Fayetteville Board of Education
Minutes of the June 26, 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 Jefferson Elementary School.
The roll was called and board members Shannon McCuin, Howard Hamilton, Steve Percival and Chris Bell were present.
Leverett counselor Karen Bley and Ramay social studies teacher Dan Marzoni received “Above & Beyond” awards from the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Chris Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-0 vote.
Michelle Boles, director of federal programs and assessment, asked the board to approve a change in the adoption of ESL textbooks from Scott Foresman to Hampton Brown. Ms. Boles noted that the Hampton Brown textbook has activities to prepare students for testing and is designed specifically for non-English speakers. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the recommendation to change ESL textbooks. Chris Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-0 vote.
2003-04 Migrant Education Application
Michelle Boles asked the board to approve the 2003-04 application for migrant education funds. Due to a new state funding formula, the funding for this program has been decreased by $14,855. Chris Bell made a motion to approve the migrant education contract. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-0 vote.
Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, made a recommendation to add $1,500 to the 2002-03 salary schedule. The $1,500 addition would cost the district $1.7 million. Dan Marzoni added that the PPC concurs with the recommendation. Howard Hamilton made a motion to accept the recommendation to add $1,500 to the 2002-03 salary schedule. Shannon McCuin seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-0 vote.
Dr. Morstad also asked to board for approval to submit an application to the Department of Education to refinance outstanding bonds. An interest rate reduction to 4% or below would save the district $850,000. Chris Bell made a motion to approve the application to refinance the bonds. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-0 vote.
Dr. Morstad also reported that Stephens, Inc. is asking our district to sign a letter agreeing that they can bid on our bonds. The board agreed to table the vote on this issue.
Mike Gray, associate superintendent, reported that an individual has offered to buy .4 acres of property adjacent to Vandergriff Elementary. The buyer has offered to pay $13,000 plus one-half of the closing costs not to exceed $500. Howard Hamilton made the motion to accept the offer with the stipulation that the cost of appraisal be included in the closing costs. Shannon McCuin seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-0 vote.
Susan Cromwell, technology director, demonstrated the web cam that the district is currently using. Ms. Cromwell noted that the web cam will be used to improve communication between schools and make announcements and presentations.
The board adjourned to closed session at 5:37 PM to discuss student discipline matters.
The board reconvened in open session at 8:16 PM.
Ron Jared, assistant superintendent for secondary education, recommended that Student A be expelled for one semester. Chris Bell made a motion that Student A be expelled for one semester. Shannon McCuin seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-0 vote.
Mr. Jared recommended that Student B be expelled for one semester. Shannon McCuin made a motion that Student B be expelled for one semester. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-0 vote.
Mr. Jared recommended that Student C be expelled for one semester. Howard Hamilton made a motion that Student C be expelled for one semester. Chris Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-0 vote.
Mr. Jared recommended that Student D be expelled for one semester. Shannon McCuin made a motion that Student D be expelled for one semester. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-0 vote.
Mr. Jared recommended that Student E be expelled for one semester. Shannon McCuin made a motion that Student E be expelled for one year. Chris Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-0 vote.
Former board president Jeff Koenig made a presentation to the board on behalf of the Northwest Arkansas Council Education Task Force. He noted that the Northwest Arkansas Council was formed in 1990. The council is made up of leaders of business, industry, commerce and education. The council is currently preparing an action plan to help attract and retain new business to Northwest Arkansas. The education task force was formed to formulate an action plan for the Fayetteville Public Schools and identifies several goals of the district.
The board adjourned to executive session at 8:45 PM to discuss the superintendent’s contract.
The board returned to open session at 9:21 PM. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve a revised compensation and benefits package for the superintendent, which would reflect an annual salary of $156,000. Chris Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-0 vote.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to adjourn. Chris Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 9:21 PM.
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Stephen M. Percival, President Christine Bell, Secretary