Fayetteville Board of Education

Minutes of the May 25, 2006 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 Happy Hollow Elementary School.

Roll Call

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

Recognition of People, Events, and Programs

Larry Driver, gifted and talented teacher at Woodland, and David A. Young, math teacher at FHS, received Above & Beyond Awards for their work with students during the Quiz Bowl competitions in the 2005-06 school year.

Consent Agenda

Howard Hamilton made a motion to accept the consent agenda with slip sheets. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.

2005-06 Salary Schedule

The Board voted 7-0 to amend the 2005-06 salary schedule for all staff members by adding the 4.5% bonus that was given in March 2006. Karla Bradley reported that the certified PPC had approved the amendment. Roy Wilson reported that the classified PPC had also approved it. Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, noted that there would not be a cost to the district since the amount has already been paid as a bonus. Howard Hamilton made the motion, which was seconded by Tim Hudson.

Naming of Rupple Road School

The Board voted 7-0 to name the new K-7 school on Rupple Road the Owl Creek School. Alan Wilbourn, director of community and school relations, presented the list of names that had been proposed. Christine Bell made a motion to name the school the Owl Creek Elementary and Middle School. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion. Ginny Wiseman, assistant superintendent, noted that, due to Arkansas Department of Education regulations, the school may have only one LEA# and, thus, only one name. Christine Bell amended her motion to the name Owl Creek School.

Land Purchase

The Board voted 7-0 to authorize Dr. Bobby New and Mike Gray to enter into negotiations to purchase 22.667 acres of land for $68,000 per acre. Mike Gray, associate superintendent, noted that this parcel of land borders the 78 acres that the school district owns to the east. The acquisition of this property would increase the value of that land. Dr. Lisa Morstad reported that the funds for this purchase are available in capital funds. Howard Hamilton made the motion, which was seconded by Laura Underwood.

Library Selection Policy Update

Susan Cromwell, chairman of the Library Selection Policy Review Committee, reported on the changes made to the policy. A draft of the proposed Library Materials Selection Policy (Policy #6.15) can be viewed on the district website, along with other information regarding the committee, process, etc. Ms. Cromwell thanked the committee members for all of their hard work.

Professional Development Policy

Judy New, assistant superintendent, reported on the proposed changes to the district Professional Development Policy (Policy #4131). Ms. New also outlined the professional development requirements required by the Arkansas Department of Education. The district Personnel Policy Committee has approved the proposed policy. The Board will be asked to approve the policy at the June meeting.

Certified Leave Policy & Classified RIF & Non-Renewal Policy

Greg Mones, director of human resources, reported that the Leave Committee and the Personnel Policy Committee (PPC) have reviewed the district Leave Policy (#4150). The PPC did not agree with the changes in Section C under Emergency Leave or the changes to Section A and Examples of Personal Leave that are included in the policy that the Leave Committee is recommending. Mr. Mones noted that administration recommends the draft of the Leave Policy that the Leave Committee proposed. The Board will be asked to approve the policy at the June meeting.

Mr. Mones also introduced Roy Wilson, classified PPC representative. Mr. Wilson reported that the classified RIF and non-renewal policies have been worded to meet state standards. The classified PPC has approved both policies. The Board will be asked to approve the policies at the June meeting.

Changes in Policy and Administrative Regulation

Ginny Wiseman, assistant superintendent, reported that a section has been added to AR 5.17 (Student Discipline) which addresses computer trespassing. In addition, revisions have been made to Policy 5.10 (Promotion/Retention/Acceleration of Pupils). The Board will be asked to approve both of these changes at the June meeting.

Construction Update

Gordon Knetzer, construction manager from Nabholz, reported that the completion date for Owl Creek School is five weeks away and that everything is on schedule.

Executive Session

The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 6:47PM to discuss an employment issue. The Board reconvened in open session at 7:28PM. Dr. Bobby New, superintendent, recommended Matt Saferite for the principal job at Ramay Junior High beginning July 1, 2006. Howard Hamilton made a motion to accept the recommendation to hire Matt Saferite. Tim Kring seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:33PM.

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Stephen M. Percival, President Christine Bell, Secretary