Fayetteville Board of Education
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 Leverett Elementary School.
The roll was called and board members Shannon McCuin, Howard Hamilton, Laura Underwood, Steve Percival, Susan Heil and Christine Bell were present.
The Board reorganized itself, as required by state law, following the annual school election. Howard Hamilton nominated the following slate of officers for the 2001-2002 school year: Steve Percival, president; Laura Underwood, vice president; and Christine Bell, secretary. The Board voted 6-0 to accept these nominations.
Steve Percival presented the Board with three options for selection of terms. Each board member is now required to hold a five-year term. The Board is also required to have at least one, but no more than two, members elected each year. The Board agreed to Option C for selection of terms. This option has one board member up for re-election in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and two board members up for re-election in 2005 and 2006. Each board member drew lots to determine their terms. The result of the drawing is as follows:
Chris Bell Term expires in 2002
Susan Heil Term expires in 2003
Malcolm McNair Term expires in 2004
Howard Hamilton & Shannon McCuin Term expires in 2005
Laura Underwood & Steve Percival Term expires in 2006
Howard Hamilton made a motion to accept the consent agenda. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Dr. Lisa Morstad asked the Board to approve the contract with Thomas & Thomas to make arbitrage calculations for the district. This firm will closely monitor the district’s investments to make sure that we do not exceed the interest limit imposed by the IRS. Laura Underwood made a motion to approve the contract with Thomas & Thomas. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Debra Wilson, Director of Special Services, presented the special education budget for 2001-02. Chris Bell made a motion to approve the budget. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 5-0 vote.
Ms. Wilson also presented the SLIVER Grant application, which would continue funding for the 2001-02 school year and provide new funding for the 2002-03 school year. This grant provides money for materials, subs, training, etc. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the application. Shannon McCuin seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Dr. Lisa Morstad discussed the proposal for a one-time employee severance plan that Educators Preferred Corporation presented in August. She added that two informational meetings have been held and 40-45 teachers attended to learn more about the plan. David Hartz presented the results of a survey that was made available to the staff. The results indicate that a majority of teachers feel that the board should consider the plan. The employees eligible to participate in the plan will have a window of opportunity in which to exercise their option to participate.
Laura Underwood made a motion to approve the employee severance plan. Shannon McCuin seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote.
Laura Underwood and David Hartz reported to the Board on the progress of the Personnel Development Committee. They noted that the committee has examined numerous ways to retain and recruit quality staff members. This included reviewing the existing employee benefits and taking steps to better promote them. They also agreed that the district should examine potential new benefits in order to attract and retain quality staff members. Committee member Bob Bova was also present for the presentation.
Dr. Lisa Morstad presented the monthly financial report. She noted that the budget was on track for the year, but she added that the governor’s projected budget cut of $100 million to the state budget will have a profound effect.
Judy Rana, Denise Airola, Michelle Boles, and Barbara Stripling gave a report on the district’s progress in tying assessment to achievement. The report included a longitudinal comparison of district test scores on the ACTAAP exams given to fourth and eighth grade student in mathematics and literacy.
Laura Underwood made a motion to go into executive session. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote. The board adjourned to executive session at 7:14PM.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to return to open session. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote. The board returned to open session at 7:40PM. After citizen participation, Laura Underwood made a motion to adjourn. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:46PM.