Board of Education Meeting Minutes

Transcription

1 Mr. Page stated that the Board needed to enter into closed session to discuss personnel issues, discuss and act on plans to protect public safety and to preserve the attorney-client privilege. Mr. Charles Kelly made a motion; seconded by Mr. Bill Howell, according to N.C. General Statute for the Board to enter into closed 5:03 p.m. to discuss personnel issues, discuss and action on plans to protect public safety and to preserve the attorney-client privilege. The motion unanimously carries. Mr. Page welcomed everyone to the February Board of Education meeting and called the meeting to order. Mr. Page stated that he needed a motion for the Board to enter into open session. Mr. Bill Howell made a motion; seconded by Mr. Chuck Gallyon, to return to open session at 6:03 p.m. The motion unanimously carries. The met at the on Monday,, at 6:03 p.m. Members present: Mr. Martin Page; Mr. Chuck Gallyon; Mr. Todd Carver; Mr. Sam Kennington; Mr. Bill Howell; Mr. Ken Poindexter; and Mr. Charles Kelly. Board Member(s) Absent: None Administrators present: Mr. Brady Johnson, Superintendent; Dr. Melanie Taylor, Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction; Dr. Alvera Lesane, Associate Superintendent of Human Resources; Mr. Richard Armstrong, Assistant Superintendent of Operations; Mrs. Melissa Wike, Chief Finance Officer; Dr. Kenny Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities & Planning; Dr. Boen Nutting, Director of Communication and Development. Also present: Mr. Costi Kutteh, Board Attorney; Mr. Clark Tew, School Board Attorney; Ms. Kelly McCarraher, Board Clerk. Mr. Page asked if there were any adjustments to the agenda. Mr. Johnson stated that there will be the addition of agenda item #7 for the discussion and a vote of the additional SRO at SIHS. Mr. Todd Carver made a motion; seconded by Mr. Sam Kennington, to approve the amended agenda. The motion unanimously carries. CONSENT AGENDA: Administration: None Personnel: Acceptance of Resignations, Retirements, Rehires, Terminations, and Leaves of Absences: No discussion. Acceptance of Classified Personnel: No discussion. Approval of Licensed Personnel: No discussion. Approval of Administrative Appointments: No discussion.. Approval of Reinstated Personnel: No discussion. 1

2 Approval of Minutes: January 14, 2019 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes January 14, 2019 Approval of Consent Agenda: Mr. Bill Howell made a motion; seconded by Mr. Todd Carver, to approve the consent agenda as presented. The motion unanimously carries. Item I-A None Item I-B Retirements, Rehires, Terminations, and Leaves of Absences Item I-C Approval of Classified Personnel Item I-D Approval of Licensed Personnel Item I-E Approval of Administrative Appointments Item I-F Approval of Reinstated Personnel Item II Approval of Minutes January 14, 2019 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes Approval of Minutes January 14, 2019 RECOGNITIONS: Mr. Page shared that this week North Carolina Bus Driver Appreciation Week and recognized the past and current bus drivers. He shared that we have 10,075 students that ride the bus, travel 13,200 miles with a total of 722 hours. Thank you to all the bus drivers and the transportation department for all that you do. NON-CONSENT AGENDA: CTE Program Review and Scope: Dr. Ed Shafer, Ed.D., President and CEO of Educational Advisors and Support, LLC, presented the comprehensive plan for the review, development and delivery of Career and Technical Education to the students of Iredell-Statesville Schools. Action: Information only; no action taken. Proposed Policies for 1 st Readings: Mr. Armstrong presented the following policy revisions or minor changes: Policy #1510/4200/7270: School Safety Adds references in subsections D.3 and D.6 to the anonymous safety tip line now required by state law. Updates legal references Updates the footnotes Policy #3470/4305: Alternative Learning Programs/Schools Reorganizes and streamlines the policy for improved readability and understanding. The most significant changes include the following: 1. The purpose statement in Section A has been rewritten to reflect the functional purposes served by alternative programs and schools. 2. Unnecessary language from Section B has been removed. 2

3 3. Section C on transfers to alternative schools has been reorganized and revised to A. Eliminate the distinction between voluntary and involuntary transfers (the list of reasons for transfer now includes both those that will result in a voluntary transfer and those that will result in an involuntary transfer); B. Revise the list of reasons for transfer of a student to an alternative school-transfer as a consequence in the Code of Student Conduct has been removed as a basis for transfer, and recommendation for long term suspension or expulsion has been added as an additional basis; C. Clarify that students who are recommended for long-term suspension or expulsion and who received due process through the disciplinary process do not require additional referral procedures; and D. Clarify that the multi-disciplinary team decides whether a student will be transferred to an alternative school in all other cases. 4. A sentence in Section E. has been eliminated because the matter now is addressed in Section A. 5. The information that must be reported to the board annually has been substantially reduced. Includes other minor changes. Updates information in the footnote, including information about revisions to the state s alternative schools accountability model. Policy #4125: Homeless Students Reorganizes the policy to improve readability 1. Information about the homeless liaison (formerly Section B) has been moved to the end of the policy as new Section E. 2. The information about access to records, enrollment, and transportation (formerly section C, D, and F) have been combined into new Section B. 3. The information formerly in Section G regarding Eligibility for Title I services has been moved to new Section C. 4. No substantive changes have been made to the content of the relocated information except that three additional duties have been added for the homeless liaison in Section E. The new duties are items#8, #10, and #11. The dispute resolution process in new Section D has been rewritten to comply with revised SBE policy SBOP-020. Updates the footnotes. Policy #4333: Weapons, Bomb Threats, Terrorist Threats, and Clear Threats to Safety Adds a reference in subsection A.1 to the anonymous safety tip line now required by state law. Updates the footnotes. 3

4 Policy #5025: Prohibition of Drugs and Alcohol Updates the title to reflect the new additional content. Expands the prohibitions in this policy to include possession or use of drugs. Includes other minor changes. Updates legal references. Policy #6125: Administering Medicines to Students Adds language in C.1.d for clarification. Policy #6220: Operation of School Nutrition Services Adds information about conflicts of interest. Updates footnotes. Additional minor wording changes were made to the policy in section B by Tina Wilson, Director of Child Nutrition. MINOR POLICY CHANGES: Policy #4152: Unsafe School Choice Transfer Updates the legal and other references. Updates a footnote. Policy #5020: Visitors to the School Updates the title of policy 5025 in the body of the policy and in the cross references. Policy #6140: Student Wellness Adds a footnote. Policy #6305: Safety and Student Transportation Services Policy #6315: Drivers POLICY THAT HAS CHANGES ONLY TO FOOTNOTES (NO BOARD ACTION NEEDED): Policy #4370: Student Discipline Hearing Procedures Adds a new footnote Action: These policies will lie on the table for comments and/or questions for 30 days. ** BOE Meeting Schedule: Mr. Page and the Board discussed the Board of Education Meeting Schedule and the following proposals: 4

5 Locations of the COW meetings. Maybe consider moving the meetings to different locations each month (CATS and the high schools). 5 meetings to be held at high schools: October 7 th, December 2 nd, February 3 rd, April 6 th & May 4 th. All other meetings will be held at CATS: July 8 th & 15 th Aug. 5 th & 12 th Oct. 14 th Nov. 3 rd EOY Work Session Dec. 9 th Jan. 6 th & 13 th Feb. 10 th Mar. 1 st MYR Work Session April 13 th May 11 th June 1 st & 8 th The combined meetings for September, November and March will be held at CATS and begin at 3:00pm. Action: Mr. Ken Poindexter made a motion; seconded by Mr. Todd Carver, to approve the meeting schedule. The motion unanimously carries. **Proposed Policies for 2 nd Readings: Dr. Lesane presented the following policies for revisions and approval: Policy #1720/4015/7225: Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying Complaint Procedure - (Strongly Recommended) Adds reference to anonymous safety tip line now required by state law. Updates legal references and footnotes. Policy #7130: Licensure Revises language in Section A to reflect changes to SBE Policy LICN-001. (Required) Adds subsection B.4 to address a new statutory licensure exemption for Cherokee language and culture instructors. (Strongly Recommended) Adds subsection B.5 to include the licensure exemption for driver s education instructors who have Certified Training Instructor status. (Strongly Recommended) Revises the language in Section D due to changes in State Board policy. (Required) New SBE Policy LICN-022 states that to convert an Initial Professional License to a Continuing Professional License, a professional educator must: (1) meet all testing requirements (see LICN-003); (2) meet all coursework requirements, if applicable (see LICN-001); and (3) participate in a Beginning Teacher Support Program if the teacher has fewer than three years of experience. Previously, teachers were required to have three years of teaching experience to convert an initial license to a continuing license. 5

6 Policy #7300: Staff Responsibilities (Strongly Recommended) Adds information regarding driver education instructors. Includes minor revisions and updates legal references and footnotes. Policy #7610: Defense of Board Employees (Recommended) Adds a new condition that limits the board s obligation to provide a legal defense for employees to situations where the employee does not have access to a legal defense provided through insurance or other liability coverage. Adds a new final paragraph stating that the policy is not intended to create contractual rights or to waive any claim of immunity, to address a recent court case (Wray v. City of Greensboro). Policy #7730: Employee Conflict of Interest (Strongly Recommended) Revises the introductory paragraph to more clearly explain the board s expectations of employees. Reorganizes the policy into separate sections on conflicts related to contracts, misuse of information, non-school employment, and receipt of gifts. Adds a new provision to Section A to address conflicts of interest related to contracts supported by federal funds. Revises statement in subsection A.3 to align with state law. Adds a new statutory exception in Section A for employment contracts between the board and the superintendent s spouse. Adds new information in Section B to prohibit misuse of information, in accordance with state law requirements. Revises statement in subsection C.5 to be consistent with the paragraph that follows the statement. Adds a statement to Section C to clarify that all sections of the policy apply to the superintendent. Expands Section D, Receipt of Gifts, to: prohibit solicitation and acceptance of gifts; provide additional examples of prohibited gifts and gifts that may be accepted; define nominal value in accordance with policy 8305 so that there is a uniform standard applicable to receipt of gifts in all circumstances; and specify that separate rules apply to employees involved in purchasing and procurement activities. Adds new Section E to address reporting of a violation and consequences for violations. (Policies 2121, 6220, 6401/9100, 7730, and 8305 all address conflict of interest rules, but differ with respect to whom they apply and under what circumstances, and with respect to the application of state law and federal regulations. To the extent that these policies have provisions in common, they have been revised to make them consistent with each other.) Updates legal references, cross references and footnotes. Policy #7920: Reduction in Force: Teachers and School Administrators (Required) Removes outdated reference to highly qualified status. 6

7 Updates cross references. Policy #7405: Extracurricular and Non-Instructional Duties (Technical Changes - Required and Informational) Updates legal references and adds footnotes Policy #7410: Teacher Contracts - (Technical Changes Informational) Updates footnotes Action: Mr. Bill Howell made a motion; seconded by Mr. Chuck Gallyon, to approve policies 1-5 which include; Policy #1720/4015/7225: Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying Complaint Procedure, Policy #7130: Licensure, Policy #7300: Staff Responsibilities, Policy #7610: Defense of Board Employees, Policy #7730: Employee Conflict of Interest, as presented. The motion unanimously carries. Mr. Sam Kennington made a motion; seconded by Mr. Chuck Gallyon, to table Policy #7920: Reduction in Force: Teachers and School Administrators, to allow Mr. Howell, the board attorney and Dr. Lesane to work together for the pleasure of the Board and bring this policy back in March. The motion unanimously carries. **Proposed Policy for 2 nd Reading: Policy #7340: Employee Dress Code Guidelines and Recommendations Dr. Lesane presented that the addition of I-SS BOE Policy Code #7340-Employee Dress Code, is recommended for the Board s approval. Per the request of the BOE, a survey was administered to the principals. The responses of the survey were shared with the Board. The results of the survey indicate overall support of the policy as written. It is clear that some of the responses are from other employees and principals/supervisors will need to work on clarifying their expectations for the employees. The following addresses some of the responses that need additional clarification and/or information: Fairness/Equity: Principals/Supervisors are accountable for upholding all laws, policies and procedures. Questions of fairness/equity will follow existing processes for addressing a complaint. Human Resources will reinforce organizational understanding to ensure baseline expectations. Vagueness: This was addressed with the principals/supervisors. Clarity will be provided by site/department. Human Resources is available to assist with the development of sitebased expectations as needed. Accommodations: Principals/Supervisors will determine appropriate accommodations that may need to be made for employees. Transportation Uniforms: The concern reflects a misunderstanding of who is referenced in the Transportation Department (not bus drivers). Uniforms apply to the mechanics and this is necessary to address OSHA and other safety standards. OSHA Standards: Principals/Supervisors are responsible for ensuring all OSHA safety standards are communicated to and adhered to by all faculty and staff. 7

8 Perceptions of Consistency: Principals/Supervisors discussed the need to have some flexibility in the administration of their buildings and departments. Therefore, administration is comfortable with some variability based on the programs and goals at different sites. Nevertheless, administration will uphold the basic guidelines outlined in the training provided to principals/supervisors. Action: Mr. Sam Kennington made a motion; seconded by Mr. Bill Howell, to accept Policy #7340: Employee Dress Code as presented. The motion carries 4-3 with Mr. Todd Carver, Mr. Ken Poindexter and Mr. Charles Kelly being in opposition to the motion. **Additional SRO Request for SIHS: Mr. Armstrong presented to the Board that they heard a presentation from Chief Selves at their February Committee of the Whole meeting requesting a part-time SRO at SIHS for the remainder of the school year. If approved, this request would cost the district $10,800. Action: Mr. Sam Kennington made a motion; seconded by Mr. Chuck Gallyon, to approve the parttime SRO position at SIHS for the remainder of the school year for $10,800. The motion carries with Mr. Todd Carver and Mr. Ken Poindexter in opposition to the motion. Public Comment N.C. General Statute 115C-51: Sean Turner addressed the Board regarding the environment at NIHS. Learra Bailey addressed the Board regarding education. Levese Bailey addressed the Board regarding education. Teete Bailey addressed the Board regarding education. Avis Schofield addressed the Board regarding education. Marquis Davis addressed the Board regarding the former principal at SHS. Jeremiah Mott addressed the Board regarding the former principal at SHS. Nickey Mott addressed the Board regarding education. Rickey Long stated that his topic had been addressed with the previous speakers. Board Member Comment: Mr. Page stated the following: that he had recognized the bus drivers earlier but he wanted to mention that the ATC team from CATS finished 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd in the Top Tech Challenge. They won over $50,000 in scholarships and tools. recognized that the SIHS Robotics team won 1 st and 2 nd place. He stated that our district is doing fantastic things in our schools. commented that Beaufort County Schools has received a grant and they are modeling their career center after Iredell-Statesville Schools career center. the Chinese event for the New Year at SIHS on Saturday was excellent. Good to see the continued involvement with the students from China. Mr. Kelly stated the following: 8

9 comment was made previously about revamping the Board of Education s mid-year review. We could use the first two hours for the work session and use the other two hours to focus on public perception. Mr. Johnson said that it would be interesting to hear some perspectives on why we didn t get the message out on the proposed new funding stream; the ¼ cent sales tax. We can touch base on each of our strategic goals with a plan for an hour and designate 3 hours for items the board wants to discuss. Mr. Page asked that the board members send their items for discussion to Kelly McCarraher for the mid-year review agenda. Mr. Gallyon stated the following: The Statesville Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet is Tuesday, Feb. 15 the Statesville Civic 5:45. The following board members plan to be in attendance; Mr. Martin Page, Mr. Sam Kennington, Mr. Bill Howell, Mr. Charles Kelly, Mr. Ken Poindexter, Mr. Chuck Gallyon. Superintendent s Comments: Mr. Johnson shared the following comments and highlights: Gave the board a proposed Local Current Expense Budget. The Safety, Security and Student Well-Being (SSWB) task force place holder was about $2.6 million. The recommendation brought last week was $535,000. Mr. Page stated that at the request of Beth Jones, we were not to include SROs in our budget because they will be covered in the Sheriff s budget. Breakdown of our school SROs was handed out to each board member. The breakdown shows by each municipality and which schools those positions are located. Announcements: Mr. Page announced upcoming meetings and noteworthy dates. There being no further business to discuss before the Board, Mr. Charles Kelly made a motion; seconded by Mr. Chuck Gallyon, to adjourn at 7:36 p.m. The motion unanimously carries. Signed: Mr. Martin Page, Chairman Board of Education Mr. Brady Johnson, Superintendent Secretary, Board of Education 9