Fayetteville Board of Education

Minutes of the January 9, 2006 Special Meeting

The meeting was convened at 5:30 PM in the Adams Leadership Center with President Steve Percival presiding. The roll was called and board members Tim Kring, Laura Underwood, Howard Hamilton, Steve Percival, Susan Heil, Christine Bell and Tim Hudson were present.

Introductory Remarks

Dr. Bobby New, superintendent, reported that several administrative staff members will present information regarding Goals #1, 3, and 4 of the Strategic Plan.

Review of Stakeholder’s Presentation

Susan Cromwell, technology director, reported on the GIS data that has been used by the district in the enrollment distribution project. Robert Guadagnini, GIS coordinator, reported on the newly platted housing developments in the school district and the schools which will be affected. Mr. Guadagnini noted that schools in northwest and northeast Fayetteville will be impacted the most by new housing additions. He added that Happy Hollow will also be affected by growth toward Elkins.

Facility Projections

Mike Gray, associate superintendent, outlined the future capital needs of the school district over the next few years. Additions to Butterfield and Asbell were discussed in the Long Range Capital Plan, which was presented in 2003. Mr. Gray also noted the need for gym renovations at Root and Happy Hollow. In addition, Mr. Gray estimated that the cost of a new high school would be approximately $78 million.

Human Resources Report

Greg Mones, interim director of human resources, reported on staffing needs in coming years, as well as the growing starting salary disparity between Fayetteville and other northwest Arkansas school districts. Mr. Mones further noted that 90 of the district’s certified staff will have 28 or more years of experience and could retire at the end of the 2005-06 school year.

Revenue & Expenditure Projections

Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, reported that the Fayetteville School District had 12.7 more mills than Springdale in 1995, but the gap will shrink to 4.5 mills in fiscal year 2007. In addition, the state funding formula rewards operationally efficient school districts. Dr. Morstad added that the assessed valuation of property is growing at difference rates in Benton County than in Washington County and that the value of a mill in Fayetteville has stayed flat compared to other districts. In order to fund strategic goals, the district can chose either to increase funding or decrease expenditures and change the current model of education.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 PM.

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Stephen M. Percival, President Christine Bell, Secretary