Minutes of the September 28, 2006 Regular Meeting
The meeting convened at 5:00PM in the
Roll Call
The roll was called and board members Tim Kring, Laura Underwood, Howard Hamilton, Steve Percival, Susan Heil, Christine Bell and Tim Hudson were present.
Recognition
The Fayetteville High School Choral program received an
Impact Award of Excellence. The FHS A
Cappella Choir has been selected to be the only high school choir to perform at
the Arkansas Choral Festival in
Consent Agenda
Tim Kring made a motion to accept the consent agenda. Christine Bell seconded the motion. Dr. Kring inquired about the inclusion of the phrase “600-student model” because that recommendation came from the Enrollment Distribution Project and has not been approved by the Board. After discussion, it was decided that the tape of the August 24 board meeting would be reviewed to determine the correct wording for the minutes. Tim Kring amended the motion to remove the August 24th minutes from the consent agenda package to be approved. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 6-0 vote. Board member Tim Hudson excused himself from the vote on the consent agenda due to a conflict of interest.
Dr. Randy Willison, associate superintendent for operations,
presented the chronology of the Jefferson Task Force and the proposed uses of
the building. Doug Walsh from the
Jefferson Arts Center Working Group reported that two partners in the group
have pulled out of the project. Will
Miller from the Jefferson Working Group read a letter from Ralph Nesson who was
not able to attend the meeting. Dr.
Bobby New, superintendent, noted that he met with Mr. Nesson regarding the
proposals for
Special Education
2006-07 Budget
The Board voted 7-0 to approve the Special Education Budget for 2006-07. Judy New, assistant superintendent, noted that the Arkansas Department of Education requires that the budget be approved separately from the district budget. Howard Hamilton made the motion, which was seconded by Tim Hudson.
Audit Contract
The Board voted 7-0 to approve the audit contract with Moore Stephens Frost to conduct the audit of the district financial records for the 2005-06 school year. Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, noted that Rudy Moore, Jr., attorney for the school district, has reviewed and approved the contract. Howard Hamilton made the motion, which was seconded by Christine Bell.
Second Lien Bonds
& Reimbursement
The Board voted 7-0 to approve the Notice of Intention to issue second lien bonds and reimbursement resolution. Dr. Morstad noted that this is an authorization to go ahead with the process, not authorization to spend the money. She added that this money is a funding mechanism for capital projects. Howard Hamilton made the motion, which was seconded by Laura Underwood. The Board voted 7-0 to approve the Authorizing Resolution to issue $7,600,000 in Second Lien Bonds and the related Reimbursement Resolution. Howard Hamilton made the motion, which was seconded by Christine Bell.
Hissom Contract
Dr. Randy Willison, associate superintendent for operations,
reported that the Hissom Family Trust would like to donate twenty acres of land
to the district. He added that Rudy Moore,
Jr., attorney for the school district, has reviewed and approved the
contract. Tim Kring made a motion to approve
the agreement between the Hissom Trust and the Board of Education of the
Capital Improvement
Package
Dr. Lisa Morstad and Dr. Randy Willison presented a list of
proposed district capital projects. It
was noted that the list was developed from the 10-year capital plan and
meetings with principals and the maintenance and operations staff.
Food Service Report
Lisa Jenkins, food service director, presented the School Food Service department annual report. Ms. Jenkins noted that the food service department has been working hard to improve the efficiency and quality of food service operations (Strategic Goal #3) in several areas. She added that the Farm to School program has been expanded. In addition, fresh fruits and vegetables are now available daily in school cafeterias.
High School Committee
Report
Board member Susan Heil reported on the progress made in forming a committee to oversee the process of designing a new high school. The committee will collect data through the use of essential questions and by seeking input from focus groups and community members. Two questions under consideration are:
The committee plans to present its recommendations to the Board in February 2007.
Appreciation to Board
Member Laura Underwood
Board President Steve Percival recognized that this meeting
is Laura Underwood’s last board meeting.
Mr. Percival expressed the Board’s deep appreciation to Ms. Underwood
for her hard work and commitment to the district during her ten years of
service. He added that the
Annual Report
Alan Wilbourn announced that the district’s annual report will be presented at the October 26, 2006 meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:25PM.
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Stephen M. Percival, President Christine Bell, Secretary