Fayetteville Board of Education

Minutes of the March 27, 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 Washington Elementary School.

 

Roll Call

The roll was called and board members John Delap, Tim Kring, Steve Percival, Tim Hudson and Becky Purcell were present.

 

Recognition

Fayetteville High School junior Fred Gulley received a Recognition of Outstanding Achievement award for being named the 2008 Gatorade Arkansas Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

 

The Woodland Quiz Bowl team received a Recognition of Outstanding Achievement award for winning first place in the 2008 Arkansas Jr. High Quiz Bowl.  The Ramay Quiz Bowl team, which finished second in the state, was also introduced.

 

Kim Buck, social work coordinator, and Marian Riner, families in transition coordinator, reported on the holiday basket program, which provided food baskets for more than 300 families prior to the holiday season.  Both programs received Impact Awards of Excellence for their work with students and their families.

 

Consent Agenda

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

 

2008-09 District Calendar & 2008-09 Continuous Learning Calendar

The Board voted 4-1 to approve proposed district Calendar A and proposed continuous learning calendar A for the 2008-09 school year.  Ginny Wiseman, associate superintendent for administration, reported that certified and classified employees voted on the proposed calendars and calendar A received the majority of votes.  Tim Kring made the motion, which was seconded by Becky Purcell.

 

Asbell Continuous Learning Calendar

The Board voted 5-0 to approve the continuous learning calendar for Asbell Elementary school beginning with the 2008-09 school year.  John Delap made the motion, which was seconded by Becky Purcell.

 

Bond Bids

The Board voted 5-0 to approve the resolution authorizing the issuance of $8,905,000.00 in refunding bonds for the district.  Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, reported that the low bid of 3.27% was received from Crews & Associates, Inc.  The district will realize a savings of $179,000 savings by refunding at a lower interest rate.  Tim Hudson made the motion, which was seconded by Tim Kring. 

 

Uncommitted Carryforward Proposal

The Board voted 5-0 to approve using uncommitted carryforward funds for a 3% bonus for all staff and capital projects.  Dr. Morstad noted that $2,176,040 will be used for the bonus and $4,292,492 will be used for capital projects.  The bonus checks/direct deposit will be distributed on April 4th.  Tim Hudson made the motion, which was seconded by Tim Kring.

 

Secondary Social Studies Textbook Adoption

The Board voted 5-0 to adopt the recommended secondary social studies textbooks for use in 2008-09.  Ms. Judy New, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, noted that a notice of the availability of textbooks for public review was published.  Tim Kring made the motion, which was seconded by Tim Hudson.

 

Bus Bids

The Board voted 5-0 to approve the purchase of four 71-passenger buses from Merls Bus Sales.  Mr. Tommy Davenport, transportation director, reported that bid requests were sent to three vendors and Merls was the low bid.  Tim Hudson made the motion, which was seconded by Tim Kring.

 

Student Transfers

Ms. Ginny Wiseman discussed the possibility of not allowing students to transfers out of the district.  This practice has cost the Fayetteville school district approximately $57,000 this year.  Springdale and Rogers districts no longer allow out of district transfers. 

 

Land Acquisition

Dr. Randy Willison, associate superintendent for operations, reported that the district has received an offer to buy 9.57 acres at a cost of approximately $62,000 per acre.  The land is adjacent to the property that the district owns on Deane Solomon Road. 

 

Dr. Willison also reported that traffic signals have been approved by the Arkansas Highway Department for the intersection of Garland Avenue and Sixth Street and the intersection of Starr Road and Mission Boulevard.  The district’s total cost for both projects will be between $100,000 and $150,000.

 

High School Select Committee II Update

Board member Tim Hudson reported on the work of the Future of FHS Select Committee II. He noted that 37 patrons spoke at the public input meeting that was held on March 26 and that almost 140 people were in attendance.  A second public input meeting will be held on Thursday, April 3 at 6:30pm in the Woodland cafeteria.  The committee plans to make its recommendation to the Board in April.

 

Elementary Attendance Zones

Board president Steve Percival asked board member Becky Purcell to chair a committee to work with administration on the criteria and process for rezoning elementary attendance zones.  The Board agreed to hold a workshop in July or August to prioritize the criteria for rezoning.

 

Executive Session

The Board adjourned to executive session to discuss the superintendent applicants.

 

Open Session and Adjournment

The Board convened in open session and the meeting was adjourned.

 

 

 

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Stephen M. Percival, President                                     Susan W. Heil, Secretary