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Regular Meeting

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Submitted by Migration on Thu, 12/23/2010 - 9:45pm
Dates: 
Monday, December 11, 2006 - 8:00pm
OATH OF OFFICE
  OATH OF OFFICE  
 
Transylvania County Clerk of Court, Rita Ashe, will administer the Oath of Office to Board of Education members Mike Rogers and Chris Whitmire.
 
 
INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
Minute:
invocation McCall
pledge Rogers
 
WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER
  WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER  
 
BUSINESS ITEMS
 
Public Comment
  Public Comment  
 
 

Strategic Priority:

Reason for Consideration:

 

High Student Performance

Action

 

 

Healthy Students/Safe/Orderly/Caring Schools

Information

X

 

Quality Professional Staff

Discussion

 

 

Family/Community/Business Support

 

 

 

Efficient and Effective Operation

 

 

 

A sign-up sheet is available for public comment.  Speakers will be asked to limit their comments to two (2) minutes each. 
 
 
Election of Officers
  Election of Officers  
 
 

Strategic Priority:

Reason for Consideration:

 

High Student Performance

Action

X

 

Healthy Students/Safe/Orderly/Caring Schools

Information

 

 

Quality Professional Staff

Discussion

 

 

Family/Community/Business Support

 

 

X

Efficient and Effective Operation

 

 

 

N.C.G.S. 115C-41 states:

 

“Unless otherwise provided by local law, all local boards of education shall have an organizational meeting no later than 60 days after the swearing in of members following election or appointment and as often thereafter as the board shall determine appropriate.  The board may fix the date and time of its organizational meeting.  At the organizational meeting, the members of all boards shall elect one of their members as chairman for a period of one year, or until his successor is elected and qualified.  The chairman of the local board of education shall preside at the meetings of the board, and in the event of his absence or sickness, the board may appoint one of its members temporary chairman.  The superintendent of schools, whether a county or city superintendent, shall be ex officio secretary to his respective board.  He shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the board, but shall have no vote:  Provided, that in the event of a vacancy in the superintendency, the board may elect one of its members to serve temporarily as secretary to the board.”

 

The Board has traditionally elected a chairman and vice chairman each year.  The Board may elect officers for 2007 at this time.  
 
Minute: Cathey, Pogue - keep same officers for 2007.  Unanimous approval.
 
Transylvania County Board of Health Resolution
  Transylvania County Board of Health Resolution  
 
 

Strategic Priority:

Reason for Consideration:

 

High Student Performance

Action

 

X

Healthy Students/Safe/Orderly/Caring Schools

Information

 

 

Quality Professional Staff

Discussion

X

 

Family/Community/Business Support

 

 

 

Efficient and Effective Operation

 

 

 

The Transylvania County Board of Health has been discussing the public health significance of overweight children and obesity at its recent board meetings.  The Board of Health believes the need exists to foster a community-based effort to tackle this issue.  They would like to present their concerns about overweight children and obesity to the Board of Education and request that the Boards develop a joint resolution on the issue.   A letter from Dr. Hooper Williams, Board of Health Chairman, is attached for your review.  
 
Minute:

Steve Smith gave presentation.  Jenni Pogue and Chris Whitmire volunteered to serve on a committee to develop resolution.  Early stages. Board agreed that SHAC should also be involved.  Is resolution necessary for the grant?  No.  Just okay to reference that we are moving forward with a resolution.  May need to schedule SHAC in Dec. or early Jan.  Smith will coordinate with BOE members. 
 
Good News Report
  Good News Report  
 
 

Strategic Priority:

Reason for Consideration:

X

High Student Performance

Action

 

 

Healthy Students/Safe/Orderly/Caring Schools

Information

X

X

Quality Professional Staff

Discussion

 

 

Family/Community/Business Support

 

 

 

Efficient and Effective Operation

 

 

 

Technology Administrator of the Year

At the North Carolina Educational Technology Conference in November, Donys Merrill was named the State Technology Administrator of the Year.  This is a richly deserved honor, and we are proud that Donys’s outstanding work on behalf of our school system is being recognized. 

 

NASA Challenge Winners

Jennie Battle and Rachel Ear, both in Trudi Wetli's class at PFES, arestateelementary winners in the NASA Challenge.  Students were required to design, build, and test a shoebox glider.  Process and results had to be published on their team Web site by Thursday, December 7, midnight.

 

There were four levels of competition with the most outstanding teams in each level invited to demonstrate their project via two-way video conference at the Third Annual Great Shoebox Glider Air Show on December 15.  The day's events will be web cast around the world.

 

Levels of competition:

Elementary, Grades 4-5

Middle, Grades 6-8

High School, Grades 9-12

Extreme -- Any team from any level is invited to participate in the Extreme Challenge. The Extreme Challenge requires that the shoebox glider carry a raw egg safely to a distant landing site.

 

BES Student in Ballet

Brevard Elementary student Sophia Robbins danced in the Asheville Ballet Company's production of The Nutcracker at the Diana Wortham Theater on December 6-10.  Sophia portrayed three different characters in the show.

 
Minute:
Dr. Lyda introduced Courtney Stroup, RHS student rep.
 
artwork from TCH
 
Former Students in the Military
  Former Students in the Military  
 
 

Strategic Priority:

Reason for Consideration:

 

High Student Performance

Action

 

 

Healthy Students/Safe/Orderly/Caring Schools

Information

X

 

Quality Professional Staff

Discussion

 

X

Family/Community/Business Support

 

 

 

Efficient and Effective Operation

 

 

 

The Board of Education would like to recognize former students from Brevard High School and Rosman High School who are currently serving or have previously served in the U. S. Military.  The attached list will be updated as more names are received.
 
Minute: McCall expressed appreciation to them and their families.
 
Consent Agenda
  Consent Agenda  
 
 

Strategic Priority:

Reason for Consideration:

 

High Student Performance

Action

X

 

Healthy Students/Safe/Orderly/Caring Schools

Information

 

X

Quality Professional Staff

Discussion

 

 

Family/Community/Business Support

 

 

 

Efficient and Effective Operation

 

 

 

Personnel Report

The personnel report for December 11, 2006 is attached for your approval. 

 

A motion is in order to approve the consent agenda item(s).
 
Minute: Pogue, Cathey - unanimous approval
 
Policy
  Student Accountability for Academic Achievement  
 
 

Strategic Priority:

Reason for Consideration:

X

High Student Performance

Action

X

 

Healthy Students/Safe/Orderly/Caring Schools

Information

 

 

Quality Professional Staff

Discussion

 

 

Family/Community/Business Support

 

 

 

Efficient and Effective Operation

 

 

 

Revised Policy IK-R, Student Accountability for Academic Achievement, was presented as information at the November 20, 2006 meeting.  No changes have been made since then.  Dr. Bo Williams will review the policy and answer any questions you may have.  

 

A motion is in order to approve revised Policy IK-R as presented.
 
Minute: Rogers, Pogue - unanimous approval
 
Fulbright Teacher Exchange
  Fulbright Teacher Exchange  
 
 

Strategic Priority:

Reason for Consideration:

X

High Student Performance

Action

 

 

Healthy Students/Safe/Orderly/Caring Schools

Information

X

X

Quality Professional Staff

Discussion

 

 

Family/Community/Business Support

 

 

 

Efficient and Effective Operation

 

 

 

In October 2006, nine teachers and administrators from Transylvania County Schools traveled to England to participate in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange program.  Staff members spent seven days observing rural education practices in eight different schools in the county of Cambridgshire.  Participants in the exchange program were Dr. Scott Elliott (MEC), Caroleen Hodge (RES), Martha Snow (RES/TCH), Faye Coan (RHS), Lisa Gillespie (RHS), Stacie Dotson (RHS), Julie Queen (RHS), Missy West (RMS), and Eli Putnam (RMS).  Dr. Elliott will give a report on the experience and answer any questions you may have.
 
Minute:
Elliott (powerpoint)
 
Here:  Elliott, Hodge, Putnam, Queen, Dotson, Gillespie, Snow
 
Scott discussed purpose of trip.  Issues:
Student motivation and student apathy
Teacher leadership development
Minority student achievement
 
All classrooms have clearly posted goals.
England has a  national objective to protect teachers' instructional time from non-instructional duties.
 
Overview of school structure.  All schools had programs for four-year olds. 
All schools were very small--approx. 70 students
No district transportation.  Most students walk.  Primary school w/in 3 miles of every home.
 
Key stages of achievement.  Aound 80% go on to sixth form (at least two years of secondary / vocational training).  In sixth form, students have much choice in what kind and how many certificates they earn.  Businesses reluctant to employ any dropouts.*  Very few opportunities for dropouts in these rural communities.
 
Several schools overseen by Church of England or Catholic Church (Board of Goverrnors)
 
Very integrated technologically.
Small libraries, but very large IT labs.
 
Upcoming visit Feb. 3-13, 2007.   13 teachers from England coming here.  TCS will receive $2000 stipend for hosting the group. 
 
*Possible topic for retreat - TM
 
 
 
FY08 Budget
  FY08 Budget  
 
 

Strategic Priority:

Reason for Consideration:

 

High Student Performance

Action

 

 

Healthy Students/Safe/Orderly/Caring Schools

Information

X

 

Quality Professional Staff

Discussion

X

 

Family/Community/Business Support

 

 

X

Efficient and Effective Operation

 

 

 

Dr. Sonna Lyda and Norris Barger will present a first look at the FY08 capital outlay budget.  The FY07 Capital Outlay Planning Budget Priorities and 5-Year Planning Budget are attached for your review. 
 
Minute:
SL - Had a call from a CC to see if any interest in looking at a different way to approach funding this year.  Very exciting. 
 
NB - reminder this is a very fluid document.  Please bring any needs to our attention. 
 
Q? 
 
CW - Do we give specific items to you?  NB - bring to me.  Typically come from SIP, but it could be something we missed.  Most comee from principals.  NB gave an overview of how the budget process works.   
 
MR - very concerned about Central Office.  We talk about it every year, but nothing ever happens.  Clearly have to have direction--stay here or move on to new location?
 
NB - We have budgeted this year for immediate repairs, but nowhere need what we would need for a full renovation.  We requested funds from Congressman Taylor's offfice, but probably no hope now.  Chances are nil. 
 
TM - We have looked at this for some time now.  Funds have been included and taken out at direction of CC.  Very little has been done to this building.  No one complains, but at the same time you HAVE to do some work or the expense becomes greater down the road.  Would like some direction from the county about preservation and/or maintaining the structure to prevent further deterioration. 
 
Good first look.  Await needs from schools.  Will be on each agenda from now on.
 
 
 
Security Cameras Update
  Security Cameras Update  
 
 

Strategic Priority:

Reason for Consideration:

 

High Student Performance

Action

 

X

Healthy Students/Safe/Orderly/Caring Schools

Information

X

 

Quality Professional Staff

Discussion

 

 

Family/Community/Business Support

 

 

 

Efficient and Effective Operation

 

 

 

Norris Barger will give a report on the new security cameras at BHS, RHS/RMS, and BMS. 
 
Minute:
Norris gave PowerPoint presentation with real-time views from the cameras.  Reps here from Mayent Solutions to answer questions.
 
Views from BHS, RHS, and RMS
 
Letter from Doug Odom to express his appreciation (BHS folk at Safe Schools meeting tonight).
 
NB gave a brief history on the cameras. 
Benefits - enhanced safety; deterrent; immediate alert to authorized personnel; settles disputes about who did what to whom.
Includes new lighting, video security cameras, upgrade existing lighting; new controls
Advantages of an integrated approach
Security cameras - weather and vandal resistant; color; dedicated server; independent adjustment focus and zoom; flexible software; Internet and network accessible; flexible backup and review options; future integration with building HVAC controls, etc. 
Video is recorded on DVR devices.
Ps, APs, SROs, Supt - access is limited to authorized personnel only.
Brian Weaver talked about how cameras saved a lot of time in investigating incidents, interviews of students this year.  Incident management is greatly helped.  Very good deterrent. 
Cameras/lights are motion sensitive.  Can also be event, time of day, or condition driven.
 
have not had any major incidents of vandalism so far this year. 
 
Coverage includes key areas of past problems, public events, etc.
 
before/after photos of improved lighting areas
 
very pleased with system!
 
P's have identified a few areas of potential "weak" coverage to be integrated into the system in the future.
 
By law, if it is a public access area, you can record it.  No cameras near restrooms or in classrooms.  Can record who goes in/out of restrooms.
 
No hidden cameras anywhere.  All cameras are within video range of another camera to deter vandalism of the cameras.
 
MR - Thanks to Mayent and school staffs for their work monitoring.  Protecting students and our property.  Most impressive!
 
TM - interesting to see if this impacts our Safe Schools report.
 
TM - Can parents view the film if their child is in an altercation?  NB - as a last resort, yes.  Have to have approval from the district level before showing it. 
 
Recorded images can be put on a CD for transportation (court) purposes. 
 
 
 
Topics for Retreat
  Topics for Retreat  
 
 

Strategic Priority:

Reason for Consideration:

 

High Student Performance

Action

 

 

Healthy Students/Safe/Orderly/Caring Schools

Information

X

 

Quality Professional Staff

Discussion

 

 

Family/Community/Business Support

 

 

X

Efficient and Effective Operation

 

 

 

The Transylvania County Board of Education annual planning retreat has been tentatively scheduled for Monday, February 5, 2007, at 5:30 p.m. at the Morris Education Center.  A light dinner will be provided. 

 

The following topics are being considered for discussion:

 

·        Projects for lottery funding

·        FY08 Budget

 

Board members are asked to submit other topics to the superintendent’s office.  
 
Minute:
SL - budget may be removed.
 
Other items to be added.  If you have some, let SL know.
 
BC suggested MEC as a topic.
 
 
Important Dates
  Important Dates  
 
 

Strategic Priority:

Reason for Consideration:

 

High Student Performance

Action

 

 

Healthy Students/Safe/Orderly/Caring Schools

Information

X

 

Quality Professional Staff

Discussion

 

 

Family/Community/Business Support

 

 

X

Efficient and Effective Operation

 

 

 

Dec. 7

Grades 6-8 Holiday Concert

7:00 p.m.

BHS Auditorium

Dec. 7, 8

BHS Ye Olde Madrigal Dinners

6:45 p.m.

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd

Dec. 11

REGULAR MEETING

6:30 p.m.

MEC

Dec. 14          

RHS Winter Band Concert

6:30 p.m.

RHS Auditorium

Dec. 18

TCH Christmas Program

6:30 p.m.

RHS Auditorium

Dec. 20

Student Dismissal 11:30 a.m.

 

 

Dec. 21 – Jan. 1

Christmas/New Year Break

 

 

Jan. 8-9

NCSBA School Board 101

 

Raleigh, NC

Jan. 10

NCSBA School Board 102

 

Raleigh, NC

Jan. 10

NCSBA/NCASA Regional Forum on School Facility Needs

6:00 p.m.

WRESA

Jan. 11

RMHS Ye Olde Madrigal Dessert

6:30 p.m.

Lake Toxaway Community Center

Jan. 15

Teacher Workday

 

 

Jan. 15

REGULAR MEETING

6:30 p.m.

MEC

Jan. 18

End of Grading Period

 

 

Jan. 19

Teacher Workday

 

 

Jan. 22

Teacher Workday

 

 

Jan. 22

Miss Bengal Pageant

7:00 p.m.

RHS Auditorium

Jan. 23

RMS Science Fair

 

RMS Old Gym

Jan. 24

RES Science Fair

 

RES Cafeteria

Jan. 25

TCH Science Fair

 

TCH Cafeteria

Jan. 25

BES Science Fair

 

BES Cafeteria

Jan. 25

PFES Science Fair

 

PFES Cafeteria

TBA

BMS Science Fair

 

BMS Media Center

Feb. 5

RETREAT (tentative)

5:30 p.m.

MEC

Feb. 5-6

District Science Fair

TBA

Porter Center

Feb. 19

REGULAR MEETING

6:30 p.m.

MEC

Feb. 23

Student Advisory Council

7:30 a.m.

MEC

Feb. 28

Parent Advisory Council

7:30 a.m.

MEC

Mar. 1

Superintendent’s Communication Council

3:45 p.m.

MEC

 
 
Other Items
  Other Items  
 
 

Strategic Priority:

Reason for Consideration:

 

High Student Performance

Action

X

 

Healthy Students/Safe/Orderly/Caring Schools

Information

 

 

Quality Professional Staff

Discussion

X

 

Family/Community/Business Support

 

 

X

Efficient and Effective Operation

 

 

 

An opportunity will be provided for other items from Board members, staff, or the public. 

 

Public Forums on School Facility Needs

Attached is a letter from Dr. Ed Dunlap, NCSBA Executive Director, and Dr. Bill McNeal, NCASA Executive Director, regarding public forums on school facility needs.  NCSBA requests that a team from each school district (administrator, school board member, teacher, county commissioners, chamber member, and parent) attend the public forum for their region.  The Region 8 meeting is from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on January 10, 2007, at WRESA on the A-B Tech Community College campus in Enka. 

 

Resolution to Dismiss Eye Exam Lawsuit

Earlier this year, school boards across the state joined with the North Carolina School Boards Association in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of legislation requiring every child in the state to obtain a comprehensive eye exam by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist before entering kindergarten.  In July 2006, the General Assembly passed House Bill 2699 to make changes to the law.  Due to the changes in the Vision Care Program resulting from enactment of H.B. 2699, the constitutional issues in the original lawsuit have been resolved.  In order for the lawsuit to be dismissed, NCSBA needs an approved, signed copy of the attached resolution from each of the school boards involved. 

 

A motion is in order to approve the resolution as presented.
 
Minute:
CS - Would like to have EOCs before Christmas.
Board agreed, but state calendar thwarts us.
SL - frustrating that we have no perogative on this.
 
 
SL - Public forum.  Who can attend Jan. 10?  We need to be represented
Mike, Jenni, maybe Teresa
 
 
SL - Resolution from NCSBA
Cathey, Rogers - unanimous approval of resolution
 
 
 
No other items
 
Merry Christmas to all.  Thanks for all your hard work and dedication - TM
 
Motion to adjourn - Pogue, Cathey unanimous 8:25 p.m.
 
Groups audience: 
School Board