Greenville Technical Charter High School Board of Directors Regular Meeting Minutes February 20, 2018 6:00 PM Greenville Technical College Administrative Board Room The Board of Directors met in regular session in the Greenville Technical College Administrative Board Room. The Agenda, bearing date, time, and location of the meeting was posted on the public bulletin board and GTCHS website in accordance with FOIA guidelines. WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Bob Ground, Board Chairman, called the regular meeting of the Greenville Technical Charter High School Board of Directors to order at 6:06pm. Board Members Mr. Erik Knutson, Mr. Brian Smith, Ms. Mary Brantley, Ms. Uta Samuel, Mr. Jody Bryson, and Mr. Zackary Johnson were present for the meeting. Ms. Mary Nell Anthony, Principal, Ms. Cynthia Fryer, Development Director and Ms. Jennifer Hall, Board Clerk, were also present. Mr. Scott Zemitis, Dr. Bob Nash and Ms. Ginger Cone were absent due to other obligations. Mr. Ground stated a quorum was present to vote. The Chairman recognized and welcomed the guests in attendance, Mr. Sid Tate, Father Dwight Longenecker, Mr. Brian Rable (D&E Board member), Mr. Jeff Taylor, Vice Principal, Miss Deanna Fulton, GTCHS student, and Mr. Bryan Fulton, father of Deanna. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Chairman requested the approval of the minutes from the January 16, 2018 regular board meeting, which he stated had been sent electronically to all board members prior to this meeting. Mr. Smith moved to accept the minutes as distributed, which Mr. Johnson seconded. Motion to approve minutes carried unanimously. PUBLIC INPUT SESSION: The Chairman opened the Public Input Session, noting that this is a public board, and any member of the public may sign up to address the board. The Chairman asked if there were any guests signed up to speak to the BOD. Father Dwight Longenecker requested to address the board and spoke to board members about the Augusta Road property owned by GTCHS, which is adjacent to Our Lady of the Rosary Church (OLR) where Father Dwight is the priest. He expressed the commitment of OLR to this area of Greenville, which is a needy area. The vision and desire of OLR is to see the empty lot owned by GTCHS to be developed as a Christian based Assisted Living facility, and the existing building owned the GTCHS (former VA building) to be developed as a skilled nursing care facility. OLR does not desire to own the property but would like to inspire commercial developers to take on this project in a village development concept with a community centered focus, also including affordable housing, retail, etc. Father Dwight and Mr. Tate are currently in conversations with real estate developers and commercial developers to advocate for such a development. Father Dwight requested that the board take these facts into consideration when making decisions regarding the potential sale of the Augusta Road property. GTCHS HIGHLIGHT FOR FEBRUARY - RECOGNITION FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC: The Chairman gave the floor to Ms. Anthony, to recognize Miss Deanna Fulton (clarinet) for being selected for South Carolina Region Band (Region 1). The Chairman presented Miss Fulton with a Certificate of Honor for her achievement and a photo was taken to commemorate the event. Also recognized in absentia: Leo Markowitz (trumpet) for Region 1 of 7
Band, Jack Markowitz (flute) for All-State Band, and Mr. Abe Marsh, GTCHS Band and Music Teacher for his role in growing the arts program. GTCHS REPORTS: Principal s Report Ms. Anthony presented the Principal s Report. Personnel Updates A social studies position will be posted for 2018-2019. Currently no other confirmed openings. School Operation Updates A draft of the calendar has been submitted for review. A list of primary dates was provided for review/input prior to finalizing for voting in March. Note: This year we have Election Day for midterm elections, which is required to be a school holiday (including for teachers). Ms. Hall is continuing work on policy. A timeline for approval will be worked on with the governance committee Would like the board to review all handbooks by May if possible so they are ready for publication for the summer; there are no major changes anticipated. Active shooter protocols - drills will be conducted in the Spring. Prevention by staying connected to students is top priority. Career based testing - The state just approved the career-based testing for juniors (April 18-19). It is no longer Work Keys, contract has been awarded for a new test called WIN. Budget Five-year projected budget has been prepared and submitted that to the finance committee. A copy was presented to the board along with most of cost assumptions. Weighted People Unit - WPU (weighted pupil unit) is higher than originally anticipated; this is providing additional revenue each month which will assist with increasing the Reserve Fund. (Budgeted based on 573-575 units, and are currently running at 585-590) Building Update= The State Board had unexpected initial questions when presented with our land lease. Typically, it would have been tabled until May; however, Dr. Miller (GTC President) was able to convince them to have a specially called meeting to re-visit. They then approved the lease 7-4. The Joint Bond Review Committee and State Fiscal Accountability Authority are next. It is recommended that Ms. Anthony attend those meetings to be present to answer questions (Feb. 28 and Mar 8 are the tentative dates). Action Items Request forgiveness from SCPCSD for one snow day. Three scheduled snow days were included in the calendar, four days of school were missed. (Sept. 11, Jan. 8, Jan. 17, Jan. 18) 2 of 7
Triangle Construction - Discuss accepting contract and moving forward with schematic design. Ms. Anthony gave the floor to Mr. Rable, Assistant Chair for the Charter Champions Golf Tournament representing the D&E Board, to discuss the Charter Champions Golf Tournament and Benefit Bash (April 22-23). This new two-day event has been designed to: create a signature event that people want to attend; raise money; honor the legacy of GTCHS; bring in the community; bring back alumni; get GTCHS families together and involved. Event also includes live auction, silent auction, long drive contest and putting contests. All golfers will receive a gift, and ticket to the Benefit Bash. New development website gtchsdevelopment.org just launched, highlights the event and offers online registration. Seven golf teams already committed, with a goal of 25 teams. Development Report Ms. Fryer presented the Development Update Report. Summarized meetings, events and tours over the last month and provided a detailed list of relationship building meetings, tours given/taken and upcoming meetings/ events. One highlight: SR&I (background check company with GTC contract) toured GTCHS today and signed up to be a sponsor for the Charter Champions event. Investigated Gates Foundation RFP and it has been determined that it is not the right time to pursue this opportunity. Charter Champions Golf Tournament Event $53,500 in sponsorship asks for this event 32 companies identified 23 companies have been asked to sponsor 9 companies still to be contacted 2 confirmed sponsorships - Technology Connection and Greenville First Steps 2 pledged sponsorships - Herff Jones and Modern Woodman Addressing Building Funding, with a target of raising $1.2 million over 12-18 months. Annual Campaign - 21% Spirit Week - 1% Family Stretch (many families pledge $600, ask families to stretch it to $1000) - 8% Grants - 20% Chairman s Report Capital Campaign (parent/faculty/board members = 434) - 29% Naming/Sponsorship - 20% 3 of 7
Mr. Ground summarized recent meetings and events he attended on behalf of the Board, including attending Finance and Facilities Committee meetings, and the GTCHS Black History Program. Executive Committee - No meeting, no report. Financial/Audit Committee Reports Mr. Knutson presented the Finance Committee Report. Ms. Noel Rogers presented financial reports for January to the committee. Total operating account, reserve account and endowment account are $1.318 million (31% of the annual budget, right in line with the cash reserves target for GTCHS) Ms. Anthony presented the five-year budget projections to the committee. There was discussion around the number of students to target for the future (455 vs. 540). Current five-year budget projections are based on 455 students. Total Income for January $419,889 Total Expenses for January $311,274 Net surplus of $108,614 for the month of January. Discussion was opened to the board after Mr. Knutson completed the Finance Committee Report. Ms. Anthony further explained the target number of students, and what assumptions and questions must be asked to project for a higher target number. Current waiting list is 214 students 130 students have been invited to the freshman class, with 100 returning completed paperwork as of today. Ms. Anthony explained a general budget projection based on 540 students, taking into consideration additional teacher salary and benefit expenses, with a net gain of $375,000 after all expenses are accounted for. Finance committee has requested that Ms. Anthony create an alternate five-year projected budget based on 540 students. General discussion was held regarding the factors that affect changes in enrollment, and strategies to increase student count if the board votes to pursue the higher count. Administration/Governance Committee - No meeting, no report. Publicity Committee - No meeting, no report. Academic Excellence Committee - No meeting. Ms. Brantley summarized recent conversations with GTCHS teachers Mr. Adomatis and Mr. Kaczmarczyk regarding the proposed curriculum addition of a drone and aeronautics science elective offering. 4 of 7
Appeals/Grievance Committee - No meeting, no report. Facilities Committee (Maintenance and Supervision) Mr. Knutson provided the Facilities Committee Report. Facilities Committee conducted phone interviews with three potential realtors for the listing of the Augusta Road property if the board approves the sale of the property. David Sigmon with Coldwell Banker Caine was selected as the listing agent. Coldwell Banker Caine agreed to 6 month listing agreement, 5% commission rate, list price of $3,150,000and the exclusion of up to five specific prospective buyers that GTCHS has already had contact with regarding the purchase of the property. If the property does sell to one of the excluded prospective buyers, GTCHS will pay a fee of $10,000 to Coldwell Banker Caine for general marketing expenses (in lieu of 5% commission) If GTCHS would like CBC to assist with the sale to an excluded prospective buyer, a 2.5% commission rate will apply. An update was given on the costs of maintaining Building 119 going forward, and a detailed inspection summary was provided, from Mr. Tuck Hannah. Facilities Committee agreed to meet again when cost summary for major systems has been finalized. Committee reviewed an updated proposal from Triangle Construction to move forward with two phases required to secure financing for new building construction - schematic design phase and design development phase. This must be completed to move forward with JEDA bond funding process. Payment terms were reviewed. Design costs would be rolled into project cost, unless GTCHS decided not to proceed with the project after design work has begun. Discussion was opened to the board after Mr. Knutson completed the Facilities Committee Report. Clarifications were made regarding realtor selection, listing agreement terms, and the prospective buyer exclusion. Board discussed previous information provided to the board (Summer 2017) regarding overall development vision for the Augusta Road area, briefly recapped the information provided by Father Longenecker, and clarified the proposed sales price for the Augusta Road property owned by GTCHS. Mr. Smith made a motion to accept all reports as information. Ms. Samuel seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. ITEMS REFERRED TO PRINCIPAL FOR REVIEW AND/OR RECOMMENDATION: None ITEMS PENDING ACTION FROM PREVIOUS BOARD MEETINGS: 1) Governance Committee (referred 1/16/18) - Review the manning chart /job descriptions the principal will use in staffing and 2018/2019 budget. 5 of 7
2) Governance Committee (referred 11/28/17) - Ms. Cone made a motion to send the Special Education policy to the Governance Committee for their review and recommendations. Mr. Miller seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. ITEMS REFERRED TO BOARD COMMITTEES FOR REVIEW OR RECOMMENDATION TO BOD: 1) Academic Excellence Committee - Proposal to allow students to enroll in college classes at colleges other than GTC when GTC does not offer the desired course ACTION ITEMS: 1) Consider recommendation by administration to change web page provider. 2) Consider requesting SCPCSD to forgive additional snow day used. 3) Accept proposed calendar for 2018-19 as a first reading, with second reading in March 4) Consider Facilities Committee Recommendation: recommend David Sigmon at Coldwell Banker Caine to be the listing agent for the Augusta Road property if the Board decides to sell the property, and under the conditions that the commission rate be 5%, the term of representation agreement be no longer than 6 months, and GTCHS retains the right to exclude up to five parties from the representation agreement and pay no commission to the Agent in such case, if we do not ask the Agent to facilitate the transaction with parties on this list. 5) Consider Facilities Committee Recommendation: recommend approval of Triangle Construction s Attachment A dated Feb 7, 2018 and proceed with the Schematic Design phase for $130,000 and the Design Development phase for $130,000 now, subject to confirmation on the Triangle Construction contract that these costs will be rolled into the total cost of the building project if GTCHS proceeds with construction. If GTCHS does not proceed, work on these two phases may stop at any time and will be billed only for work completed to that date. Motion made by Ms. Samuel to refer to the Academic Excellence Committee the proposal to allow students to enroll in college classes at colleges other than GTC when GTC does not offer the desired course. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion. The motion passed with six votes in favor, and Mr. Bryson voting against. Motion made by Mr. Bryson to request that SCPCSD forgive one additional snow day. Ms. Brantley seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1. Contractual Matter 2. Personnel Matter Executive Session as indicated by Meeting Agenda. Motion to move to Executive Session was made by Mr. Johnson for the purpose of hearing a contractual matter and personnel matter. Mr. Bryson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. RETURNED TO REGULAR SESSION: No action was taken during Executive Session. The board returned to regular session at the conclusion of receiving information related to the contractual matter and personnel matter. 6 of 7
Mr. Smith moved to leave Executive Session and Mr. Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Motion made by Ms. Brantley to permit Ms. Anthony to switch web page providers and sign a contract with Blackboard for web page services. Mr. Bryson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Motion made by Mr. Johnson to accept the proposed school calendar for 2018-19 as a first reading. Mr. Bryson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Motion made by Mr. Knutson that the board select David Sigmon at Coldwell Banker Caine to be the listing realtor if the decision is made to sell the Augusta Road property, and if he will agree to list the property at $3.25 million. Mr. Smith seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. (Note: This is not a motion to place the property on the market at this time.) ANNOUNCEMENT: GTCHS Basketball team was defeated by Keenan in the 3rd round of the State playoffs this evening. The Chairman announced that a Charter School Conference will be held March 27-28, 2018 in Columbia, SC. Board members who are interested in attending should inform Mr. Ground as soon as possible so arrangements can be made. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Samuel and seconded by Mr. Smith. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:29 pm. Mr. Bob Ground, Chairman GTCHS Board of Directors ATTEST: Ms. Uta Samuel, Secretary GTCHS Board of Directors 7 of 7