Regular Meeting

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Dates: 
Monday, December 15, 2014 - 6:30pm

 

December 15, 2014
Morris Education Center
6:30 p.m.
 
OATH OF OFFICE
Transylvania County Clerk of Superior Court, Rita Ashe, will swear in new Board of Education members Marty Griffin and Betty Scruggs.
 
INVOCATION / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 
CALL TO ORDER / WELCOME
 
BUSINESS ITEMS:
1.               Election of Officers
2.               Approval of Agenda
3.               Public Comment
4.               Presentation from Farm Bureau
5.               Good News Report
6.               Former Students in the Military
7.               Consent Agenda:
A.    Minutes
B.    Personnel Report
8.               Alternative Accountability Model for Davidson River School
9.               School Improvement Plans 2014-2016
10.           Differentiated Pay Plan
11.           Policy:
A.    GBK/KGC, “Tobacco-Free Schools”
B.    GCJA, “Employee Time Schedules During Inclement Weather, Emergency Closings, Delays, or Early Dismissals”
C.    IIC, “School Volunteers”
D.    KK, “Visitors to the Schools”
12.           Community Land Trust Appointment
13.           Topics for Retreat
14.           Superintendent’s Update
15.           Important Dates
16.           Public Comment
17.           Other Items
 
 
 
 
Election of Officers

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
 
Action
X
Excellent Educators
 
Information
 
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
 
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
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 all meetings of the board, and in the event of his absence or sickness, the board may appoint one of its members temporary chairman.”
 
The Transylvania County Board of Education traditionally elects a chair and vice chair each year at its December meeting.  
 
The Board may elect officers for the 2015 year at this time. 
 
 
 
 
Approval of Agenda

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
 
Action
X
Excellent Educators
 
Information
 
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
 
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
A motion is in order to approve or revise the meeting agenda for December 15, 2014.
 
 
 
 
Public Comment

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
 
Action
 
Excellent Educators
 
Information
X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
 
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
N.C.G.S. §115C-51 states that local boards of education shall provide at least one period for public comment per month at a regular meeting of the board. A sign-up sheet is available for public comment. A maximum of 30 minutes will be allotted for public comment at the beginning of the meeting and at the end of the meeting. Speakers will be asked to limit their comments to 5 minutes each, except in the event there are more than six speakers per session, in which case the chairman may limit the time allotted to 3-5 minutes per speaker. Speakers will be asked to refrain from discussing specific individuals by name in accordance with the North Carolina Open Meetings Law. No solicitations will be allowed during public comment. Sign-up is not required for the second public comment opportunity at the end of the meeting.
 
 
 
 
Presentation from Farm Bureau

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
 
Action
 
Excellent Educators
 
Information
X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
 
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
Mrs. Jackie Whitmire with the North Carolina Farm Bureau will present a donation of books to the Transylvania County Schools. We greatly appreciate the Farm Bureau’s partnership and help in educating students about local foods and the importance of agriculture in our lives.      
 
 
 
 
Good News Report

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
X
Action
 
Excellent Educators
 
Information
X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
 
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
 
 
 
 
FBLA
Brevard High School students competed at the Western Regional FBLA Conference on December 2. Congratulations to the following students on their success:
 
Andy McCall, 2nd place, Business Calculations
Aly Henneberry, 2nd place, Public Speaking
Olin Williams, 2nd place, Business Procedures
Bailey Merrill, 1st place, Business Communications
Amy Borhaug, elected candidate for the Western Region Vice President
 
Soil & Water Conservation District Poster Winners
On November 20, The Transylvania Soil and Water Conservation District held its 2014-2015 poster contest for students in grades 3-6. Below are the winners for each contest:
 
3rd Grade Poster
Christina McDonald, TCH, 1st place
Abigail Malmin, BES, 2nd place
Baker Buchanan, BES, 3rd place
Niema Collington, BES, honorable mention
Chloe Miller, BES, honorable mention
 
4th Grade Poster
Kyleigh Heath, BES, 1st place
Esperanza Hernandez, RES, 2nd place
Drew DeGarmo, BES, 3rd place
Madison Aiken, TCH, honorable mention
Lexi Bailey, PFES, honorable mention
Tucker Whitmire, RES, honorable mention
 
5th Grade Poster
Laiken Buchanan, RES, 1st place
Ashlyn Kerber, RES, 2nd place
Andrew Stamey, RES, 3rd place
Andrew Ammons, RES, honorable mention
Bradley Rising, PFES, honorable mention
Emmanuel Villa-Tejeda, BES, honorable mention
 
6th Grade Poster
Kylie Worley, BMS, 1st place
Clare F. Kennerly, BMS, 2nd place
Jennifer Miranda, BMS, 3rd place
Maddie, RMS, honorable mention
Rebecca Wilson, BMS, honorable mention
 
For more good news, please visit us at www.tcsnc.org and on FACEBOOK.
 
 
 
 
Former Students in the Military

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
 
Action
 
Excellent Educators
 
Information
X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
 
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
The Board of Education wishes to thank the former students from Brevard High School, Rosman High School, and Davidson River School who are currently serving or have previously served in the U.S. Military. The names on the attached list are recognized at every meeting and read aloud twice a year in honor of Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day.  One new name, Brian Gilbert, has been added to the list. Additional names will be included as they are received. 
 
 
 
 
Consent Agenda

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
 
Action
X
Excellent Educators
X
Information
 
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
 
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
The following items are submitted for consent approval (see attached):
 
1.               Minutes of the November 24, 2014 meeting
2.               Personnel report for December 15, 2014
 
A motion is in order to approve the consent agenda items. 
 
 
 
 
Alternative Accountability Model for DRS

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
X
Action
 
Excellent Educators
 
Information
X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
 
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
 
 
 
 
On December 8, 2014, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released new options regarding accountability models for alternative schools. Previously the state’s model for alternative schools mandated two achievement based components and three local option goals. At least one of the local option goals had to be an academic measure of student achievement, and the local option goals required Board approval.
 
The new model provides four options for participation in the state’s Alternative Schools’ Accountability Model:
 
1.     Option A. Alternative schools can participate in School Performance Grades as defined by G.S. §115C-83.15, or
2.     Option B. Alternative schools can return data/results back to students’ home schools and receive no designations, or
3.     Option C. Alternative schools can participate in the Alternative Schools’ Progress Model, or
4.     Option D. The alternative school may propose its own accountability model for approval by the State Board of Education. For the 2014-2015 year, all requests for approval of Option D must be submitted to the SBE by February 2, 2015 for decision in March.   
 
An outline of the options is attached for your review. Brian Weaver will discuss the options for Davidson River School and make a recommendation. Approval of the Davidson River School option will be requested at the January meeting.
 
 
 
 
School Improvement Plans 2014-2016

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
X
Action
X
Excellent Educators
X
Information
 
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
X
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
Jeremy Gibbs will present the school improvement plans for 2014-2016 and give a report on key changes to the plans. The plans are attached for your review.
 
A motion is in order to approve the school improvement plans for 2014-2016.
 
 
 
 
Differentiated Pay Plan

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
 
Action
X
Excellent Educators
X
Information
 
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
 
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
 
 
 
 
At the direction of the North Carolina General Assembly in the most recent state budget, local school districts were directed to submit a plan for Differentiated Pay for Highly Effective Teachers Section to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee by January 15, 2015. Jeremy Gibbs will present information on the state's directive, associated research findings regarding pay-for-performance plans, and a draft response prepared by staff for the Board to submit. 
 
The following documents are attached for your review:
  • Information regarding "Differentiated Pay For Highly Effective Teachers Section 8.41.(a) and (b)" from the state budget
  • An updated "Summary of Selected Strategic Staffing Plans with Pay-for-Performance Elements" from the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation
  • "Performance Incentives and Strategic Staffing: An Evaluation Update"  from the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation
  • 2013 NCSSA sub-committee white paper regarding pay-for-performance
  • "Summary of Recent Findings on the Impact of Performance Pay Incentives" from the Friday Institute for Education Innovation
  • A draft response from our school system
A motion is in order to approve the differentiated pay plan response for Transylvania County Schools.
 
 
 
 
Policy

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
 
Action
X
Excellent Educators
 
Information
 
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
X
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
The policies listed below have been revised and were presented for first-read information at the November 24 meeting. No new changes have been made to the policies since then. Jeremy Gibbs will review the policies and answer any questions you may have. The policies are attached.
 
A motion is in order to approve the policies as presented.
 
 

Code
Title
Status
Action Requested
GBK/KGC
Tobacco-Free Schools
revised; second read
approve
GCJA
Employee Time Schedules During Inclement Weather, Emergency Closings, Delays, or Early Dismissals
revised; second read
approve
IICC
School Volunteers
revised; second read
approve
KK
Visitors to the Schools
revised; second read
approve
 
 
 
Community Land Trust Appointment

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
 
Action
X
Excellent Educators
 
Information
 
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
 
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
The Transylvania County Community Land Trust organization includes two members of the Transylvania County Board of Education. With the departure of Mr. Mike Rogers from the Board of Education, there is a vacant seat on the CLT board. 
 
A motion is in order to appoint a member to the Transylvania County Community Land Trust.
 
 
 
 
Topics for Retreat

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
 
Action
 
Excellent Educators
 
Information
 
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
 
Discussion
X
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
The Board of Education will hold its annual planning retreat on Monday, February 2, 2015 at the Morris Education Center (time to be determined--5:00 or 5:30 p.m.). A light supper will be provided. The following topics have been suggested for discussion:
 
·       FY16 Budget
·       Master Facilities Plan
·       Bond Referendum
·       NCSBA District 8 Meeting (Transylvania County to host in September 2015).
 
Board members may submit other potential topics.
 
 
 
 
Superintendent’s Update

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
 
Action
 
Excellent Educators
 
Information
X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
 
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 
Dr. McDaris will give an update on current and/or emerging issues.
 
 
 
 
Important Dates

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
 
Action
 
Excellent Educators
 
Information
X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
 
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
X
 
 
 

Dec. 22 – Jan. 2
Christmas break
 
 
Jan. 5
Students return
 
 
Jan. 12-15
TCS Science Fair
 
Rogow Room
Jan. 15
TCS Science Fair Awards Ceremony
6:00 p.m.
Rogow Room
Jan. 19, 20
Teacher workdays
 
 
Jan. 20*
REGULAR MEETING
6:30 p.m.
MEC
Jan. 21
Second semester begins
 
 
Feb. 2
PLANNING RETREAT
5:00 or 5:30 p.m.
MEC
Feb. 11
Students dismissed at noon
 
 
Feb. 16
Teacher workday
 
 
Feb. 16
REGULAR MEETING
6:30 p.m.
MEC
Apr. 27-29
AdvancED District Accreditation External Review
 
 
Apr. 29
SPECIAL MEETING to receive exit report from AdvancED evaluators
3:30 p.m.
MEC
 
*Please note that the January board meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 in recognition of the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday on Monday, January 19. 
 
The Board will resume its twice-a-month meeting schedule (first and third Mondays) beginning in February.
 
 
 
 
Public Comment

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
 
Action
 
Excellent Educators
 
Information
X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
 
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
 
 
 
 
The Board will provide a second opportunity for public comment. 
 
 
 
 
Other Items

Strategic Priority
Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship
 
Action
 
Excellent Educators
 
Information
X
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students
 
Discussion
 
Operations and Support
 
 
 
 
An opportunity will be provided for other items from board members or staff.
 
 
 
 
Adjourn
Groups audience: