MINUTES OF THE ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION THE STATE OF ALABAMA MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA February 14, 2008

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1 MINUTES OF THE ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION THE STATE OF ALABAMA MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA February 14, 2008 The Alabama State Board of Education met for its meeting of Elementary/Secondary Education matters on Thursday, February 14, 2008, at 9:34 a.m. in the auditorium of the Gordon Persons Building, Montgomery, Alabama. The meeting was called by the Vice President of the Board in accordance with Alabama Code (1975), , as amended. PRESIDING: MR. DAVID F. BYERS JR., VICE PRESIDENT ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, Mr. David F. Byers, Jr., called the meeting to order. On roll call, the following members were present: Mrs. Ella B. Bell Mrs. Stephanie Bell Mr. David F. Byers, Jr., Vice President Dr. Mary Jane Caylor Dr. Ethel H. Hall, Vice President Emerita Mr. Randy McKinney, President Pro Tem Mrs. Betty Peters Mrs. Sandra Ray Absent Governor Bob Riley Dr. Joseph B. Morton, State Superintendent of Education and Secretary and Executive Officer of the Board, was present. The state-winning FFA quartet of Oak Grove High School in the Jefferson County School System provided musical selections. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 2008 On motion by Mrs. Ella B. Bell and seconded by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, the Board unanimously approved the minutes for the meeting of January 10, 2008, as distributed. APPROVAL OF AGENDA On motion by Mrs. Ella B. Bell and seconded by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, the Board unanimously adopted the agenda. PUBLIC HEARING FOR ALABAMA ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT - NONE On motion by Mr. David F. Byers, Jr., and seconded by Dr. Mary Jane Caylor, the Board unanimously adopted the following: RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF ASHLEY ALLEN, 2007 SCIENCE PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FINALIST WHEREAS, now that we have entered the twenty-first century, proficiency in mathematics and science is more important than ever; and WHEREAS, the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, established in 1983 by the White House, are the nation s highest honor bestowed upon K-12 mathematics and science teachers; and WHEREAS, fewer than two hundred science teachers throughout the nation, including Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, schools of the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the United States territories, are selected each year as state finalists; and WHEREAS, through the state selection committee, two 2007 state science finalists were chosen from a number of applications in Alabama; and and WHEREAS, Ashley Allen has demonstrated excellence in the Alabama science classroom for thirteen years; WHEREAS, Ashley Allen of Oneonta High School, Oneonta City School System, was chosen as a 2007 finalist in Alabama to receive an award for excellence in science teaching: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby commend and congratulate Ashley Allen upon the honor of being selected as one of Alabama s truly outstanding teachers of science.

2 RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF JENNIFER-REED TAUNTON, 2007 SCIENCE PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FINALIST WHEREAS, now that we have entered the twenty-first century, proficiency in mathematics and science is more important than ever; and WHEREAS, the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, established in 1983 by the White House, are the nation s highest honor bestowed upon K-12 mathematics and science teachers; and WHEREAS, fewer than two hundred science teachers throughout the nation, including Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, schools of the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the United States territories, are selected each year as state finalists; and WHEREAS, through the state selection committee, two 2007 state science finalists were chosen from a number of applications in Alabama; and WHEREAS, Jennifer Reed-Taunton has demonstrated excellence in the Alabama science classroom for ten years; and WHEREAS, Jennifer Reed-Taunton of Alabama Avenue Middle School, Albertville City School System, was chosen as a 2007 finalist in Alabama to receive an award for excellence in science teaching: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby commend and congratulate Jennifer Reed-Taunton upon the honor of being selected as one of Alabama s truly outstanding teachers of science. On motion by Mrs. Sandra Ray and seconded by Dr. Mary Jane Caylor, the Board unanimously adopted the following: RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF REBECCA DARBY, 2007 MATHEMATICS PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FINALIST WHEREAS, now that we have entered the twenty-first century, proficiency in mathematics and science is more important than ever; and WHEREAS, the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, established in 1983 by the White House, are the nation s highest honor bestowed upon K-12 mathematics and science teachers; and WHEREAS, fewer than two hundred mathematics teachers throughout the nation, including Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, schools of the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the United States territories, are selected each year as state finalists; and WHEREAS, through the state selection committee, one 2007 state mathematics finalist was chosen from a number of applications in Alabama; and WHEREAS, Rebecca Darby has demonstrated excellence in the Alabama mathematics classroom for twenty years; and WHEREAS, Rebecca Darby of Central High School, Lauderdale County School System, was chosen as a 2007 finalist in Alabama to receive an award for excellence in mathematics teaching: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby commend and congratulate Rebecca Darby upon the honor of being selected as one of Alabama s truly outstanding teachers of mathematics. On motion by Mrs. Ella B. Bell and seconded by Dr. Ethel H. Hall, the Board unanimously adopted the following: RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, the Pike County Board of Education Transportation Department serves the community, administrators, teachers, students, parents, and school bus drivers of Pike County Schools by operating a safe, efficient, and customer-oriented transportation program; and WHEREAS, the Pike County Board of Education Transportation Department was named to School Bus Fleet Magazine s Great Fleets across America for 2008; and 2

3 WHEREAS, the Pike County Board of Education Transportation Department has, for the past five years, been recognized by the State Department of Education as receiving annual school bus inspections with less than five percent major deficiencies; and WHEREAS, the Pike County Board of Education Transportation Department maintains a fleet of over 50 school buses and over 20 other system vehicles; and WHEREAS, Pike County Board of Education school buses travel over 458,000 miles annually; and WHEREAS, Pike County Board of Education school buses transport over 1565 students daily serving 6 schools: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby express its gratitude to Superintendent Mark Bazzell, Transportation Supervisor Mike Johnson, the school bus mechanics and drivers, and the office staff for their service to the state of Alabama and its children and does hereby commend the entire Pike County Board of Education Transportation Department for its many accomplishments and its dedication to public education; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby extend its congratulations to the Pike County Board of Education Transportation Department for being named to School Bus Fleet Magazine s Great Fleets across America for On motion by Dr. Mary Jane Caylor and seconded by Dr. Ethel H. Hall, the Board unanimously adopted the following: RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF MARCH 2008 AS ARTS EDUCATION MONTH IN ALABAMA SCHOOLS WHEREAS, the Alabama State Board of Education and the State Department of Education recognize the arts as a vital and enriching segment of children s education; and WHEREAS, the National Art Education Association has designated March as Youth Art Month, the National Association for Music has designated March as Music in Our Schools Month, the American Alliance for Theatre Education has designated March as Theatre in Our Schools Month, and the National Dance Association has designated March as Dance in Our Schools Month ; and WHEREAS, the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the Alabama Institute for Education in the Arts, the Alabama Music Educators Association, the Alabama Art Education Association, the Alabama Alliance for Arts Education, the Alabama Chapter of the Educational Theatre Association, and the Alabama Dance Council have voiced their support for designating March 2008 as Arts Education Month in Alabama schools; and WHEREAS, the arts education teachers in the public schools of Alabama continue to strive for educational excellence for their students; and WHEREAS, support should be given to arts teachers as they attempt to strengthen arts education programs in their schools and communities; and WHEREAS, arts education contributes powerful education benefits to all elementary and secondary students including the following: arts education develops students creative problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities; arts education teaches sensitivity to beauty, order, and other expressive qualities; arts education gives students a deeper understanding of multicultural values and beliefs; arts education reinforces and brings to life what students learn in other subjects; and arts education interrelates students learning in arts production, arts history, arts criticism, and aesthetics: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That support should be given to arts education teachers as they attempt to strengthen arts education in their schools and communities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That education in the arts, including dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, is an essential component of K-12 public education in Alabama; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby express its appreciation to arts educators, classroom teachers, and administrators for their efforts to improve arts education in Alabama public schools; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does designate March 2008 as Arts Education Month in the public schools of Alabama. On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Mrs. Betty Peters, the Board unanimously adopted the following: 3

4 RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2008 ANNUAL STATE SUPERINTENDENT S VISUAL ARTS EHIBIT WHEREAS, the Alabama State Board of Education and the State Department of Education recognize the visual arts are a vital and enriching segment of children s education; and WHEREAS, the State Superintendent s Visual Arts Exhibit provides an opportunity for K-12 students in every school system to participate; and WHEREAS, the criteria set for judging are sanctioned by recognized and prestigious organizations the National Art Education Association, the Alabama Art Education Association, the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the Alabama Institute for Education in the Arts, and the Alabama Alliance for Arts Education; and WHEREAS, support should be given to visual arts programs and their teachers as they attempt to strengthen and strive for educational excellence for their students; and WHEREAS, the visual arts contributes powerful education benefits to all elementary and secondary students including enhancing cognitive capacities and motivating students to learn; promoting sophisticated reading skills and interpretation of text through visualization training; promoting content and organization writing skills through drawing skills; and establishing essential connections between the art itself and other curricula experiences: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby commend and congratulate the 2008 State Superintendent s Visual Arts award winning students and their teachers upon the honor of being selected as Alabama s outstanding young artists and visual arts educators. On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Mrs. Betty Peters, the Board unanimously adopted the following: RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 23 MARCH 1, 2008, AS ALABAMA ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK WHEREAS, our state s entrepreneurs are an important source of economic innovation enhancing productivity, improving efficiency, and generating inventive methods for marketing new ideas; and WHEREAS, more than 70 percent of America s young people envision themselves starting a business of their own in the future; and WHEREAS, according to the Department of Labor, most of the new jobs created in the United States over the past decade are a direct result of the efforts of our nation s entrepreneurs; and WHEREAS, Alabama s entrepreneurs are dedicated individuals who work hard to improve their communities by creating professional business environments, which not only promote advances in technology, but also the sharing of new ideas; and WHEREAS, entrepreneurial education is helping students to understand and appreciate the many benefits of business ownership; and WHEREAS, the recent increase in the amount of students interested in becoming business owners makes it more important than ever to encourage students to seriously explore their entrepreneurial potential; and WHEREAS, through a national initiative to observe Entrepreneurship Week, organizations such as the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and hundreds of other organizations nationwide are partnering to promote the many laudable contributions of America s entrepreneurs; and WHEREAS, the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, Alabama Concrete Industries Association, Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Funeral Directors Association, Alabama Independent Auto Dealers Association, Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives, Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants, Alabama State Nurses Association, Alabama Travel Council, Alabama s NFIB Chapter, Automotive Aftermarket Association Southeast, Home Builders Association of Alabama, Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama, School Superintendents of Alabama, and many other state organizations are also providing students with real opportunities to fulfill their entrepreneurial goals through annual scholarship programs: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby proclaim February 23 March 1, 2008, as Alabama Entrepreneurship Week and encourages Alabama s local boards of education, schools, and local educational organizations to support this special celebration through activities that demonstrate the importance of entrepreneurship opportunities, and the benefits they provide for students to explore their dreams of academic excellence, personal achievement, and future success. On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Ray, the Board unanimously adopted the following: 4

5 RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 11-15, 2008, AS GROWING OUR OWN WEEK IN ALABAMA -- A SPECIAL STATEWIDE CELEBRATION FOR ALABAMA S TEACHERS WHEREAS, the Alabama Education Association (AEA) and the Alabama Department of Education have formed a partnership dedicated to encouraging Alabama s students to pursue a career in the teaching profession; and WHEREAS, it has been estimated that by the end of 2008, there will be a need for 2.5 million new teachers in the United States; and WHEREAS, an even greater demand for highly qualified teachers is expected in the next decade; and WHEREAS, the Future Teachers of Alabama organization and the TEACH Alabama program are innovative approaches focused on attracting more talented students to careers in the field of education; and WHEREAS, the Future Teachers of Alabama organization and TEACH Alabama programs are rigorous, progressive, and vital parts of Alabama s total education system; and WHEREAS, these programs are committed to providing students with opportunities to gain valuable hands-on experiences through internships, classroom observations, and project-based learning; and WHEREAS, Future Teachers of Alabama and TEACH Alabama initiated the Growing Our Own Week in Alabama to give local school systems statewide the opportunity to promote activities that focus on teaching as a career, highlight the important role of teachers, and encourage students to consider the field of education as a future career choice; and WHEREAS, the Alabama Education Association and the Alabama Department of Education will also celebrate the service and professionalism of Alabama s current teachers during this special event: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby proclaim February 11-15, 2008, as Growing Our Own Week and encourages Alabama s local boards of education, schools, and local educational organizations to support this special celebration through activities that demonstrate the importance of the teaching profession and the opportunities it provides for students to achieve their aspirations of academic excellence, personal achievement, and future career success. On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Dr. Mary Jane Caylor, the Board unanimously adopted the following: RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE EARLY COLLEGE ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (ECEP) WHEREAS, in February 2004 a resolution was approved by the Alabama State Board of Education approving a two-year pilot of the Early College Enrollment Program (ECEP) for technical and health science career and technical education students; and WHEREAS, a pilot to implement the practical nursing component of ECEP for health science careers and technical education students was approved as a model health science pilot in 2006; and WHEREAS, a taskforce consisting of superintendents, local career and technical education administrators and teachers, and postsecondary education representatives, was established in the fall of 2007 to review the data, identify the benefits and barriers for student participation, and make a recommendation to the Alabama State Board of Education regarding full implementation of the ECEP program; and WHEREAS, this taskforce determined that both of these initiatives have proven to be successful as evidenced by participation and success data rates and that the two initiatives should be combined under the Career and Technical Education Methods of Administration guidelines; and WHEREAS, this taskforce recommends that the pilot status of both initiatives be removed and ECEP be granted full implementation status: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby approve the implementation of the ECEP program. On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Mrs. Betty Peters, the Board unanimously approved the following: SUBSTITUTION OF LATER EDITIONS OF TETBOOKS WHEREAS, the Alabama Administrative Code, Rule , Textbook Substitution, permits publishing companies to substitute a later edition of a textbook for the edition presently under contract with the state of Alabama; and 5

6 WHEREAS, the textbooks listed below have been submitted for substitution in accordance with the regulations set forth in said code: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education approves the following books for substitution at no increase in price: THE SCIENCE OF ANIMAL AGRICULTURE, 3rd Edition, 2007, Cengage Learning/Delmar GLENCOE LITERATURE: READING WITH PURPOSE, COURSES 1-4, ALABAMA EDITION, 1st Edition, 2009, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill GLENCOE LITERATURE: THE READER S CHOICE, AMERICAN LITERATURE, BEGINNINGS TO 1900, ALABAMA EDITION, lst Edition, 2009, Glencoe/McGraw- Hill GLENCOE LITERATURE: THE READER S CHOICE, AMERICAN LITERATURE, 1900 TO THE PRESENT, ALABAMA EDITION, 1st Edition, 2009, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill GLENCOE LITERATURE: THE READER S CHOICE, BRITISH LITERATURE, ALABAMA EDITION, 1st Edition, 2009, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill FROM SCHOOL TO WORK, 2006, Goodheart-Willcox FASHION, 2006, Goodheart-Willcox MODERN CABINETMAKING, 2005, Goodheart-Willcox PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS, 2007, Thomson Learning, South-Western SUCCEEDING IN THE WORLD OF WORK, 2008, Glencoe/ McGraw-Hill MCDOUGAL, LITTELL LITERATURE, GRADES 6-10, ALABAMA EDITION, 2008, McDougal, Littell MCDOUGAL, LITTELL LITERAURE, AMERICAN LITERATURE, ALABAMA EDITION, 2008, McDougal, Littell MCDOUGAL, LITTELL LITERATURE, BRITISH LITERATURE, ALABAMA EDITION, 2008, McDougal, Littell RAMP-UP TO MIDDLE GRADES LITERACY, Revised, 2007, America s Choice RAMP-UP TO ADVANCED LITERACY, Revised, 2007, America s Choice On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Dr. Ethel H. Hall, the Board unanimously approved the following: APPOINTMENT, STATE TETBOOK COMMITTEE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS AND THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE ELECTIVE COURSE WHEREAS, the Code of Alabama 1975, , provides for the appointment of a State Textbook Committee; and WHEREAS, said law provides that four elementary teachers and four high school teachers are to be selected to serve on the State Textbook Committee and are to come one from each of the seven congressional districts of Alabama and one statewide; and WHEREAS, said law provides that four people who shall be teachers, principals, supervisors, or superintendents are to be selected from the state-at-large; and WHEREAS, said law provides that two members of said State Textbook Committee are to be selected from the institutions of higher learning; and WHEREAS, said law provides that the fourteen people are to be nominated to the Alabama State Board of Education by the State Superintendent of Education; and WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends approval: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the people on the attached list are hereby appointed to the State Textbook Committee for a term beginning May 1, 2008, and ending on April 30, 2009; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Board recognizes that said law provides that the Governor of Alabama is to appoint nine people not in the field of education to serve on this State Textbook Committee and welcomes them to full membership; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That State Superintendent of Education Joseph B. Morton is hereby authorized to fill any vacancy that may occur on this State Textbook Committee until the next meeting of this Alabama State Board of Education after such vacancy occurs and same to be added as ad interim business. On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Mrs. Betty Peters, the Board unanimously approved the following: 6

7 RECEIVE RESOLUTION FOR ADOPTION OF 2008 ALABAMA COURSE OF STUDY FOR TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION AND 2008 ALABAMA COURSE OF STUDY FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION WHEREAS, Title 16, Chapter 35, Section 3, of the Code of Alabama, 1975, requires the State Courses of Study Committees to prepare the contents of the courses of study for each grade of the elementary and secondary schools; and WHEREAS, the reports of their recommendations with respect to the compulsory minimum content of courses of study and of recommended revisions of courses, materials, subject content, and treatment in specific courses in such areas are required; and WHEREAS, said law requires that the reports be submitted to the State Superintendent of Education and to members of the State Textbook Committee for separate written recommendations to the Alabama State Board of Education; and WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education has reviewed the State Courses of Study Committees report on Technology Education and Career and Technical Education: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the attached reports by the State Courses of Study Committees on Technology Education and Career and Technical Education are received by the Alabama State Board of Education, and said reports will be considered for adoption on February 14, On motion by Dr. Ethel H. Hall and seconded by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, the Board unanimously approved the following: RESOLUTION TO APPOINT THE HEALTH EDUCATION AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSE OF STUDY COMMITTEE WHEREAS, the Alabama Code, through 5 (1975), provides that the Alabama State Board of Education shall constitute Courses of Study Committees for the purposes and functions as provided within the statute; and WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends approval: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education appoints those persons listed on the attached sheets as members of the Mathematics State Course of Study Committee for a period of one year or until their successors are appointed. On motion by Dr. Mary Jane Caylor and seconded by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, the Board unanimously approved the following: RESOLUTION TO APPOINT THE MATHEMATICS COURSE OF STUDY COMMITTEE WHEREAS, the Alabama Code, through 5 (1975), provides that the Alabama State Board of Education shall constitute Courses of Study Committees for the purposes and functions as provided within the statute; and WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends approval: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education appoints those persons listed on the attached sheets as members of the Mathematics State Course of Study Committee for a period of one year or until their successors are appointed. On motion by Mrs. Stephanie Bell and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Ray, the Board unanimously approved the following: ETEND APPROVAL OF TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS University of Montevallo Montevallo, Alabama WHEREAS, the Alabama State Board of Education approves programs, including the time frame for approved program status; and WHEREAS, the University of Montevallo s current approval period will expire on May 30, 2008; and WHEREAS, Alabama is a partner with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) in conducting reviews at NCATE-accredited institutions and institutions seeking initial NCATE accreditation; and 7

8 WHEREAS, the University of Montevallo hosted a joint NCATE/Alabama review during March 10-14, 2007; and WHEREAS, the Alabama-NCATE Partnership Agreement links the Alabama State Board of Education program approval and NCATE accreditation, and additional time is required for the culmination of the NCATE review process; and WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education concurs: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education hereby extends approval of the following teacher education programs at the University of Montevallo until May 30, 2010: CERTIFICATION LEVELS CLASS B CLASS A ALT. A Class AA EARLY CHILDHOOD CERTIFICATION (P-3) Early Childhood Education ELEMENTARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATION (K-6) Collaborative Teacher Elementary Education PRESCHOOL THROUGH GRADE 12 CERTIFICATION (P-12) Hearing Impaired Music, Instrumental Music, Choral Physical Education Visual Arts CERTIFICATION LEVELS CLASS B CLASS A ALT. A Class AA HIGH SCHOOL CERTIFICATION (6-12) Biology Chemistry Driver and Traffic Safety Education English Language Arts Family and Consumer Sciences Education French General Science General Social Science History Mathematics Spanish INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT PERSONNEL (P-12) *Educational Administration School Counseling STRENGTHENED SUBJECT MATTER OPTION (P-12) Speech and Language Impaired INNOVATIVE AND EPERIMENTAL (P-12) Teacher Leader *This program may continue only through Summer Term Mrs. Betty Peters will represent the Alabama State Board of Education on the Alabama Teacher of the Year Judging Committee. Mrs. Stephanie Bell will serve as alternate. Superintendent s Report Dr. Joseph B. Morton apprised the Board of Dr. Ruth Ash s imminent retirement from the Alabama Department of Education effective April 1. Dr. Morton commended Dr. Ash on her career and stated that he was glad she accepted his offer to come to the Department. A copy of Dr. Ash s retirement letter was given to each Board member. Board members were informed that although there appears to be an economic slowdown across the country, Alabama will not suffer as greatly as other states. This does not mean that we will not have a reduction in funds. There is a $399 million dollar reduction, but our key components are in place. The Governor s proposal to the legislature recognizes what the Department and local schools have done to bring Alabama to the forefront. The Foundation Program is intact as well as transportation. We will not lose teacher units. The members were reminded of the 2004 budget with the $7.19 per student amount for textbooks. The 2008 budget protects the $57.50 for textbooks; $400 for teacher materials; $250 for technology; and $175 per unit for library enhancement. This is the best budget under these circumstances and protects Grades K-12. In response to Dr. Ethel H. Hall s question pertaining to the Rainy Day Account, Dr. Morton advised that 8

9 there are two funds. The $440 million will be used through September 30, There is also $248 million in another balance that will be used in 2009 if the revenue is not available. Mrs. Sandra Ray complimented Dr. Morton on the presentation in Tuscaloosa and thanked him for the demographic information. Board members will be sent a copy. Mrs. Stephanie Bell represents the state of Alabama on the National Association of School Boards Middle School Study Group. Mrs. Bell attended the meeting held January 25-26, 2008, in Washington. Pertinent information (minutes) was provided to the Board members. On motion by Mrs. Ella B. Bell and seconded by Mrs. Stephanie Bell, the meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m. David F. Byers, Jr. Vice President Joseph B. Morton Secretary and Executive Officer 9

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