Minutes of the February 28, 2008 Regular Meeting
The meeting convened at 5:00PM in the
Roll Call
The roll was called and board members John Delap, Tim Kring, Howard Hamilton, Steve Percival, Susan Heil, Tim Hudson and Becky Purcell were present.
Recognition
Asbell teacher Linda Granbois received an Above & Beyond Award from the Education Committee of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce for her outstanding work with students.
Alan Wilbourn announced that the May school board meeting
has been changed to Thursday, May 29th because
Consent Agenda
Two corrections were made to the minutes of the February 18th special board meeting. The first correction was to replace the words “the next steps in the” with the words “the establishment of a” in the second paragraph. The second correction was the addition of a third paragraph to read “Becky Purcell presented insurance replacement cost figures (provided by Randy Willison) totaling $44,851,264 for all building and structures on the Fayetteville High School/administrative site, excluding the value of the land itself.” Becky Purcell made a motion to amend the minutes as stated. Susan Heil seconded the motion, which was passed by a 7-0 vote. Tim Hudson made a motion to approve the consent agenda as amended. Becky Purcell seconded the motion, which was passed by a 7-0 vote.
Changes to Policy
5.55 (Grading)
The board voted 7-0 to approve the changes to Policy 5.55 (Grading) as presented. Ginny Wiseman, associate superintendent for administration, reported that the first change to the policy is the upgrade of the 1st grade and kindergarten grading descriptors, which reflect classroom standards. The second change is the inclusion of the International Baccalaureate grading as required by the Arkansas Department of Education. Susan Heil made the motion, which was seconded by Tim Hudson.
Audit Report
Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, introduced
Natalie Brunell from Moore Stephens Frost accounting firm who reported on the audit
of the financial statements of the
Ethics Law
Disclosures
Dr. Morstad reported that, as a result of Act 1599 of 2001, employees must disclose any direct or indirect school district transactions in public. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the contract disclosure form for Karen Allain. Tim Hudson seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the contract disclosure form for Evelyn Marbury. Tim Kring seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the contract disclosure form for Rhonda Moore. Tim Hudson seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Elementary Social Studies Textbook Adoption
Ms. Judy New, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, reported that the elementary social studies textbook adoption committee is recommending texts published by Houghton Mifflin. The textbooks have been on display at the administrative annex for the public to review and a notice of the opportunity to review the books was published in the newspaper. Becky Purcell made a motion to approve the textbook adoption as presented. Tim Kring seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Facility 10 Year
Master Plan
Dr. Randy Willison, associate superintendent for operations, asked for approval of the 10-year facilities master plan that was submitted to the Arkansas Department of Education. He added that the district is not bound to complete any of the listed projects listed. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the 10-year facility master plan as submitted. Tim Kring seconded the motion which passed by a 6-1 vote.
2008-09 District
Calendar & 2008-09 Happy Hollow Continuous Learning Calendar
Dr. Bobby New, superintendent, reported that administration would like to bring the calendar issue back to the March board meeting as an action item. This would give time for a vote by PPC and classified and certified staff.
Asbell Continuous Learning Calendar
Ms. Ginny Wiseman, associate superintendent for administration, introduced Asbell principal LaTayna Greene and staff members Carlena Lambert and Lori Huff, who presented a proposal for changing to the continuous learning calendar at Asbell Elementary. The calendar includes 178 student days and would mirror the calendar used at Happy Hollow Elementary. Ms. Greene noted that six informational meetings have been held for parents.
Uncommitted Carryforward Proposal
Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, proposed that $2,176,040 of the $6,468,532 FY07 uncommitted carryforward amount be used for a 3% bonus for certified and classified employees. This amount also includes a 3% signing bonus for certified employees who sign a contract before the June Board meeting. The remaining $4,292,492 would be allocated for district-wide capital projects. Dr. Morstad will be meeting with the certified and classified PPC’s next week.
High School Select
Committee Update
Board member Tim Hudson presented an update on the meetings of the Future of FHS Select Committee II. He reported on the committee meetings that have been held and urged patrons to visit the district website for detailed information.
Ms. Purcell made a motion to change the charge to read “considering all of our resources (of Fayetteville Public Schools and the Fayetteville community), what options do we have for creating a physical environment for our high school that addresses current deficiencies and maximizes the potential of all the students?” The motion died for lack of a second.
Superintendent-elect Search Update
Board president Steve Percival presented information regarding the superintendent search process. He reported on the recruiting process that has taken place and the candidates who have applied for the position. The application deadline is February 29th.
Facility Use Update
Dr. Randy Willison, associate superintendent for operations,
presented an update on the use of district facilities. He noted that Adult Education will move into
the 1986 addition of the
Partnership for Our
Future Strategy Team
Board secretary Susan Heil made a presentation regarding the
partnership discussion with the
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55PM.
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Stephen M. Percival, President Susan W. Heil, Secretary