FREDERICKSBURG CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Fredericksburg, Virginia

Transcription

1 FREDERICKSBURG CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Fredericksburg, Virginia A regular meeting of the Fredericksburg City School Board was held at 6:30 p.m. on June 7, 2010 in City Council Chambers, 715 Princess Anne Street. Board members present were: Others Present: Ms. Malvina Rollins Kay, Chairman Mrs. Janice R. Walsh, Vice-Chairman Rev. Jarvis E. Bailey Mr. Michael J. Gillenwater Mrs. Patricia B. Green Mrs. Barbara A. Miller-Richards Dr. David G. Melton, Division Superintendent Mrs. Deborah B. Wright, Clerk of the Board The meeting was called to order at 6:39 p.m. by the Chairman : BOARD CONVENES INTO CLOSED SESSION: RECONVENES INTO OPEN SESSION. A recommendation was made by the Superintendent that the Board convene into closed session under FIA (A), Section 1 - Personnel (discussion regarding employee credentials/salaries/contracts and evaluation of the Superintendent). A motion to approve the Superintendent s recommendation was made by Mrs. Walsh, seconded by Mrs. Green, and unanimously approved by a roll call vote. The Board convened in closed session at 6:40 p.m. On a motion by Mrs. Green, seconded by Mrs. Walsh, and unanimously approved by a roll call vote, the Board reconvened in open session at 7:37 p.m. and approved Certificate of Closed Meeting No which involves a statement concerning items discussed in closed session. A copy of Certificate of Closed Meeting No is attached to the minutes : APPROVAL OF AGENDA. The Chairman called for a motion to approve the agenda. A motion to approve the agenda was made by Mrs. Green, seconded by Mrs. Walsh, and unanimously approved : APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MAY 10, 2010 REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING. Minutes of the May 10, 2010 Regular School Board Meeting were presented for approval. A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made by Mrs. Green, seconded by Mrs. Walsh, and unanimously approved by the Board : RECOGNITIONS. As part of the school division s character education program, a group of journalism students from James Monroe High School along with English teacher Natia Smith shared a film including interviews seeking various opinions on the meaning of the Word of the Month for June Forgiveness. Mr. Robert Burch, Director of Operations, introduced Mr. Blaine Duggan, Vice-President of the Mid- Atlantic Division for Energy Education, and Mr. Les Johnson, the energy manager for Fredericksburg City

2 Schools. Mr. Duggan presented The Energy Pacesetter Award to the school division for its success in saving money through energy management. The school division has served as a role model for energy conservation to other school systems and has achieved a savings of more than $814,000 with a reduction in energy usage of 27% during the past thirty month period ending March Mrs. Marjorie Tankersley, Principal of Hugh Mercer Elementary School, recognized the following students who were the top point earners in the Reading Counts program, a program geared toward improving reading proficiency: First Grade: Trinity MacDonald (not present) Riley Cole Second Grade: Alex Kolar Staci Tate First Place First Place Mr. John Russ, Principal of Lafayette Upper Elementary School, recognized the following students for being the top fundraisers for the Diabetes Walk at Lafayette: Faith Mitchell Matthew Small Mr. Russ then recognized the following students for their accomplishments in the Reading Counts literacy program: Third Grade: Ingrid Jones William Rowe (not present) Fourth Grade: Andrew Kolar Caitlin Martin (not present) Fifth Grade: Austin Rapkins Liza Cobey First Place First Place and School Top Point Winner First Place Ms. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, Assistant Principal of Walker-Grant Middle School, introduced the following students and recognized their accomplishments in the WordMasters Challenge: Clara Camber Yanni Fallon Marija Petkovic (not present) Sixth Grade Seventh Grade Eighth Grade Ms. Kay-Wyatt then announced the following students who were top point winners in the Reading Counts program at Walker-Grant:

3 Sixth Grade: Kenna Garman Seventh Grade: Summer Dunwoody Eighth Grade: Sajya Abbdul Wadood Lindsey Haberman Olivia Sanderson Jessica Utz Appreciation was expressed to school librarian Tracy Magin for her support of the Reading Counts program. Ms. Kay-Wyatt then recognized the following two students for their first place tie in the Seventh Grade Poetry Slam: Sarah Garnett Summer Dunwoody Mr. John B. Gordon III, Principal of James Monroe High School, recognized the following student for his selection to the All State Virginia Band: Parker Rowland Mr. Gordon announced that both the Boys and Girls Tennis Teams finished their seasons as the Battlefield District Champions. Representing their respective teams were the following team captains: Girls Tennis: Amelia Day Boys Tennis: Ian Webster (not present) Juhan Washington Alana Goldberg Caleb Rapkins Board Chairman Malvina Kay then recognized Janice Walsh for her eighteen years of dedicated service on the School Board. Ms. Kay cited some of the many accomplishments which have been made during Mrs. Walsh s tenure. Ms. Kay expressed the Board s gratitude for her excellent service and support for the children of Fredericksburg. Mrs. Walsh was presented with a plaque in honor of her service. Mrs. Walsh expressed her appreciation for the honor of serving on the School Board : CONSENT AGENDA. The following items were included on the consent agenda: Waste Management Contract Renewal A recommendation was made that the School Board approve the waste removal contract with Waste Management, Inc. of Virginia/Maryland for the period of July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011 in the amount of $34, Revision to Attendance Regulation A recommendation was made that the Board approve revisions to School Board Regulation JED-R Student Absences/Excuses/Dismissals (copy attached).

4 Educational Access Contract A recommendation was made that the contract for educational access for television services be awarded to VTS productions for the period of July 1, 2010 June 30, 2014 at a cost of $23, for ; $24, for ; $25, for ; and $26, for The costs reflect a 4% increase annually. (NOTE: ACTION FOR THIS ITEM WAS TABLED.) Technology Support Contract Renewal A recommendation was made that the School Board approve the service contract renewal for division-wide technology support services to Businets, Inc. for the period of July 1, 2010 June 30, 2011at the following rates: Repair Services: Repairs/General Services $ On-site Technician $ Consulting/Networking Services $ Approval of Scholarship A recommendation was made that the School Board accept the offer to establish the Mel Hunter Memorial Scholarship for graduates at James Monroe. VRS Resolution Authorization to Pick Up the Employee s Contribution to VRS Under 414 (h) of the Internal Revenue Code for Plan 2 Employees A recommendation was made that the School Board pick up the Employee s Contribution to VRS Under 414 (h) of the Internal Revenue Code for Plan 2 Employees. A copy of the VRS Resolution for this authorization is attached to the minutes. The Superintendent recommended approval of the consent agenda items. A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Mrs. Miller-Richards and seconded by Mrs. Walsh. Rev. Bailey then amended the motion with a request to table the item relating to approval of the Educational Access Contract. The amendment was seconded by Mrs. Green, and the amended motion was unanimously approved by the Board. In brief discussion, the Superintendent explained the revisions to the attendance regulations for each school which align the regulations K-12 and outline consequences. This information will be disseminated to parents this summer and again with annual notices in the fall. Copies of the consent agenda items are attached to the minutes : PERSONNEL MATTERS. The Superintendent recommended approval of the personnel list as distributed. A motion to approve the personnel list was made by Mrs. Green, seconded by Mrs. Walsh, and unanimously approved by a roll call vote of the Board. A copy of the personnel list is attached to the minutes : ADOPTION OF THE REVISED SCHOOL OPERATING BUDGET AND SPECIAL (GRANTS) FUND BUDGETS. The Superintendent provided the Board with a revised operating budget for which reflects negotiations with the City and a recommendation from the School Board in April. The Superintendent recommended that the revised School Operating Fund 205 Budget be approved as presented in the amount of $31,766,703, and the total revised Special Revenue Fund 211 Budget be approved in the amount of $4,974,377. A motion to approve the Superintendent s recommendation was made by Mrs. Green, seconded by Mrs. Walsh, and unanimously approved by the Board. A copy of the budget is attached to the minutes.

5 : TEXTBOOK ADOPTION. The Superintendent recommended that the textbooks and instructional materials for history/social science on the attached list be approved for use in the Fredericksburg City Public Schools. A motion to approve the Superintendent s recommendation was made by Mrs. Green, seconded by Mrs. Walsh, and unanimously approved by the Board : VSBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT-LARGE POSITIONS. The Superintendent recommended that the School Board approve the nomination of Michael Gillenwater as a candidate for an at-large position on the VSBA Board of Directors. A motion to approve the Superintendent s recommendation was made by Mrs. Miller-Richards, seconded by Mrs. Green, and unanimously approved by the Board : INSTRUCTIONAL PRESENTATION DATA DAYS AT HUGH MERCER. Hugh Mercer School Principal Marjorie Tankersley provided an overview regarding the use of data at the elementary school. For several years data has been used to guide instruction and with SchoolNet it is now possible to make informed instructional decisions based on results of nine-weeks tests. Mrs. Tankersley described the Data Days in which several teachers participated to disaggregate data. The first session was held at the end of the first semester and a second Data Day has already taken place. The third and final Data Day will be held next week. Ms. Stephanie Teri, Literacy Coach, and Ms. Molly Mahany, second grade teacher, provided information on the process of disaggregating data. Steps in the process include: Individual Student Assessment; Data Analysis Using SchoolNet Program; Group Sharing in which teachers discuss strengths and weaknesses; Changes in Instructional Practices; and Student Specific Remediation. The process is completed each quarter and is used in developing a system of continuous improvement. Teachers share information with parents if students are in remedial or enrichment programs. Information is reflected in both report cards and interim reports. The process is serving as a tool to improve instruction : FINANCIAL REPORT. Mr. David Baker, Chief Financial Officer, provided the Board with a year-to-date summary report on the general operating budget and special grants budgets as of April 30, Mr. Baker reported that there is a slight positive variance on revenues. Expenditures also reflect a positive variance. The prior year fund balance is being added and should be available by next week : BLOCK SCHEDULE MODIFICATION J.A.Y.E.M. A.M. PROGRAM. Mr. John B. Gordon III briefed the Board concerning a planned modification in the schedule at James Monroe referred to as the J.A.Y.E.M. A.M. program. As a part of the Effective Schools process, staff members reviewed various instructional schedules and decided on this modification as the best way to enhance student achievement. Students may participate in the program in three ways. Long term participation will afford students an opportunity to receive additional SOL support. Short term participation will be geared toward any students with a grade below a C in a particular class. These students will be assigned to the program until the next interim grading period. Students may also elect to participate in order to attend a session with a teacher for extra help, enrichment, or to make up assignments. For students in good academic standing, they will have an opportunity to use the media center, socialize with peers, participate in activities in the gym, or sleep in and arrive to school at 8:15 a.m. if they have their own transportation. In addition, some of the time will be used for monthly teacher department meetings and club meetings. The program

6 will also allow for all freshmen to receive mentoring by upperclassmen. Guidance counselors will be available for students to schedule appointments. Plans are to begin the program in early October. Information on the new schedule will be shared with parents through the final newsletters for the year and in the summer newsletter, at back-to-school night, and on the webpage. Ms. Kay asked Mr. Gordon to provide the Board with an update on how the program is doing next year : EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE AWARD SELECTION COMMITTEE. The Superintendent provided background information concerning the Employee Incentive Award program. Employees are nominated by peers for these monetary awards and the announcement of winners is now made at the staff service awards and recognition luncheon on the Friday before school opens in September. Each winner receives a monetary award of $500. The selection committee is made up of the Superintendent, a School Board member, and a Central Office staff member. Dr. Melton asked for a volunteer from the Board to serve on the Employee Incentive Award Selection Committee. Mrs. Green volunteered to serve on this committee : ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES STUDY. Mrs. Marceline Catlett, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional and Personnel, informed the Board that a group of administrators volunteered to examine and study the issues surrounding the academic achievement of African American males in Fredericksburg City Public Schools. The group has been working since April 2009 in an effort to address Objective #8 in the Fredericksburg City Public Schools Comprehensive Plan which states all personnel members in FCPS will support multicultural education initiatives that are intended to decrease race, ethnicity, class, and gender divisions which are seen as achievement gaps by helping all students achieve. Mrs. Catlett provided an overview of the study which has included the establishment of the study group s purpose, a review of national statistics related to the topic, discussion of local data relevant to the topic, consultation with Dr. Dan Mulligan in formal and informal presentations, discussion of procedures for integrating the study into the Effective Schools process, compilation of data for presentation to the Division Leadership Team, and review of research articles. The committee is now in the process of developing an action plan to have the schools integrate processes from the plan to help with achievement levels of students. Ms. Kay commended the staff for working to address the academic achievement of African American males. Other Board members echoed these comments and stressed the importance of addressing the achievement levels of all students in our diverse population : OLD BUSINESS. The following matters of old business were discussed: School Board Organizational Meeting The School Board will hold its organizational meeting on July 6, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. VSBA Orientation for School Board Chairs/Vice-Chairs or New Board Members and Superintendent Board members were reminded that the VSBA Orientation for School Board Chairs/Vice-Chairs or New Board Members and Superintendents will be held in Richmond on July 19, Governor s Conference on Education Board members were also reminded that the Governor s Conference on Education will be held in Richmond on July 20, Board members should let Mrs. Wright know if they would like to attend the conference. Rev. Bailey and Mr. Gillenwater plan to attend the conference.

7 : NEW BUSINESS. The following matter of new business was discussed: VSBA Hot Topic Conference Board members were informed that the VSBA Hot Topic Conference School Safety will be held in Charlottesville on August 19, Board members were asked to let Mrs. Wright know if they would like to attend the conference : GOOD OF THE ORDER. The following comments were made under Good of the Order: Mrs. Green expressed appreciation to Mrs. Tankersley for the invitation to attend the Marcia Tate workshop at the elementary school. Ms. Kay thanked fellow Board members for the opportunity to serve as Chairman for the past year : ADJOURNMENT. There being no further business to conduct at this regular meeting of the Fredericksburg City School Board for June 7, 2010, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. on a motion by Mrs. Walsh, seconded by Mrs. Green, and unanimously approved. Malvina Rollins Kay, Chairman Fredericksburg City School Board Deborah B. Wright Clerk of the Board

8 MOTION: Mrs. Green SECOND: Mrs. Walsh CERTIFICATE OF CLOSED MEETING WHEREAS, the Fredericksburg City School Board has convened a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and WHEREAS, Section (A) of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by this School Board that such closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Fredericksburg City School Board hereby certifies that, to the best of each member's knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certification applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered. VOTE: AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 Clerk of Fredericksburg City School Board June 7, 2010 Meeting Date