Fayetteville
Board of Education
Minutes of the August 28,
2003 Regular Meeting
The meeting convened at 5:00 PM in the Adams Leadership Center with President Steve Percival presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by students from Root Elementary School.
The roll was called and board members Shannon McCuin, Howard Hamilton, Steve Percival, Susan Heil, Malcolm McNair and Christine Bell were present.
The Board presented the Ramay Odyssey of the Mind team with a Recognition of Outstanding Achievement award for winning 1st place in the state and regional Arkansas Odyssey of the Mind competition and placing 16th in the World Finals.
Holcomb teacher Helen Eaton and FHS drama teacher Warren Rosenaur received Above & Beyond Awards from the Chamber of Commerce.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
David Hartz reported that under Act 1295 a school district board may approve a resolution to let early and absentee ballots determine the election outcome and open no polling places on the date of the election if there are no contested issues or races in the annual election. The following resolution was proposed:
Whereas no more than one candidate for the Fayetteville Board of Education has presented a petition or notice in writing to the county board of election commissioners as required by Ark. Code 6-14-11, and
Whereas there are no other ballot issues to be submitted to district electors for consideration,
Be it therefore resolved that the Board of Education of Fayetteville School District requests the county board of elections commissioners open no polling places on the date of the school election scheduled to be held on September 16, 2003, so that the election can be conducted by absentee ballot and early voting pursuant to Act 1295 of 2003.
After reading the resolution, Christine Bell made a motion that the Fayetteville Board of Education adopt the resolution. Malcolm McNair seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Student Policies (5000 Series)
David Hartz explained the new student policies (5000 series). These policies follow the ASBA format, which the district now uses. Mr. Hartz recommended that policies 5111 and 5113 be rescinded. Malcolm McNair made a motion to rescind policies 5111 and 5113. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote. Malcolm McNair made a motion to renumber policies 5114 to 5.17, 5129 to 5.24, 5114.2 to 5.27, 4202 to 5.29, 5141 to 5.34, and 5115 to 5.38 and to codify the Homeless Policy as 5.39 and Students with Special Healthcare Needs Policy as 5.35. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote. Malcolm McNair made a motion to adopt policies 5.1, 5.6, 5.11, 5.12, 5.14, 5.15, 5.16, 5.19, 5.26, 5.32, 5.33, 5.36, 5.37 and 5.42. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by 6-0.
Lisa Jenkins, food service director, presented information regarding FY2002-03 revenues and expenses, which showed that the food service department ended the year with a negative balance. This resulted in the district having to supplement the food service budget. Ms. Jenkins recommended a $.10 ($.90 to $1.00) meal charge increase for elementary and secondary breakfast and a $.30 ($1.35 to $1.65) meal charge increase for elementary and secondary lunches. She noted that this is the first meal price increase in four years. This increase would generate $114,175 of additional revenue. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the increase in meal prices as recommended. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, recommended that the Board approve the audit engagement letter with Baird, Kurtz & Dobson to conduct an independent financial audit of the district’s 2002-03 financial records. Dr. Morstad noted that the fee has increased since last year due to GASB 34 requirements. Malcolm McNair made a motion to approve the audit engagement letter with Baird, Kurtz & Dobson. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Due to a conflict of interest, board member Christine Bell excused herself from the discussion and vote regarding QZABs. Dr. Lisa Morstad reported that the best bid received for $1,059,024.31 in Qualified Zone Academy Bonds was from the Bank of America. The bid included 0% interest and a premium of $10, 590. Malcolm McNair made a motion to approve a resolution to authorize the issuance and delivery of the district’s Qualified Zone Academy Bonds. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Dr. Lisa Morstad reviewed the district’s financial status as of the end of fiscal year 2003. She reported that there were no major variances in the budget for the 2002-03 school year.
Hugh Ernest, chief administrative
officer for the City of Fayetteville, presented the city’s strategic plan to
the Board. He thanked the school
district for its cooperation in numerous projects and noted that the city
desires a close working partnership with the schools. He added that the city and the school district plan to continue
to work together in many areas, including traffic problems in school areas.
Rudy Moore, Jr., school district attorney, reported that he recently attended a 3-day National School Boards Association retreat in Little Rock. He noted that subjects of importance to school district were addressed, including the Pledge of Allegiance and the Michigan affirmative action case.
Christine Bell made a motion to adjourn. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 6:17 PM.
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Stephen M. Percival, President Christine Bell, Secretary