Fayetteville Board of Education
Minutes of the February
27, 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 Fayetteville High School.
The roll was called and board members Shannon McCuin, Laura Underwood, Howard Hamilton, Steve Percival, Susan Heil and Christine Bell were present. Malcolm McNair was absent.
Priscilla Kempe, the Gifted & Talented teacher at Ramay, received a Recognition of Outstanding Achievement for being named a 2002-03 AGATE (Arkansans for Gifted & Talented Education) Outstanding Educator. Dr. Bobby New, superintendent, also received an award from the AGATE. He was one of six superintendents in the state to receive the Challenger Award for his work in promoting gifted and talented education.
Alan Wilbourn announced that, due to snow days, April 18th is no longer a district holiday. In addition, one day has been added to the school calendar making Monday, June 2nd the last day for students.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Susan Cromwell, technology director, asked the board to renew the Cox Communication Agreement for Telecommunications Services. Cox offered an amendment to the current service contract, which contains three changes: an upgrade to the switching technologies at no additional cost, a new ability to provide network monitoring tools, and new monthly terms. The proposed monthly rate for a 2-year renewal is $11,687.50. The rate for a 4-year renewal is $9,562.50, which is lower than the current rate of $10,625.00 per month. Susan Heil made a motion to accept the 4-year contract with Cox Communications. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Denise Airola requested adoption of new elementary instructional materials in English as a Second Language and Art for the 2003-04 school year. Ms. Airola reported that this would be the first time Art books have been used in the elementary classrooms. These books are portfolios, which will provide examples of concepts and visual samples of artwork for the students. Ms. Airola also explained the concept of keyboard labs instead of music textbooks in the elementary schools. Studies have shown a connection between keyboarding and student achievement. The cost of providing keyboard labs at each elementary school would be approximately $134,000. Each school would give the money they would have used for textbooks and a portion of instructional money toward purchasing keyboards. They also plan to apply for grants and fundraising. Ms. Airola asked the board for permission to seek funding for the keyboards. She added that textbook adoption would be delayed until the board gave permission to go ahead with the keyboard labs. Laura Underwood made a motion to approve textbook adoption as presented by Ms. Airola. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Mike Gray, associate superintendent, reported that the City of Fayetteville has requested a drainage easement and right-of-way at the southeast corner of Ramay Junior High. The city plans to renovate the intersection of Sang Avenue, Old Farmington Road, and Sixth Street. The new intersection will include a traffic light. Paul Libertini from the City of Fayetteville engineering department added that construction should begin in May and it will take 6-9 months to complete the project. Howard Hamilton made a motion to grant the requested drainage easement and right of way requested by the City of Fayetteville and to authorize the board president to sign the documents granting conveyance of property. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Mike Gray presented information regarding the bids for additions to Root and Holcomb Elementary Schools and for window projects at Woodland, Root and Asbell. He noted that the work will be done during the summer months. The bids were about 30% under what was anticipated. Susan Heil made a motion to approve and ratify the low bid of $396,600 fro Lillich and Bossler for window replacement at Woodland Junior High and Asbell Elementary schools, and to authorize the Associate Superintendent to enter into contract with this company, pending approval of the contract by the school attorney. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote. Susan Heil made a motion to approve and ratify the low bid of $1,053,000 from Crossland Construction for classroom additions at Holcomb Elementary School and for classroom additions and window replacement at Root Elementary School, and to authorize the Associate Superintendent to enter into contract with this company, pending approval of the contract by school attorney. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, reported on the recent budget cuts announced by the Governor due to revenue shortfalls. She noted that the cuts will cost the district approximately $560,000 in state revenue, which amounts to about $72 per student. She also noted that she is currently going over budget revisions with the budget managers.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to adjourn. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 5:46 PM.
__________________________________ ____________________________
Stephen M. Percival Christine Bell
Board President Board Secretary