Fayetteville Board of Education

Minutes of the September 27, 2007 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 Happy Hollow Elementary School.

Roll Call

The roll was called and board members John Delap, Tim Kring, Howard Hamilton, Steve Percival, Susan Heil, Tim Hudson and Rebecca Purcell were present. Board president Steve Percival welcomed newly elected member Ms. Purcell to the Board.

Board Reorganization

As required by Arkansas law, the Board reorganized following the September 18^th annual school election. Tim Kring made a motion to accept the following slate of officers: Steve Percival, president, Howard Hamilton, vice-president, Susan Heil, secretary. Tim Hudson seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.

Recognition of People, Events, & Programs

Tara Elzer, Woodland Jr. High counselor, and Kelly Wade, kindergarten teacher at Asbell Elementary school, received Above & Beyond Awards from the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce for their work with students.

Dr. Barry Brown was named to the Superintendent’s Honor Roll for his work to create the Fayetteville Public Schools Fitness Center. Dr. Brown reported that more than 400 staff members have joined the fitness center.

Susan Norton, chief information officer, presented a Best Practices video that featured Karen Wikholm’s third grade class at Vandergriff Elementary School and the “CSI: Who Borrowed Mr. Bear” investigative unit she taught the class.

Consent Agenda

Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Tim Kring seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.

Charter School Application

Dr. Randy Willison, associate superintendent for operations, reported that the district had received an application for an open enrollment charter school to be located in the Fayetteville School District. Dr. Willison noted that several pieces of information were not included with the application and he received no response when he contacted the appropriate person and requested the information. The local Board of Education is required to approve or disapprove the application. Tim Hudson made a motion to disapprove the application for the open enrollment charter school in the Fayetteville School District. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.

Special Education Budget

The Board voted 7-0 to approve the 2007-08 special education budget as presented. Ms. Debra Wilson, special education director, noted that, besides a change in bookkeeping procedures, the budget has not changed significantly since last year. Susan Heil made the motion, which was seconded by Howard Hamilton.

Audit Contract

The Board voted 7-0 to approve a three-year audit contract with the accounting firm Moore Stephens Frost. The audit fee for FY2008 – FY2010 is capped at $25,000 per year. Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial office, noted that the primary reason for higher fees is increased testing requirements as a result of new accounting standards. Tim Hudson made the motion, which was seconded by Howard Hamilton.

Reimbursement Resolution & 2^nd Lien Bonds

The Board voted 7-0 to approve a reimbursement resolution for QZAB funds. Dr. Morstad noted that the resolution allows the district to spend the QZAB funds now and reimburse itself with proceeds from the bonds. Howard Hamilton made the motion, which was seconded by Tim Kring.

The Board voted 7-0 to authorize Stephens, Inc. to file an application with the State Board of Education to issue second lien construction bonds in the maximum amount of $7,000,000 for the purpose of constructing and equipping new school facilities and renovating and equipping various existing facilities. Dr. Morstad reported that this gives the district the option to issue debt, but not commit the district. Howard Hamilton made the motion, which was seconded by Tim Kring.

U of A/Washington Elementary Contract

The Board voted 7-0 to approve an agreement between the University of Arkansas and the Fayetteville School District to construct an outdoor classroom space at Washington Elementary School. Dr. Willison added that the agreement has been reviewed by Fred Turrentine, David Tate and Rudy Moore, Jr. University of Arkansas students will provide design services and labor for the project. The Washington Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization has raised funds to purchase supplies and materials for the classroom. Tim Hudson made the motion, which was seconded by Susan Heil.

Capital Improvements

Dr. Willison and Dr. Morstad presented a list of district-wide capital improvement projects that, if completed, would equalize the facilities in the district. Dr. Morstad noted that three of the projects would require a millage vote to be completed.

Susan Heil presented a review of the work done by the FHS Select Committee in the fall of 2006. Steve Percival asked Tim Hudson to chair a citizen committee to continue the work of the FHS Select Committee. Patrons and community members are asked to notify Mr. Hudson is they are interested in serving on the committee. The charge to the committee will be determined at a later date.

Strategic Goal #8

Associate superintendent Dick Johnson reported on the district’s progress toward Strategic Goal #8 which states “create and promote participation in a variety of activities that develop a full range of life skills.” Mr. Johnson noted that a leadership rally will be held on October 16^th for student leaders in the district.

School Board Zone Meetings

Dr. Tim Kring proposed holding district-wide zone meetings hosted by school board members. After discussion, it was agreed that Dr. Kring would pursue possible dates for the meetings.

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