By using those other days, high school students could remain in the classroom. She urged teachers, principals, Superintendent Brad Sneeden and the Policy Committee members to take a long hard look at field trips. David Carr serves on the Policy Committee and would like the field trip policy to be reviewed. Mr. Carr said he often hears that money has already been committed for the trip before it has been approved by the Board. He said he was not sympathetic to that plea. He urged field trip sponsors to read the policy, and noted the policy states until the Board approves a field trip no money should be collected. Mr. Carr has concerns about the distance students are traveling on charter buses because of the risks to students. He also is concerned about the expense of trips. Mr. Carr questioned if it is the school system’s responsibility to provide students with some of the travel experiences requested, such as trips overseas. He noted that trips can be school sponsored or non-school sponsored trips. As a Board member, Mr. Carr is interested in seeing more of the trips being non-school sponsored than school sponsored. Mr. Carr warned that a culture change is coming and the Policy Committee will be reviewing the current procedures. Mr. Hill expressed concern about the economic impact and students end up owing the school money for trips. He urged trip sponsors to keep the financial impact in mind because he does not want a student to end up owing a considerable amount of money that must be paid before the graduation ceremony. Shelley Sylivant said the cultural experience of going to some of these places was important, but most of her most important culture experiences came after high school. She noted we are in a litigious society now. Mrs. Sylivant said when students are out of high school for two days in a row, they miss two days of instruction. With four 90-minute classes each day this results in missing three hours of instruction per class. She added that one student out of class had an impact on all students in the classroom because that student needs to catch up. June Fulcher said she understands the concerns stated but stressed it is the responsibility of the students to make up the work missed for an approved field trip. She believes students gain a great deal by taking part in educational field trips. Mrs. Fulcher said considering field trips is difficult for her because of the possibility of accidents. Yet, she does not feel students can be denied the opportunity to broaden their horizons. Students look forward to education trips and competition trips and it is part of their growth process, especially in high school. Bill Blair said the inequity of opportunities for youth in the county has always concerned him. He noted many young people would never have these education trips without them being provided through the school system. Mr. Blair said the school system’s job is to educate all children. If education field study programs do not take place, many students will miss the learning opportunities provided through trips. He noted he values the classroom instructional process, but warned against locking children in the four walls of a classroom because trips are an extension of the classroom. Mr. Blair said all education is not equal and the school system must do all it can to equalize it. If that is not done, then the Board members are missing the “public” part of “public education”. Mr. Carr said the school system is responsible for education but he does not think it should be responsible for trips to such places as Orlando, New York or overseas. He does not see how that is an equity issue. Mr. Carr said the whole reason the Board was talking about this was because the trip sponsors for the Croatan High School band trip did not provide all the information the policy requests. All trips must be curriculum based. He wants students to have every education opportunity available, but he does not think it is the Board of Education’s responsibility to provide those opportunities. Mrs. Fulcher agreed that all the information was not provided at the beginning, but it was later received. She noted it was the Board’s responsibility to listen and do what is best for students. She believes field trip experiences enhance a student’s education and it is the Board’s moral responsibility to provide those experiences in a variety of ways. Mr. Hill said if the Board members believe their job of educating students is all within the classroom building than they are missing the boat. He noted the trips make good citizens out of students. Mrs. Sylivant said it seems that all Board members believe trips have value and that was shown by the two votes. She noted a balance needs to be found, and the Policy Committee will address that in its review of the field trip policy.
RECEIVE UPDATE ON SAT SCORES Dr. Lewis reviewed the county’s overall scores and compared those scores over the last 12 years to the scores of students across the state and nation. The Class of 2008 scores were as follows: Croatan High School – 1566; East Carteret High School – 1520; and West Carteret High School – 1521. He noted the significant 95 point gain made by East Carteret High School students, and the fact that students at Croatan High School and West Carteret High School continue to score above the national average in reading and math. Dr. Lewis also noted the high percentage of Croatan High School students taking the test and the school’s overall high score. Last year 78.3 percent of the eligible students at Croatan High School took the SAT, well above the county average of 62.2 percent, the state average of 63.0 percent and the national average of 45.0 percent. Dr.
Lewis noted SAT scores are not an accountability measure. The SAT is
a self selected test. The SAT is for the graduating class. If a
student takes the SAT several times, the College Board has defined
that the student’s final score is from the last test the student
took. The second reading of this proposed policy will be presented at the Board of Education’s November meeting.
QUALITY TEACHERS, STAFF AND ADMINISTRATION Dr. Lewis noted because some teacher assistants do not drive a school bus route on a regular basis, having all non-exempt teacher assistants drive a school bus route a minimum of four times per semester per school year will help refresh driving skills. The second reading of this policy revision will be presented at the Board of Education’s November meeting. Bill Blair said he recognizes the need, but noted this insertion could take funding from the regular drivers. He particularly noted the issue of smaller schools with a number of teacher assistants and only a limited number of buses. Al Hill said that salary issue was discussed by the Policy Committee. He said bus drivers often need assistance and can not find drivers who are willing to drive. Mr. Hill noted the teacher assistant could drive on a field trip. Mr. Hill said Policy Committee members were concerned about an employee losing salary, but at the same time recognized the need for all drivers to be ready and experienced to drive.
EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE
AND ACCOUNTABLE OPERATIONS
CONSIDER BUDGET
REVISIONS Budget Revision 7 – This revision budgets for the nurse grant from Carteret General Hospital. This grant is for the 2008-2009 fiscal year and has to be requested on an annual basis. This year’s grant was received with the help of the Carteret County Commissioners. This grant is in the amount of $51,520. Budget Revision 8 – This revision budgets for the unspent portion of the QZAB for Morehead City Elementary School. These bond funds must be re-appropriated each fiscal year. The unspent amount at June 30, 2008, was $541,947.35. Budget Revision 9 – This revision budgets for the unspent portion of the approved GO bond issuance funding. These bond funds must be re-appropriated each fiscal year. The amount to be re-appropriated at June 30, 2008, was $9,234,306.54. Budget Revision 10 – This revision amends the Capital Outlay fund for amendments to the Bond Project Ordinance requested by the Board of Education and approved by the County Commissioners. These were for increased architect fees at Bogue Sound Elementary School ($15,753), Newport Elementary School ($2,924), East Carteret High School ($87,170) and White Oak Elementary School ($15,056), and construction costs at White Oak Elementary School ($46,174). Adele Collins made the motion to approve Budget Revisions 6-10 as presented. Al Hill provided the second and all members voted aye.
CONSIDER
REQUEST TO CARRY OVER CAPITAL FUNDS Category II – Equipment and Buildings & Grounds - $130,324.72; Category III – Vehicles - $238,719.93; Category I – Safety & Accessibility - $341,678.81; Category I – Planned Repairs - $35,413.50; and Category I – White Oak sewer replacement - $1,590.88. Total - $747,727.84
June Fulcher made the
motion to request the Carteret County Commissioners carryover
(reappropriate) the unspent 2007-2008 capital funds in the
categories and the amounts for 2008-2009 as presented.
CONSIDER BID FOR CROATAN HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
Superintendent Brad
Sneeden asked Board members to consider awarding a bid for the
Croatan High School auditorium to Farrior & Sons Inc. in the amount
of $4,178,000. The auditorium will contain at minimum 700 seats. Mr. Sneeden noted the project estimate was $5,004,853.00. The bid is $4,178,000 from Farrior & Sons, Inc. includes alternates G-1 and G-5. The other parts of the bid award will be: Architect and Engineering fees - $324,500.00 and Contingency - $400,000.00. Mr. Sneeden said, based on past bond work, he believes all the contingency will not be used. Mr. Sneeden also noted the project can in $102,353.00 under budget. Bill Blair asked about alternates 2, 3 and 4.
Mr. Sneeden said those
alternates may or may not be addressed depending on funding. Adele Collins made the motion to accept the bid of $4,178,000 from Farrior & Sons, Inc., and forward a request to the County Commissioners in the amount of $4,901,500. Shelley Sylivant provided the second and all members voted aye.
EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION AND INVOLVEMENT AMONG STAKEHOLDERS
MAINTENANCE
REPORT -
He noted the departments
emphasis on energy savings opportunities. Maintenance staff is working at all sites to help with HVAC issues and telephone issues.
BOND UPDATE -
Atlantic Elementary - work in progress: n/a; work in planning: n/a; future work: n/a; comment: all bond work is complete on this campus; follow-up is on going to ensure proper operation of work in place.
Beaufort Middle -
work in progress: HVAC renovations (near completion); work in planning: n/a; future work: n/a; comment: all bond work will be complete upon close-out of HVAC renovations. Bogue Sound Elementary - completed work: HVAC renovations; new construction (6 class rooms); chiller replacement; all general repair items; work in progress: n/a; work in planning: sewer upgrade; future work: sewer upgrade to be accomplished in correlation with construction of CHS Auditorium; comment: one-year warranty inspection has recently been conducted on the new construction and the HVAC renovation work; no significant items were identified for contractors to address. Broad Creek Middle - completed work: new roof; ventilation in mezzanine; heat pump conversion in admin area; chiller replacement; all general repair items; work in progress: HVAC renovations (near completion); work in planning: sewer upgrade; future work: sewer evaluations are being reviewed by the state with no real definitive answer on time line; upon instruction from State Department of Environmental Health and DPI, work will be accomplished; comment: engineering by DPI is free and worth the wait. Croatan High - completed work: weather strips and seals at exterior doors; work in progress: HVAC renovations (complete early 2009); work in planning: 700 seat auditorium; future work: n/a; comment: auditorium bids were open 9/30/08; BOE being asked to approve issuance of contract at the 10/7/08 meeting; work will begin within 30 days and be complete early 2010. East Carteret High - completed work: new roof; chiller replacement; two phases of window replacement; work in progress: new construction (24 class rooms); work in planning: final phase of window replacement; revisions to parking lot; HVAC renovations; future work: multiple plumbing and electrical renovations; multiple cosmetic renovations (floors, wall and ceilings); multiple outside/grounds renovations; comment: new classroom building will be ready for us to occupy by November 1st; upon relocation of staff and students to the new building, emphasis will be placed on major renovations to take place in the existing facility. Harkers Island Elementary - completed work: new roof; HVAC renovations; kitchen hood revisions; several general repair items; interior painting; work in progress: n/a; work in planning: window replacement; future work: blast and paint fuel oil tank. Morehead City Elementary - completed work: new roof; new windows; HVAC renovations; paint interior; toilet partitions; interior doors and locks; work in progress: n/a; work in planning: sidewalk / paving additions and repair; future work: miscellaneous lighting and electrical upgrades; comment: reviewing with agencies what will be allowed for paving and sidewalk areas within the impervious area parameters. Morehead City Middle - completed work: replacement of 60 windows; kitchen hood revisions; work in progress: HVAC renovations; work in planning: replace 1500 damaged ceiling tiles; seal open soffit; future work: minor miscellaneous general repairs; comment: HVAC is substantially complete and near final completion. Morehead City Primary - completed work: chiller replacement; kitchen hood revisions; toilet partitions; work in progress: HVAC renovations; work in planning: n/a; future work: miscellaneous general repairs; roof flashing and trim; comment: HVAC is substantially complete and near final completion. Newport Elementary - completed work: new construction (16 classrooms, admin area and parking lot); window and blind replacement; electrical and lighting repairs; paint outside of gym; roof replacement; work in progress: HVAC renovations; miscellaneous interior renovations; work in planning: n/a; future work: painting; miscellaneous general repairs; comment: HVAC is substantially complete and near final completion; most of remaining general repair items will be addressed in arrears of major projects at other locations. Smyrna Elementary - completed work: kitchen hood revisions; window replacement; HVAC renovations; work in progress: miscellaneous general repairs; work in planning: n/a; future work: n/a; comment: upon completion of a few minor general repairs, bond work at this campus will be complete.
West Carteret High - work in progress: n/a; work in planning: major HVAC renovation; future work: window replacement; outside and grounds renovations; comment: planning to bid the HVAC renovation project early next year; project is a large financial project and a long duration project. White Oak Elementary - completed work: new construction (16 classrooms, dinning addition, media addition); gym roof and insulation; HVAC renovations; new roof; partial window replacement; several general repair items; work in progress: miscellaneous general repair items; work in planning: additional window replacement; additional general repair items; future work: miscellaneous interior renovations; comment: planning to complete the remaining window replacement in the immediate future; remaining general repair items will be planned in arrears of major projects at other locations. Central Services - completed work: replacement of HVAC units; new roof; work in progress: n/a; work in planning: n/a; future work: n/a; comment: bond work is complete on this building. Transportation/Maintenance - completed work: new work bays; work in progress: n/a; work in planning: new roof on existing building; future work: n/a; comment: scope of work has been defined for roof replacement and quotes have been solicited; expect to have conclusion on this within 30 days.
COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Board Chair Cathy Neagle invited Board members to make comments. Adele Collins – Mrs. Collins expressed pleasure about the bid for the auditorium at Croatan High School. She was excited about the two ribbon cuttings that took place in late September. June Fulcher – Mrs. Fulcher was pleased with the two ribbon cuttings to show off the new classroom building at Newport Elementary and the new additions at White Oak Elementary. Bill Blair – Mr. Blair also expressed pleasure about the completed bond projects and the fact children were now using those additions. Shelley Sylivant – Mrs. Sylivant is looking forward to the Croatan High School auditorium. David Carr – Mr. Carr had no comments at this time. Cathy Neagle – Mrs. Neagle thanked the Board for their time and service on the Board.
REMINDERS
CLOSED SESSION RETURN TO OPEN SESSION June Fulcher made the motion to return to open session. Adele Collins provided the second and all members voted aye. No action was taken in open session.
ADJOURNMENT Bill Blair made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Al
Hill provided the second and all members voted aye.
APPROVED PERSONNEL MATTERS – OCTOBER 7, 2008 Licensed EmployeesTransfersBrooke Clements, Fr EC Teacher, Beaufort Elementary School (08/14/2008) To EC Teacher, New Opportunities/Bridges ResignationsAmy Bruce, Media Coordinator, Morehead Middle School (10/17/2008) Wendy Conder, Life Skills Teacher, Morehead Middle School (11/07/2008) John Fortner, Agriculture Teacher, West Carteret High School (08/13/2008) Christine Martin, Math/Science Teacher, Bridges Alternative School (09/12/2008) Darlene Rappa, PE Teacher, Morehead Middle School (08/13/2008)
RetirementsAnn House, Elementary Teacher, Beaufort Elementary School (01/01/2009) Teresa Riley, AIG Teacher, Morehead Elementary School/Morehead Middle School (01/01/2009)
Non-Licensed EmployeesNew HiresBonnie Dixon, P/T Food Service, Newport Middle School (09/17/2008)
TransfersDeb Willis, Fr Teacher Assistant, Smyrna Elementary School 8/28/2008, To Teacher Assistant Morehead Elementary School
ResignationsNenita Frith, P/T Food Service, White Oak Elementary School (06/06/2008) Susan Gainey, Receptionist, Central Services (10/10/2008) Jennifer Hall, P/T Food Service, Morehead City Primary School (09/17/2008) Essie House, Cafeteria Manager, Harkers Island Elementary School (08/01/2008) Josephine Kata, P/T Food Service, East Carteret High School (09/17/2008) Todd Stuchel, Mechanic, Maintenance Department (10/03/2008) Lisa Wiedner, P/T Food Service, Newport Middle School (09/19/2008) |