FREDERICKSBURG CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Fredericksburg, Virginia A regular meeting of the Fredericksburg City School Board was held at 6:30 p.m. on November 9, 2015 in the Lecture Hall at James Monroe High School, 2300 Washington Avenue. Board members present were: Others Present: Mrs. Patricia B. Green, Chairperson Rev. Jarvis E. Bailey, Vice-Chairperson Ms. Jannan W. Holmes Ms. Malvina Rollins Kay * Mrs. Barbara A. Miller-Richards Mrs. Elizabeth R. Rehm Mrs. Marceline R. Catlett, Deputy Superintendent Mrs. Deborah B. Wright, Clerk of the Board Absent: Dr. David G. Melton, Division Superintendent (Note: Dr. Melton was unable to attend due to family matters.) The meeting was called to order at 6:38 p.m. by the Chairperson. * Ms. Kay arrived during closed session. 15-16-80: BOARD CONVENES INTO CLOSED SESSION: RECONVENES INTO OPEN SESSION. The Deputy Superintendent recommended that the Board convene into closed session under FIA 2.2-3711(A), Section 1 Personnel (discussion regarding employment recommendations, extraduty assignments, resignation recommendations, termination recommendation, substitute teacher and substitute nurse recommendations, substitute bus drivers and Head Start VIP substitute/bus monitor recommendations, student teacher/practicum student placements and volunteers for athletic programs) and in addition, Section 28 discussion or consideration of records excluded from this chapter pursuant to subdivision 11 of 2.2-3705.6. A motion to approve the recommendation was made by Ms. Holmes, seconded by Mrs. Rehm, and unanimously approved by a roll call vote. The Board convened in closed session at 6:35 p.m. On a motion by Mrs. Miller-Richards, seconded by Mrs. Rehm, and unanimously approved by a roll call vote, the Board reconvened in open session at 7:30 p.m. and approved Certificate of Closed Meeting No. 15-16-5 which involves a statement concerning items discussed in closed session. A copy of Certificate of Closed Meeting No. 15-16-5 is attached to the minutes. 15-16-81: APPROVAL OF AGENDA. The Chairperson asked to amend the agenda to include an additional information item (VIII-E-1) for an Update on the Original Walker-Grant Renovation Project. Mrs. Green then called for approval of the agenda as amended. A motion to approve the agenda as amended was made by Rev. Bailey, seconded by Mrs. Miller-Richards, and unanimously approved by the Board. 15-16-82: APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 5, 2015 REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING AND THE OCTOBER 15, 2015 SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING. Minutes of the October 5, 2015 Regular School Board Meeting and the October 15, 2015 Special School Board
Meeting were presented for approval. A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made by Rev. Bailey, seconded by Mrs. Miller-Richards, and unanimously approved by the Board. 15-16-83: RECOGNITIONS. As part of the school division s character education program, Mr. Matthew Terry, Principal of Lafayette Upper Elementary School, introduced gifted education teacher Celilia Oakley whose students presented the Word of the Month for November Honesty. Students who participated were: Jin Huff, Keiko Huff, Morgan Smith, Erick Marte, Simon Young, Jack Billingsley, and Payton Billingsley. Several years ago, the Virginia General Assembly instituted a law that local school boards must meet annual training requirements by participating in quality professional development activities at the state, local, or national levels on governance including personnel, policies and practices, curriculum and instruction, use of data in planning and decision making, and current issues in education as part of their service on the local board. The VSBA School Board Academy offers a comprehensive program of orientation and education specifically designed for local school boards. Through participation in the VSBA Academy, board members have the chance to meet with fellow school board members from across the state to share ideas and solutions. Members become more knowledgeable about educational issues and learn to effectively fulfill responsibilities as a board member. School Board members earn Academy credits through participation in VSBA meetings and other academy sessions and through VSBA governance and service activities. They are awarded various levels of academy awards based on credits earned over a two-year period. Based on recent professional development achievements, Director of Human Resources John Russ announced the following awards on behalf of the VSBA: Malvina Rollins Kay Barbara Miller-Richards Patricia Green Elizabeth Rehm Jarvis Bailey Jannan Holmes David Melton Award of Achievement and Bronze Pin Award of Achievement and Bronze Pin Award of Excellence and Silver Pin Award of Excellence and Silver Pin Award of Distinction and Starfish Pin Award of Distinction and Starfish Pin Award of Distinction and Starfish Pin On behalf of the school division, Mr. Russ congratulated School Board members and the Superintendent on these achievements. Mrs. Marjorie Tankersley, Principal of Hugh Mercer Elementary School, introduced the following second grade students who were winners in the Pumpkin Fun Run: Holly Rowland Griffin Van Zandt Shabnum FNU Kraig Bolte First Place Boys Mr. Matthew Terry, Principal of Lafayette Upper Elementary School, introduced the following students who have been elected as SCA Officers for the 2015-2016 school year: Emily Brown Morgan Smith Katie Boyd Jake Hatton Scarlett Allen Member-At-Large Historian Historian Member-At-Large Treasurer Treasurer Member-At-Large Secretary
Tyson Taylor Ashley Shoffner Jillian Battista Da Niya Johnson Tesher Baer Secretary Member-At-Large Vice-President Vice-President Member-At-Large President President Mr. Terry also recognized the following winners of Lafayette s Pumpkin Fun Run: Third Grade Michael Edwards (not present) McLane Maynard Sophia Coulon Addyson Hough Fourth Grade Avery Foresman Nathan Scharf (not present) Christa David Cecilia Lucas Fifth Grade Zachary Horn Tyson Taylor Jillian Battista Sarah Rigual First Place - Boys First Place Boys First Place Boys Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, Principal of Walker-Grant Middle School, provided background information concerning the James Farmer Scholars Program. The following students who were new inductees into the James Farmer Scholars program for the 2015-2016 school year were recognized: Tatia Battiste Ashanti Freeman Saif Mubashar Trishle Nguyen (not present) Monzerrath Sandoval (not present) Andrew Williams Kayla Clinkscales (not present) Sanaa Jones Harmony Newman Alex Nzojibwami (not present) Khadea Ussery (not present) Jamil Peace (not present) Dr. Kay-Wyatt expressed appreciation to James Farmer Scholars sponsor, Mrs. Demetrice Silver. Dr. Kay-Wyatt introduced the following students who have been elected as SCA Officers for the 2015-2016 school year at Walker-Grant Middle School: Nellie Kate Dameron Sarah Marchosky Dagny Oakley Claire Brady Evan Battista Historian Treasurer Secretary Vice-President President Appreciation was expressed to SCA sponsors Destiny Gebhart and Tiffany Spagnolo. On behalf of the Board, Mrs. Green congratulated the students and thanked everyone for coming.
15-16-84: CONSENT AGENDA. The following items were included on the consent agenda: Head Start Approvals A recommendation was made that the School Board approve the Consultant Contract for Male Engagement Services Delano Green for the Head Start Program. Additional Extra-Curricular Activities for 2015-2016 Walker-Grant A recommendation was made that the School Board approve the addition of the Classic Film Club at Walker-Grant Middle School to the list of extra-curricular activities for the 2015-2016 school year. On behalf of the Superintendent, Mrs. Catlett recommended approval of the items which were included on the consent agenda. A motion to approve the recommendation was made by Ms. Holmes, seconded by Mrs. Rehm, and unanimously approved. Copies of the consent agenda items are attached to the minutes. 15-16-85: PERSONNEL MATTERS. On behalf of the Superintendent, Mrs. Catlett recommended approval of the personnel list as revised. A motion to approve the recommendation was made by Mrs. Miller-Richards, seconded by Rev. Bailey, and unanimously approved by a roll call vote. A copy of the personnel list is attached to the minutes. 15-16-86: POLICY REVISIONS FIRST READING. On behalf of the Superintendent, Mrs. Catlett recommended that the Board approve several policies as suggested by the Virginia School Boards Association Policy Services on first reading. A motion to approve the recommendation was made by Mrs. Rehm and seconded by Rev. Bailey. Ms. Kay raised a point of order to question the revision to Policy KG Community Use of School Facilities and to clarify that the Walker-Grant Alumni Association will continue to have access to the Original Walker-Grant School building. Dr. John Gordon, Director of Administrative Services, responded that the proposed change in the policy will not affect the use of the school building by the Walker-Grant Alumni Association. Following this clarification, the motion was unanimously approved by the Board. 15-16-87: INSTRUCTIONAL PRESENTATION INSTRUCTIONAL COACHES PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY (ICPLC). Ms. Tristin Fidler, New Teacher Advisor, began a briefing on the Fredericksburg City Public Schools Instructional Coaches Professional Learning Community (ICPLC). The group consists of members from Hugh Mercer, Lafayette, Walker-Grant, James Monroe and the Central Office including the new teacher advisor, reading specialists, and math specialists. This year IB coordinators from James Monroe and Walker-Grant will join the ICPLC. Ms. Fidler also noted that Virginia Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Executive Director Laurie McCullough serves as the ICPLC mentor for the school division. Ms. Emily Heller informed the Board that the ICPLC began about two years ago when several staff members attended a workshop led by Laurie McCullough. Since that time, the group has met quarterly or more frequently and focused on developing an ICPLC Plan during the first year. This year the group began drafting a mission statement which echoes the mission of Fredericksburg City Public Schools. The four main goals are fostering professional growth, developing a division-wide coaching model, providing a platform for collaboration, and advocating for positive professional relationships across the division. Ms. Sarah Cook noted that the group is committed to developing and using the FCPS coaching model to serve as a tool for promoting positive relationships, professional growth, and student achievement. The division-wide collaboration has proven to be beneficial for staff to meet individual goals. Dr. Harry Thomas, Director of Instruction, stated that the ICPLC represents best practices. Ms. Holmes noted that the coaching program is translating research into best practices. She asked if the coaching is provided for all teachers or only targeted staff. Instructional coaches assist different staff members throughout the division including new teachers, math department teachers and special education teachers. Mrs. Miller-Richards expressed excitement to have coaches participate in professional development and then share their information with other staff members.
15-16-88: FINANCIAL REPORT. Chief Financial Officer David Baker was unable to attend the meeting. The Board was provided with the year-to-date summary report on General/Operational (Fund 205) and Special Revenues/Grants (Fund 211) Expenditures and Revenues as of September 30, 2015. Board members were encouraged to contact Mr. Baker if they have any questions concerning the report. 15-16-89: UPDATE ON ORIGINAL WALKER-GRANT RENOVATION PROJECT. Dr. John Gordon provided an update on the Original Walker-Grant renovation project. Dr. Gordon stated that the 20-month process for the renovation project has officially begun with the concept phase. Program meetings are being held with architects and staff members. The design phase will follow and construction is expected to begin by the end of December. The anticipated completion date is August 31, 2017. Administrators met recently with representatives of the Walker-Grant Alumni Association to ensure that the heritage of the building is maintained. Some items such as lockers and auditorium seating from the current building will be sold by auction in the coming months. Mrs. Green encouraged citizens to contact staff members if they have questions concerning the project. 15-16-90: OLD BUSINESS. The following items of old business were discussed: VSBA Take Your Legislator to School Month November Mrs. Green noted that visits have been scheduled for Senator Bryce Reeves on November 17 and Delegate William Howell on November 24. Board members will be joined by staff in providing each of these legislators with a tour of Original Walker-Grant. Joint Legislative Reception Board members were reminded that Spotsylvania County Schools will host the Third Annual Joint Legislative Reception on December 1, 2015 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Local School Board members have been invited to the reception. Board members were asked to let Mrs. Wright know if they wish to attend the reception. American Education Week November 16-20, 2015 Mrs. Green noted that American Education Week will be observed on November 16-20, 2015. VSBA Annual Conference Board members were reminded that the VSBA Annual Conference will be held in Williamsburg on November 18-20, 2015. All Board members are planning to attend. Ms. Holmes will be serving as the Board s representative at the Delegate Assembly. Ms. Holmes mentioned a few of the topics to be addressed by the membership at the Assembly and asked Board members to contact her with any questions. 15-16- 91: NEW BUSINESS. The following item of new business was discussed: International Baccalaureate Program Workshop Mrs. Rehm commented that she recently attended the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Workshop at George Mason University. The workshop was very informative. Participants heard from IB facilitators about the basics of the program and how it works. Mrs. Rehm thanked Dr. Rachal and James Monroe High School for the invitation to attend the workshop. 15-16-92: GOOD OF THE ORDER. The following comment was made under Good of the Order: Ms. Holmes commended the fine arts department for recent choral and band concerts and noted that the programs were held early in the school year. Mrs. Miller-Richards also stated that she
appreciates the separation of concerts by various groups which allows more parents and community members to attend. 15-16-93: ADJOURNMENT. There being no further business to conduct at this regular meeting of the Fredericksburg City School Board for November 9, 2015, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Holmes, seconded by Rev. Bailey, and unanimously approved. Patricia B. Green, Chairperson Fredericksburg City School Board Deborah B. Wright Clerk of the Board
MOTION: Mrs. Miller-Richards SECOND: Mrs. Rehm CERTIFICATE OF CLOSED MEETING 15-16-5 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 2.2-3711(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 November 9, 2015 Meeting Date