Minutes of the February 23, 2006 Regular Meeting
The meeting was convened at 5:00 PM in the
Roll Call
The roll was called and board members Tim Kring, Laura Underwood, Howard Hamilton, Steve Percival and Tim Hudson were present.
Recognition of
People, Events and Programs
Susan Cromwell, district technology director, presented information regarding the web pages that teachers have developed on the SchoolCenter website.
Kathy Lemons, foreign language teacher at
Alan Wilbourn, director of school & community relations,
introduced the “”Everyday Examples of Excellence” program. This program highlights outstanding
achievements by students and staff members.
Story boards detailing the accomplishments have been hung in the
Consent Agenda
Laura Underwood made a motion to approve the consent agenda including the corrections. Tim Hudson seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.
Audit Report
Keith Ekenseair representing Moore Stephens Frost presented the results of the FY 2005 audit for the district. He noted that there were no negative findings with the finances or accounting practices of the district and that the district’s financial conditions are strong, stable and consistent. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the district audit for FY2005. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.
Budget Revisions
Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, reported that the district’s budget is strong and has improved due to budget cutting measures implemented since the failure of the millage vote. Dr. Morstad also credited the efforts of the superintendent, administrative staff, building administrators and teaching staff for all of their hard work in the implementation of budget cuts.
As a result of higher property tax collection rates and efficiencies from operating one less facility and staffing and budget cuts, Dr. Morstad proposed adding $644,000 for personnel expenditures to make $2,645,000 million available for a staff bonus. Administration proposed a 4.5% bonus for all employees. Rita Caver reported that the Personnel Policy Committee unanimously voted for the 4.5% across the board bonus.
Dr. Morstad also noted that debt service payments had increased due to QZABs. Susan Cromwell proposed to accept the remaining $500,000 in QZABs to provide enhanced computer access and projectors in qualifying schools. This amount is included in the proposed budget debt service figure.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to accept the revised budget as presented. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.
Dr. Morstad added that, at this time, the bonus is not part of the salary schedule and that option will be reviewed at a later date. Several board members pointed out that this bonus was made possible due to very conservative budget predictions and other factors such as a cut in district budgets and staffing; not mistakes that were made in the budget. In addition, the Board expressed gratitude to the business office staff for their diligence in investing district funds and managing the budget. Howard Hamilton made a motion to accept the recommendation from administration and PPC for a 4.5% bonus for all staff. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.
Ethics Law Disclosures
Dr. Lisa Morstad reported that in accordance with Act 1599
of 2001, the district must disclose all financial relationships with board
members, administrators or employees.
Financial transactions over $5,000 must be reported and this has to be
done every two years. Laura Underwood
made a motion to accept the resolution that the
The Board voted 5-0 to accept a resolution which would allow employees to elect to be contributory to Arkansas Teacher Retirement the next fiscal year. Dr. Lisa Morstad noted that there is no financial impact to the district related to this resolution. Howard Hamilton made the motion, which was seconded by Laura Underwood.
District Technology
Plan
The Board voted 5-0 to approve the district technology plan. Susan Cromwell, technology director, noted that the three-year plan will be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Education. The plan can be viewed by going to the district website. Ms. Cromwell added that the district has realized savings by developing programs internally. Tim Hudson made the motion, which was seconded by Laura Underwood.
Elementary Textbook Adoption
The Board voted 5-0 to approve the Everyday Math program for K-5. Judy New, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, added that this has been a very successful program. Laura Underwood made the motion, which was seconded by Howard Hamilton.
The Board also agreed to delay the vote on the math textbook adoption for grades 6-12 until the April board meeting.
Board member Dr. Tim Kring, chairman of the Jefferson Task
Force Committee, reported that a letter of interest has been developed to allow
public individuals, organizations, or a consortium of organizations, to show
interest in the lease or purchase of the
Executive Session
The Board convened in Executive Session at 6:16PM to discuss the superintendent’s contract and evaluation.
Open Session
The Board reconvened in open session at 7:35PM. Tim Kring made a motion to add a line to the superintendent’s 2005-2008 contract stating that “in future fiscal years (FY 2006-2008), the superintendent shall receive a cost of living adjustment (COLA) equal to the value of a step raise plus the average raise step (if applicable) approved for the district’s staff”. Laura Underwood seconded the motion. Steve Percival, board president, declared a recess at 7:38PM due to the disruptive behavior of a patron. The Board reconvened in open session at 7:39PM. The motion was approved by a 5-0 vote.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to ratify the decision that the board made last month to approve the superintendent’s contract through the 2008-09 school year. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:39PM.
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Stephen M. Percival, President Christine Bell, Secretary