Fayetteville Board of Education
Minutes of the January 24, 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 Asbell Elementary School.
The roll was called and board members Shannon McCuin, Howard Hamilton, Steve Percival, Malcolm McNair, Susan Heil and Christine Bell were present.
Alan Wilbourn announced that Governor Mike Huckabee will be in Fayetteville for a Governor’s Forum on February 21st. He will be visiting Ramay Junior High at 9:15am. He will then hold an educational forum in the Adams Leadership Center at 10:15am for area superintendents and board presidents. Principal For a Day will be Wednesday, February 27th. The volunteer banquet will be held Tuesday, March 26th at 6:30pm in the Fayetteville High School cafeteria.
Christine Bell made a motion to accept the consent agenda. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
2000-01 Audit Report
Dr. Lisa Morstad introduced George Mochner, audit partner with Baird, Kurtz & Dobson, who presented the 2000-01 audit report for the Fayetteville Public Schools. Mr. Mochner reported that the audit showed no findings of fault, recommendations for changes or internal control issues. Malcolm McNair made a motion to approve the audit. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote. Board President Steve Percival recognized Dr. Morstad for her leadership over the past four years. Dr. Morstad introduced the Business Office staff and thanked them for their hard work.
David Hartz reported that there are seventeen elementary teachers, thirty-two secondary teachers, and two administrators who will be participating in the employee severance plan. Employers Preferred Corporation, administrator of the plan, projects that the district could realize a cumulative net savings of approximately $2.9 million over the eight-year period of the severance plan. Resignations are effective at the end of the 2001-02 school year. Susan Heil made a motion to approve the employee severance plan. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote. Christine Bell made a motion to accept the resignation of the certified staff that signed up to participate in the plan. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Associate superintendent Roy Karr briefed the board on plans for changes in the playground and parking lot at Leverett due to the widening of Garland Avenue. Mr. Karr said that the new parking lot will be constructed on the current soccer field. A new field will be built west of the new parking lot. Additional playground space has been gained after the house adjacent to Leverett was purchased and demolished. A semi-circular drop-off lane will be constructed in front of the school on Cleveland Street. Construction on the parking lot and playground should begin in early summer.
January 24, 2002 Board Meeting
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Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, presented the monthly financial report, noting that revenue and expenditure forecasts remain on target. She added that she will be carefully watching reports from the Arkansas Department of Education for any change in revenue forecasts from the state.
Judy Rana, assistant superintendent and curriculum staff members Denise Airola, Michelle Boles, and Barbara Stripling gave the board an update on Strategic Plan #2 which states that the district will “develop, implement, and support an articulated curriculum, effective instructional strategies, and a comprehensive assessment program that prepares all students to reach their full potential.” Ms. Rana stressed that the district has developed an annual review process to ensure that the district’s curricula is correctly aligned with state frameworks.
Susan Heil made a motion to adjourn to executive session. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote. The board adjourned to executive session at 6:18pm.
Malcolm McNair made a motion to return to regular session. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote. The board returned to regular session at 6:34pm. Howard Hamilton made a motion to renew Dr. New’s contract to extend through the 2004-05 school year. Shannon McCuin seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to adjourn. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote. The meeting adjourned at 6:36pm.
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Steve Percival, President Christine Bell, Secretary