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Carteret County Public School System
COMMUNICATOR


OCTOBER 6, 2009

The Carteret County Board of Education met October 6, 2009, 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 Al Hill and Board members Bill Blair, Adele Collins, David Carr, June Fulcher and Shelley Sylivant.

Others attending included Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey, Assistant Superintendents Dr. Ralph Lewis and Jeanne Huntley, Board Attorney Neil Whitford, Communications Director Tabbie Nance, principals, parents, community members, employees and members of the media.
The Board met with Advisory Council members from 5-6 p.m. and conducted a public comment forum from 6-6:30 p.m. No one spoke during this time.

 

WELCOME                     

Chair Cathy Neagle welcomed those in attendance. June Fulcher 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.
Shelley Sylivant provided the second and all members voted aye.

 

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chair Cathy Neagle reviewed the items on the Consent Agenda.

The Consent Agenda items were:
A. Board of Education Meeting Minutes of the September 1, 2009 Board meeting;

B. Fund Raisers;

C. Parent Advisory Council Recommendations;

D. Personnel Matters;
E. Student Transfers

F. Field Trips:

            1 – All State Honors Band Clinic, Newport Middle;

            2 – Winter Guard International Regional, Croatan High;

            3 – Winter Guard International Power Regional, Croatan High;

            4 – Winter Guard International World Championships, Croatan High;

            5 – Williamsburg, VA, Newport Middle;

            6 – Wicked (Play) and Carowinds, Newport Middle;

            7 – All-District Band Clinic, Morehead Middle;

            8 – 8th Grade Band Spring Trip, Morehead Middle;

            9 – 7th Grade Band Spring Trip, Morehead Middle;

            10 – NC Honors Band Clinic, Morehead Middle;

            11 – 8th Grade to Raleigh, Smyrna Elementary.

G. Bond Projects Funding Requisitions and Change Orders:

            1 – West Carteret High HVAC Renovation Project,

                        Change Orders 1, 2 and 3;

            2 – Additional Engineering Services for East Carteret High

            3 – Change in Orientation of NITREX Pond at Bogue Sound Elementary

David Carr asked school principals and staff to be mindful of the financial times many families are in when they are considering field trip fees and fund raising plans.

Bill Blair made the motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Al Hill provided the second and all members voted aye.

GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE STUDENTS

CONSIDER HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION DATE OF JUNE 10, 2010, 6:30 PM
Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey noted that one of the most challenging dates to settle upon is graduation. He noted many factors must be considered in setting the date, including the exam schedule and possible make up days because of weather. He noted Tuesday, June 8, 2010, will be the last day for students and said there are only two built in workdays. He also noted the need to provide consistency at all three schools and not exempt students from school.

He recommended the Board approve Thursday, June 10, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. as the graduation date for the county’s three high schools. He noted this date provides consistency for all schools, affords opportunities for students to take exams, provides a foul weather buffer, and falls close to a weekend for families to attend.

Assistant Superintendent Jeanne Huntley said previously it was not a state mandate that students had to pass the End of Course tests in order to graduate. Now, the school system must have make up days for students to re-take the tests. Setting the date of graduation two days after the last day of school allows time for these tests and for high schools to determine who will graduate and final scores.

David Carr made the motion to accept June 10, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. as the graduation date for the county’s three high schools.

Shelley Sylivant provided the second and the motion passed with all voting aye.

 

RECEIVE FIRST READING OF REVISED POLICY IKAB – NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL GRADE PLACEMENT AND AWARD OF ACADEMIC CREDIT
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ralph Lewis noted the proposed revision to Policy IKAB states “Effective with the Graduating Class of 2010, grades received from national or state accredited schools will be recorded as submitted with course weight consistent with NCDPI standards.” Dr. Lewis noted this policy would afford students transferring from non-public schools, as long as they are nationally or state accredited, the same NCDPI course weighting standards that are used for the public schools of North Carolina.

Board members offered suggestions and were encouraged to provide Dr. Lewis with other comments prior to the second reading.

 

RECEIVE FIRST READING OF 4000 SERIES STUDENT POLICIES
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ralph Lewis presented Board members with the new 4000 series student policies. These do not include the 4300 policies that were adopted in August 2008. Dr. Lewis noted the new 4000 series polices presented do include Policy 4400 – Attendance, which was approved by the Board on July 29, 2009. He noted the North Carolina School Boards Association has recommended changing the legal references section at the close of Policy 4400 to make this policy technically correct; however, no substantive changes were made.

He highlighted a number of policies in the series and answered questions posed by the Board of Education members.

 

 

 

Board members offered suggestions and were encouraged to provide Dr. Lewis with other comments prior to the second reading. Dr. Lewis will also share the comments from Board members with Policy Committee members at the group’s next meeting.

 

GOVERNED AND SUPPORTED BY 21st CENTURY SYSTEMS

CONSIDER BUDGET REVISIONS #4, #5, #6, #7, #8 and #9

Finance Officer J. Ipock asked Board members to consider six budget revisions.

Budget Revision 4 – This revision amends the Capital Outlay budget for carryover items from the 2008-2009 Capital budget as approved by the County Commissioners. The total amount is $382,785.65 (building and grounds $144,232.43; activity buses $158,955.02; safety items $44,232.95; and planned repairs $35,365.25).

Budget Revision 5 – This revision amends the Capital Outlay budget for unspent items at June 30, 2009 relating to the Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) received for renovation work at Morehead City Elementary School. This total amount is $404,884.

Budget Revision 6 – This revision amends the Capital Outlay budget for unspent items at June 30, 2009, relating to Bond projects. This total amount is $10,201,924.77 and all is obligated at this time.

Budget Revision 7 – This revision amends the Local Current Expense budget for purchase orders outstanding at June 30, 2009. This total is $45,208.09.

Budget Revision 8 – This revision amends the Local Current Expense budget for the unspent portion of the Dropout Prevention Grant at June 30, 2009. This grant term spanned two fiscal years. The total is $109,387.93.

Budget Revision 9 – This revision amends the Capital Outlay budget for changes in the Bond projects requested by the Board of Education and approved by the County Commissioners. The total amount of the change is $239,657.

Al Hill made the motion to approve Budget Revisions 4-9 as presented.

June Fulcher provided the second and all members voted aye.

CONSIDER PLASTIC RECYLING CONTRACT???
Finance Officer J. Ipock said the state rules governing the recycling of plastic containers has changed effective October 1, 2009. It is now mandatory that plastic containers be recycled as separate items. Mr. Ipock contacted Waste Industries, the company that serves as the current school system disposal vendor, and GDS Republic, the company that handles the county’s waste disposal sites. GDS Republic currently does not have a program available in this area to handle pickup of plastic recyclables at the multiple school sites. Waste Industries does have the ability to pick up. Mr. Ipock reviewed two proposals from Waste Industries. The first outlined an additional pickup program for handling the plastic at a cost of $30,425 per year. The second proposal is for the same service but at a reduced cost of $19,632 provided the school system extend its current waste disposal contract for three years. That contract currently runs from July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2011. If the contract were extended three years it would extend through June 30, 2014.
Shelley Sylivant noted the cost could increase or decrease based on the amount of plastic waste. She added that if schools found ways to reduce the amount of waste it could reduce the costs.

David Carr noted this was another example of an unfunded mandate.

June Fulcher said she was concerned with locking the school system into a contract for three years with so many unknowns.

Shelley Sylivant suggested the Board enter into a shorter monthly contract with Waste Industries until it is determine how much plastic waste will be collected.

David Carr made the motion to approve a monthly recycling contract with Waste Industries through the end of January 2010.

Al Hill provided the second and all members voted aye.

 

LEADERSHIP WILL GUIDE INNOVATION IN SCHOOLS

RECEIVE MAINTENANCE UPDATE
Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey reviewed the maintenance projects. He noted lightning storms have caused damage to electrical equipment at several schools. The equipment is being replaced through insurance. New devices are in place to prevent further damage to electrical systems.

 

RECEIVE BOND UPDATE
Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey noted the bond projects continue to move ahead. At Bogue Sound Elementary School the NITREX sewer system will be re-oriented.

Croatan High School’s auditorium is moving forward and is on schedule for completion in early 2010. The brick veneer is 99 percent complete, the roof is completely dried in and the interior finishes are beginning.

East Carteret High School’s new roof is on most of the existing school. The HVAC design will be completed by late October. Bid opening will take place in late November and the bid award is expected before the end of 2009.

Morehead City Middle School’s original bond work is complete and the additional HVAC work is now completed.

White Oak Elementary School will have the parking area revisions paved and marked by mid-October.


COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey shared a number of comments with the Board.

He noted that H1N1 continues to be a community concern and as such, is a school concern. Dr. Novey asked parents and guardians to help share the messages about hand washing; staying home from work, school, social events if sick; and not sharing drinks, food, personal items. The school system is continuing to work closely with Carteret County Health Department.

Dr. Novey shared the sad news that Michael Russell, a 14-year-old, died this morning. He attended Morehead City Middle School last year. Dr. Novey said many knew this young man because of the fund raisers and community awareness when he received a heart translate at a young age. He was receiving homebound services this semester because of health concerns but planning to begin his 9th grade year at West Carteret High School during second semester. Dr. Novey extended his sympathy to the family.

Dr. Novey stated that in the coming months, the community will begin hearing about the school system gearing up its Strategic Planning process. He believes it is important to plan for the future educational needs and will involve the community in the process.

Dr. Novey said he spent two days last week with other new superintendents from across the state. At that meeting he received updates from the state's education leaders.

Dr. Novey said Assistant Superintendent Jeanne Huntley and Elementary Education Director Lisa Kittrell have been putting in many extra hours - both early mornings, during the day and late evenings - providing the required training to school volunteers. He noted that every volunteer in the school system must receive training, as well as have a background check. He commended the central office staff for working hard to process all the background check documents.

COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS

Chair Cathy Neagle invited Board members to make comments.
Al Hill – Mr. Hill thanked school staff members for all they do to support the Board of Education in their decision making.

Adele Collins – Mrs. Collins commended the White Oak Elementary School Child Nutrition staff for earning national recognition.

June Fulcher – Mrs. Fulcher urged everyone to continue to focus on students.

Bill Blair – Mr. Blair noted the school year got off to a good start, and that every member of the school system team was important.

Shelley Sylivant – Mrs. Sylivant expressed sympathy and concern about Michael Russell’s passing. She stressed the many students and staff members that helped raise money for his health concerns. Mrs. Sylivant thanked the parents for attending the Advisory Council meeting.

David Carr – Mr. Carr said he had attended ball games at all three high schools and many middle schools and was pleased at how well behaved students in school are at these events.

Cathy Neagle – Ms. Neagle thanked the Board members for their preparation and a special thanks to the Policy Committee members.

 

REMINDERS
Chair Cathy Neagle noted the next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting would take place Wednesday November 4, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is moved from Tuesday, November 3, 2009, because the Board of Education meeting room is used as a polling place by the County Board of Elections. The Board will meet with Advisory Council Chairmen from 5-6 p.m. and then conduct a public comment forum 6-6:30 p.m. that evening.

CLOSED SESSION
Al Hill made the motion to enter into closed session to consider confidential matters subject to the attorney client privilege.

June Fulcher provided the second and all members voted aye.

 

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
Al Hill made the motion to return to open session.

David Carr 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.

Shelley Sylivant provided the second and all members voted aye.

 

 

APPROVED PERSONNEL MATTERS – OCTOBER 6, 2009

Licensed Employees

Probationary Teacher Rehired 2009-2010

Sally Dittoe, Remediation Teacher, Morehead Middle School

(08/14/2009)

 

Retiree Rehired

Patricia Strickland, Remediation Teacher, Newport Middle School

(08/14/2009-9/30/2009)  Alternative Program

 

P/T Retirees Rehired

Patricia Strickland, Remediation Teacher, Newport Middle School

(10/01/2009-6/10/2010)  Alternative Program

 

Resignations

Annette LeRoux, Career & Tech Teacher, Croatan High School

(09/14/2009)

 

Retirements

Fred McDowell, Math Remediation, Broad Creek Middle School 

(10/1/2009)

 

Non-Licensed Employees

New Hires

Milton Adams, Temporary Receptionist, Central Services

(09/21/2009)

Lariea Collins, Teacher Assistant, Beaufort Elementary School

(09/14/2009)

Robin Durham, P/T Cafeteria Worker, East Carteret High School

(09/08/2009)

Libby McCarthy, Accounting Assistant, Central Services

(09/09/2009)

Gwendolyn Melton, Teacher Assistant, Newport Elementary School

(08/14/2009)

Tracy Raspatello, P/T Cafeteria Worker, Croatan High School

(08/17/2009)

 

Transfers

Wendy Simpson, Fr Teacher Assistant, Morehead City Primary School

(08/14/2009) To Teacher Assistant, White Oak Elementary School

Tina Tinhopen, Fr Teacher Assistant, Croatan High School

(08/14/2009) To Teacher Assistant, White Oak Elementary School

 

Resignations

Debra Rose, P/T Cafeteria Assistant, East Carteret High School

(08/25/2009)

 

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