Fayetteville Board of Education

Minutes of the June 26, 2008 Regular Meeting

The meeting convened at 5:00PM in the Adams Leadership Center with President Steve Percival presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by students from Vandergriff Elementary School.

Roll Call

The roll was called and board members Tim Kring, Howard Hamilton, Steve Percival, Susan Heil and Tim Hudson were present.

Recognition

Board member Tim Hudson was inducted into the Superintendent’s Honor Roll for his work in chairing the Future of FHS Select Committee II.

The Fayetteville School District’s 2006-07 Annual Report was honored by the National School Public Relations Association with an Award of Merit. The award marks the third time in the last five years that the district’s annual report has been recognized nationally.

Consent Agenda

Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Tim Kring seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.

Executive Session

The Board convened in executive session at 5:10PM to discuss a resignation. The Board reconvened in open session at 5:14PM. Board president Steve Percival announced that board member John Delap has resigned effective July 1, 2008. Howard Hamilton made a motion to accept the resignation. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote. Mr. Percival noted that the Board has thirty days from the effective date of resignation to appoint a new board member. Anyone who is interested in filling the vacant board position should send a letter of interest with qualifications to Mr. Percival at the district administration address. The person will fill the board seat until the September 16^th school election.

University of Arkansas Counteroffer

Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, reported that Dr. New and she met with Dr. Gearhart and Dr. Pederson from the University of Arkansas on June 23^rd. During that meeting, it was confirmed that $50 million is the University’s firm offer. Terms and options such as leasing, bonding/financing options, timing and legal issues were also discussed. Dr. Morstad added that administration recommends continuing negotiations with the University to specify variables such as scope of project, location, millage campaign and timeline. Tim Hudson made a motion to postpone action regarding the University of Arkansas offer until more information is received. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.

Dr. Bobby New, superintendent, reported that Campus Building Group, LLC (CBG) has offered an option to purchase approximately forty acres known as Fayetteville High School, administration buildings, and the sports facilities for $60 million with terms and conditions of the contract to be approved by the Fayetteville Board of Education. This option commences on June 26, 2008 and expires in ninety days. Rudy Moore, Jr., school district attorney, explained that this is an option which gives CBG the exclusive right for a set period of time to purchase the property at a particular price under terms and conditions agreed upon by the Board of Education. CBG is not obligated to purchase the property; it is simply an option to purchase. If a contract is negotiated, they may exercise their option to buy with the ninety day period. Mr. Moore added that if the option is signed, the district could continue negotiations with other parties, but the district could not sell the property within the ninety day period. David Fisher, the attorney representing CBG, reported that the plan is to use the property for upscale student housing and commercial and retail activities.

Greenland Consolidation

Dr. Randy Willison, associate superintendent for operations, requested approval of a resolution supporting Greenland School District’s efforts to avoid annexation and/or consolidation and continue operation as an independent school district. He also reported that the district administration will make a presentation to the State Board of Education at the hearing on July 14^th. On that date the State Board will make a decision whether to annex or consolidate Greenland School District and, if so, to what school district. Tim Kring made the motion for district administration to prepare their presentation for distribution to each State Department of Education member as soon as the information packet is received from the Arkansas Department of Education. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote. Tim Kring made a motion to approve the resolution to support Greenland Schools in their appeal to avoid annexation or consolidation. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.

Student Handbook Approval

Ms. Ginny Wiseman, associate superintendent for administration, reported that minor changes to Policies 5.17 (student discipline), 5.25 (gangs and gang activity) and 5.37 (emergency drills), need to be approved before the student handbooks can be approved. Tim Hudson made a motion to approve the changes to Policy 5.17. Tim Kring seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the changes to Policy 5.26. Tim Kring seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote. Tim Hudson made a motion to approve the changes to Policy 5.37. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the 2008-09 elementary and secondary student handbooks. Tim Kring seconded the motion, which was approved by a 5-0 vote.

2008-09 District Budget

Dr. Lisa Morstad presented the 2008-09 district budget. She noted that a 2% raise for classified and certified staff is included in the expenditures for salary and fringe benefits and that both PPCs approved the proposed raise. Dr. Morstad also noted that she would like to revisit the proposed 2% raise after the outcome of the hearing regarding Greenland due to the potential for a significant financial impact on the district. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the proposed 2008-09 district budget. Tim Hudson seconded the motion, which was approved by a 5-0 vote.

2009-10 Proposed District Budget

Dr. Morstad presented the proposed 2009-10 district budget. This budget must be approved sixty days before the September 2008 millage election. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the 2009-10 proposed district budget. Tim Kring seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.

Butterfield QZAB

Ms. Susan Norton, chief information officer, asked for approval to apply for QZAB funding for Butterfield Trail Elementary school, which is last qualifying school. The money will be used for multi-media equipment, computers and software. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the application for Qualified Zone Academy Bonds to the Arkansas Department of Education in the maximum amount of $125,000. Tim Hudson seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.

Tim Kring made a motion to authorize Stephens, Inc. to file an application with the State Board of Education to issue second lien bonds in the maximum amount of $125,000 for the purpose of renovating and providing technology equipment upgrades to existing school facilities with Qualified Zone Academy Bonds. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.

Grievance Request

Board president Steve Percival presented information regarding a request from an employee for the Board to hear a grievance. The grievance involves two issues. The first issue is whether or not the building principal has the right to assign rooms in his/her building as he/she sees fit. The second issue is whether or not Room 1002 at Fayetteville High School falls within the minimum standards set forth in the Arkansas School Facilities Manual. Mr. Percival asked the Board to decide if the issues are grievable within the guidelines of policy 4102. Regarding issue #1, Greg Mones represented administration and stated that room assignment by the principal does not fall within the conditions of a grievable matter under policy 4102. Diane Adams, the grievant, stated that she believed that the reduction in space for the art department was a violation of past policies at FHS. Susan Heil made a motion not to allow the issue of room assignments by the principal as a grievable issue. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 3-2 vote.

Susan Heil made a motion that the second issue regarding the square footage of room 1002 is a grievable matter. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote. The board considered the option of making a decision regarding issue #2 based on the written record that was submitted by both parties. Diane Adams, the grievant, agreed to this option. Dr. New, representing administration, objected to this option and asked that the Board hear the case either tonight or at another specified time. Since administration objected to the Board making a decision based on the written record, both parties presented information as to whether or not Room 1002 at FHS falls within the minimum standards set forth by the Arkansas School Facilities Manual. After hearing from both parties, Tim Kring made the motion to deny the grievance. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.

Communication Strategy Update

Ms. Susan Norton reported on the results of the parent survey conducted earlier this year. The purpose of the survey was to learn which school issues were of primary interest to parents and the communication media they prefer. Ms. Norton also presented the new district website, which has been in development since February. She thanked development team members Chuck Baxter, Aimee Papazian, Patty Plummer and Jake Porter.

Superintendent Search

Board president Steve Percival reported that he has received information from the following search firms: Hazard, Young, Attea & Assoc., McPherson & Jacobsen, and Ray & Assoc. The Board agreed to invite all three firms to make presentations to the Board.

Board member Tim Kring distributed information regarding the School Within a School program at Fayetteville High School.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:06PM.