Lee County Board of Trustees Regular Board Meeting Lee County School District 310 Roland Street Bishopville, SC January 28, 20156

Transcription

1 Lee County Board of Trustees Regular Board Meeting Lee County School District 310 Roland Street Bishopville, SC January 28, Meeting Minutes Meeting Called to Order By: Board Members Present: Board Members Absent: Public Speakers: Board Members Arriving Late: Media Present: Chairperson Sanya Moses Chairperson, Sanya Moses, Vice Chairperson, Queenie Boyd, Secretary, Jessie Belvin, Sylvia Scott, Nathaniel Brunson, Valarie Haywood None None None The Observer In accordance with SC Code of Laws of 1976, Section c, as amended, the media had been notified of the date, place and agenda. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM Chairperson Sanya Moses called the meeting to order at 6:36 pm. Chairperson Sanya Moses stated that a Quorum was established and the media had been properly notified of the meeting. She also stated that Ms. Atkinson from the Observer was here earlier. Chairperson Sanya Moses asked everyone to share in a moment of silence. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Chairperson Sanya Moses stated that without objection the agenda would stand as approved.

2 ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chairperson Sanya Moses relinquished her seat for the election of officers for Dr. Wanda Andrews presided over the election proceedings. She stated that all offices are considered vacant and requested nominations for the office of Chairperson. Motion A motion was made by Mrs. Queenie Boyd and properly seconded by Mr. Nathaniel Brunson and Ms. Sylvia Scott to nominate Ms. Sanya Moses to serve as Chairperson. A motion was made by Mr. Nathaniel Brunson and seconded by Ms. Sylvia Scott that the nominations come to a close. Dr. Wanda Andrews asked the Board to vote on the nomination for Ms. Sanya Moses as Board Chairperson. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. Dr. Wanda Andrews congratulated Ms. Sanya Moses on being re-elected as Chairperson and turned the meeting back over to her to continue with the other elections. Chairperson Sanya Moses opened the floor for nominations for Vice Chairperson. Motion Mr. Nathaniel Brunson made a motion to nominate Mrs. Queenie Boyd for Vice Chairperson. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Valarie Haywood. A motion was made by Mr. Nathaniel Brunson and seconded by Mrs. Valarie Haywood that the nominations come to a close. Chairperson Sanya Moses asked the Board to vote on the nomination of Mrs. Queenie Boyd as Vice-Chairperson. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. Chairperson Sanya Moses congratulated Mrs. Queenie Boyd on being re-elected for Vice Chairperson. Chairperson Sanya Moses opened the floor for nominations for Secretary. A motion was made by Mrs. Jessie Belvin and seconded by Mr. Nathaniel Brunson to nominate Ms. Valarie Haywood as Board Secretary. A motion was made by Mrs. Queenie Boyd and properly seconded by Mrs. Jessie Belvin that the nominations come to a close. Chairperson Sanya Moses asked the Board to vote on the nomination of Ms. Valarie Haywood. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. Chairperson Sanya Moses congratulated Ms. Valarie Haywood on being elected as Board Secretary. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Chairperson Sanya Moses called for the approval of the Minutes for December 14, 2015 and January 8, Mrs. Queenie Boyd stated that a correction is needed on the December 14, 2015 Minutes. Under the SCSBA Conference/Legislative Update is should state ESSA Bill. Chairperson Sanya Moses stated with the noted correction the Minutes of December 14, 2015 and January 8, 2016 stand approved. South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA) Conference / Legislative Update Vice Chairperson Queenie Boyd presented Mr. Scott Price, Executive Director of the SCSBA, to give updates and other pertinent information. Mr. Scott Price has served on the SCSBA for 20+ years and as a lobbyist for 19+ years. On July 1, 2015 he was elected as the Executive Director.

3 Mr. Scott Price thanked Mrs. Queenie Boyd and stated that she is now President-elect for the SCSBA and will be taking over as President next year. Mr. Price extended congratulations to Mrs. Boyd. Mr. Scott Price provided an over-view of the South Carolina School Boards Association. The SCSBA is a private non-profit organization. There are 81 school districts in SCSBA and each one has a Board and they are members of the association. Mr. Price gave the following services that they provide to the 81 school districts. In-district training Conferences each year with national speakers Those speakers come and talk with Boards about leadership, academic achievement and moving all students forward. Insurance Services Lee County School District is a member of the workers comprehensive and property casualty insurance services. Legislative Advocacy Mr. Price has been a lobbyist for some 20 years at the SCSBA and working over at the State House. Communication Services Legal Services Policy Services They also help Boards with Superintendents Searches Mr. Scott Price stated that they are involved with about four searches across the State at this time helping Boards find the best fit and best leadership for their district. Mr. Scott Price stated that some Boards work long hard hours and in many instances for no pay or any kind of thank you. Mr. Price thanked the Board for all that they do. Mr. Scott Price said, It is an exciting time for public education in South Carolina and after a couple of decades, we now have a good solid ruling from the Supreme Court in the Abbeville Lawsuit. Mr. Price stated that there are a lot of activities going on at the State House. On today there were a number of Bills that were filed at the House of Representatives involving moving forward with recommendations from the plaintiffs districts. He also stated that there is new leadership in the House Speaker Jay Lucas from Darlington who is pro public education. We are glad to have him there as well as Senator Hugh Leatherman and Senator John Matthew in the Senate. We have a lot of good leadership and combine that with State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman, exciting things are being discussed concerning moving public education forward in South Carolina. Mr. Scott Price stated that they will be getting information out to the Board concerning all the Bills that have been filed. I am glad that you do a legislative report at your meetings. It is very important to inform the community as to what is going on with educational issues in Columbia. Mr. Price asked if the Board had any questions or concerns for him. None were given Chairperson Sanya Moses thanked Mr. Scott Price for coming and addressing the Board. OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT A. Good News Holiday Card Winners Dr. Andrews recognized three students for their selection as district winners. First place winner is Darnisha Bryant a 12 th grader at Lee Central High School. Second place winner is Morgan Carter a 6 th grader at Lee Central Middle School. Third place winner is Clyde

4 Gainey a 6 th grader at Lee Central Middle School. Each student was presented with a gift for their outstanding art work. The gifts were presented by Chairperson Sanya Moses and Dr. Andrews. 2. Lee Central High School Career Center Dr. Wanda Andrews stated that Ms. Betty Lowery was out due to illness but she wanted to commend her, Mr. Robert Hemby and the staff for receiving all clear on their on-site fiscal compliance visit that was held in December DECA Award Dr. Andrews commended the DECA students and Ms. Tonya Porter their advisor, for receiving the DECA Thrive level for Only three schools in the State of South Carolina earned this award. We are so proud of our DECA students and Ms. Tonya Porter. Some of the DECA students were in attendance. 3. Special Recognition Dr. Wanda Andrews stated that Mr. Nathaniel Brunson has served on the Lee County School Board of Trustees for 10 years. And the SCSBA is recognizing him for his accomplishments. Chairperson Sanya Moses and Dr. Andrews presented Mr. Nathaniel Brunson with a pin and a certificate from the SCSBA. And they both congratulated him. 4. School Board Appreciation Dr. Wanda Andrews stated that the Board work hard, spend a lot of hours in workshops, they are focusing on the progress of our students and making sure they have what they need. She also stated that she is thankful to have the opportunity to serve in Lee County and to work with a fine Board of Trustees. Dr. Wanda Andrews presented Ms. Kara Fowler to conduct this part of the Good News section. Ms. Kara Fowler stated that this year s theme is School Boards Stand Up 4 South Carolina Public Education. Ms. Fowler presented a video clip showing the Board members as they attended several events at the schools and district level. On the video each school took part in demonstrating their appreciation to the Board. After the showing of the video, the Board was honored by a performance from Ms. Katie Brabham s music class from BPS Annex. Each school honored the Board member that s assigned to their school with books, cards, and other tokens of appreciation. Nathaniel Brunson (Bishopville Primary School) Sylvia Scott (Bishopville Primary School Annex) Valarie Haywood (Lower Lee Elementary School) Jessie Belvin (West Lee Elementary School) Queenie M. Boyd (Lee Central Middle School) Sanya Moses (Lee Central High School) The Board thanked everyone for their kindness and tokens of appreciation. They thanked the children for their outstanding performance. B. Superintendent s Report 1. Recommendation for Administrative Rule (IKA Grading Assessments System) Dr. Wanda Andrews presented for first reading approval the Administrative Rule (IKA Grading Assessments System). A motion was made by Mrs. Queenie Boyd for first reading approval on Administrative Rule IKA. This motion was seconded by Mr. Nathaniel Brunson and approved by the Board. 2. Field Trips for Lee Central High School (The Choral Department and Senior Trip)

5 Dr. Wanda Andrews presented the following field trip requests for approval by the Board. LCHS Choral Department - two students to participate in the 2016 All-State Choir at Winthrop University in Rock Hill March 3 5, 2016 LCHS Senior Class Trip (60 students) to Orlando, Florida April 21 24, 2016 A motion was made by Ms. Sylvia Scott to approve both field trips as presented by the administration. This motion was seconded by Mrs. Queenie Boyd and approved by the Board. 3. Budget Update A motion was made by Mrs. Queenie Boyd with a second by Mr. Nathaniel Brunson to accept the financial report that s included in the packet as information. The motion was unanimously approved by the Board. Dr. Wanda Andrews introduced the newest staff member at the district office, Dr. Kuterah Donald who is the Director of Student Advancement. She stated that Dr. Donald has hit the ground running. She has been attending meetings and working with our principals. 4. Instructional Update Dr. Mary Hallums stated that the updates for tonight are pertaining to professional development. We have three classes that began this week via Francis Marion University. The classes are held here in the district and are taught by our own district employees. The classes are: 1) Classroom Management: Strategies that Work, 2) Current Trends in Special Education and 3) Teaching Reading: A Balanced Reading Approach. Dr. Hallums stated that 45 persons are enrolled in these courses. Some are enrolled in more than one course. The district has received a grant through the South Carolina Bar Association We the People. Lee County School District is one of seven (7) districts in the State that received this grant. It will be used for professional development training for social studies teachers in the middle and high schools. A meeting was held on Tuesday of this week with a representative from the University of Colorado who informed the district administration that we are a finalist for a training grant to help teachers to do life skills with the middle school 8 th graders. 5. Calendar Highlights Dr. Wanda Andrews gave the following highlights. 2/6/16 Lee Central High School Drumline with be participating in the Battle of the Drumlines at the Township in Columbia at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $ /11/16 Substitute Teacher Training will be held at the District Office from 9:00 a.m. 12:00 noon 2/11/16 District Spelling Bee will be held at Lee Central High School at 5:00 p.m. 2/15-19/16 Registration for 4K and 5K will be held in the district at Lower Lee Elementary, West Lee Elementary and Bishopville Primary Schools 2/18/16 Title I Parenting Session at Lee Central High School from 5:00 6:30 p.m. 2/20/16 Title I Parent Camp at the District Office from 9:00 12:30 p.m. 2/22/16 Pee Dee Regional Spelling Bee will be held at Francis Marion University 2/25/16 African American Heritage Showcase Chairperson Sanya Moses thanked Dr. Wanda Andrews and Dr. Mary Hallums for their reports and she also welcomed Dr. Donald to the district. Chairperson Moses said, Once again thank you to the students and staff for your presentations and gifts. She extended a thank you to parents and community members for coming to the Board meeting.

6 Vice Chairperson Queenie Boyd also thanked Dr. Andrews and staff for a job well done. We appreciate you so much. EXECUTIVE SESSION Chairperson Sanya Moses requested a motion on entering into Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters, Student Matters and Property Matters. A motion was made by Ms. Sylvia Scott and properly seconded by Mr. Nathaniel Brunson to enter into Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters, Student Matters and Property Matters. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. Chairperson Sanya Moses stated that the Board would now enter into Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters (2 personnel grievances / 3 resignations), Student Matters (parental concern / 1 release request) and Property Maters. Chairperson Sanya Moses welcomed everyone back to open session. Action Taken: Three (3) resignations, Two (2) grievances, One (1) student release request, One (1) parental concern A motion was made by Ms. Sylvia Scott and seconded by Ms. Valarie Haywood for the approval of resignations on Employee 1, 2 and 3. This motion was approved by the Board. Mrs. Queenie Boyd made a motion to approve the recommendations that were discussed concerning Employee A and B (grievances). This motion was seconded by Mr. Nathaniel Brunson and Mrs. Jessie Belvin and approved by the Board. A motion was made by Mrs. Queenie Boyd with a second by Ms. Sylvia Scott to approve the student release request and for Dr. Wanda Andrews to mediate the parental concerns through a parent/teacher conference. This motion was approved by the Board. Action Taken: Property Matter (John Wall Building) A motion was made by Mr. Nathaniel Brunson to approve the superintendent s recommendations of a reduction on the John Wall Building to $95, for the One Step Christian Ministries. This motion was seconded by Mrs. Queenie Boyd and approved by the Board. Chairperson Sanya Moses stated that while the Board was in Executive Session they talked about the proposal to have Mr. Graham Drayton s seat appointed by our local delegations through its recommendations. By consensus, the Board agreed on Mr. Johnny McDuffie, who is from District Three, to take the seat by special appointment until the Books are open for election by the local delegations. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Sanya Moses stated that the meeting was adjourned without objection. The meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m.

7 Respectfully submitted, Chairperson Date Secretary Date