Fayetteville Board of Education

Minutes of the March 15, 2007 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 Owl Creek School.

Roll Call

The roll was called and board members John Delap, Tim Kring, Howard Hamilton, Steve Percival, Susan Heil, Christine Bell and Tim Hudson were present.

Recognition

Jeff Courtway, physical education teacher at Holt Middle School, and Jamie Highfill, 8^th grade English teacher at Woodland Junior High, received Above & Beyond Awards from the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce for their outstanding work with students.

The Fayetteville Gifted & Talented Education program received a Recognition of Outstanding Achievement Award for being named the Outstanding GT Program in Arkansas.

Consent Agenda

Tim Kring made a motion to accept the consent agenda. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.

Grade Configuration for New High School

Dr. Randy Willison, associate superintendent for operations, presented information regarding the 9-12 grade span for the new high school. After discussion by the board, Tim Kring made a motion to table the vote. Tim Hudson seconded the motion, which failed by a 4-3 vote. Christine Bell made a motion to adopt the 9-12 grade configuration for the new high school. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-3 vote.

Jefferson Lease Agreement

Dr. Randy Willison reported that he met with representatives from The Jefferson Center for Arts and Education group. As indicated in the letter from David Jolliffe, president of the group’s board of directors, they have decided to try to find funding to buy the Jefferson Elementary School property. The letter also requests that the district offer them right of first refusal if an offer is received on the property. Rudy Moore, Jr., attorney for the school district, discussed the legal issues with a right of first refusal. Tim Kring made a motion to authorize administration to develop a contract for right of first refusal for the Jefferson Center for Arts and Education group. Mr. Kring withdrew the motion. Tim Kring made a motion that the Fayetteville School district sell the Jefferson Elementary School property. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote. Tim Kring made a motion to authorize administration to develop a contract for right of first refusal for the Jefferson Center for Arts and Education group. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.

Butterfield Renovation

Dr. Randy Willison reported that the costs associated with the Butterfield Elementary School renovation project have gone from $4.4 million to $7.8 million. Wes Burgess from Crafton, Tull, Inc. discussed the changes in the project that came from the design committee. The changes include construction of 34,000 square feet, which is 11,000 square feet more than originally planned. Gordon Knetzer from Nabholz Construction reported that the cost of construction materials has increased 5% over the last six months. Dr. Willison added that Butterfield Elementary School is currently 4000 square feet below state standard and that the shortage is in mechanical and janitorial space. A variance has been requested from the State Department of Education. Dr. Bobby New, superintendent, reported that administration would like to have more time to gather additional information before a decision is made. Howard Hamilton made a motion to table the vote. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.

2007-08 District Calendar & Continuous Learning Calendar

Ginny Wiseman, associate superintendent for administration, reported that both classified and certified staff voted on the proposed 2007-08 district calendars and Calendar D received the most votes. Ms. Wiseman added that administration is recommending Calendar D. Howard Hamilton made a motion to accept calendar D for the 2007-08 district calendar and continuous learning calendar. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-1 vote.

Resolution on Economic Development Strategies

Susan Norton, chief information officer, presented a resolution to enhance economic development strategies for the City of Fayetteville. Ms. Norton noted that the resolution ties in with strategic goal #6. Tim Kring made a motion to delete the final paragraph of the resolution. Tim Hudson seconded the motion, which failed by a 4-3 vote. Christine Bell made a motion to amend the resolution by removing the portion of the last sentence that begins with “and we discourage the City Council…” to the end of the sentence. John Delap seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-2 vote. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the resolution as amended. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-2 vote.

Status of City Trails Around Schools

Susan Norton introduced Matt Mahelovich, city trails coordinator, who presented information regarding city trails and how they interconnect between schools and neighborhoods. John Chapman, GIS coordinator for Fayetteville Public Schools, provided information about walk zones around the schools and how they interact with the trails project.

Special Announcement

Ginny Wiseman announced that Dr. New has appointed Jim Price as permanent principal at Fayetteville High School.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30PM.

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Stephen M. Percival, President Susan W. Heil, Secretary