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

 

Carteret County Public School System
COMMUNICATOR


JANUARY 6, 2009

The Carteret County Board of Education met January 6, 2009, in regular session at 6:30 p.m. in the administrative offices of the school system, Beaufort, NC.

Attending the meeting: Vice Chairman Al Hill and Board members David Carr, Adele Collins, June Fulcher and Shelley Sylivant. Chair Cathy Neagle was out of town and Bill Blair was sick.
Others attending included Interim Superintendent Jeanne Huntley, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ralph Lewis, Board 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 Time Warner’s Carolina 10 Sunday, January 11, at 12 noon.
Board members met with Advisory Council Chairmen prior to the meeting. Board members conducted a public comment forum from 6-6:30 p.m. prior to the meeting and no one spoke during that time.

WELCOME                     

Vice Chair Al Hill welcomed those in attendance. Shelley Sylivant 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 Consent Agenda by removing H. Employment Transfer of Mobile Van Dentist and to replace it with H. Bond Projects Funding Requisition – East Carteret High School Parking/Paving.
June Fulcher provided the second and all members voted aye.

June Fulcher made the motion to approve the agenda as amended.

Shelley Sylivant provided the second and all members voted aye.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Vice Chair Al Hill reviewed the items on the Consent Agenda.

The Consent Agenda items were:
A. Approval of Minutes of the December 2, 2008, Board meeting;

B. Personnel Matters (personnel matters are listed at end of this document);

C. Fund Raiser Requests;
D. Student Transfers;
E. Field Trips; and
F. Graduation Dates – Croatan High School, June 4, 6:30 p.m.;
East Carteret High School, June 5, 6 p.m.; and
West Carteret High School, June 5, 6:30 p.m.

G. 2009-2010 Agreement with Project Lead the Way; and
H. Bond Projects Funding Requisition – East Carteret High School Parking/Paving.

Adele Collins made the motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Shelley Sylivant provided the second. Vice Chair Al Hill recused himself from the vote because his wife was listed on Personnel Matters. The vote passed 4-0-1.

GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE STUDENTS
FOCUS ON 21st CENTURY INSTRUCTION

Nancy Allen shared information about inquiry-based science programs taking place in the school system. In the fall of 2007, nearly all the county’s fifth grade teachers and eighth grade science teachers attended training on age-appropriate kits developed specifically for goals of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. During the summer 2008, sixth, seventh and eighth grade science teachers were trained on additional kits, and in October 2008 the county’s kindergarten through fifth grade teachers were trained on additional kits.

Beaufort Elementary School fifth grade teacher Sylvia Wheatly told Board members how the science kits were used and the importance of the staff development received. She noted that cooperative inquiry-based curriculum provides “hands on” exploration of the objects, organisms and science phenomena to be investigated and encourages students to discuss their observations and explain their results.

Ms. Wheatly shared the impact of the science kits on her students and introduced fifth grader Scott Willis to the Board members. Mr. Willis demonstrated recent creations. She noted that Mr. Willis was a quiet student who had used the kits to learn and was now a classroom leader and a science project engineer in the class.

Beaufort Elementary School Media Coordinator Jackie Ramus stressed the importance of the science kits and noted that the students’ work extends into all areas of the curriculum.

Interim Superintendent Jeanne Huntley said the staff development was part of the school system’s five-year Laser Science Strategic Plan. She noted by the end of the five years all kindergarten through eighth grade teachers will be trained in inquiry-based instructional strategies and be fully trained in two hands-on kits in their respective science strands. Ms. Huntley noted this was a great beginning but more training and equipment was needed in the school system.

21st CENTURY PROFESSIONALS
RECEIVE PRESENTATION OF SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH SURVEY RESULTS AND DISCUSSION OF CHARACTERISTICS IMPORTANT IN A NEW SUPERINTENDENT

North Carolina School Boards Association (NCSBA) Legal Counsel Allison Schafer and NCSBA Senior Staff Attorney Kathy Boyd updated Board members on the search for a new superintendent. Board of Education members retained the NCSBA to conduct a search for a new superintendent after the unexpected death of former Superintendent Brad Sneeden. The deadline for applications was January 5, 2009, with a selection and announcement tentatively set for late March. The timeline calls for the new superintendent to be employed as of April 30.

Ms. Schafer told Board members 24 applicants were received and those will be mailed to Board members next week. She noted that all applications are confidential. After Board members have time to review the applications, a special meeting will be called in late January for the Board to select the candidates to interview.
Ms. Schafer noted the NCSBA does not screen applicants for the Board of Education because it is the Board’s decision about whom to interview. The NCSBA does complete a chart on each candidate that identifies such items as their work experience and their education.

As part of their services, the NCSBA conducted two online surveys regarding the qualifications needed in a superintendent. One survey was for community members and one was for staff members.

Ms. Schafer said 34 community responses and 229 staff responses were received. She said it was NCSBA’s findings that low responses usually mean individuals are pleased with the school system. Ms. Schafer noted the survey results indicated strong satisfaction with Mr. Sneeden.

Ms. Schafer gave a brief review of the survey findings.

The Community Staff Responses indicated the three most important items to the 34 responders was a person willing to take new approaches to teaching and learning; one who understands current school programs; and knows how to get staff, students, parents and community to work together to help children

The Staff Survey Responses indicated the three most important items of the 229 responders was a person who knows how to get staff, students, parents and community to work together to help children; one who understands current school program; and one who has strong human relations or “people” skills.

Ms. Schafer then invited Board members to share qualities they will look for in a candidate and she wrote those qualities on poster paper. The following is a summary of those comments.

Adele Collins – An individual who knows how to get staff, students, parents and community to work together to help children learn;

Al Hill – One who works to continue the connection and positive relationship with the County Commissioners; one who puts broad experiences into practice;

David Carr – A candidate with knowledge of the North Carolina state school system; an innovative leader;

June Fulcher – A candidate with an understanding of school finance, and of the business and private sector; an individual with knowledge of the state’s school system; one who will spend time getting to know the school system, programs and staff; a visible leader; a strong communicator; an individual who is accessible and responsive; an individual able manage construction/building projects; and

Shelley Sylivant – An innovative leader with strong skills.

Ms. Schafer said the importance of the surveys and the discussion tonight was for the Board to learn the important items to community members, staff members and fellow Board members. Ms. Schafer will use the comments to develop the interview rating sheet.

GOVERNED AND SUPPORTED BY 21st CENTURY SYSTEMS
FISCAL DEPARTMENT -
Finance Officer J. Ipock shared a number of items with Board members.

CONSIDER BUDGET REVISION
Board members considered one Budget Revision.

Budget Revision 15 – This revision amends the Capital Outlay fund for amendments to the Bond Project ordinance requested by the Board of Education and approved by the Carteret County Commissioners.

June Fulcher made the motion to approve Budget Revision 15 as presented.

Shelley Sylivant provided the second and all members voted aye.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
Board members reviewed the school system’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report as of June 30, 2008. This year’s report includes the Compliance Report in the same document. Adam Scepurek of Dixon Hughes, PLLC, reviewed the report and spoke to the Board.
Mr. Scepurek stated in the professional opinion of Dixon Hughes, PLLC, the Carteret County Public School System complied, in all material respects, with the requirements of its major state and federal programs for the year ended June 30, 2008. Transactions with the county were also reviewed and the school system was found to be compliant.

Mr. Ipock reviewed several items in the report including the Balance Sheet; the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances; and the General Fund. The undesignated fund balance at June 30, 2008, was $80,433.

Mr. Ipock noted this year, local, state and federal fund operating revenues increased by $2,640,962 (3.8 percent) from $69,764,931 to $72,408,893 for these type funds. The state provided 65.4 percent of the funding while federal sources accounted for 6.1 percent and local sources (county and other) provided 28.5 percent.

Mr. Ipock noted the local, state and federal fund operating expenditures totaled $72,430,380 and represented an increase of 3.1 percent over the 2007-2008 expenditures of $70,257,888. He stated that 81.9 percent of these funds go directly to instructional programs. Mr. Ipock said 17.1 percent goes to support services and 1.0 percent goes to other programs.

Mr. Ipock reviewed the Child Nutrition Fund and stressed the hard and efficient work the staff does. He also warned that Board members might be asked in the coming year to consider an increase in meal prices to cover increasing costs the Child Nutrition program can not control – including state salaries and benefits and food and transportation costs.

David Carr made the motion to approve the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report as presented.
June Fulcher provided the second and all members voted aye.

CONSIDER RENOVATIONS OF EAST CARTERET HIGH SCHOOL WINGS E & F
Interim Superintendent Jeanne Huntley reported that the New Construction Committee met December 16, 2008, about renovation plans for wings E and F at East Carteret High School. Board members June Fulcher, Al Hill and Shelley Sylivant are on the committee.

At that meeting East Carteret High School Principal Ralph Holloway had outlined instructional programs for the space, and Ms. Huntley has worked with County Manager John Langdon to identify community uses of the space as well. The New Construction Committee unanimously agreed with the renovation plans.

Ms. Huntley requested Board members consider the plans as information and not take action at the meeting. She noted Board members are in the middle of the budget process and upcoming bond projects will be carefully considered in how they will impact coming budget requests.

Shelley Sylivant made the motion to receive the item as an information item and not as an action item.

Adele Collins provided the second and all members voted aye.

LEADERSHIP WILL GUIDE INNOVATION IN SCHOOLS
COMMENTS FROM INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT

Interim Superintendent Jeanne Huntley thanked the Board members for their hard work and continuing support.

MAINTENANCE REPORT -
Ms. Huntley noted that the school system is now going into the fourth year of the bond referendum projects and many challenges remain. This work impacts maintenance and Ms. Huntley thanked the maintenance staff for their hard work.

BOND UPDATE -
Ms. Huntley said bond projects were advancing. She noted the weather did not allow the paving of the East Carteret High School parking lot over the Christmas break, but the work is scheduled to be completed by January 19. The auditorium at Croatan High School is moving forward, and HVAC renovations are West Carteret High School are in the planning phase.

COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS

Vice Chair Al Hill invited Board members to make comments.
Adele Collins – Mrs. Collins said she was excited about the new classroom building at East Carteret High School and noted she was a former teacher at the school.

June Fulcher – Mrs. Fulcher said she was very excited about the new classroom building at East Carteret High School. She stated she was pleased with the progress of the bond projects.

Shelley Sylivant – Mrs. Sylivant said she is also excited about the new classroom building at East Carteret High School. She added she was pleased with the number of applicants received in the superintendent’s search.

David Carr – Mr. Carr expressed his gratitude to the Marine Corps and the National Guard for helping the school system move furniture and equipment into the new classroom building at East Carteret High School. He congratulated the many seniors from across the county already receiving college scholarships.

Al Hill – Mr. Hill thanked fellow Board members and school system staff members for their hard work.

REMINDERS
Vice Chair Al Hill invited everyone to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new classroom building at East Carteret High School that will take place at 9 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2009.

Mr. Hill noted the next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting would take place Tuesday, February 3, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. The Board will conduct a public comment forum 5:30-6:30 p.m. and requests public input on the 2009-2010 school system budget at that time.

ADJOURNMENT

David Carr made the motion to adjourn the meeting.

Shelley Sylivant provided the second and all members voted aye.

 

APPROVED PERSONNEL MATTERS – JANUARY 6, 2009

Licensed Employees

New Hires

Amanda Daniels, Elementary Education Teacher            , Bogue Sound Elementary School

(01/01/2009)
McKinley Brooke Lupton, Art Teacher, Broad Creek Middle School

(01/02/2009)

John Washalefsky, Elementary Education Teacher, Beaufort Elementary School

(01/05/2009)                 

Transfers

Wendy Gower, Fr EC Teacher, Broad Creek Middle School

(01/20/2009) To EC Teacher, West Carteret High School

Alesia Hill, Fr Elementary Teacher, Newport Elementary School 

(01/01/2009) To Language Arts Teacher, Newport Middle School

Resignations

James Cassara, Art Teacher, Broad Creek Middle School

(12/31/2008)                                                     

Retirements

Laura Gail Bottoms, Math Teacher, West Carteret High School

(01/01/2009)

Melinda Brown , Language Arts Teacher, Newport Middle School

(01/01/2009)

Marianna Goldstein, EC Teacher, West Carteret High School

(02/01/2009)

Amelia Luther, Elementary Education Teacher, Bogue Sound Elementary School

(01/01/2009)

Gray Marrow, Elementary Education Teacher, Newport Elementary School

(03/01/2009)

Non-Licensed Employees

New Hires

Mary Brooke Quinn, Teacher Assistant, Morehead City Primary School

(12/15/2008)

Resignations

Raisa Hargett, Teacher Assistant, Morehead City Primary School

(11/28/2008)

Corrections to December Personnel Matters

Jonathan Behler            ,  From P/T EC Teacher Assistant, Smyrna Elementary School

(11/02/2008) To F/T EC Teacher Assistant, Smyrna Elementary School

 

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