June 28, 2011

The Carteret County Board of Education met June 28, 2011, in regular session at 6:30 p.m. in the administrative offices of the school system, Beaufort, NC. Because of the July 4^th holiday, this was the Board of Education’s July meeting.

Attending the meeting: Chair Cathy Neagle, Vice Chairman Al Hill and Board members Adele Collins, June Fulcher and Perry Harker. Board members David Carr and Shelley Sylivant were absent.
Others attending included Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ralph Lewis, Board Attorney Neil Whitford, Communications Director Tabbie Nance, principals, parents, community members, employees and members of the media. Members conducted a public comment forum from 6-6:30 p.m. At that time two people spoke.

WELCOME
Chair Cathy Neagle led the meeting and welcomed those in attendance.

Perry Harker led the invocation and the pledge to the flag.

REORGANIZATION OF BOARD OF EDUCATION

Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey opened the floor for nominations for chair.

Chair Cathy Neagle said she had appreciated the opportunity to serve as a member of the Board of Education and in the role of chair but was now entering a new stage of grandmotherly responsibilities. She said the role of chair required a great deal of time.

Mrs. Neagle then nominated Al Hill for the position of chairman of the Board of Education.

June Fulcher provided the second.

Perry Harker made the motion to close the nominations.

Adele Collins provided the second.

Four members voted in favor of the nomination of Mr. Hill as chairman and Mr. Hill abstained.

Dr. Novey thanked Mrs. Neagle for completing her eighth term as chair of the Board of Education.

Newly elected chair Mr. Hill has served four years as vice chair.

Chair Hill opened the floor for nominations for vice chairman of the Board of Education.

June Fulcher nominated Cathy Neagle for the position of vice chair.

Perry Harker provided the second.

Adele Collins made the motion to close the nominations.

Perry Harker provided the second.

Four members voted in favor of the nomination of Mrs. Neagle as vice chair and Mrs. Neagle abstained.

Mr. Hill said he appreciated the hard work of Mrs. Neagle and the teamwork of the entire Board of Education.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA

Adele Collins made the motion to remove item V.A. Receive Update on Alternative Learning Program from the agenda. Assistant Superintendent Mat Bottoms was scheduled to share the information; however, he was sick and could not attend the meeting. She also asked that Action In Open Session be added as item X. and that the current item X – Adjourn be moved to item XI.
Perry Harker provided the second and all members voted aye.

Cathy Neagle made the motion to approve the agenda as amended.
Adele Collins provided the second and all members voted aye.

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

The Consent Agenda items were:
A. Board of Education Meeting Minutes of the June 7, 2011, Board meeting;

B. Personnel Matters;

C. Student Transfers;

D. Field Trips –

1 – Washington, DC, Atlantic Elementary 8^th Graders

E. Child Nutrition Bids; and

F. Fund Raiser Requests.

June Fulcher made the motion to approve the Consent Agenda as amended.

Perry Harker provided the second and all members voted aye.

21^st CENTURY PROFESSIONALS
CONSIDER STATE MANDATED REVISIONS TO POLICY 7920 – PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEE REDUCTION IN FORCE
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ralph Lewis noted that House Bill 200 (Appropriations Act of 2011) was passed June 15, 2011, and it includes a provision that results in the school system needing to revise Board Policy 7920 – Professional Employee Reduction in Force. Dr. Lewis noted that this bill requires the revision be in place by July 15, 2011.

Dr. Lewis noted that Policy 7920 includes updated terminology as well as new factors to be accounted for by the superintendent when recommending a reduction in force. Dr. Lewis noted of particular significance was the removal of the career teacher priority. The policy states that the names of dismissed career employees will be placed on a list of available employees to be maintained by the superintendent, and that requirement remains. The revision deletes the requirement that the dismissed career employee whose name is on that list will have priority for all positions for which they are qualified that become available in the school system for the three consecutive years succeeding their dismissal.

Because of the timeline, Dr. Lewis requested the Board waive first reading and consider this as an action item.

Cathy Neagle made the motion to waive the first reading of the revisions to Policy 7920.
June Fulcher provided the second and all members voted aye.

June Fulcher made the motion to approve the revisions to Policy 7920 – Professional Employee Reduction in Force as presented.

Adele Collins provided the second and all members voted aye.

GOVERNED AND SUPPORTED BY 21^st CENTURY SYSTEMS
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF INTERIM BUDGET
Finance Officer David Millush requested the Board of Education adopt an interim budget in accordance with GS 115C-434 until a budget resolution can be prepared. Mr. Millush told Board members that the state enacted its 2011-2013 biennial budget on June 15, 2011. He noted the Carteret County Board of Commissioners has not yet approved a budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. As a result, Mr. Millush said a budget resolution cannot be presented for adoption by the Board of Education until after July 1, 2011. Mr. Millush noted that the adoption of the interim budget would allow for continued operations until a full 2011-2012 budget resolution can be prepared for the Board of Education’s consideration in August.

Cathy Neagle made the motion to adopt an interim budget in accordance with GS 115C-434 until a budget resolution can be prepared.

Adele Collins provided the second and all members voted aye.

CONSIDER BUDGET REVISION

Finance Officer David Millush requested Board members consider one budget revision.

Budget Revision 11 – This revision is a technical revision of the 2010-2011 Operating Budget in preparation for the close of the fiscal year to make certain that all accounts are balanced as required by statute. The budget adjustments indicated provide the necessary funds to pay billed fees for services, licenses, insurance, and agreements that exceed the amounts originally budgeted. Included in this revision is a transfer from the unbudgeted reserve of $54,000 for the payment of a late invoice for a delivery of diesel fuel and gasoline, and $247,622 for the payment of annual property insurance premium.

Adele Collins made the motion to approve Budget Revision 11 as presented.

Cathy Neagle provided the second and all members voted aye.

RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SCRIBORDER SOFTWARE
Director of Technology and Media Millie Temple shared information about a free software program that would assist high school office staff members handle requests for transcripts. She also provided Board members information about the program at the June 7, 2011, Board meeting. The program is called ScribOrder.

Mrs. Temple said plans were being made to utilize this software on a trial basis at the three high schools in the coming school year. She noted that the program could be set up so no current student or recent student was charged for transcripts. Mrs. Temple said the company cannot provide any type of password type option, but requesters are required to provide the student’s complete name, birth date, mother’s name and father’s name. She noted that two additional fields could be added for security reasons such as mother’s maiden name or last four digits of Social Security number.

Mrs. Temple said Onslow County has used the system for several years and the system is very pleased with the program.

Mrs. Temple plans to provide additional information on the software program to the Board members in the coming months.

LEADERSHIP WILL GUIDE INNOVATION IN SCHOOLS

CONSIDER CALENDAR WAIVER UPDATE
Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey requested Board members approve the school system applying for a waiver from the State Board of Education to use the five additional instructional days required by subdivision (1) Section 7.29.(a) of Session Law 2011-145 (HB 200) as teacher workdays due to the lateness of the legislation related to the start of the FY 2011-2012 school year, and instead commit to operating an instructional calendar of at least 1.025 hours. Dr. Novey said this request would be a one-time waiver for the 2011-2012 school year to allow the school system to work with the community, students and school personnel/curriculum leaders to implement a 185-day instructional calendar for the 2012-2013 school year.
Dr. Novey noted that exposure to instruction and interaction was vital; however, he noted losing the development of instructional strategy and the extra expenses in terms of such things as staffing and buses were important issues to consider.

Dr. Novey noted that other school systems are requesting waivers.

June Fulcher made the motion to approve the calendar waiver request as presented.

Cathy Neagle provided the second and all members voted aye.

RECEIVE MAINTENANCE UPDATE
Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey provided an update on maintenance work taking place in the schools. He noted that the refurbished seats have been installed in the auditorium at East Carteret High School and have been professionally cleaned. School maintenance staff members secured the donation of 650 theater seats and curtains from the former Morehead City Theater, which was demolished. Maintenance staff members are also working with East Carteret High School teacher Jennifer Green to utilized curtains received from the movie theater. Dr. Novey noted he was proud of the maintenance team for the upgrade brought to that facility at a minimal cost.

Dr. Novey noted that maintenance staff members will work throughout the summer to prepare schools for the coming school year. He also reported that there were no leaks at Newport Middle School and the contractor has lived up to the warranty.

RECEIVE BOND UPDATE
Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey noted that the bond projects were about complete. He noted that all the HVAC work at East Carteret High School would be completed this summer. Renovations to some sections at East Carteret High School will not be completed until the end of the calendar year because they will be utilized as swing space while other work is taking place.

Dr. Novey stated that part of the bond funds that remain because of careful and frugal spending is now being used to replace a section of the roof at West Carteret High School. Small paving work will also take place at West Carteret High School and White Oak Elementary School.

COMMENTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT

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

Dr. Novey thanked Mrs. Neagle for her commitment and dedication as chair and looked forward to working with her as vice chair. He congratulated Mr. Hill on his election as chair.

Dr. Novey noted he declined attending the state Superintendent’s Quarterly Meeting, which was taking place this week. He told June Atkinson he would not attend because the site was the Grove Park Inn in Asheville and, in light of the budget issues, was concerned about funds being spent for this trip. Dr. Novey said he was glad he did not attend because it allowed him to meet with the Commissioners today and then attend the Board of Education meeting.

Dr. Novey noted that he will present the Student Fee Schedule for Board members consideration at the August 2, 2011, meeting

COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS

Chair Hill invited Board members to make comments.

Cathy Neagle – Mrs. Neagle thanked Finance Officer David Millush for the many hours he has put in since beginning his new role. She urged the Commissioners to fund the school systesm’s operating budget fully because it does make a difference in the education of the students.

Adele Collins – Mrs. Collins expressed appreciation to the school system staff for working so hard, especially this time of the year. She thanked Mrs. Neagle for her service.

June Fulcher – Mrs. Fulcher called Mrs. Neagle an ace at parliamentary procedure and at leading a meeting. Mrs. Fulcher said Mrs. Neagle was a true professional, always well prepared and devoted to this school system. Mrs. Fulcher said this was a difficult and stressful time for everyone as the budget process continues.

Perry Harker – Mr. Harker thanked all school system staff for completing a great school year. He urged students to continue to read throughout the summer. Mr. Harker acknowledged Dr. Cathy Tomon for being selected by the Governor to represent North Carolina on the Southern Region Education Board. He noted the honor of having a Carteret County principal selected to represent the entire state among 16 other states.

Chair Hill thanked Mrs. Neagle for her leadership. He has served on the Board for eight years and has continued to learn from Mrs. Neagle. He expressed appreciation to all Board members for their commitment and their unity and focus on what is best for students. Mr. Hill said the budget process was difficult and everyone needed to know that when employees are lost, the impact might not be felt immediately but it makes a difference. Mr. Hill thanked the Commissioners who have met with Dr. Novey and who have met with Board members to learn more about the budget. He noted the trust level between the Commissioners and the Board of Education must be restored.

REMINDERS
Chair Hill noted the next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting would take place August 2, 2011. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and a public comment time will take place from 6-6:30 p.m.

CLOSED SESSION
Adele Collins made the motion to enter into closed session to consider confidential personnel matters, a confidential student matter and confidential matters subject to the attorney/client privilege.

June Fulcher provided the second and all members voted aye.

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

Cathy Neagle made the motion to return to open session.

Perry Harker provided the second and all members voted aye.

ACTION TAKEN IN OPEN SESSION
Cathy Neagle made the motion to approve the reduction in force dismissals for 49 teacher assistants and four custodians as presented. Mrs. Neagle stated this action was done with much reluctance and only done because of budget shortfalls.

Perry Harker provided the second and all members voted aye.

ADJOURNMENT
June Fulcher made the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Adele Collins provided the second and all members voted aye.

APPROVED PERSONNEL MATTERS – JUNE 28, 2011

Licensed Employees

Reduction in Force Rehired

Elizabeth Tripp-Cox, Alternative Guidance Counselor, Morehead Middle School

(08/17/2011)

Leave of Absence

Lauren Blakefield, Math Teacher, Morehead Middle School

(08/17/2011-06/08/2012)

Resignations

Laura Beacham, Elementary Education Teacher, Newport Elementary School

(06/13/2011)

Garrett Bridges, Special Education Teacher, Croatan High School

(06/15/2011)

Jeffrey Brunnemer, Social Studies Teacher, Morehead Middle School

(06/15/2011)

Patricia Edwards, Language Arts Teacher, Harkers Island Elementary School

(08/01/2011)

Michael Gillespie, Band Director, Croatan High School

(06/15/2011)

Angel Hull, Science Teacher, Croatan High School

(06/15/2011)

Cheryl Smith, EC Teacher, Croatan High School

(06/15/2011)

Christina Walsh, Elementary Education Teacher, Beaufort Elementary School

(06/15/2011)

Retirements

Susan Bailey, Chorus Teacher, West Carteret High School

(07/01/2011)

Karen Millikan, Elementary Education Teacher, Morehead Elementary School

(07/01/2011)

Carol Mizelle, Elementary Education Teacher, Newport Elementary School

(07/01/2011)

Bonnie Narron, Elementary Education Teacher, Morehead City Primary School

(07/01/2011)

Susan Shepanek, Math Teacher, Croatan High School

(07/01/2011)

Jo Lynn Wade, Guidance Counselor, Morehead Elementary School

(07/01/2011)

Non-Licensed Employees

New Hires

Jonathan Willis, EC Teacher Assistant, Beaufort Elementary School

(05/20/2011-6/15/2011) Temporary

Transfers

Barbara Cooper, Fr NC Wise Data Manager, Morehead Elementary School