MINUTES MEETING OF THE SUFFOLK CITY SCHOOL BOARD AT SUFFOLK CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Thursday, May 12, 2011 (4:30 PM) 4:30 PM - OPENING OF PUBLIC MEETING The meeting of the Suffolk City School Board was called to order by Dr. Michael J. Debranski, Chair. Upon the roll being called, the follow persons were present: BOARD MEMBERS: Diane Foster Enoch Copeland Linda Bouchard Lorraine Skeeter Michael Debranski Phyllis Byrum Thelma Hinton ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: Deran R. Whitney, Superintendent Cynthia B. Chavis, Clerk Wendell M. Waller, School Board Attorney MOTION TO GO INTO A CLOSED MEETING Member (Enoch Copeland) Moved, Member (Phyllis Byrum) seconded the motion to go into a Closed Meeting to discuss the following items and subjects pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended: 1. The discussion and/or consideration of the Personnel Report and Related Information; 2. The discussion and/or consideration of the Pupil Personnel Report and Related Information; 3. The discussion and/or consideration of Personnel Action Numbers 10/11-6 and 10/11-7; 4. The discussion and/or consideration of Student Appeal Number 10/11-7; and 5. The discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, and more specifically site selection for a replacement school for Robertson and Southwestern Elementary Schools, where discussion in open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the School Board. All of which is authorized by Section 2.2-3711 (1), (2) and (7) of the Code of Virginia (1950); as amended.
7:00 PM - OPENING OF PUBLIC MEETING The School Board Meeting was called to order by Dr. Debranski, Chairman. Invocation The Invocation was provided by Wendell Waller, School Board Attorney. Pledge of Allegiance The attendees were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Lark Washington, Honor Graduate and Key Club President, King's Fork High School. CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING Certification of Closed Meeting A resolution of Certification of the Closed Meeting of May 12, 2011 pursuant to Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Whereas, the Suffolk City School Board convened a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom Information Act; and Whereas, Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, requires a certification by the School Board that such closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law. Member (Enoch Copeland) Moved, Member (Phyllis Byrum) seconded the motion to approve the Resolution of Certificate of Compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. EARLY APPEARANCES There were no early appearances. REPORTS BY THE SUPERINTENDENT 1. Good News Report... King's Fork High Video Profile, KFHS Honor Graduates 2. SOL Graduation Standard Diploma Credits Update 3. Calendar of Special Events CONSENT AGENDA 1 Approval of Consent Agenda Member (Enoch Copeland) Moved, Member (Phyllis Byrum) seconded the motion to approve the items listed on the Consent Agenda as presented.
1. Payment of Bills 2. School Board Meeting Minutes 3. Field Trip: KFHS Football Team - Richland High School, Johnstown PA. July 22-23, 2011 4. Proposed Summer School Programs 2011 - Revised 5. Approval of Virtual Virginia Proposed Courses for 2011-12 6. Resolution Number 10/11-22: Authorizing the Board Chairman and the School Superintendent to make an award and enter into an agreement to provide Social Skills Training for Students 7. Resolution Number 10/11-23: Approving the terms and conditions of a Memorandum of Understanding between Suffolk Public Schools and the Community Development Institute Head Start Serving Hampton Roads UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Adoption of Biennial Financial Plan for Fiscal Years 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 Mr. Brinkley reviewed changes required to balance the School Board s budget. Member (Enoch Copeland) Moved, Member (Lorraine Skeeter) seconded the motion to adopt the revised Biennial Financial Plan for Fiscal Years 2011-2012. 2, Rezoning Required by 2011-2012 School Closures Member (Enoch Copeland) Moved, Member (Diane Foster) seconded the motion to approve recommendations regarding rezoning of students required due to school closures for the 2011-2012 school year. NEW BUSINESS 1. Health Insurance - Proposed Premium Holiday Member (Phyllis Byrum) Moved, Member (Linda Bouchard) seconded the motion that the Suffolk City School Board approve a proposed one-month health insurance premium holiday for participating employees. 2. Setting of School Board Meeting to discuss School Board Goals for 2011-2012 School Year Member (Enoch Copeland) Moved, Member (Linda Bouchard) seconded the motion to have a meeting to discuss School Board Goals for 2011-2012 at 12:00 noon on June 9, 2011. BUSINESS BY BOARD MEMBERS
Comments and Reports by School Board Members Ms. Hinton advised that she was honored at recent Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority s 40 th anniversary celebration. Ms. Bourchard encouraged support of the fund raising conducted in honor of Talmadge Darden, principal of King s Fork Middle School, who was seriously ill. Ms. Byrum expressed appreciation to all who participated in the recent Suffolk Education Foundation golf tournament that was sponsored to raise money for scholarships. Ms. Byrum also commended city and school personnel who attended or participated in the April 26 forum on bullying that was held at various locations in the city. Ms. Foster indicated that attending the Teacher of the Year Dinner and the Rookie Teacher of the Year Reception provided an opportunity to see existing and new talent in the school division. Ms. Skeeter stated that the living museum recently held at B. T. Washington Elementary School made history for number of parents attending that event. The program was very well performed and it seemed as if every student in school participated. Dr. Debranski expressed the Board s condolences to Mr. Copeland in the recent passing of brother. LATE APPEARANCES 1.Candice Gallop- requested the School Board to consider other options to reduce cost in order to avoid the closure of Robertson Elementary School 2. Sara Deets- shared concerns that parents were not provided an opportunity to speak to the School Board before the Board s made its decision to close Robertson Elementary School INFORMATION ITEMS 1. Accident Report 2. Attendance Report: April 2011 3. Bid Award 4. Employee Health and Dental Insurance - Fiscal Year 2011-2012 5. Field Trip Activity Report 6. Financial Report: Capital Projects 7. Financial Report: Operating Funds 8. Use of Facilities Report 9. Vandalism Theft Report
SECOND CLOSED MEETING 1. Motion to go into a Second Closed Meeting Member (Enoch Copeland) Moved, Member (Linda Bouchard) seconded the motion to go into a Closed Meeting to discuss the following items and subjects pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended: 1. The discussion and/or consideration of the Personnel Report and Related Information; 2. The discussion and/or consideration of the Pupil Personnel Report and Related Information; 3. The discussion and/or consideration of Personnel Action Numbers 10/11-6 and 10/11-7; 4. The discussion and/or consideration of Student Appeal Number 10/11-7; and 5. The discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, and more specifically site selection for a replacement school for Robertson and Southwestern Elementary Schools, where discussion in open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the School Board. All of which is authorized by Section 2.2-3711 (1), (2) and (7) of the Code of Virginia (1950); as amended. 2. Certification of Closed Meeting A resolution of Certification of the Closed Meeting of May 12, 2011 pursuant to Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Whereas, the Suffolk City School Board convened a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom Information Act; and Whereas, Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, requires a certification by the School Board that such closed meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law. Member (Enoch Copeland) Moved, Member (Phyllis Byrum) seconded the motion to approve the Resolution of Certificate of Compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. ACTION ON CLOSED MEETING ITEMS 1. Personnel Report Member (Thelma Hinton) Moved, Member (Diane Foster) seconded the motion to approve the Pupil Personnel Report as submitted. 2. Personnel Action 10/11-06 Member (Thelma Hinton) Moved, Member (Diane Foster) seconded the motion to deny the request of Personnel Action 10/11-06.
3. Personnel Action 10/11-07 Member (Thelma Hinton) Moved, Member (Diane Foster) seconded the motion to deny the request of Personnel Action 10/11-07. 4. Pupil Personnel Report Member (Thelma Hinton) Moved, Member (Diane Foster) seconded the motion to approve the Pupil Personnel Report as submitted. 5. Student Appeal 10/11-07 Member (Thelma Hinton) Moved, Member (Diane Foster) seconded the motion 'to deny the request of Student Appeal 10/11-07. ADJOURNMENT Adjournment of Meeting The Suffolk City School Board meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m. Michael J. Debranski, Chairman Cynthia B. Chavis, Clerk