NEWTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION DRAFT MINUTES OF COMBINED WORK SESSION/MONTHLY MEETING

Transcription

1 NEWTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION DRAFT MINUTES OF COMBINED WORK SESSION/MONTHLY MEETING Covington, GA October 14, 2014 The Newton County Board of Education held their combined October work session and regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2014, in the Board Room of the Central Office Administrative Building. The following Board members were present: Board Chair Ms. Shakila Henderson-Baker, Mr. Eddie Johnson, Mr. Jeff Meadors, Ms. Abigail Coggin and Mr. Almond Turner. On a motion by Mr. Johnson and second by Ms. Coggin, the Board voted unanimously to enter Executive Session at 6:00 p.m. to discuss personnel matters and potential litigation. With a motion by Ms. Coggin and second by Mr. Turner, the Board voted 5-0 to return to open session. WELCOME Following the welcome by Board Chair Ms. Henderson-Baker, the Pledge of Allegiance followed. There was no special recognition. SPECIAL RECOGNITION PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was one request for public participation. Mr. Johnny Stone expressed his concerns in regards to the curriculum being taught in the school system in elementary and high schools; especially math and spelling. AGENDA AND MINUTES Board Chair Ms. Henderson-Baker called for a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Turner made the motion to approve the agenda as presented, with a second by Ms. Coggin. All voted in favor. Board Chair Ms. Henderson-Baker called for a motion to approve the minutes. Mr. Turner made the motion to approve the September 2014 meeting minutes as presented. Ms.Coggin seconded the motion and all voted in favor. SUPERINTENDENTS REPORTS Operations Reports Dr. Craig Lockhart, Deputy Superintendent, along with Business Manager Peggy Bullard, reviewed the Financial Report for the month ending September 30, With 25.00% of the year complete, total revenues are at 22.20% and total expenditures are at 24.05%. Newton County Schools System s November SPLOST III distribution is $930,999 - a decrease of $26,507 from last month s collection. Total SPLOST III received for the first fifty-six months is approximately $49,118,020 averaging $877,107 per month. In comparison, SPLOST II averaged $830,490 per month of the sixty months of those collections. The August TAVT collection was $71,610. Fiscal year 2104 is closed and the beginning fund balance for fiscal year 2015 is now up to date. The NCSS School Nutrition Program was recognized with the Golden Radish Award, a prestigious state-wide farm award to school distinction, which acknowledges the outstanding leadership of school representatives building comprehensive farm to school programs. The school district was one of thirty honored at the state capitol for this extraordinary work. NCSS was recognized at the Honorary level for their accomplishments during the last school

2 year, which included featuring local foods served ten times in school meals and displaying colorful nutrition flyers during the week when locally grown produce is served. School Nutrition featured local peaches on lunch menus in September. National School Lunch Week is October and this year s theme is Get in the Game with School Lunch! School Cafeterias will celebrate by showing off athletic-themed decorations that will encourage students to get in the game and be active while eating a healthy school lunch. Schools will also have guest servers on October 15 th, which will include principals, assistant principals and coaches. Mr. Mike Barr, Director of Support Services, gave a powerpoint presentation on the existing print management program for the school system. The presentation reviewed the history of the printing process for needed print materials for the school system and what is needed in the system now. Board Chair Ms. Henderson-Baker called for a motion on the Operations Reports. With a motion by Ms. Coggin, second by Mr. Meadors, the reports were approved with all voting in favor. Curriculum/Instruction/Technology Report Dr. Lockhart presented the Curriculum/Instruction/Technology report. Mansfield Elementary and Rocky Plains Elementary have been named Reward Schools under Georgia s accountability system. Mansfield was named a Highest Performing Reward School, which means it is among the top five percent of the state s Title I schools. Rocky Plains was named a Highest-Progress Reward School, meaning it was among the top ten percent of the State s Title I schools. There are many other items listed on the CIT report for review, with a copy being attached. Dr. Lockhart introduced Ms. Laura Bertram, Executive Director of the Newton County Community Partnership, who provided a presentation in regards to a grant opportunity, which would involve a partnership with local agencies, including the NCSS. This grant opportunity would develop a strategy to strengthen school success and workforce preparation. Dr. Lockhart next introduced Dr. Gary Shattuck, Director of Technology and Mr. Chad Walker, Principal/CEO of Newton College and Career Academy. Mr. Walker provided information on an upcoming program, Desktops4Ed for middle school students, initiated through the Career Academy. This program will have students in the Computer Club refurbishing computers and then through an application process, sell these computers, for a small fee, to students/parents that qualify. Students must be receiving free or reduced lunch benefits. Other students will be involved in the training process of computer installation and repair, as well as training on how to use the computer to those purchasing the computers. Enrollment Total enrollment on October 9, 2014, was 19,650. A copy of the detailed enrollment report is attached. Board Chair Ms. Henderson-Baker called for a motion to approve the CIT and Enrollment reports. On a motion by Mr. Turner and a second by Ms. Coggin, with all voting in favor, the Curriculum/Instruction/Technology and Enrollment Reports were approved. There were no items of Old Business. OLD BUSINESS

3 NEW BUSINESS The following item, Item A, of New Business was presented Mr. Alan Satterfield, Director of Special Education. After discussion and review, Board Chair Ms. Henderson-Baker called for a motion on the item. The item was approved on a motion by Mr. Meadors, second by Ms. Coggin, with all voting in favor: Requested Board Action Relative to Contractual Agreements Providers for Certified Occupational Therapist Approval recommended for agreements between the NCSS and the following provider to provide occupational therapy services to students with disabilities in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Funding for this position is through FY15 Federal IDEA Flow-through funds. The following item, Item B, was presented by Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Craig Lockhart. After discussion and review, Board Chair Ms. Henderson-Baker called for a motion on the item. The item was approved on a motion by Mr. Meadors, second by Mr. Turner, with all voting in favor: Requested Board Action Relative to Memo of Understanding with Newton County Community Partnership Approval recommended for the approval of a letter of support and MOU (Memo of Understanding) with the Newton County Community Partnership. The NCCP is organizing a grant opportunity that will require local agencies to collaborate to develop a strategy to strengthen school success and workforce preparation. The term of the grant is six months and the funds will be utilized to establish a steering committee that will work to create a strategic plan. Once the work is completed in Phase I, NCCP will apply for the remaining funds to help facilitate the work of the partnership. The following item, Item C, was presented by Mr. Mike Barr, Director of Support Services. After discussion and review, Board Chair Ms. Henderson-Baker called for a motion on the item. Ms. Henderson-Baker asked to be recused from the vote as she is a member of the Washington Street Community Center Board. The item was approved on a motion by Ms. Coggin, second by Mr. Meadors, with a 4-0 vote; with Ms. Henderson-Baker recusing: Requested Board Action Relative to 21 st Century Grant Community Learning Centers Programs Approval recommended for the annual renewable contract for services for the 21 st Century Community Learning Center Program be awarded to the Washington Street Community Center of Covington, Georgia. The 21 st Century Program provides assistance to students to meet state and local standards in core academic subjects. In FY 15, the NCSS was awarded a new 21 st CCLC grant by the GaDOE, which was Board approved in September The Washington Street Community Center was written into the grant proposal and approved by state administrators as one of the program sites. Because the facility is inextricable linked to the grant, it is considered a sole source for purposes of the 21 st CCLC program. The contract is for the current school year. The estimated contract value is $40,000. The following items, Item D Item G, were presented by Ms. Jan Loomans, Director of Food Service and Maintenance and Operations. After discussion and review, Board Chair Ms. Henderson-Baker called for a motion on the items. The items were approved on a motion by Mr. Meadors, second by Ms. Coggin, with all voting in favor: Requested Board Action Relative to Renewal of Contract for Grounds Care and Maintenance Approval recommended for the annual renewable contract be awarded for an additional contract period to CMC Lawn Maintenance, Inc. of Covington, Georgia. After a multi-stage evaluation and review process, it was determined the proposal submitted by CMC Lawn Maintenance offered the best value to the school system. The vendor has met all contractual requirements, their performance has been exemplary and have agreed to continue their service under the current terms and conditions of the contract. The pricing is based on the same formula used in the original contract, which factors in acreage, playground and landscaping mulch, trimming and edging, as well as chemicals, fuel and labor. The estimated contract value is $357, and will be paid for from budgeted FY15 general funds. The effective date of the renewal will be October 26, 2014 and the expiration date will be October 25, Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of Gymnasium Flooring Approval recommended for the replacement of gymnasium flooring for selected schools be purchased from CBA Sports of Norcross,

4 Georgia. After evaluation, six elementary schools gymnasiums were identified in need of replacement flooring. Sport Court flooring was identified as the best solution. This flooring is a polypropylene surface that is resilient to moisture, more resistant to fungus, bacteria and other germ carrying organisms than the carpet flooring currently in use and can be easily maintained with the custodial equipment now being used. Elementary schools identified are East Newton, Heard Mixon, Livingston, Mansfield, Porterdale and Theme School at Ficquett. Total cost and installation for all schools is approximately $199, The cost will be paid from budgeted FY15 capital funds. Requested Board Action Relative to Renewal of Contract of Maintenance of Intrusion Detection Devices Approval recommended for the annual renewable contract to be awarded to Banner Security Systems of Conyers, Georgia for the maintenance of the school system s intrusion detection system for an additional contract period. This contract is for the current school year. The vendor provides regular inspections, repair and replacement of the equipment, including CCTV systems, as well as equipment upgrades as required. The company also handles any necessary code changes and provides daily open/close reports for each school. The total cost of the contract is $77, and will be paid for with budgeted FY15 general funds. Requested Board Action Relative to Resolution for School Nutrition Week Approval recommended for the adoption of a resolution recognizing the week of October 13 17, 2014 as National School Lunch Week. The National School Lunch Program has served our nation for over 60 years through advanced practices and nutrition education. It is dedicated to the health and well-being of our nation s children. The following items, Item H Item L, were presented by Mr. Mike Barr, Director of Support Services. After discussion and review, Board Chair Ms. Henderson-Baker called for a motion on the items. The items were approved on a motion by Ms. Coggin, second by Mr. Turner, with all voting in favor: Requested Board Action Relative to Resolution for National and Georgia School Bus Safety Week Approval recommended for the adoption of a resolution recognizing the week of October 20-24, 2014 as School Bus Safety Week. The week serves to remind motorists of the importance of stopping and exercising patience when the red flashing lights are activated and the stop arm is extended on a school bus. Recognition of School Bus Safety Week also compliments the ongoing efforts of the school system to ensure the safety of students transported on school buses. Requested Board Action Relative to Print Management Contract Approval recommended for the annual renewable contract for print management services be awarded to Ricoh, USA, Inc. of Malvern, Pennsylvania. Printing historically for the school system has been handled at the Central Office, individual schools and some outside printing agencies; which also involved managing/repairing of copiers, printing supplies and leases or purchase agreements. To address a more time and cost efficient program, the procurement department researched and developed the framework for a system-wide, comprehensive print management program. The program will include pricing agreements, maintenance agreement, print management software, copy center and print production software, print management education and training programs and an environmentally preferable program (recycling). The school system will pilot the initial phase for FY 15 that will include the development of a more robust copy center with quicker turnaround times, print management software and backfile scanning for the curriculum and instruction division. The cost for Phase I during FY15 is $78, The total estimated contract is $107, and will be paid from a combination of budgeted FY15 general and capital funds. The effective date will be October 30, 2014 and the expiration date will be October 29, Requested Board Action Relative to Purchase of School Buses Approval recommended for the purchase of two fifty-four passenger buses and one seventy-two passenger bus from Peach State Freightliner of Jefferson, Georgia. The decision to purchase Thomas buses from Peach State Freightliner came as a result of a comprehensive evaluation process in which all three major bus manufacturers were first asked to deliver presentations and provide test drives of their vehicles. The Thomas buses outperformed the competition during this evaluation period. The entire process is in preparation for and anticipation of SPLOST IV, which begins in January 2015, during which time a substantial number of buses could be purchased. The goal is to purchase the highest performing vehicle with the lowest overall cost of ownership. The school system will utilize the state s

5 maximum reimbursement for these three buses and budgeted FY15 capital funds to cover the cost. The total cost of the buses would be $301,478; minus the state allocation of $231, 660; leaving a balance of $69,818 being paid from capital funds. Requested Board Action Relative to Renewal of Contract for Fuel Card Services Approval recommended that the annual renewable contract awarded to McPherson Companies, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia for the utilization of a fuel card system for the student transportation department be awarded for an additional term. This program has been used for several years and provides multiple benefits: a more efficient fueling system; a reduction in extended drive time and overtime costs for drivers related to refueling; a reduction in the number of gallons used and fuel costs; real time data generated instantly and viewable online for both driver and vehicle and better fueling options for buses used on extended field trips. The effective date of the renewal will be October 23, 2014 and the expiration date will be October 22, The estimated contract value is $865,820 and will be funded from budgeted FY15 general funds. Requested Board Action Relative to Surplus Property Approval recommended for declaring items as presented as surplus as they are no longer serviceable to the school system. The motion also authorized the appropriate disposal of these items through a salvage company or other proper disposal method. Executive Session Dr. Craig Lockhart presented the Superintendent s personnel recommendations that had been discussed in Executive Session. Ms. Coggin made a motion to approve the list of recommendations, with a second by Ms. Meadors and all voting in favor. A copy of the personnel report is attached. Ms. Fuhrey reminded everyone of the announcement of the Teacher of the Year at a reception by Newton High School on Thursday, October 16 th at 4:45 p.m. Ms. Fuhrey also announced that Alcovy High School Ms. Mae Xiong has been named as the South Metro District Media Specialist of the Year by the Georgia Library Media Association. She will now be entered in the Georgia Library Media Specialist of the Year competition. With there being no other matters for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:50 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Coggin, second by Mr. Meadors, and all voting in favor. Superintendent, Newton County Schools Chair, Newton County Board of Education