Fayetteville Board of Education
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 Leverett Elementary School.
The roll was called and board members Shannon McCuin, Laura Underwood, Steve Percival, Susan Heil, Christine Bell and Malcolm McNair were present.
Suzanne Cook, in-school suspension program supervisor at Fayetteville High School and Diana Faulkner, special education designee at Fayetteville High School, received Above & Beyond Awards from the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce for their work with students in the district.
Christine Bell made a motion to accept the consent agenda. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, reported on the budget revisions for the 2003-04 budget. Dr. Morstad noted that the biggest revision was in state funding. The district received $1,000,000 more than expected due to unbudgeted growth funding and higher state equalization funding than budgeted. She further noted that the increase in salary expenditure was due to the mid-year bonus. Malcolm McNair moved to approve the budget revisions. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which was approved by a 6-0 vote.
Dr. Morstad also presented the monthly financial report for the district. She added that she is working with the city regarding Tax Increment Funding (TIF). TIF limits the amount of property tax that the district receives as property taxes increase.
Dr. Lisa Morstad requested that the Board ratify the contract between the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation and the Fayetteville Public Schools relating to the Walton Family Foundation Grant. Dr. Bobby New, superintendent, added that the attorneys for the foundation and the school district have reviewed the contract. Malcolm McNair made a motion to ratify the agreement between the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation and the Fayetteville Public Schools related to the Walton Family Foundation Grant. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
2004-05 District Calendar
Dan Marzoni, personal policy committee (PPC) representative, presented two options for the 2004-05 district calendar. Both calendars were considered by teachers and PPC. PPC voted to recommend calendar #1. Major changes are the dates of spring break and the five additional in-service days for certified staff. Both changes are the result of state mandates. Malcolm McNair made a motion to approve the calendar that was recommended by PPC. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Sharon Pepple, principal at Happy Hollow, recommended approval of the 2004-05 Happy Hollow calendar. Laura Underwood made a motion to accept the 2004-05 Happy Hollow calendar. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Steve Percival, board president, presented information regarding citizen participation at the monthly board meetings. Mr. Percival noted that citizen participation is an additional method for patrons to interact with board members about issues affecting the district. His proposal is to increase the number of items that are presented first as informational items prior to moving to action items. Also included is the proposal is having citizen participation from 4:30 – 4:55 for open discussion with board members to ensure that anyone is able to have dialogue with any or all board members. Mr. Percival also noted that patrons have the responsibility become familiar with issues and use appropriate communication channels before addressing the board. After discussion by the board, Laura Underwood made a motion to table the proposal regarding citizen participation until the May Board meeting. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Ginny Wiseman, assistant superintendent for administration, reported on the district’s current alternative learning environments. She noted that the district is working to meet the mandates of Acts 59 and 35, which were recently passed by the Arkansas General Assembly. One critical issue for the district is the lack of space for the growing number of students needing alternative services. Ms. Wiseman reported that utilization of existing facilities will be studied and a feasibility study will be conducted to look at costs.
Mike Gray, associate superintendent, reported that a property owner has offered to sell 20 acres located southwest of the new Fayetteville Boys & Girls Club to the district to be used as a site for the new K-7 campus. Mr. Gray further added that the location is suited for growth, close to the Boys & Girls Club, and lends itself to good transportation of students. After a soil analysis and further input from the architect and construction manager, a recommendation will be made at the May Board meeting.
Lisa Jenkins, director of school food service, reported on the nutritional objectives and financial situation of the food service program. She also presented information on the possibility of using a food service management company. After approval from the state Child Nutrition Office, the district will send out RFP’s. The final recommendation will then be brought to the Board for approval.
The Board convened in closed session for an expulsion hearing.
The Board reconvened in open sessions. Ginny Wiseman recommended expulsion for Student A. Susan Heil made a motion to expel Student A. Malcolm McNair seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote. Ginny Wiseman recommended expulsion for Student B. Christine Bell made a motion to expel student B. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.
Susan Heil made a motion to adjourn. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.
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Stephen M. Percival, President Christine Bell, Secretary