Fayetteville Board of Education
Minutes of the December 18, 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 Happy Hollow 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.
The Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at the University of Arkansas was inducted into the Superintendent’s Honor Roll for their many years of service to the students of the district.
Asbell secretary Judi McGhee and Asbell nurse Angie Schuldt received Above & Beyond Awards for their outstanding work. Larry Olson, who chaired the Education Committee of the Chamber of Commerce in 2003, also received an award for his work with the program.
Woodland eighth grade student Louise Li received a Recognition of Outstanding Achievement award for receiving honorable mention in the Prentice Hall “What History Means to Me” National Essay Contest.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, discussed increasing the purchasing limit that requires board approval from the current amount of $50,000 to $200,000. After discussion by the board, Howard Hamilton made a motion to table the vote on this issue until the January board meeting. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Alan Wilbourn, director of school and community relations, requested approval of the revised community relations policies, which compromise the 6000 series of school board policies. Shannon McCuin made a motion to approve the revised policies. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Mike Gray, associate superintendent, requested that the vote on the construction manager proposals be tabled until the January board meeting. Susan Heil made a motion to table the vote on this issue until the January board meeting. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Judy Rana, assistant superintendent for curriculum and
instruction, reported on the district’s plan to meet Strategic Planning Goal
#2, which states the district “develop, implement, and support an articulated
curriculum, effective instructional strategies, and a comprehensive assessment
program that integrates progressive technology.”
Ginny Wiseman, assistant superintendent for administration, reported that the school resource officer program helps the district meet Goal #7 of the district’s strategic plan. Ms. Wiseman introduced Lt. William Brown, Sgt. Shannon Gabbard and Cpl. Dan Montgomery of the Fayetteville Police Department. Sgt. Gabbard outlined the history of the program, and Lt. Brown reported on funding problems the program faces for the 2004-05 school year. The federal funding used to finance the program will not be available after May of 2004, but Lt. Brown noted that the Fayetteville Police Department is committed to the program and will continue to provide two school resource officers for the district. Cpl. Montgomery gave a history of the DARE program, which started in 1988. He noted that the funding for the all supplies and books used in the DARE program is provided by the Fayetteville Police Department.
Dr. Randy Willison, Fayetteville High School principal, briefed the board on changes in the attendance procedure for the district. Parents may either call the office or send a note to explain a student’s absence. Students may accumulate only eight excused absences per class per semester. Parents will be notified of the changes by letter and the information will be on the district website. Letters are sent to parents notifying them that their child is losing credit.
Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, presented the financial report for the district. She noted that we are 42% through the fiscal year and there are no major variances in the budget.
Laura Underwood made a motion to adjourn. Shannon McCuin seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 PM.
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Stephen M. Percival, President Christine Bell, Secretary