Fayetteville Board of Education
Minutes of the May 22, 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 Butterfield Elementary School.
The roll was called and board members Shannon McCuin, Laura Underwood, Howard Hamilton, Steve Percival, Susan Heil, and Malcolm McNair were present.
Leverett teachers Cal and Karen Johnson received “Above & Beyond” awards from the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. The Fayetteville Altrusa Club was named to the Superintendent’s Honor Roll for their many years of service to the district and for the creation of the Astra service club. McNair Middle School student Daniel Thompson received a Recognition of Outstanding Achievement Award for winning first place in the 2003 Arkansas Jr. High Algebra Competition. Several other McNair students were recognized for their performances in the competition.
Malcolm McNair made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
David Hartz, director of human resources, presented the business and financial management board policies for approval. Mr. Hartz noted that recommended changes have been made.
Shannon McCuin made a motion to rescind the current board policies #3250 through #3546. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Howard Hamilton requested that “on a regular basis” in policy #3.5, paragraph 3 be changed to “not less than quarterly.” Susan Heil also noted that a “0” needs to be added so that the amount in paragraph 4 reads “$100,000.”
Shannon McCuin made a motion to adopt the new policies 3.1 through 3.11 as amended. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Mike Gray, associate superintendent, discussed the Public School Choice Act 1272 of 2003, which requires that all school districts in Arkansas participate in public school choice. The Act only deals with students who apply before July 1 for the following school year. Howard Hamilton read the resolution to be adopted (see attached.) Susan Heil made a motion to adopt the resolution as read. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Dick Johnson, athletic director, proposed that the playing surface on Harmon field be upgraded by installing artificial turf. Representatives of several groups spoke to the Board expressing the advantages of having artificial turf. Youth sports, band, soccer programs and special events would all benefit from the installation of artificial turf. In addition, there would be an environmental advantage since artificial turf would not require the use of herbicides and would not require watering. Coach Johnson added that $100,000 in private funds has been pledged toward the project and no new district funds will be used. Malcolm McNair made a motion to upgrade Harmon field with artificial turf. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Energy Education, Inc.
Mike Gray, associate superintendent, introduced Gary Clark from Energy Education, Inc. Mr. Clark presented information on how his company could save money for the district.by managing the district’s energy costs. The focus would be on teaching people in the building how to be more efficient.
Laura Underwood made a motion to table the vote on a contract with Energy Education, Inc. until the June board meeting. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.
21st Century Grant
Tracy Mulvenon, Jefferson Elementary principal, announced that Jefferson has received a $125,000 grant for the after school and pre-school programs. This is a 5-year funding source.
Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, reported that on May 15th the district received a $200,000 budget cut. This means that the district has received over $800,000 in cuts this fiscal year. She added that the unfunded mandates passed by the legislature in their last session will create a burden on the district’s finances and that she is currently reviewing their full financial impact on the finances of the district. Dr. Morstad reported no major changes in the district’s finances since the last report.
The Board adjourned to executive session at 7:23 PM. At 7:56 PM the Board returned to regular session.
Dr. Bobby New, superintendent, made the recommendation to hire Ms. Ginny Wiseman as assistant superintendent for the district. Laura Underwood made a motion to accept the recommendation to hire Ms. Wiseman. Malcolm McNair seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.
Dr. New made the recommendation to hire Dr. Randy Willison as East Campus principal. Laura Underwood made a motion to accept the recommendation to hire Dr. Willison. Malcolm McNair seconded the motion, which passed by a 4-1 vote.
Malcolm McNair made a motion to adjourn. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 PM.
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Stephen M. Percival, President Christine Bell, Secretary