Guilford County Board of Education
Board Meeting
November 9, 2006

GUILFORD COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

The Guilford County Board of Education met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 10, 2006, at 712 North Eugene Street, Greensboro, North Carolina. The following board members were present: Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Darlene Garrett, Deena Hayes, Dot Kearns, Susan Mendenhall, Amos Quick, Nancy Routh, Anita Sharpe (arrived at 7:09 p.m.) and Marti Sykes. Also present were Superintendent Terry Grier and Attorney Jill Wilson.

Call to Order

Chairman Duncan called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence
Board member Kris Cooke led the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.

Recognitions

A. Guilford County Schools’ Employee of the Month for October 2006

The board recognized Jane Price, lead custodian at Triangle Lake Montessori, as the district’s October 2006 Employee of the Month. Board member Walter Childs presented Ms. Price with a certification of recognition. In a prior ceremony, Ms. Price received a $50 gift card from Sam’s Club, which has partnered with Guilford County Schools to support the employee recognition program.

B. 2006 GCS Teacher of the Year and Finalists

The board recognized the 2006 GCS Teacher of the Year Shawn Watlington of Greensboro Middle College and the four finalists. The finalists are: Rhonda Holmes Blue from Kirkman Park Elementary, Jake Henry from Southeast Middle, Teresa Potter from Page High and Jason Thompson from the Academy at Lincoln. Chairman Duncan recognized Rhonda Holmes Blue for also being named Elementary School Teacher of the Year and Jake Henry for being named Middle School Teacher of the Year. Board member Marti Sykes assisted in the presentation of awards to these winners.

Chairman Duncan stated that this important recognition of our teachers would not be possible without the help and support of our community partners. Vice-Chairman Amos Quick presented certificates of appreciation to these partners. Certificates were presented to: Jerry Kiker of Harris Teeter Neighborhood Supermarkets’ for sponsorship of the It’s Cool to be Smart AP/IB Diploma Recognition Program as well as Teacher of the Year with its annual donation of a car for the district winner and a choice of a $2,000 Harris Teeter gift card or a laptop computer for each of the finalists; Keith Medlin of Crown Automotive for working with GCS to purchase the car for the 2006 Teacher of the Year winner and for sponsoring the It’s Cool to be Smart AP/IB Diploma Recognition Program with its annual donation of a car to one lucky student. Chairman Duncan stated that the board also wishes to present a certificate of appreciation to SunTrust Banks in thanks for being a strong supporter of public education and sponsoring the Teacher of the Year banquet.

Public Comments

Chairman Duncan called on members of the public who requested an opportunity to address the board.

Don Gilchrist, 1604 West End Place, Greensboro, NC 27403
Ted Oliver, 4206 Tallwood Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410
Sharon Johnston, 3014 Redford Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408
Mark Jewell, 210 N. Lindell Road, Greensboro, NC 27403
Tyrone Melton, 3401 West Wendover Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27403
John Glenn, 7813 Spencer Brook Drive, Summerfield, NC 27358
Joe Stafford, 4604 Forest Village Drive, Greensboro, NC 27406

Approval of Agenda

Chairman Duncan asked board members to review the meeting agenda and called for a motion to approve or amend it. Chairman Duncan requested that Staff Reports Agenda Item C.2, “Construction Update, Update on Gateway West/Union Hill Project” be pulled from the agenda because this item was discussed at the special called board meeting of October 9, 2006. Motion was made by Kris Cooke, seconded by Marti Sykes, to approve the agenda as amended. The motion passed upon unanimous voice vote.

Consent Agenda
Superintendent Grier presented the following Consent Agenda items:

A.   Meeting Minutes

The minutes of the September 12 Regular Meeting, September 23 Retreat and September 28 Regular Meeting were presented for approval.

B.  Personnel Action Reports

The consent agenda included personnel actions as noted in the monthly Personnel Action Report requiring board approval.

C.  2005-06 Budget Amendments

The consent agenda included state, local, federal, capital outlay and after school care enrichment services (ACES) budget amendments/transfers for the 2005-06 school year as follows:

      State Public School Fund Amendment #9 reflects

• the year-end adjustments to align position/months of employment/categorical allotment budgets with actual expenditures and/or actual versus projected budgets (denoted by an asterisk on the attachment)
• the receipt of April, 2006 interest for School Technology Fund ($3,615)
• the transfers due to site-based requests and expenditures as of June 30, 200

Local Current Expense Fund Amendment #9 reflects

• the receipt of actual versus planning allotment for state textbook funds ($5,172)
• the receipt of 21st Century Grant reimbursement from United Way of Greensboro ($16,105)
• the receipt of 21st Century Grant reimbursement from United Way of High Point ($31,000)
• the receipt of Smart Start reimbursement for May and June, 2006 ($73,545)
• the receipt of More at Four reimbursement for May and June, 2006 ($174,384)
• the receipt of NC Quest reimbursement for June, 2006 ($800)
• the receipt of NC Department of Child Development Grant - Preschool ($22,432)
• the receipt of High Point Communities in School reimbursement ($44,017)
• the receipt of Wellness Program yoga class fees ($2,900)
• the receipt of Youth Development Coordinator reimbursement from United Way of Greensboro ($56,030)
• the receipt of Youth Development Coordinator reimbursement from United Way of High Point ($42,864)
• the receipt of Project Fit America revenue ($25,600)
• the receipt of Time Warner Cable Grant quarterly payment ($8,014)
• the receipt of Greensboro Middle College refunds to the Middle School Chess Program ($13,795)
• the receipt of Greensboro Regional Realtors Association, Inc. donation for the Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) Initiative to purchase defibrillators ($2,247)
• the receipt of GrandPals reimbursement ($8,585)
• the receipt of School Impact Grant reimbursement for April, May and June, 2006 ($15,809)
• the transfers due to site-based requests and expenditures as of June 30, 2006
  

Federal Grant Fund Amendment #9 reflects

• the adjustments due to receipt of actual versus planning allotment for the following allotments:
• McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (-$5,466)
• Title VI - Safe and Drug-Free Schools & Communities ($5,467)
• the transfers due to site-based requests and expenditures as of June 30, 2006

      Capital Outlay Fund Amendment #9 reflects

• the transfer of available funds within projects to purchase furniture and equipment
• the transfers due to site-based requests and expenditures as of June 30, 2006

      School Nutrition Fund #1 reflects

• the actual revenues and expenditures as of June 30, 2006

      After School Care Enrichment Services (ACES) Fund Amendment #9 reflects

• the receipt of 2005 winter holiday and 2006 spring break tuition revenue from Hunter Elementary
• 2005-06 revenue/expense adjustments due to increased enrollment at Jamestown Elementary
• the transfers due to site-based requests and expenditures as of June 30, 2006
  

D. 2006-07 Budget Resolution

The consent agenda included a recommendation for the board to adopt the 2006-07 Budget Resolution. The resolution reflects:

• current projections for state, federal, child nutrition and After School Care Enrichment Services (ACES) funding
• a county appropriation to the Local Current Expense Fund of $156,665,521 or $2,183.22 per pupil based on an enrollment of 71,759 students (actual 10th day GCS enrollment of 70,409 students + projected charter school enrollment of 1,350 students) and
• appropriations to the Capital Outlay Fund of $3,954,287 in Public School Building Capital Funds (PSBCF) and $7,000,000 in county appropriations
  

E. Designation of Official Depositories and Appointment of School Treasurers for 2006-07

The consent agenda included the board's approval of the official depositories and treasurers for the 2006-07 school year. The North Carolina General Statute (N.C.G.S.) 115C-444 requires boards of education to designate the official depositories for all funds of the school district including the accounts of the individual schools. In addition, N.C.G.S. 115C-448 requires boards of education to appoint a treasurer for each school within the administrative unit. The administration recommends that (a) if an individual school wishes to do business with any financial institution which does not appear on the official depository listing, the account(s) will be established and maintained in accordance with GCS local school fund accounting procedures and collateralization requirements; and (b) if any school treasurer vacancy occurs during the fiscal year, the vacancy and/or replacement appointment will be reported to you via the monthly personnel action report.

F. Auction of Surplus Property

The consent agenda included the board's approval to declare the provided list of items surplus property and to allow the administration to dispose of these items via a public auction. The auction is scheduled for Saturday, October 28, 2006 and will be held at the warehouse located at 529 W. Grimes Street in High Point. Dave’s Auctions, LLC of McLeansville, North Carolina, will conduct the auction.

G. Second Reading – Policy JD, Student Discipline

The consent agenda included a recommendation to approve for second reading Policy JD, Student Discipline. At the meeting on September 12, Policy JD, Student Discipline was approved for first reading. Following the first reading, the policy has been posted on the district web site for a public comment period. No comments were received during this period of time. Board member Nancy Routh reported that two comments of a general nature were received after the public comment period ended, neither of which affected the connotation of the policy.

Motion was made by Kris Cooke, seconded by Marti Sykes, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. The motion passed upon majority roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Darlene Garrett, Deena Hayes, Dot Kearns, Susan Mendenhall, Amos Quick (Abstain on Item E), Nancy Routh and Marti Sykes.

Staff Reports

Approval of Recommended Name for Northwest Guilford High School Football Stadium

Kevin Lear, chief operations officer, presented to the board a recommendation to name the Northwest High School football stadium the R.L. Billings Stadium. Mr. Randy Southard, on behalf of the community, has requested that the Northwest Guilford High School football stadium be named in honor of a distinguished individual who has made outstanding contributions to the district, as well as the community. The board voted to study and fully consider the report and authorized a period of public comment or input prior to a second reading. The district received no comments.

Motion was made by Walter Childs, seconded by Susan Mendenhall, to approve the naming of the Northwest High School football stadium to R. L. Billings Stadium. The motion passed upon unanimous electronic vote.

Magnet Grant Update

Dr. Eric Becoats, chief of staff, and Dr. Don Hare, executive director of federal and special programs, presented to the board an update on the status of the magnet grant.

The staff is making the following recommendations for schools to include in the magnet grant:

Theme                                                School(s)
Montessori                                          Washington Street – Grades Pre-K through 5
                                                                        Will accommodate 200 plus applicants who are
unable to attend Erwin or Triangle Lake each year

Academy of Entertainment                Allen Jay Middle – Grades K-8
& Technology             

International Baccalaureate                Northwood – Grades K-5
Establish a K-5 feeder to Ferndale – Chinese language offered
Hairston – Grades 6 through 8
Establish a feeder for Falkener IB
Ferndale – Grades 6 through 8
Establish a feeder 6-8 feeder to Central – Chinese language offered

Motion was made by Walter Childs, seconded by Deena Hayes, to approve the administration’s recommendation of themes and programs for the magnet grant application. The motion passed upon majority electronic vote of 9-to-2 as follows: Ayes – Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Darlene Garrett, Deena Hayes, Dot Kearns, Susan Mendenhall, Amos Quick and Marti Sykes; Nays - Anita Sharpe and Nancy Routh.

Construction Update

Bids for Construction at Northern Area Elementary School
Kevin Lear, chief operations officer, presented to the board a recommendation to award contracts to R. L. Casey, Inc. for general construction in the amount of $9,695,214; and to Access Controls Consultants for technology construction in the amount of $148,000 for Northern Area Elementary School. John Mann, purchasing officer, provided information on MWBE participation.

Ten bids were received on September 28, 2006. The construction budget for this project is $13,068,525. The board awarded a contract for site grading with Jimmy R. Lynch & Sons, Inc., Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, in the amount of $940,535 on May 9, 2006.

Motion was made by Darlene Garrett, seconded by Marti Sykes, to award contracts to R. L. Casey, Inc. for general construction in the amount of $9,695,214 and to Access Controls Consultants for technology construction in the amount of $148,000 for Northern Elementary School. The motion passed upon majority electronic vote of 8-to-2 as follows: Ayes – Walter Childs, Alan Duncan, Darlene Garrett, Dot Kearns, Susan Mendenhall, Nancy Routh, Anita Sharpe and Marti Sykes; Nayes – Deena Hayes and Amos Quick. Kris Cooke was not present for the vote.

Update on Gateway West/Union Hill Project
This item was pulled from the agenda because it was discussed at the special called board meeting of October 9, 2006.

Exercise Option to Purchase Property for Union Hill Elementary School
Kevin Lear, chief operations officer, presented a recommendation for the board’s approval to exercise the option to purchase the property located at and around 3511 Union Hill Court, High Point, North Carolina, at a price of $335,000. On June 26, 2006, the board approved an option on the four parcels located at the above mentioned address. The property contains approximately 6.67 acres adjacent to the current Union Hill school site. Subsequently, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners approved the price of $335,000 for the land under North Carolina General Statute 115C-426(f) on September 21, 2006. The property will be purchased from local bond proceeds currently authorized and appropriated in connection with the existing Union Hill Elementary School project ordinance.

Motion was made by Dot Kearns, seconded by Walter Childs, to exercise the option to purchase the property located at and around 3511 Union Hill Court, High Point, North Carolina, at a price of $335,000, with this property being purchased from local bond proceeds currently authorized and appropriated in connection with the existing Union Hill Elementary School project ordinance. The motion passed upon majority electronic vote of 9-to-2 as follows: Ayes – Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Darlene Garrett, Dot Kearns, Susan Mendenhall, Nancy Routh, Anita Sharpe and Marti Sykes; Nays – Deena Hayes and Amos Quick.

Board Discussion

County Commissioners Proposal for School Funding Approach

Chairman Duncan led the board in a discussion regarding the County Commissioners’ Proposal for School Funding approach. County Commissioners requested that a discussion group be created, which would include the county’s manager, finance director and attorney meeting with the school district’s superintendent, finance director, and attorney. This group would investigate existing funding formulas that may be useful and acceptable to both groups. Board members stated that it would be helpful to have actual members of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners and Guilford County Board of Education participate in this group. There was consensus that the board is willing to participate if there is also a commitment from the commissioners. Chairman Duncan will discuss this further with Chairwoman Carolyn Coleman.

Reports from the Chairman

Board member Susan Mendenhall shared information with the board on the Shared Communications Committee schedule for meetings with principals, elementary teachers, middle school teachers and high school teachers. She also discussed prospective plans for lunch meetings with soon-to-be-graduating seniors and school climate meetings with the community to address school safety plans. Ms. Mendenhall asked board members to send information to the Shared Communications Committee regarding any additional ideas they may have.

Superintendent’s Goals

Chairman Duncan stated the board had a lengthy discussion regarding the superintendent’s goals at the September 23 board retreat and had the benefit of reviewing information which was provided on these goals. He stated the board would go into closed session, which would not focus on the discussion that was already had with respect to the board’s goals, but would be limited in terms of a personnel-related issue.

Closed Session

At 8:34 p.m., motion was made by Deena Hayes, seconded by Darlene Garrett, to go into closed session to preserve the attorney client privilege and to discuss personnel matters protected by state law. The motion passed upon unanimous voice vote.

The board returned to open session at 9:35 p.m.

Personnel Action Report

Chairman Duncan reported that during the closed session period, the board conducted the superintendent’s annual review. Board member Susan Mendenhall stated that in November of 2005, the board established goals for the superintendent to meet for 2005-06. Those goals were:

1. Increase graduation rate based on cumulative index
2. Decrease or maintain current drop out rate
3. Increase average score and participation in SAT
4. Continue to make progress to close the achievement gap in grades 3-8 in math and reading
5. Increase the number of schools that meet AYP (comparison of Guilford County with the surrounding counties of Cumberland, Forsyth, Mecklenberg and Wake)

The superintendent has met these goals.

Motion was made by Susan Mendenhall, seconded by Kris Cooke, to make a salary adjustment and raise the superintendent’s salary by 2.24 percent, which is what the teachers received for the year 2005-06. The motion passed upon majority electronic vote of 9-to-0 with two abstentions as follows: Ayes – Dot Kearns, Anita Sharpe, Nancy Routh, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Marti Sykes, Susan Mendenhall, Deena Hayes and Darlene Garrett; Abstain – Walter Childs and Amos Quick.

Board Comments
Board members were each allowed two minutes to make remarks, as they deemed appropriate.

Adjournment
With no further business, at 9:35 p.m., motion was made by Anita Sharpe, seconded by Deena Hayes, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed upon unanimous voice vote.