Fayetteville Board of Education
Minutes of the March 24, 2004 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 Holt Middle School.
The roll was called and board members Shannon McCuin, Laura Underwood, Howard Hamilton, Steve Percival, Susan Heil, Christine Bell and Malcolm McNair were present.
Barbara Prichard, director of gifted and talented education, received a Recognition of Outstanding Achievement Award for being honored by the Southwest Region of the College Board for her work with the Advanced Placement program. Ms. Prichard was one of nine educators in the Southwest Region to be so honored.
McNair Middle School Wrangler Pod 7th grade teachers Karen Allain, Bransie Qualls, Terri Still and Sandy Weishaar also received Recognition of Outstanding Achievement Awards for being named the “Team that Makes a Difference” by the Arkansas Association of Middle Level Educators.
Laura Underwood made a motion to accept the consent agenda. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
LaTayna Greene, assistant principal at Holcomb Elementary School, made textbook adoption recommendations in the areas of Agriculture, Technical & Professional Preparation, Family & Consumer Science, and Health for grades 9-12. Ms. Greene added that a notice was published in the local newspaper and the materials were displayed in the district administration building. Malcolm McNair made a motion to adopt the recommended textbooks. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
2002-03 Audit Report
Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, introduced Andy Richards, senior accountant with the CPA firm of Baird, Kurtz & Dobson. Mr. Richards reported the findings of the annual independent audit of the district’s finances. He also noted that, due to GASB34, there have been some changes in the district’s financial statements. Mr. Richards added that, as a result of records being damaged due to a flood at Root Elementary, the district needs to consider a plan to back up records. 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.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to accept the 2002-03 audit as presented. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Mike Gray, associate superintendent, recommended that the board rescind approval of the low bid insurance carrier for errors and omissions coverage. Mr. Gray reported that this insurance company could not guarantee the district its choice of legal counsel in the event a claim is filed. Mr. Gray added that the district has liability coverage for its employees and board members through the school self-insurance program with the Arkansas Department of Education.
Susan Heil made a motion to rescind the approval to contract with the low bid insurance carrier for errors and omissions coverage. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Laura Underwood made a motion to adjourn. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 6:04 PM.
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Stephen M. Percival, President Christine Bell, Secretary