June
1, 2010
The Carteret County Board of Education met June 1, 2010, 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, David Carr, Adele Collins, 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 conducted a public comment forum from 6-6:30 p.m. and no
one spoke during that time.
WELCOME
Chair Cathy Neagle welcomed those in attendance. Shelley Sylivant
gave the invocation and led the Pledge to the United States flag.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Al Hill made the motion to approve the agenda.
June Fulcher provided the second and all members voted aye.
PRESENTATION OF GIFT TO OUTGOING BOARD MEMBER BILL BLAIR
On behalf of the entire Board of Education, Board member June
Fulcher honored Board member Bill Blair for more than 50 years of
service to the school systems of North Carolina. Mrs. Fulcher was
one of Mr. Blair’s former students. Mr. Blair started his teaching
career in 1964. He began teaching in Carteret County in 1965 as a
teacher at East Carteret High School. He then spent time in Craven
County school system and then took a principalship at Hatteras
School. He returned to Carteret County to be an assistant principal
at East Carteret High School. He then spent 18 years as principal of
Harkers Island Elementary School and ended his career as principal
of Broad Creek Middle School. After retiring, he has served as a
Board of Education member for 10 years.
Board members presented Mr. Blair with a gift. Mr. Blair was joined
by his wife Deborah VanDyken and his granddaughter Ashley.
Mr. Blair decided not to seek reelection to the Board of Education.
Perry Harker was elected to fill his seat on the Board and will be
sworn in as a Board member in July.
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 May 5, 2010, Board
meeting;
B.
Personnel Matters;
C. Student Transfers;
D.
Dr. Heather Dietzler To Submit Title I Grant Application;
E.
Field Trips;
1. Croatan High School FBLA National Leadership
Conference; and
2. West Carteret High School FBLA National Leadership
Conference.
Shelley Sylivant made the motion to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented.
Bill
Blair provided the second and all members voted aye.
GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE STUDENTS
RECEIVE ACADEMICALLY/INTELLECTUALLY GIFTED PROGRAMS PLAN
Director of Leadership Development and AIG Programs Wanda Fowler
presented information on the Academically and/or Intellectually
Gifted Programs Plan being written at this time. Mrs. Fowler said
the state requires a new AIG plan be written and put into effect
this fall. The plan is based on self-assessment data from program
staff, teachers, counselors and administrators. A formal written AIG
plan must be submitted to the state in mid-July. Mrs. Fowler said a
draft form of the plan will be shared with the Board members in the
coming week. She plans to ask the Board members to consider taking
action on the plan at their July 13, 2010, meeting.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A PLAN TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE SERVICES
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Jeanne
Huntley requested the Board take two actions. One action is to
approve an Alternative Services Plan and the other action is to
approve a 21-unit high school diploma available in rare instances.
The Alternative Services Plan would establish alternative settings
for Croatan High School, East Carteret High School, West Carteret
High School, Beaufort Middle School, Broad Creek Middle School,
Morehead Middle School and Newport Middle School. Currently, there
are programs at the middle schools but the programs are not
formalized by the Board of Education.
Putting this program in place will provide services to students
throughout the system and to Cape Lookout Charter High School
students if the school’s appeal to the state’s plan to close it is
denied.
Ms. Huntley noted that NC School Boards Association Policy 3470/4305
was used as a reference document for the development of the plan.
She noted that although this policy has not been presented to the
Board for first reading, it was the policy recommended that upholds
the statute requirements for an Alternative Program in all school
systems.
According to Ms. Huntley, the goal of the alternative education
program is to offer a setting that can allow students to continue to
receive educational services on an ongoing basis. The plan addresses
voluntary and involuntary referrals to the alternative setting. She
noted this policy would likely address Cape Lookout High School
students and other students in the county.
Board members questioned the involuntary referral section of the
plan and its reference to Policy 4260 – Student Sex Offenders,
noting this policy was under review and had not be adopted yet.
Adele Collins expressed concern about the additional money that will
be needed to fund alternative programs and the already stretched
school system budget.
Ms. Huntley said it would cost much more money to serve students in
a separate alternative setting than to serve those students in a
regular school setting.
Al
Hill asked about the success of bringing the former Bridges School
students back in to the regular middle schools in the fall of 2009.
Ms. Huntley said it was working out well, and the success story was
that those students are being transitioned back into regular
academic classes quicker.
Ms.
Huntley requested the Board of Education consider making a 21-unit
diploma available in rare instances. She noted this would be used in
rare cases and would be for highly at-risk students who would have a
high probability to drop out of school. A committee would determine
if a student was eligible and it would not be used “routinely”. To
be considered for a 21-unit diploma, the student must have at-risk
factors and students would not be allowed to graduate ahead of their
cohort group.
Ms.
Huntley noted that a 21-unit diploma is what the state of North
Carolina requires.
David Carr made the motion to adopt the Alternative Services Plan
with the addition of the word “pending” to make the statement under
Involuntary Referral to read: “the student is subject to Pending
Policy 4260 – Student Sex Offenders”. Mr. Carr said the word pending
would be removed once Policy 4260 was approved.
June Fulcher provided the second and all members voted aye.
David Carr made the motion to accept the proposal for the 21- unit
high school diploma to be available in rare instances.
Adele Collins provided the second and all members voted aye.
21st
CENTURY PROFESSIONALS
CONSIDER SECOND READING OF 2000 SERIES POLICIES
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Ralph Lewis
presented the second reading of the 2000 Series Board Policies. At
the May 2010 Board of Education meeting Dr. Lewis presented the
first reading of the amended 2000 Policy Series. Dr. Lewis noted all
Board of Education policies were being reviewed by the North
Carolina School Boards Association. He said the 2000 policies is
important because it governs basic board operations.
June
Fulcher made the motion to approve the 2000 Policy Series as
presented.
Adele Collins provided the second and all members voted aye.
CONSIDER SECOND READING OF POLICY 7410 – CAREER STATUS AND POLICY
7950 – PROBATIONARY TEACHERS
Board members heard the second reading of Policy 7410 – Career
Status and Policy 7950 – Probationary Teachers as presented by
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ralph Lewis. The first reading of these
two policies was presented at the May 2010 Board of Education
meeting. He noted that work on the 7000 series by the North Carolina
School Boards Association had not started yet. However, the review
of Policy 7410 and Policy 7950 dealing with career status and
probationary teacher non-renewal have been advanced due to the need
to stay current with recent legislative changes. Dr. Lewis stated
that changes provide teachers with more rights to petition or be
heard by the Board.
Adele Collins made the motion to approve Policy 7410 – Career Status
and Policy 7950 – Probationary Teachers as presented.
Bill Blair provided the second and all members voted aye.
GOVERNED AND SUPPORTED BY 21st CENTURY SYSTEMS
CONSIDER BUDGET REVISION #18
Finance Officer J. Ipock requested Board members consider Budget
Revision #18.
This
revision amends the federal fund and state fund budgets for changes
made during the year to maximize the use of funding and changes in
allocation from the NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The
Child Nutrition fund is also amended for a change in the account
code for indirect cost made by DPI.
Bill
Blair made the motion to approve Budget Revision #18.
Al
Hill provided the second and all members voted aye.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF INTERIM BUDGET
Finance Officer J. Ipock noted that as of today, the county has not
approved its 2010-2011 budget and the state is in the middle of its
budget process. Because the funding levels from each agency are
unknown at this time, Mr. Ipock recommended the Board of Education
adopt an interim budget in accordance with GS 115C-434 “for the
purpose of paying salaries and the usual ordinary expenses of the
local school administrative unit for the interval between the
beginning of the fiscal year and the adoption of the budget
resolution.” Mr. Ipock said this would be put into effect July 1,
2010, and said this would allow for continued operations until a
budget resolution can be prepared. He noted, pending receiving
funding levels, he would have a budget resolution for Board
consideration at its August meeting.
June
Fulcher made the motion to adopt an interim budget in accordance
with GS 115C-434 until a budget resolution can be prepared.
Bill
Blair provided the second and all members voted aye.
CONSIDER RE-ALLOCATING REMAINING CAPITAL FUNDING FROM CROATAN HIGH
AND BOGUE SOUND ELEMENTARY FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS TO OTHER PROJECTS
Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey requested Board members request the
Carteret County Commissioners approve the funds saved from the fire
alarm system work at Bogue Sound Elementary School and Croatan High
School to be used to replace the boiler at Beaufort Middle School
and to update the phone system at Smyrna Elementary School. He noted
the boiler had recently broken down at Beaufort Middle School and
this was an urgent project. Dr. Novey said bids were in hand for the
boiler work and he was working with the County Commissioners.
Al
Hill made the motion to request the Carteret County Commissioners
approve providing the funds saved to replace the boiler at Beaufort
Middle School and to update the phone system at Smyrna Elementary
School.
Shelley Sylivant provided the second and all members voted aye.
LEADERSHIP WILL GUIDE INNOVATION IN SCHOOLS
CONSIDER NOMINEE FOR CARTERET COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey noted 12 members serve on the Carteret
Community College Board of Trustees. He stated four members are
appointed by the Governor, four are appointed by the Carteret County
Commissioners and four are appointed by the Board of Education. Each
appointment is for a four-year term.
Dr. Novey told Board members one of the four seats appointed by the
Board of Education needed to be filled. The seat held by Rose Malay
of Cape Carteret is up for renewal. Ms. Malay does not wish to be
considered for another term.
Letters of interest in the position had been received by the school
system from Alan Ballard, Dr. Ken Eiler, Frank Kivett, Carl
Ragsdale, Gale Swann, Sandra Garner Willis and Dr. Matthew L. Zettl.
David Carr nominated Dr. Matthew L. Zettl for the appointment.
Al Hill provided the second and all members voted aye.
Chair Cathy Neagle said it was an impressive list of candidates and
she thanked all those who expressed an interest in the position.
Shelley Sylivant urged those who expressed an interest to consider
submitting their name again when future positions come available.
RECEIVE MAINTENANCE UPDATE
Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey provided an update on maintenance work
taking place in the schools. He noted maintenance staff continues to
focus on ways to reduce the costs of utilities. A base line has been
created and is being monitored for any potential direct savings of
kilowatt hours. Dr. Novey noted the summer schedule of school
buildings being closed each Friday should help generates some
savings. Employees will work four 10-hour days throughout the
summer.
RECEIVE BOND UPDATE
Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey shared some of the bond work underway.
He noted that Keith Maready continues to work with county government
officials and the health department to address the sewer systems at
Broad Creek Middle School and Smyrna Elementary and ways to not use
the money set aside for the systems. Dr. Novey expressed his
appreciation to Interim County Manager Wayne Deal and to county
health department staff for their support in the process.
Dr.
Novey reported the HVAC work at East Carteret High School was going
smoothly and would be finished in September. The reconfiguration of
the school’s former counseling and administrative areas will be
ready prior to school opening in the fall.
West
Carteret High School’s HVAC work is progressing well and should be
completed three months early. Dr. Novey noted the partnership
between Principal Carolyn Heller, Mr. Maready and the workers has
resulted in the work progressing so quickly and ahead of schedule.
He commended Mrs. Heller and the staff and students of West Carteret
High School for continuing instruction around the construction work
in a smooth manner.
COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT
Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey shared a number of comments with the
Board.
He noted End of Course assessments will begin June 2 and provide
students an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned and
know.
Dr. Novey noted the budget continues to be a concern. He is
preparing for the possible shortfalls and plans are in place to
address those. Dr. Novey hopes to absorb position loses through
attrition.
Dr. Novey said the school system will be using Google Apps as a way
to provide the quality and security of its email system and save
money.
Dr. Novey said the announcement of Mat Bottoms as assistant
superintendent was made in May. He will fill the position currently
held by Jeanne Huntley. A principal for Croatan High School is being
sought at this time.
Dr. Novey said Ms. Huntley would be greatly missed in the school
system and called her the heart and sole of the curriculum. Dr.
Novey noted that Ms. Huntley began her career in education in 1976
as a teacher at Beaufort Elementary School. She then worked a school
counselor serving Atlantic Elementary School and Harkers Island
Elementary School, and later as a school counselor at her alma mater
East Carteret High School. In 1998 she was named an assistant
principal at West Carteret High School and then served in that role
at Bogue Sound Elementary School from January through June of 2001.
She served as the principal of Bogue Sound Elementary School from
2001 through 2007, when she joined the central office as Assistant
Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. After the sudden death
of Superintendent Brad Sneeden, Ms. Huntley served as Interim
Superintendent until current Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey was hired
in April 2009.
Dr.
Novey thanked Ms. Huntley for her years of dedicated service to the
students, staff and parents of the school system.
Dr.
Novey thanked Mr. Blair for his service as an school teacher,
administrator and, most recently, as a Board of Education member.
COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Chair Cathy Neagle invited Board members to make comments.
Al Hill – Mr. Hill expressed his appreciation to Jeanne Huntley and
Bill Blair for their service to the children of Carteret County. He
noted retirement was an exciting time.
Adele Collins – Mrs. Collins wished Mr. Blair well. She noted she
worked with Jeanne Huntley in three different areas and would miss
her greatly.
June
Fulcher – Mrs. Fulcher thanked Mr. Blair and Ms. Huntley for all
their service to the county. She noted that Ms. Huntley was an
intelligent, quiet and humble person who did an outstanding job, and
said having Ms. Huntley lead the school system as a central office
administrator had been a plus for the county as a whole.
Bill
Blair – Mr. Blair said he spent 46 years in a education profession
and still thought it was fun. He thanked the Board members for their
support and their dedication. Mr. Blair said Ms. Huntley has been
the rock that has kept us focused over the last several years, and
he wished her will in her retirement.
Shelley Sylivant – Mrs. Sylivant wished Mr. Blair well in his new
retirement. Mrs. Sylivant thanked Ms. Huntley and said she was
impressed with Ms. Huntley’s service and her level of
professionalism. Mrs. Sylivant said as interim superintendent Ms.
Huntley handled a tragic situation and a difficult budget time with
grace.
David Carr – Mr. Carr called Mr. Blair a great resource of
knowledge, culture and patience. He said Ms. Huntley was impressive
and enthusiastic about education, and he wished her well in her
retirement.
Cathy Neagle – Mrs. Neagle thanked Board members for their time and
effort. She noted with the retirement of Mr. Blair and Ms. Huntley
the school system was losing a lot of “institutional memory”. She
expressed her deep appreciation for Ms. Huntley’s willingness to
lead the school system during a very difficult time. Mrs. Neagle
said she was impressed with the way all school staff members worked
so willingly with Ms. Huntley. Mrs. Neagle also thanked
Transportation Director John Barbour for his service, calling him a
quiet, strong leader, and wished him well in his retirement.
REMINDERS
Chair Cathy Neagle noted the next regularly scheduled Board of
Education meeting would take place July 13, 2010. The meeting will
begin at 6:30 p.m. with a public comment forum conducted from 6-6:30
p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
Al
Hill made the motion to convene in closed session to consider
confidential matters subject to the attorney client privilege and to
consider confidential personal matters.
Adele Collins provided the second and all members voted aye.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
Bill Blair made the motion to return to open session.
Shelley Sylivant provided the second and all members voted aye.
ADJOURNMENT
Bill
Blair made the motion to adjourn the meeting.
David Carr provided the second and all members voted aye.
APPROVED PERSONNEL MATTERS – JUNE 1, 2010
Licensed Employees
Transfers
Mat Bottoms, Fr Principal, Croatan High School
(07/01/2010) To Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum &
Instruction, Central Service
Resignations
Jessica Barth, Elementary Education Teacher, White
Oak Elementary School
(06/30/2010)
David Fye, Band Director, Morehead Middle School
(06/10/2010)
Averi Henderson, Elementary Education Teacher, White Oak Elementary
School
(06/30/2010)
Amy Murawski, Math Teacher, Morehead Middle School
(06/10/2010)
Phyllis Price, Special Populations Coordinator, West Carteret High
School
(06/09/2010)
Retirements
Susan Barnhardt, Math Teacher, Beaufort Middle School
(07/01/2010)
Pamela Benson, Elementary Education Teacher, White Oak Elementary
School
(08/01/2010)
Linda Butler, Social Studies Teacher, Croatan High School
(07/01/2010)
Nancy Pittman , Elementary Education Teacher, Smyrna Elementary
School
(07/01/2010)
Change from Probationary to Temporary Contracts
*Lauren Blakefield
**Garrett Bridges
**Matt Howell
*On the advice of The Department of Public Instruction, we have
changed contracts for interim positions from probationary with
special conditions to temporary with special conditions.
**On the advice of The Department of Public Instruction, we have
changed contracts for lateral entries from probationary with special
conditions to temporary with special conditions until requirements
are met and their license is considered clear.
Non-Licensed Employees
New Hires
Robert Johnson, Custodian, Newport Elementary School
(05/03/2010-6/30/2010) (Temporary)
Resignations
Kim Long, Custodian, Newport Elementary School
(04/30/2010)
Retirements
John Barbour, Director of Transportation, Transportation Department
(08/01/2010)
Alice Lewis, Teacher Assistant, Beaufort Elementary School
(06/01/2010)
Valerie Nelson, Cafeteria Worker and Bus Driver, Atlantic Elementary
School
(07/01/2010)
Charles Wright, Electrician, Maintenance Department
(07/01/2010)