Minutes June 6, 2017 APPROVED 7/6/2017 MINUTES OF THE GADSDEN CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING DATED JUNE 6, 2017

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1 MINUTES OF THE GADSDEN CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING DATED JUNE 6, 2017 The Gadsden City Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at 5:00 P.M. at Gadsden City High School. Board members present: President Lynn Taylor, Vice Deborah Howard, Frank Cylar, Kelly Cochran, Mike Haney, Nancy Stewart and Wayne Watts. Dr. Ed Miller, Superintendent and Secretary of the Board, and Attorneys Cleo Thomas and Kent Henslee were also in attendance. Mrs. Lynn Taylor called the meeting to order, and Deborah Howard opened the meeting with prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. REPORTS AUDITORS REPORT Mr. Scott Lee of Richard, Harris, Ingram and Bozeman, P.C., Certified Public Accounts, gave the auditor s report for the year ended September 30, The auditors issued an unqualified opinion, which means that the school system received a clean or favorable report. However, the following significant deficiencies were identified and recorded in the report. Financial Statement Findings An improper segregation of duties exists in the accounting functions at the local schools. This condition is caused by inadequate staffing available to permit proper segregation of all accounting functions at the school level. We recommend duties be segregated wherever possible. Management plans to hire or include additional personnel in the financial management and accounting functions where possible when funds are available to do so. This condition does not directly affect federal programs. This condition generated no questioned costs. Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs None noted. Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs The Code of Alabama Section requires publication of the Board s financial statements with certain specified components in a newspaper by October 31 of each year. The publication of the September 30, 2015 financial statements was not accomplished until November 27, Management responds that publication was delayed to allow for receiving additional information needed to publish accurate and complete financial data. SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC Mr. Todd Smith, Schneider Electric reported the update for the Capital Recovery and Reinvestment Program for Gadsden City Schools. Mr. Smith reported that teams from Schneider had visited each school and determined that Gadsden City Schools could ultimately save a cost of $230,000 a year. In summary the system would implement new LED lighting upgrades, HVAC replacement projects at three locations, water reduction equipment replacement and valve technologies, districtwide insulation, sealing and select window replacements. Potential new reflective roofs at three of the system s elementary schools. Mr. Smith will be presenting a final analysis and report for approval at the August board meeting. SCHOLARSHIPS Mrs. Rhonda Perry, Director of School Improvement reported the scholarship offers for students of Gadsden City High School totaled $9,902,476 this year. She noted that this amount is the largest received in several years. The top scholarship recipients were Damon Williams, Parker Jarecki, Corey Winston, and David Minton.

2 RECOGNITION OF KENT HENSLEE Superintendent Miller present board Attorney Kent Henslee with a plaque for recognition of his 35 years of service to Gadsden City Schools. Dr. Miller praised the service of Mr. Henslee for his dedication to the system and the students of Gadsden City. Education Unity -Helene Haller RECOGNITION OF VISITORS Mrs. Helene Haller addressed the board with concerns of the Education Unity of the city. Mrs. Haller stated that community should come together to improve the education for our students. Mrs. Haller asked that the board not only look at what is the best solution but also what is the physical responsibility of that solution. Mrs. Haller voiced her concern, that if the board terminated Superintendent Miller s contract, it would force a buy out of that contract. The financial impact of that buy out would be eliminating money needed for technology, facilities, textbooks and personnel for the system. Mrs. Haller asked that board consider these impacts when making their decision on the leadership of Gadsden City Schools. Educational Concerns Xavier L. Smith Dr. Xavier Smith spoke the board members and the community regarding his support of Gadsden City Schools. Dr. Smith expressed to the board his reasons for choosing the city of Gadsden and Gadsden City Schools nine years ago when determining a place to live, work and raise his family. He wanted to select a city that provided the same or more opportunities than he had. Dr. Smith stated he had not been disappointed because of the commitment of excellence from the community, the school board and Dr. Miller. Dr. Smith stated he believed that Gadsden City Schools was the epitome of excellence and he believed that Dr. Miller was at the helm of that. He went on to state that he knew others were involved in the success, but that Dr. Miller had the leadership. Dr. Smith stated that he was not only speaking on behalf of his children, but many other children s best interest. Dr. Smith asked that the board let Dr. Miller finish his time and hire a headhunter to find the best person to fill his position and help with the transition of a new hire. State Department and Board of Education Officials State School Board Member Mary Scott Hunter addressed the board stating that she uses Gadsden as an example of excellence. Mrs. Hunters expressed that it is at times difficult to see the good of a system from the inside. She stated that Gadsden City has an excellent reputation around the state. Mrs. Hunter explained that all school systems face challenges and it is best to negotiate those challenges in an orderly manner. Mrs. Hunter also state that Gadsden City would be able to attract a great superintendent when the time is right. State School Board President Pro Tem Ella Bell addressed the board of education regarding the state-wide ACT Aspire test. President Bell explained the ACT Aspire test is an unfair test, racist test and because of the results of the ACT Aspire test, some have been critical of the schools and the superintendent. Many have used the test scores as a reason change is needed in the system. Ms. Bell stated the test is designed to make part of the state s children look foolish. She stated that fellow state school board members are aware of the problems the test has presented to their districts. She predicted changes in the near future.

3 BOARD ACTION MINUTES APPROVED The minutes of the regular meeting of May 2, and 2017, were presented to the Board. Motion was made by Mrs. Nancy Stewart to approve the minutes of the May 2, 2017, Board meeting and second was made by Ms. Deborah Howard. Motion was unanimously approved. MINUTES APPROVED The amended minutes of the regular meeting held on December 6, 2016, were presented to the Board. After discussion of discontent of the amended minutes from Mr. Mike Haney, a motion was made by Mr. Wayne Watts to approve the minutes of the December 6, 2016, Board meeting and second was made by Ms. Deborah Howard. Motion was carried with a majority vote. President Lynn Taylor Yay Vice-President Deborah Howard Yay Kelly Cochran Nay Wayne Watts- Yay Nancy Stewart Nay Frank Cylar Yay Mike Haney Nay Below is the section of the minutes from December 4, 2016 with the approved revisions: It was moved by Lynn Taylor that in light of the board's failure to conduct an evaluation of the superintendent's job performance for 2016, the Board provide written notice to the superintendent of its intent to non-renew his employment contract. This action can be rescinded by vote of the Board upon completion of the superintendent's performance evaluation for the school year to be completed no later than May 31, Frank Cylar made a motion to approve. Deborah Howard seconded the motion. Mr. Mike Haney questioned whether the motion was in order. There was discussion of the propriety of Ms. Taylor s motion. During the discussion, Mike Haney moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Kelly Cochran. The motion failed. At this point, Chairperson Stewart stated the meeting was over. Ms. Stewart, Mike Haney, and Kelly Cochran, left the meeting. In the absence of the chairman, Ms. Taylor asked for a vote on the pending motion. The motion carried by vote of 4-0. Deborah Howard moved that the meeting be recessed. Lynn Taylor seconded the motion. The motion carried. SURPLUS PROPERTY REPORT Superintendent Miller recommended that the surplus property items listed on the report from Litchfield Middle School, Floyd Elementary School, and Emma Sansom Middle School, be approved. Mr. Mike Haney made the motion to approve the surplus property recommendation and it was seconded by Mr. Wayne Watts. Motion passed unanimously. UNIFORM BID Superintendent Miller recommended that Wagner s Team Sports be awarded the Athletic Uniform bid for Gadsden City High School. The contract period will begin July 1, The contract may be extended up to give years with mutual agreement of both parties. Bids were received from only one vender. Discussion was presented by Mrs. Nancy Stewart regarding the current high school logo. Superintendent Miller reported that the design of the logo has been addressed with high school administration and plans were to present an official consistent logo to the board at the next board meeting. A motion to approve the bid for Athletic Uniforms was made by Mrs. Kelly Cochran, and a second was made by Ms. Deborah Howard. The motion was unanimously approved.

4 BUDGET AMENDMENT #2 Superintendent Miller recommended that Budget Amendment #2 be approved. Motion was made by Mrs. Nancy Stewart and seconded by Mr. Mike Haney. Motion was approved unanimously. (See Budget Amendment #2 below.) GADSDEN CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION Fiscal Year 2017 Amendment No. 2 Funding Source Amount New Grants/Funding Contract X , Penny Trust Funds , Reclassifications/Corrections Foundation Program 1110 State - ESL 1252 Governor's Special Appropriation - Donehoo K Governor's Special Appropriation - GLC K Governor's Special Appropriation - Adams 1712 Governor's Special Appropriation - Striplin 1713 Governor's Special Appropriation - Thompson 1714 Legislative Special Appropriations 1760 IDEA, Part B, Basic 3210 IDEA, Basic, Preschool 3220 Basic Grant - Federal Vocational Education 3310 Title I, Part A 4110 Title I, Part A - carryover 4110 Title III, English Language Acquisition 4150 Title IV, Part B, 21st CCLC 4161 Counseling Grant 4174 Title X, Homeless Education 4195 Child Nutrition 5101 Carol White PEP Grant 5992 General Fund 6001 Contingency Fund 6210 Local - Capital Fund 6310 Local - County Commission 6510 Local - Fine Arts 6520 Local - City Council Appropriations 6522 Local - Community Education 6921 Local - Designated Funds 6940 Public School Funds 7101 NonPublic School Funds 7501 Capital Outlay - State Leverage Debt 8410 MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT AND BANK RECONCILIATION The Superintendent provided copies of the monthly financial report and bank reconciliation for examination by the Board. The financial data and cash balances presented to the Board are based on the reconciled bank statements to the general ledger as of May 31, On motion by Mrs. Kelly Cochran and seconded by Mrs. Nancy Stewart, the Superintendent s recommendation concerning the May, 2017 Financial Report and Bank Reconciliation was unanimously approved.

5 AUDITORS REPORT Superintendent Dr. Miller ask that the board approve the auditor s report that was presented earlier in the meeting by Mr. Scott Lee. Mr. Wayne Watts made the motion to approve the auditor s report and it was seconded by Mrs. Nancy Stewart. Motion passed unanimously. SALARY SCHEDULE A recommendation was made by the Superintendent to approve the salary schedule. The Superintendent also recommended that an addition be made to the schedule which included a salary schedule for Coordinators and Directors at the Central office. An outside firm was responsible for reviewing and proposing the schedule to insure consistency in the salaries. A motion was made by Mrs. Kelly Cochran and seconded by Ms. Deborah Howard. Motion was unanimously approved. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Superintendent recommended that the Board go into executive session to review matters relating to the reputation, character, and professional competence of certain individuals and pending legal matters. Mrs. Nancy Stewart made the motion to go into executive session to review matters relating to the reputation, character, and professional competence of certain individuals and pending legal matters and second was made by Ms. Deborah Howard. The motion passed unanimously. PERSONNEL ACTIONS Under Alabama law all new employees are subject to a criminal background check, and all employment recommendations are contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background report. RETIRING Retiring: Rebecca W. Bohannon w/f Mitchell Elementary School 07/01/2017 Kindergarten Teacher Donnie Dooley w/f Eura Brown Elementary School 07/01/2017 Betty Bearden w/f Thompson Elementary School 08/01/2017 Nancy Carol Hill w/f Floyd Elementary School 07/01/2017 CNP Manager Resigning: RESIGNING Brandon Herring w/m Gadsden City High School 05/26/2017 PE Teacher/Assistant Football Coach Mary Ashley Brooks w/f Emma Sansom Middle School 05/26/2017 Special Education Teacher Kristin Greer w/f Striplin Elementary School 05/26/ nd Grade Teacher Sonya Long a/f Litchfield Middle School 06/02/2017 Math Teacher Shekelia Marshall Davis b/f Adams Elementary School 06/06/ th Grade Teacher

6 Leave of Absence: LEAVE OF ABSENCE Keisha Gossett w/f Thompson Elementary School08/03/2017 thru 05/25/2018 Kindergarten Teacher TRANSFERS Transfers: From To Kevin Peterson w/m Gadsden Middle School Gadsden Middle School 08/03/ th Grade Science Teacher School Library-Media Specialist Kristy Johnson w/f Gadsden City High School Gadsden City High School 07/24/2017 Computer Electronics Instructor Marketing Teacher (10 months) (10 months) Casey Baker w/f Adams Elementary School Mitchell Elementary School 08/03/ st Grade Teacher 4 th Grade Teacher Jimmy Story w/m Mitchell Elementary School Floyd Elementary School 07/28/2017 Laura Bone w/f ESMS/Secondary Alt School Emma Sansom Middle School08/03/2017 Special Education Teacher Special Education Teacher Milton (Chip) Rowan w/mlitchfield Middle School Gadsden City High School 08/03/2017 Self-Contained Spec. Ed. Self-Contained Spec. Ed. Karen McCurley w/f Gadsden City High School Litchfield Middle School 08/03/2017 Self-Contained Spec. Ed. Self-Contained Spec. Ed. Shannon Katelyn Holland w/f Mitchell Elementary School Eura Brown Elementary School 07/01/ th Grade Teacher Principal Patrice Maxwell b/f Thompson Elementary School Thompson Elementary School 07/01/ th Grade Teacher Principal Reemployment: REEMPLOYMENT Chadwick Davis w/m Litchfield Middle Schoo 08/03/2017 Science Teacher Randi Cofield w/f Adams Elementary School 08/03/2017 thru 05/25/2018, only Lead Teacher Office of School Readiness Brooke Helms b/f Gadsden Family Literacy Center 08/03/2017 thru 05/25/2018, only Lead Teacher Office of School Readiness Andrea White w/f Thompson Elementary School 08/03/2017 thru 05/25/2018, only Lead Teacher Office of School Readiness Pamela Smith b/f Adams Elementary School 08/03/2017 thru 05/25/2018, only Auxiliary Teacher (Aide) Office of School Readiness Reemployment: REEMPLOYMENT Angela Glass b/f Thompson Elementary Scho 08/03/2017 thru 05/25/2018, only Auxiliary Teacher (Aide) Office of School Readiness Whitney Dunn w/f Gadsden Family Literacy Center 08/03/2017 thru 05/25/2018, only Auxiliary Teacher (Aide) Office of School Readiness

7 New Employee: NEW PERSONNEL Michelle Funderburg b/f Gadsden City High School 07/24/2017 Business Teacher Class A, Business Education Major: Business Education Interviewed by Dr. Asbury, Mr. Colegrove Timothy Joseph Gillespie w/m Gadsden City High School 08/03/2017 Science Teacher Class B, Biology Major: Biology Interviewed by Dr. Asbury, Mr. Colegrove Daniel Sigler w/m Gadsden City High School 08/03/2017 Social Science Teacher Class AA, General Social Science Major: Social Science Interviewed by Dr. Asbury, Mr. Colegrove Nicholas Scott Neura w/m Gadsden City High School 08/03/2017 Health/Assistant Football Coach/Strength and Conditioning Coach Class A, Physical Education Major: Physical Education Interviewed by Mr. Colegrove Megan Massey w/f Striplin Elementary School 08/03/2017 Elementary Teacher Class B, Elementary Major: Elementary Education Interviewed by Dr. Asbury, Mrs. Malone New Employee: NEW PERSONNEL Aimee Jung w/f Striplin Elementary School 08/03/2017 Elementary Teacher Class B, Elementary Major: Elementary Education Interviewed by Dr. Asbury, Mrs. Malone Tasha Meon Cylar b/f Emma Sansom Middle School 08/03/2017 School Counselor Class A, School Counselor Major: Counseling Interviewed by Dr. Smoots, Mr. Waits Kelly Renee Langlois w/f Gadsden City High School 08/03/2017 English Language Arts Class B, English Language Arts Major: English Language Arts Interviewed by Dr. Asbury, Mr. Colegrove

8 Larry Craig Shoemaker w/m Gadsden City High School 08/03/2017 Special Education Teacher Class A, Special Education Major: Special Education Interviewed by Mrs. Maness, Mr. Colegrove Dylan Walker w/m Gadsden City High School/Secondary Alternative School 08/03/2017 Special Education Teacher Class B, Collaborative Education K-6 and 6-12 Major: Special Education Collaborative ` Interviewed by Mrs. Maness, Mr. Colegrove Andrew Derek Laughlin w/m Gadsden Middle School 08/03/ th Grade Language Arts Teacher Class B, English Language Arts Class A, English for Speakers of Other Languages Majors: English Language Arts and English for Speakers of Other Languages Interviewed by Dr. Asbury, Mr. Gulledge New Employee: NEW PERSONNEL Leslie Bullock Morgan w/f Emma Sansom Middle School 08/03/2017 Reading Teacher Class B, English Language Arts Major: English Language Arts Interviewed by Dr. Asbury, Mr. Waits Jeremy Trey Smith w/m Systemwide 06/07/2017 Maintenance Worker Interviewed by Mr. Billingsley Brenda Fuller w/f Emma Sansom Middle School 08/03/2017 Secretary/Receptionist Interviewed by Mr. Waits Laura Bentley Sexton w/f Systemwide 08/03/2017 Special Education Aide Interviewed by Mrs. Maness Martha Havis b/f Adams Elementary School 07/28/2017 Interviewed by Mrs. Smitherman Ronald Lancaster w/m Mitchell Elementary School 07/28/2017 Interviewed by Mr. Wilkinson Mark Bishop, Jr. b/m Litchfield Middle School 07/28/2017 Interviewed by Mr. Charlie Parker

9 SUBSTITUTES Cafeteria Substitutes New for : Cafeteria Substitutes Reapplying : Substitute Teachers New for : Karrie Kuzmicki Castolo Zayne Ledbetter Substitute Teachers Reapplying : Support Substitutes New for : Support Substitutes Reapplying : Nurse Substitutes New for : SUMMER EMPLOYMENT CLERICAL AND CUSTODIAL Middle School Personnel: Jennifer Guthery w/f Secretary for 10 days, Emma Sansom Middle School SuperKids Super Summer Camp 2017 Striplin Elementary School May 30, 2017 thru June 30, 2017 (8:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday) Substitutes: Patricia Burttram Grace Walton Substitutes: Certified Teachers for Summer Enrichment Tutoring at Community Sites Community Based Summer School Teaching Positions (06/05/2017 thru 06/30/2017) (One site will be 06/13/2017 thru 07/20/2017) Adrianne Edwards Ernestina Cady-Hardrick On motion by Mrs. Nancy Stewart and second by Mr. Mike Haney, the personnel actions were unanimously approved. Mr. Frank Cylar abstained from voting, due to direct personal interest. INTRODUCTION ITEMS The next regular Board meeting will be held at the Central Office on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at 5:00 P.M. The Schedule of Board Meetings with dates, times and locations was presented. INFORMATION ITEMS The board was reminded of the June 16-18, 2017, AASB Summer Conference at the Perdido Beach Resort. New Teacher Orientation is scheduled for July 26 th. Summer School Programs have initiated in our schools. Quiz Bowl Team placed 2 nd in National Competition.

10 State Department of Education will recognize Dr. Ed Miller, for the Superintendent s Chiquita Marbury Technology Innovation Award on June 14, 2017 at Hoover High School at 8:30 a.m. No Old Business was discussed. New Business Mrs. Deborah Howard made a motion that the school board empower the Chairman of the Board, along with the legal counsel to coordinate with Alabama Association of School Board or any other entity necessary in order to do a nationwide search for Superintendent of Gadsden City Schools. Mr. Frank Cylar seconded the motion. Discussion from board member Mike Haney voiced discontent with the motion due to it not being placed on the agenda. Board Member Kelly Cochran also voiced discontent of the motion because the motion had not been discussed. Board Member Nancy Stewart voiced discontent because she felt four members had discussed the motion prior to the motion being presented to the board and the public. President asked the motion be put to a vote and the motion carried with a 4-3 vote. President Lynn Taylor - Yay Vice-President Deborah Howard Yay Kelly Cochran Nay Wayne Watts Yay Nancy Stewart Nay Frank Cylar Yay Mike Haney - Nay ADJOURN Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Wayne Watts. Approved: Ed Miller, Secretary