DANVILLE SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR MEETING November 1, 2012 MINUTES The Danville School Board held its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, November 1, 2012, in the School Board Office, Danville Room, at 341 Main Street. Chairman George Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with all School Board members present: Ms. Rebecca Bolton, Ms. Cheryl Bryant, Dr. Philip Campbell, Ms. Terri Hall, Ms. Renee Hughes, Dr. Ed Polhamus, and Rev. George Wilson. Staff members included Dr. Sue Davis, Division Superintendent; Dr. Juliet Jennings, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources; Dr. Kathy J. Osborne, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services; Mr. Andrew Tyrrell, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction; Mr. Alan Spencer, Attorney; and Ms. Beverly Wilkerson, Clerk. The following administrators also attended: Ms. Pam Adams, Mr. Mike Adkins, Ms. Sandra Andrews, Ms. Kim Agnor, Mr. Larry Bailey, Ms. Gayle Breakley, Dr. Dave Cochran, Ms. Judy Cox, Ms. Christie Dawson, Mr. Jeff Deshazor, Mr. Jonathan Fain, Ms. Jocelyn Fitzgerald, Ms. Catiia Greene, Ms. Carolyn Kirby, Mr. Jay Lancaster, Ms. Catherine Lassiter, Mr. Kenny Lewis, Ms. Lou Ann Long, Ms. Sandy Mitchell, Ms. Melissa Newton, Ms. Robin Owens, Ms. Christine Raeford, Mr. Leon Ramsey, Mr. Raymond Smith, Mr. Andy Thacker, Ms. Lisa Totten, Ms. Amy Turner, Mr. Kevin Whitlock, Ms. Mona Whittle, and Mr. Arnold Woody. Unless otherwise noted, all votes were by roll call. APPROVAL OF AGENDA as presented. Upon a motion by Ms. Bolton, the Board members unanimously approved the agenda PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED POLICY REVISIONS, SECTION 1000 SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS, SECTION 9000 FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT, AND PROPOSED NEW POLICY P2300.00 SCHOOL MEALS AND SNACKS Rev. Wilson referred to Dr. Polhamus for a brief review of the proposed policy revisions. Dr. Polhamus noted that the proposed policy revisions were presented for first reading in October and will be presented for second reading and possible action at the
December regular monthly meeting. Dr. Polhamus noted the proposed policy revisions are posted on the Division s website and he welcomed public comments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ms. Hall moved to accept the minutes of the October 3, Joint Meeting with City Council; the October 4, Regular Meeting; the October 18, Special Meeting; the October 19, Work Session; and the October 30, Joint Meeting with City Council as presented. The motion was unanimously approved. RECOGNITIONS Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation, GWHS Robotics Team Mr. Tyrrell introduced Mr. Jeremy Satterfield, Business Development Manager with Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation. Mr. Satterfield stated that MBCC focuses on community revitalization, economic development, and improving education through the deployment and operation of an advanced open-access fiber optic network in rural Virginia. He further noted that the MBCC staff is delighted that their success has driven positive social and economic improvements to this region. Their mission of "Doing Well by Doing Good" is alive and well and reaping benefits for the citizens of our area. Mr. Satterfield presented Mr. Dan Waters and Mr. John Henderson, team sponsors, and members of the George Washington High School Robotics Team with a check for $6,000.00. Resolution Proclaiming November 11-17, 2012 as American Education Week Resolution Proclaiming November 12-16, 2012 as School Psychology Awareness Week Rev. Wilson noted that November 11-17, 2012, is designated as American Education Week and November 12-16, 2012, as School Psychology Awareness Week and stated resolutions would be read later in the meeting. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC Nathan Evans, a student at Westwood Middle School, addressed the Board regarding the possibility of merging middle schools. Nathan shared his concern that moving Westwood students into Bonner Middle School would result in increased student fights, more discipline referrals and suspensions, larger class sizes, and lower SOL scores. CONSENT Resolution Proclaiming November 11-17, 2012, as American Education Week (Appendix A) Resolution Proclaiming November 12-16, 2012, as School Psychology Awareness Week (Appendix B) 2
Recommendations from Disciplinary Panel (Appendix C) Upon a motion by Ms. Hughes, the Board members unanimously passed the consent items as presented. Rev. Wilson read a Resolution Proclaiming November 11-17, 2012, as American Education Week, and a Resolution Proclaiming November 12-16, 2012, as School Psychology Awareness Week. ACTION Human Resources Personnel Recommendations (Appendix D) Dr. Jennings presented ten personnel recommendations for approval. Dr. Jennings provided updated information on Personnel Case #110112.09. Dr. Polhamus suggested the Board discuss the case in closed session. Ms. Hall s motion to approve the personnel recommendations, with the exclusion of Personnel Case #110112.09, was unanimously approved. COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS School Board 5-year Reorganization Plan Dr. Davis stated the school division is feeling the continuing effects of the Great Recession of 2008 just like every other business in the United States. All sources of revenue that the division receives are in some way tied to tax receipts, which are ultimately tied to income. When both income and property values decrease, so do the tax revenues derived from them. School divisions across the Commonwealth are experiencing this phenomenon. State revenues have decreased dramatically since the fiscal year 2009. Thus, the budget for 2012-2013 has considerably fewer state dollars than it did in 2008-2009. In addition, Dr. Davis noted the number of city residents has declined which means the number of children attending schools has declined. Twenty years ago, there were 8,364 students attending Danville Public Schools. Dr. Davis stated that in 2012-2013, the division enrolled 6,474 students, but 269 of those students are in preschool. Before 2008, the state per pupil funding amounts annually grew at a faster pace than the decline in student population. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. The division has continued to address the declining student population. Since the 2004-2005 school year, a total of 176 positions have been eliminated across the division. Grove Park Elementary School was closed and converted to 3
Grove Park Preschool with grant funding. Westmoreland Middle School was closed, and the School Board offices were consolidated by closing the former old Schoolfield property. At the end of the 2011-2012 school year, W. Townes Lea Elementary School was closed. Dr. Davis explained that the division must operate within state and local funding realities; therefore, the number of school buildings must be aligned to the student population. Dr. Davis presented details of a reorganization plan that the Board is currently considering. She began by describing the school division in school year 2017-2018, and discussed proposed changes for each of the five years. Dr. Davis noted at the end of the five years, the division would be comprised of 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 high schools, 2 preschools, and 1 alternative school, with the School Board Office being relocated to an existing school site. Comments by Attorney None Comments by the Division Superintendent None CLOSING ROLL CALL/Comments Bryant Thanked everyone for attending; expressed appreciation for the Robotics donation; and noted appreciation for all who teach. Hughes Congratulated the GWHS Band for consistently winning and representing Danville in such a wonderful manner; and wished every week could be American Education week. Campbell Welcomed Dr. Jennings back; thanked Mr. Satterfield for the Robotics donation; noted the Board met with City Council for a second time as they work to better the community; encouraged everyone to vote; wished everyone an enjoyable Thanksgiving; and asked for support and prayers for the Board as they face the difficult challenges ahead. Hall Thanked all educators; noted appreciation for School Psychologists and their contribution to students; thanked Mr. Satterfield for the generous contribution; and wished the Robotics Team good luck. Polhamus Echoed colleagues remarks; congratulated Mr. Waters and Mr. Henderson on the donation for the Robotic Team; thanked Dr. Davis and staff for working 4
within the fiscal restraints to develop a 5-year plan and continue to offer an excellent education to our students; and noted good things will continue in our schools. Bolton Agreed with colleagues comments. Wilson Thanked everyone for all they are doing; noted tension in the community regarding proposed changes; noted the Division is rising to the challenge; and noted there is much to be thankful for. CLOSED MEETING At 7:38 p.m., the Board members unanimously approved a motion by Ms. Bolton to recess. At 7:46 p.m., the Board members unanimously approved a motion by Ms. Bolton to convene in closed meeting to consider performance of division personnel as permitted in Subsection (A) (1) of Section 2.2-3711 of the Code of Virginia, and to consider student disciplinary matters as permitted by Subsection (A) (2) of Section 2.2-3711 of the Code of Virginia (Appendix E). At 9:22 p.m., the Board members unanimously approved a motion by Ms. Bolton to reconvene in open meeting and a motion to certify the closed meeting (Appendix F). ACTION ON MATTERS CONSIDERED IN CLOSED MEETING In Discipline Case #2013.031, Dr. Polhamus motion to uphold the long-term suspension for the remainder of the 2012-2013 school year was unanimously approved. In Personnel Case #110112-09, Dr. Polhamus motion to allow the resignation under mitigating circumstances was unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT At 9:25 p.m., Ms. Bolton s motion to adjourn was unanimously approved. George M. Wilson, Chairman Beverly S. Wilkerson, Clerk 5