Fayetteville Board of Education
Minutes of the August 26, 2004 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 Butterfield Elementary School.
The roll was called and board members Shannon McCuin, Laura Underwood, Howard Hamilton, Steve Percival, Susan Heil, Malcolm McNair and Christine Bell were present.
Marilyn Rathburn, Culinary Arts teacher at West Campus, received the Above & Beyond award from the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.
Leverett custodians Earl Warder, Jerry Hogue, Georgia Brown, and James Stephenson received Impact Award of Excellence for their outstanding work at Leverett during the construction projects over the last four years.
The Ramay Odyssey of the Mind team received a Recognition of Outstanding Achievement award for winning the Arkansas Odyssey of the Mind competition and for placing 15th at the World Finals.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to accept the consent agenda. Shannon McCuin seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Susan Cromwell, technology director, reported that Phase 1 of the PC replacement cycle for the district is teacher workstations. The current inventory for teachers includes old and outdated computers that require constant maintenance. As evidenced by the large number of teachers who signed up for technology professional development, teacher interest in technology is very high. Ms. Cromwell recommended the purchase of 625 laptops for teachers at $1801.99 each for a total expenditure of $1,126,243. The purchase would be internally financed. Susan Heil made a motion to approve the expenditure for the purchase of laptops for teachers. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, asked for approval of the contract with Baird, Kurtz and Dobson to conduct the financial audit of the district financial records for FY 04. Dr. Morstad noted that the fees have gone up slightly because the auditors will need to spend additional time on fraud and they will still be working on GASB 34 issues. Malcolm McNair made a motion to approve the audit contract with Baird, Kurtz and Dobson to conduct the FY04 audit. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Ms. Ginny Wiseman, assistant superintendent for
administration, introduced Dan Marzoni, personnel policy committee
representative. Mr. Marzoni asked the
board to approve the change in Policy #4133 (Travel) that was presented at the
July Board meeting. Howard Hamilton made
a motion to approve the changes to Travel Policy #4133. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which
passed by a 7-0 vote.
Mr. Marzoni also noted that the Personnel Policy Committee would like to rescind their request for a new policy regarding sick leave incentive. He added that the request has been referred to Dr. Lisa Morstad for review by the benefits committee. Howard Hamilton made a motion to send the sick leave incentive policy back to the Personnel Policy Committee. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Mike Gray, associate superintendent, recommended several upgrades be made at the youth center facility to keep the building dry, safe and secure and to prevent deterioration. Mr. Gray added that the total cost would be $119,900. Malcolm McNair made a motion to make the recommended improvements. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Mr. Gray introduced Darryl Harris, construction manger from Nabholz, and Wes Burgess from the architectural firm of Crafton & Tull, Inc. They presented information regarding the construction timeline and the overall design of the campus. Mr. Burgess emphasized that the main goal of the design is to keep the elementary and middle school as two separate schools. Other goals are to incorporate the middle school design and create a quality learning environment. Mr. Harris also noted that the price of steel and petroleum products has recently risen, which could affect the construction budget.
After discussion by the board, Malcolm McNair made a motion to table the vote and have a special board meeting in September to receive more information and patron input. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Mr. Gray also informed the Board that he has received a letter from a developer regarding a proposed development north of Happy Hollow Elementary School. The developer is requesting that the school district donate the right of way, which would enable them to extend Ray Avenue into the development. He also reported that Sharon Pepple plans to get feedback from the school patrons regarding this issue.
David Hartz, director of human resources, reported that administration recommend the removal of policy #4141.6, bus salary schedule and removal of the substitute support staff wording from policy #4141.8. The board will vote on these policy recommendations at the September board meeting.
Dr. Lee Haight, West Campus Technical Center principal, introduced Carl Collier, West Campus English instructor and member of the West Campus Vision Committee. Mr. Collier reported that the vision committee met several times over the summer and explored several options for the future of West Campus. The committee’s recommendation is to pursue Option #3, which includes creating a sponsorship with NWACC while maintaining a strong partnership with the Fayetteville Public Schools. This option also includes a recommendation to adopt an early college model and to develop an alternative school. Benefits for students include the ability to pursue an AAS or other technical degree before graduation, reduced college tuition rate, and the opportunity for traditionally non-college bound students to sample college-level classes. Dr. Haight added that two public hearings are being planned – one at West Campus and one at NWACC. Mr. John Davidson, director of workforce development, noted that this plan would work hand-in-hand with the Governor’s plan of working toward high school programs that go toward associate degrees.
Board president Steve Percival expressed appreciation to Malcolm McNair for his years of serving on the Fayetteville Board of Education. Mr. Percival noted that the Board appreciates his integrity, thought process and honesty in his service to the Fayetteville School District.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to adjourn. Malcolm McNair seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM.
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Stephen M. Percival, President Christine Bell, Secretary