Fayetteville Board of Education

Minutes of the October 26, 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 Leverett Elementary 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

Board President Steve Percival welcomed newly elected board member John Delap.

 

The Fayetteville High School girls golf team received a Recognition of Outstanding Achievement Award for winning their second consecutive state championship.

 

Fayetteville High School English teacher Thelma Tarver received a Recognition of Outstanding Achievement Award for being named the 2006 Arkansas Secondary English Teacher of the Year.

 

Leverett cafeteria manager Ruby Cook and Fayetteville High School foreign language teacher Tamara Stassen received “Above & Beyond” awards from the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce for their work with students.

 

Consent Agenda

Tim Husdson made a motion to accept the consent agenda including the slip sheets and the amended August minutes.  Susan Heil seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.

 

Bonus Package

The Board voted 7-0 to approve a $4000 bonus for certified staff with 0-14 years experience, a $4500 bonus for certified staff with 15-30+ years experience, and 8% bonus for all other staff (Proposal C).  Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, noted that she has met with both the certified and classified personnel policy committees regarding the bonus proposal.  Roy Wilson reported that the classified PPC voted to recommend bonus proposal C.  Greg Mones reported that the certified PPC voted to recommend bonus proposal C for the bonus.  Administration also recommended bonus package C.  Dr. Morstad added that the bonus is based on a 190 day contract and will be pro-rated for additional contract days.  Howard Hamilton made the motion, which was seconded by Christine Bell.  Dr. Morstad added that they hope to distribute bonus checks on Friday, November 3rd.

 

Capital Projects

The Board voted 7-0 to approve the proposal for capital projects.  Dr. Lisa Morstad reported that the funding for the projects will come from $3.5 million in one-time funds and the net proceeds from 2nd lien bonds.  Dr. Randy Willison, associate superintendent for operations, noted that security at the schools is an important factor in prioritization of the projects.  Dick Johnson, associate superintendent, updated the Board on the work being done at the old Boys & Girls Club.  Board member Susan Heil requested that Dr. Morstad provide an annual progress report showing capital funds expenditures.  Christine Bell made the motion, which was seconded by Howard Hamilton.

 

Citizen Participation Policy

The Board voted 6-1 to table the vote on changes to the district’s citizen participation policy (Policy #1.16) until next month.  Greg Mones, director of human resources, reported that he has researched the citizen participation policy in other school districts.  Dr. Bobby New, superintendent, noted that this process began because the current policy does not correctly reflect the recent change in the placement of citizen participation on the agenda.  Tim Kring made the motion, which was seconded by John Delap.

 

Jefferson Building Use

Dr. Randy Willison reported on the status of negotiations between the district and the parties interested in renting space in the Jefferson School building.  Dr. Willison added that he plans to have a detailed proposal ready for the November board meeting.

 

Staffing Update

Greg Mones reported on the district’s certified staff.  He noted that 17.1% of the certified staff members will have 28 years or more experience at the end of the 2006-07 school year and could retire with full benefits.  In addition, 70 new teachers were hired this year and 51% of them were from other districts in the state.  98.2% of certified staff members meet the NCLB highly qualified requirement.  Only eight staff members do not currently meet the requirements, but they have plans in motion to become highly qualified by the end of the 2006-07 school year.

 

Certified & Classified PPC Election Results

Greg Mones introduced Janice Herring who reported that the following people were elected to the certified PPC: Janice Herring (chairman), LouAnn Hays (secretary), Rita Caver, Susan Hunt, and Linda Fritz.  Mr. Mones then introduced Roy Wilson who reported that the following people were elected to the classified PPC: Roy Wilson (chairman), Penny Morgan (secretary), Mark Kilgore, Mona Foster, Kathy Janes, and Alice Graham. 

 

High School Select Committee

Board member Susan Heil reported on the progress made to create a committee to gather information that will lead to the design of a new high school for the district.  Ms. Heil noted that the committee held its first meeting on October 23.  In addition, two public sessions will be held; one in November and one in December.  Information regarding the committee’s work is posted on the district website.

 

Annual Report

The district’s annual meeting was held in conjunction with the Board meeting.  Staff members presented reports on a variety of state-required reporting items, including Federal programs, assessment, professional development and ACSIP goals.  It was also noted that the report includes information on how money from the Pepsi contract is spent in the district.  In addition, all certified staff and Board members were accredited for the 2005-06 school year.  District patrons were given the opportunity to make comments or ask questions regarding the annual report.  The report can be viewed on the district website. 

 

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 6:55PM

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________________        _____________________________________

Stephen M. Percival, President                                     Susan Heil, Secretary