Minutes of the
January 23, 2003 Regular Meeting of the
Fayetteville Board
of Education
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 Leverett Elementary School.
The roll was called and board members Shannon McCuin, Laura Underwood, Howard Hamilton, Steve Percival, and Susan Heil were present. Christine Bell and Malcolm McNair were absent. Shannon McCuin was not present for the voting held after Executive Session.
The Fayetteville High School Student Council received a Recognition of Outstanding Achievement Award for their 2002 Homeless Vigil, which raised $9,500 for the district’s homeless program.
Principal For A Day will be Wednesday, February 19th. The district Volunteer Banquet will be Tuesday, March 25th at 6:30 PM in the Fayetteville High School cafeteria.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.
Dr. New spoke to the Board on Governor Huckabee’s proposed plan to reform public education in Arkansas as outlined in his State of the State Address. Dr. New said that too much attention has been focused on the school consolidation issue. He added that the primary issue with the plan is the loss of local control of public schools to the state government. The proposed plan would remove the local school board’s authority to hire and fire the superintendent, principals and oversee school budgets and teacher salaries.
2001 - 2002 Audit Report
Baird, Kurtz & Dobson reported the findings of their annual independent audit of the district’s finances. The firm reported that the district’s financial statements are accurate and abide by accepted accounting principles. The firm issued an unqualified letter, noting that they found no material weaknesses in the district’s accounting practices. Laura Underwood made a motion to approve the 2001-2002 audit report. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.
Mike Gray, associate superintendent, reported that, due to an increase in premium costs, the insurance bids are being brought to the board for approval. The premium for property insurance for 2003-04 with Great American would be $104,205 with a $2,500 deductible. The building value on the policy would be $91,807,456 and a contents value of $18,461,588. The value of the boilers and mechanical coverage would be $7,500,000 with a premium of $6,940 and a deductible of $1,000 with Cincinnati Insurance. Mr. Gray also asked for approval of the $31,905 premium for vehicle insurance coverage for 2003-04. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the insurance bids, subject to a AA or AAA rating. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.
Dr. Lisa Morstad and Mr. Mike Gray briefed the Board on their work in determining whether or not the district should utilize a private consultant to help develop a ten-year capital improvement plan. They reported that they would like to work with a firm that has a national perspective on capital improvements. They hope to have a recommendation for the Board to consider at the February school board meeting.
Susan Cromwell, district technology director, reported that the district’s computer network is running efficiently. We currently lease lines from Cox Communications and receive E-rate rebates. The districts network contract expired in December 2002. Ms. Cromwell will bring a new network contract to the February school board meeting for approval.
Lisa Jenkins, director of food service, reported on the district’s food service program. Ms. Jenkins noted that by meeting the nutritional needs of the students, healthy eating habits are encouraged. More than 91% of elementary students participate in the food service program. The food service program operates 14 kitchens and serves an average of 8,037 meals a day. Recently, a Prime Vendor was selected. This saves money by using one vendor instead of 5-7 vendors. Ms. Jenkins said that the program continues to make equipment improvements and will work to provide more nutritious and appealing offerings for students.
Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, reported that the district’s finances are in good condition and the budget is on target for the year.
The board adjourned to executive session at 6:42 PM. They returned to regular session at 7:47 PM. Howard Hamilton made a motion to extend the superintendent’s contract through the 2005-06 school year. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-0 vote. Board President Steve Percival announced that he had received a letter of resignation from Don French, principal at Fayetteville High School, effective June 30, 2003. Laura Underwood made a motion to accept the letter of resignation from Don French. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed 4-0.
Laura Underwood made a motion to adjourn. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 PM.
___________________________________ _____________________________
Stephen M. Percival Christine Bell
Board President Board Secretary