Fayetteville Board of Education
Minutes of the June 27, 2002 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 McNair Middle School.

Roll Call

The roll was called, and board members Shannon McCuin, Howard Hamilton, Laura Underwood, Steve Percival, Susan Heil, and Christine Bell were present. Malcolm McNair was absent.

Recognition of People, Events, and Programs

The Board recognized McNair Middle School student Anne Elise Darnell for winning the 2002 General Mills National Cooking Contest. Darnell’s recipe was selected as the national winner from more than 45,000 entries. For her efforts, Darnell received a $1,000 shopping spree at Wal-Mart, and McNair Middle School received $2,500.

The Woodland Jr. High School Odyssey of the Mind team presented a video of their trip to the National Odyssey of the Mind Competition in Colorado.

Consent Agenda

Chris Bell made the motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.

2002-03 Budget Approved

The Board voted to approve the proposed district budget for the 2002-03 school year.

The budget totals $70,719,292.33 and includes a $1,600 raise for certified staff members, as well as the step raises. Non-certified staff members will receive a 3% raise.

Chief financial officer Dr. Lisa Morstad said that she used “very conservative” budgeting to prepare the budget and that she does not have confidence in the state’s revenue forecast that predicts a 4% rise in revenue.

Board members asked Morstad to create a fund to be used to offset the potential cutbacks posed by the possibility of millage rollbacks from Amendment 79.

Board members also asked Morstad to report to them in November on the possibility of additional one-time compensation for staff members once the actual revenue figures for the coming year are known.

Social Studies Textbook Adoption

The Board voted to approve a change in the Social Studies Textbook adoption schedule, which will allow the district to select new social studies textbooks one year earlier. Laura Underwood made the motion, which was seconded by Chris Bell and approved by a 6-0 vote.

Computer Use Policy

The Board voted to approve the revised computer use policy for all students and staff members to comply with federal and state regulations regarding protection of students from inappropriate material. Laura Underwood made the motion to approve the policy. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-1 vote.

All students and staff members will be required to sign a form agreeing to abide by the policy before being allowed access to the computer network.

Student Discipline Policy

The Board voted to amend the Student Discipline Policy to remove corporal punishment as an approved disciplinary action by district staff members.

The Board also amended the policy, adding a provision that prohibits the use, possession or distribution of tobacco products in accordance with state law.

Howard Hamilton made the motion to approve the policy changes. Shannon McCuin seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.

Evaluation Policy Changes

The Board voted to approve changes to the evaluation process for counselors and library media specialists. Laura Underwood made the motion to approve the changes, and Shannon McCuin seconded the motion. The motion passed by a 6-0 vote.

Personal Policies Committee chair Dan Marzoni noted that the PPC had reviewed the changes and approved them.

Leave Policy

The Board voted to approve changes to the Leave Policy (4150), which now prohibits any unused sick leave days granted by the Sick Leave Bank being carried forward to any subsequent year. Howard Hamilton made the motion to approve the changes to the leave policy. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which was approved by a 6-0 vote.

Any unused days must now be returned to the Sick Leave Bank.

Reimbursement Resolution

The Board voted approve a Reimbursement Resolution which gives the district the option to start proposed capital projects related to the Qualified Zone Academy Bonds before the actual funding arrives in October. Laura Underwood made the motion to approve the resolution. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which was approved by a 6-0 vote.

Dr. Morstad noted that the projects have not been formally approved by the Board, but the resolution gives the district some flexibility in not having to delay the projects.

Update on Virtual Reality

Technology director Susan Cromwell briefed the board on progress made in the Virtual Reality Grant program. Cromwell distributed a list of the proposed virtual reality projects under consideration in the district. She added that when one of the programs has developed a workable program, she will bring it for demonstration at a school board meeting.

Annual Report

Alan Wilbourn, director of school & community relations distributed copies of the district’s 2001-02 Annual Report. Copies of the report will be mailed and will also be available at the district administration building.

Wilbourn said the report is also published on the district’s web site at www.fayar.net/admin/home.htm.

Adjournment

With no further business, Howard Hamilton made a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded by Laura Underwood. The motion passed by a 6-0 vote. The meeting adjourned at 6:20 PM.

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Steve Percival, President Christine Bell, Secretary