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 May 9, 2011 in the Lecture Room of James Monroe High School, 2300 Washington Avenue. Board members present were: Mrs. Patricia B. Green, Chairman Rev. Jarvis E. Bailey, Vice-Chairman Ms. Jannan W. Holmes Ms. Malvina Rollins Kay Mrs. Barbara A. Miller-Richards Absent: Others Present: Mr. Michael J. Gillenwater Dr. David G. Melton, Division Superintendent Mrs. Deborah B. Wright, Clerk of the Board The meeting was called to order at 6:35 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 salaries/credentials and evaluation of the Superintendent) and Section 2 Student Matters (discussion regarding possible student expulsions). A motion to approve the Superintendent s recommendation was made by Ms. Holmes, seconded by Rev. Bailey, and unanimously approved by a roll call vote. The Board convened in closed session at 6:36 p.m. On a motion by Ms. Kay, seconded by Ms. Holmes, and unanimously approved by a roll call vote, the Board reconvened in open session at 7:35 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 as distributed was made by Mrs. Miller-Richards, seconded by Ms. Kay, and unanimously approved by the Board : APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MARCH 29, 2011 SCHOOL BOARD/CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AND THE APRIL 4, 2011 REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING. Minutes of the March 29, 2011 School Board/City Council Work Session and the April 4, 2011 Regular School Board Meeting were presented for approval. A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made by Mrs. Miller-Richards, seconded by Rev. Bailey, and unanimously approved by the Board : RECOGNITIONS. As part of the school division s character education program, several students from Ms. Ehlen s and Mrs. Anderson s first grade classes presented the Word of the Month for May Dependability. School Principal Marjorie Tankersley noted that the students presentation had been prepared using the 4-Square Writing Program. Mrs. Green summarized the VSBA Regional Art Contest which was started in 1989 to promote the artistic talents of Virginia s public school students. For each of the nine VSBA regions, a winner is chosen for the elementary, middle, and high school levels. In Fredericksburg, the two elementary schools alternate years for submitting artwork. This year student artwork from Lafayette, Walker-

2 Grant, and James Monroe was entered in the VSBA Northeastern Regional Forum art contest. The following students were recognized and their artwork was displayed: Austin Reeder Wittney Vite (not present) Simon Hu (not present) Lafayette Upper Elementary School Elementary Division Walker-Grant Middle School Middle School Division James Monroe High School High School Division Mrs. Tankersley then recognized the following kindergarten students for their winning efforts in the Bunny Hop, a fun run sponsored by the physical education department: Sarah Regual Luke DuMont Annabelle McFarland Shawn Myer (not present) First Place Girls First Place Boys Second Place Girls Second Place Boys Mr. John Russ, Principal of Lafayette Upper Elementary School, introduced the following students who were the top fundraisers at each grade level for the Jump Rope for Heart at Lafayette: Harper Cleaton Ashley Cleaton Carolina Ortiz Zalayka Parker (not present) Emily Myers Fifth Place Fourth Place Third Place Second Place First Place Mr. Russ also introduced members of the Odyssey of the Mind team which placed first at the Regional Odyssey of the Mind competition and then participated in the State competition: Will Bowles Terence McKenzie Mitch Dolby Caroline Wack Anna Slominski Claire Rehm Quinn Bonney Mr. Russ expressed appreciation to Team Coach Becky Slominski and to Odyssey of the Mind Coordinator Linda Lam. Mr. Harry Thomas, Principal of Walker-Grant Middle School, recognized members of four Odyssey of the Mind teams from Walker-Grant who participated in Regional competition: Regional 2 nd Place Long-Term Problem Cable Bonney Megan Lam Edward Hoffman Anna Katherine Bowles (not present) Allison Slominski This team was coached by Mr. Sean Bonney. Regional 2 nd Place Overall Camila Medina (not present) Cameron Woodard Jesse Dominguez Zion Latney Annie Taylor Gregory Mann Shamia Mayfield

3 This team was coached by Mrs. Aude Mann. Regional 1 st Place Overall Emily Deschambault (not present) Finn Blakesley Lindsey Haberman Skye Thomas Emma Dolby Jacob Rehm (not present) Maggie Stoffel (not present) This team was coached by Mrs. Janet Thomas and went on to State competition. Regional 1 st Place Overall Summer Dunwoody Ricki Rodriguez Rebekah Stone Kaitlyn Jenkins (not present) Hannah Sky Wilson (not present) This team was coached by Mrs. Holly Dunwoody and went on to State competition. Mr. Thomas also expressed appreciation to Susan Ingebretsen and Becky Slominski for their assistance with the Odyssey of the Mind program. Mr. John Gordon, Principal of James Monroe High School, announced the selection of the following students to attend the American Legion Boys and Girls State programs: Torriek Ferguson (not present) Lina Zimmerman Joshua Stinson Caroline Morris Mr. Gordon also introduced the following students who participated in the District Skills USA Competition and represented James Monroe in the State Skills USA Competition: Alex McClanahan Tyler Hallam (not present) First in District in Internetworking Competition First in District in Extemporaneous Speaking and Second in State Competition Mr. Gordon then recognized the following students who represented James Monroe High School in the University of Mary Washington s World Language Competitions: K. C. Boas (not present) First Place French Video Natalie Plakosh (not present) First Place French Video Moriah Webster First Place French Video Maryam Sultany (not present) First Place French Video Audrey Dyer (not present) First Place Spanish Poster Jacqui Smith First Place Spanish Poster Matt Seaver (not present) First Place Intermediate Spanish Spelling Kaaleb Adera First Place Advanced Spanish Spelling Antonella Membrano-Salas First Place Advanced Spanish Spelling Lee Ann Zies First Place Advanced Spanish Spelling

4 The following students have been selected to attend the Governor s Foreign Language Academies: Moriah Webster Anna Cobey French Academy Latin Academy : CONSENT AGENDA. The following items were included on the consent agenda: Policy Revisions Second Reading A recommendation was made that the School Board approve several policy revisions which have been recommended by the Virginia School Boards Association Policy Services on second reading. (Note: Item removed and voted on separately.) Head Start Approvals A recommendation was made that the School Board approve the revision of Head Start Selection Criteria, a request for Fredericksburg Service League Funding in the amount of $2,000.00, the Dahlgren Officers Spouses Club funding proposal in the amount of $750.00, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development Grant Application in the amount of $20,000.00, and the Head Start Body Start Play Space Grant Application in the amount of $5, Local Plan for Career and Technical Education (CTE) Perkins Funds A recommendation was made that the School Board approve the Local Plan for Career and Technical Education and Application for Federal Funds (Perkins) for the Fredericksburg City Public Schools. 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 Rev. Bailey. Ms. Holmes asked that the Policy Revisions Second Reading be voted on separately. Following this request, an amended motion to approve the Consent Agenda including Head Start Approvals and Approval of the Local Plan for Career and Technical Education Perkins Funds was made by Rev. Bailey, seconded by Ms. Kay, and unanimously approved. Copies of the consent agenda items are attached to the minutes : POLICY REVISIONS SECOND READING. A motion to approve the Policy Revisions Second Reading was made by Mrs. Miller-Richards and seconded by Ms. Kay. Ms. Holmes stated her objection to Policy JHH Suicide Prevention noting that teachers may not have proper training to assess situations as required by the policy. Following these comments, the motion was approved by a 4-1 vote (Ms. Holmes voted no.) A copy of the agenda item is attached to the minutes : PERSONNEL MATTERS. The Superintendent recommended approval of the personnel list as presented. A motion to approve the Superintendent s recommendation was made by Mrs. Miller-Richards, seconded by Ms. Kay, and unanimously approved by a roll call vote. A copy of the personnel list is attached to the minutes : STUDENT CASE # Mrs. Miller-Richards presented the recommendation of the Student Disciplinary Committee that the student referred to as Student Case # be placed on long-term suspension through June 17, Should the student reestablish residency in the City of Fredericksburg, the student will be required to enter through the Fredericksburg City Public Schools Alternative Education Program. The recommendation was unanimously approved by a roll call vote of the Student Disciplinary Committee.

5 : STUDENT CASE # Mrs. Miller-Richards presented the recommendation of the Student Disciplinary Committee that the student referred to as Student Case # be placed on a conditional long-term suspension through June 17, Conditions will be explained to the student and parents. The recommendation was unanimously approved by a roll call vote of the Student Disciplinary Committee : ANNUAL SPECIAL EDUCATION PLAN AND APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL FUNDS. The Annual Special Education Plan and Application for Federal Funds was presented for the Board s approval. The Special Education Plan serves as a formal agreement between the Fredericksburg City Public Schools and the State Board of Education for compliance with and the implementation of all State and Federal laws concerning the education of children with disabilities. The plan contains assurance statements which meet all eligibility requirements to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Act ( IDEA), its federal implementing regulations and all procedures that the Virginia Department of Education has established with IDEA; the application for federal funds known as Title VI-B, and the application and budget for the Preschool Grant. The Superintendent recommended that the School Board approve the Annual Special Education Plan and Application for Federal Funds for the Fredericksburg City Public Schools. A motion to approve the Superintendent s recommendation was made by Ms. Kay, seconded by Rev. Bailey, and unanimously approved by the Board. Mrs. Steinkoenig responded to questions concerning participation of individuals with disabilities on the Special Education Advisory Committee. A copy of the plan is attached to the minutes : PRICE INCREASES SCHOOL MEALS. The Board was informed that meal prices have remained constant for the past two years. In order to keep up with the continual rise in food and fuel costs, the reduction in CLOC (Cash in Lieu of Commodities) reimbursement funds, and to maintain compliance with the Child Nutrition Act Reauthorization: Equity in School Lunch Pricing Provision and its mandatory minimum annual meal price increases, the administration suggested gradual increases in meals prices for the school year. The Superintendent recommended that the Board approve the following meal prices for the school year : Pre-K and Elementary Breakfast $1.35 Upper Elementary Breakfast $1.40 Middle School Breakfast $1.40 High School Breakfast $1.50 Pre-K and Elementary Lunch $2.00 Upper Elementary Lunch $2.25 Middle School Lunch $2.25 High School Lunch $2.35 A motion to approve the Superintendent s recommendation was made by Mrs. Miller-Richards, seconded by Ms. Holmes, and unanimously approved by the Board. A copy of the comparison of current and new meal prices is attached to the minutes : INSTRUCTIONAL PRESENTATION EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS. The Superintendent provided background information on the Effective Schools process which began four years ago. This process involves decisions being made at the level where instruction occurs, in the classroom. Dr. Daryl Chesley, Director of Instruction, and Mrs. Marceline Catlett, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Personnel, highlighted the benefits of the Effective Schools process at Hugh Mercer Elementary School and Lafayette Upper Elementary School. Dr. Chesley reviewed the organization

6 for Effective Schools which includes seven correlates or characteristics. The process also includes Building Leadership Teams and focuses on continuous improvement. Dr. Chesley summarized some of the initiatives which have been implemented at Hugh Mercer Elementary School. Among the initiatives are the kindergarten screener and the Saturday Reading Scholars Program. Mrs. Catlett highlighted examples of the initiatives at Lafayette Upper Elementary School. Some of these are interactive Read Alouds in Special Area Classrooms and building Grade Level Writing Rubrics. Mrs. Catlett also discussed the Vertical Articulation and Alignment Process between Hugh Mercer and Lafayette Upper Elementary School. Some items which have made a major impact are consistency of test taking skills and practices in grades K-5, instructional alignment for grades K-5, and ownership and shared responsibility for academic achievement for all students. Mrs. Green expressed appreciation for the hard work of administrators and staff in implementing the Effective Schools process : FINANCIAL REPORT. Chief Financial Officer David Baker provided a financial report including a year-to-date summary on General Operating Funds and Special Revenues/Grants Funds through March 31, Mr. Baker noted that variances reflect the revised budget which includes the fund balance. It appears that the system will end the year on a good financial note. Mr. Baker mentioned upcoming rate changes for electricity. Officials will be made aware of rate changes in January which will be helpful in budgeting. In regard to the projected fund balance, Mr. Baker expects to be able to add some to the fund balance to carry over into the next year : BUDGET UPDATE. The Superintendent provided the Board with a brief update on the budget for City Council is scheduled to vote on the school budget at its meeting tomorrow evening. Following action by City Council, the staff will revise the School Operating Budget and present the revised document for final adoption by the School Board at the June meeting. Ms. Kay asked that the staff provide information on a budget proposal reflecting smaller classes. The Superintendent responded that staff can attempt to provide the best information on student enrollment and projected class sizes but he cautioned that the enrollment may continue to change rapidly with the planned construction of new housing developments : PERSONNEL ITEMS. The Board received a reminder that classified personnel reappointment items will appear on the June School Board meeting agenda : OLD BUSINESS. The following item of old business was discussed: VSBA School Law Conference Board members were reminded that the VSBA School Law Conference will be held in Charlottesville on June 3, Anyone wishing to attend was asked to let Mrs. Wright know. Mrs. Green and Dr. Melton plan to attend the conference : NEW BUSINESS. The following items of new business were discussed: Division-wide Retirement Social and Dinner The division-wide retirement social and dinner will be held at James Monroe High School on May 31, The event begins at 6:00 p.m. VSBA Orientation for School Board Chairs/Vice-Chairs or New Board Members and Superintendents The VSBA Orientation for School Board Chairs/Vice-Chairs or Orientation for New Board Members and Superintendents will be held in Richmond on July

7 25, Mr. Bailey plans to attend the conference. Anyone else wishing to attend was asked to let Mrs. Wright know. Governor s Conference The Governor s Conference on Education will be held in Richmond on July 26, Anyone wishing to attend was asked to let Mrs. Wright know : GOOD OF THE ORDER. In a Good of the Order comment, Ms. Holmes thanked Mrs. Nancy Woodward for the tour of Head Start : ADJOURNMENT. There being no further business to conduct at this regular meeting of the Fredericksburg City School Board for May 9, 2011, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Kay, seconded by Mrs. Miller-Richards, and unanimously approved. Patricia B. Green, Chairman Fredericksburg City School Board Deborah B. Wright Clerk of the Board

8 MOTION: Ms. Kay SECOND: Ms. Holmes 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: 5 NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1 (Mr. Gillenwater) Clerk of Fredericksburg City School Board May 9, 2011 Meeting Date