Fayetteville Board of Education
Minutes of the February 28, 2002 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 Trail Elementary School.
The roll was called and board members Howard Hamilton, Laura Underwood, Steve Percival, Malcolm McNair, Susan Heil and Christine Bell were present.
The Board presented plaques to former board members Reed Greenwood and Pam Grondin in appreciation for their dedicated service to the board. Dr. Greenwood served from 1995-2001, and Ms. Grondin served from 1994-2001.
Phil Sherman, assistant manager of JC Penney and the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, introduced Woodland algebra teacher Marcia Bogart, McNair 6th grade math teacher Dianne Gann, and McNair music teacher Angela Hartwig as the first three honorees in the Above & Beyond recognition program. Above & Beyond is sponsored by the Education Committee of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest Arkansas Times. The purpose of the program is to recognize and honor those Fayetteville School District employees who are going “above and beyond” in their service to students.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to accept the consent agenda. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, proposed the revised budget for fiscal year 2001-02. She noted that, due to conservative budgeting, the district is not facing a cut in state funds at this time. Malcolm McNair made a motion to approve the revised budget. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Dr. Morstad also gave the monthly financial report. She reported that all revenues and expenditures are on target.
Dr. Morstad reported that, in order to comply with the Ethics Law Act 1599 of 2001, the board needs to approve ethics law disclosures for two Fayetteville School District employees. Howard Hamilton made the motion to approve the Resolution (see attached). Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Policy on Dismissal and Non-Renewal of Contract (Policy
4119)
David Hartz reported that the current policy on teacher renewal reflects the old teacher fair dismissal language. He recommended that Policy 4119 be changed to refer to The Arkansas Teacher Fair Dismissal Act, which would bring our current policy into line with the new law. Malcolm McNair made a motion to approve the change in Policy 4119. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Judy Rana presented the new Tuberculosis Policy to the Board. The policy is being developed in response to an increase in the occurrence of TB in the area. Ms. Rana reported that the policy will be taken to the Personnel Policy Committee. Laura Underwood made a motion to table the motion until more information is gathered and the policy is brought back to the board for a vote. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Susan Cromwell, district technology director, briefed the board on a grant opportunity recently awarded to a consortium that includes Fayetteville schools, Lamar schools, and Oark schools. The purpose of the grant is to help teachers create technology based teaching units that are linked to the Arkansas and national curriculum frameworks. The district will recruit teachers to participate in the program.
Ron Jared, assistant superintendent, reported to the board on progress made and plans for achieving Strategic Plan Goal #7, which states that the district “will create a more orderly and safer environment for all students and staff.” Mr. Jared said that more emphasis has been placed on the prevention of unsafe situations, while also continuing to upgrade and improve the district’s ability to respond to crisis situations.
The board heard a report from assistant superintendent Judy Rana, curriculum facilitator Dense Airola and director of federal programs Michelle Boles on the impact of the new No Child Left Behind Act that was recently signed by President Bush. The primary change for schools districts is in the funding of federal programs that will focus on student achievement.
Howard Hamilton made a motion that the board adjourn to executive session. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote. The board adjourned to executive session at 6:50pm.
Christine Bell made a motion to return to regular session at 7:45 pm. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote. Dr. Bobby New recommended that Michael Gray be hired to replace Roy Karr as associate superintendent. Laura Underwood made a motion to accept the recommendation and hire Michael Gray. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to adjourn. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:00pm.
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Steve Percival, President Christine Bell, Secretary