THE
SPECIAL BOARD WORKSHOP
JANUARY 12, 2010
4:00 P.M.
MINUTES
The Jackson County School Board met in a special Board workshop, Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. in the Board room of the Jackson County School Board office. Mrs. Charlotte Gardner, Vice Chairman, called the meeting to order with the following members present: Mrs. Betty Duffee, Mr. Chris Johnson and Dr. Terry Nichols; Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Lee Miller. Mr. Kenneth Griffin, Chairman, was not in attendance, due to a scheduling conflict.
Mrs. Gardner stated that this is an informal meeting for information only and she will recognize anyone that wants to address an item on the agenda.
INFORMATION ITEMS:
A.
Information
on Revising High School Grading Requirements
Superintendent Miller stated that these grading requirements are for High School and Middle School and does not include Elementary School. Superintendent Miller asked Mr. Frank Waller, Director of MIS and Secondary Education, to present the information. Mr. Waller prepared a power-point presentation for the Board and explained the information to them and the effect these grading requirements will have upon the schools within a few years. This information included the grading of dual enrollment students. All of the high school and middle school principals were in attendance and had input into the presentation and answered questions from the Board. (All of this information was presented to the principals at an earlier Principals’ Meeting.) A copy of this item can be found as a supplement to these minutes.
B.
Information on Changes to Scheduling at
Mr. Don Wilson, Principal of Golson Elementary, gave the Board members information regarding the scheduling changes. Mrs. Jessica Craven, TSA at Golson, presented a power-point presentation to the Board to help explain the scheduling changes. Mr. Wilson stated that the changes at the school were prompted by bus schedule changes. The Board asked questions about various aspects of classes, including wheel classes and instruction times at the school. Mrs. Duffee was concerned about the time instruction actually starts at school. She added that she has had concerns from parents who felt they are not welcome at the school. Mr. Wilson apologized to anyone not feeling welcome at the school and stated that this was never intended. He added that he would make every effort for this not to happen again. Mr. Wilson added that he was trying to stay within the contract time for the teachers, so they would not have to put in extra hours. Several teachers from Golson attended the meeting and added comments and answered questions from the Board members.
Superintendent Miller addressed
the Board and explained the instructional time and assured the Board that the
students were getting more instruction time than is funded by the Department of
Education. Mr. Miller stated that the
changes in the bus schedule were working efficiently with Riverside Elementary,
Marianna Middle, and
Mr. Wilson stated that some of the improvements made were to lower the number of students in some of the PE classes for safety measures.
The Board members discussed concerns related to them from parents.
Mr. Hamilton, Transportation Director, Mrs. Neves, Principal at Marianna High, Dr. Westbrook, Principal at Marianna Middle and Mr. Ellerbee,
Special Board
Workshop
January 12, 2010
Principal at Riverside Elementary commented that the transportation schedule was working for all of these schools.
After this discussion, the Board moved to the next item.
C.
Information
of Use of School Facilities
Superintendent Miller addressed
the Board. He stated that all schools
use a Facilities Use Form that was developed by PAEC, and the Board contracts
with PAEC to provide Risk Management. He
added that the question came about when a church group wanted to use the
Mrs. Neves contact Mr. Paul Smith, the person making the request on behalf of the church and explained the School Board policy. Mr. Smith agreed to go above and beyond the requirements. Mrs. Neves added that a portion of the usage fee goes back to the school and she plans to use the money to upgrade the sound equipment in the auditorium. She added that everything agreed upon has been very satisfactory.
Mrs. Gardner stated that she wants to revisit the Facilities Use Form, adding that the Board was not informed about this matter and should have been.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:30 p.m.
________________________________ _______________________________
Lee W. Miller Kenneth
R. Griffin
Superintendent of
Schools Chairman
of the Board
THE
REGULAR BOARD WORKSHOP
JANUARY 14, 2010
4:00 P.M.
MINUTES
The Jackson County School Board met in a regular Board workshop, Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. in the Board room of the Jackson County School Board office. Mr. Kenneth Griffin, Chairman, called the meeting to order with the following members present: Mrs. Charlotte Gardner, Vice-Chairman, Mrs. Betty Duffee, Mr. Chris Johnson and Dr. Terry Nichols; Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Lee Miller and, School Board Attorney, Mr. Frank Bondurant.
Chairman Griffin stated that this is a workshop and no vote will be taken until Tuesday at the meeting. He added that if you would like to address an item on the agenda, you may do so once you are recognized.
ITEM #1: PRESENTATIONS
A.
Recognition
of Malone School and Graceville High School by US News and World Report as Two
of The Best High Schools in the Nation
Superintendent Miller presented
Mrs. Linda Hall, Principal of Malone School, a certificate and congratulated
her for
Mr. Franklin, Principal at
ITEM #3: CONSENT AGENDA
D. Old Business – (From Last Meeting)
Chairman Griffin stated that this
business is regarding a motion made by Mrs. Duffee regarding
Item #4: OTHER AGENDA ITEMS
D. Request
For Approval to Pursue Participation in the
Mr. Moore, Director of Vocational
& Adult Education, stated that the purpose of this program is to get people
back to work and, if approved, he will work with the
C. Approval
of 2010-2011 Instructional Calendar
Mrs. Gardner stated that she had attended the calendar committee meeting, and was opposed to taking Veterans Day off. She also stated that she would like the 9-week grading period changed and that she would like to add early release days. Mrs. Duffee agreed with Mrs. Gardner. Mr. Griffin disagreed stating that he doesn’t like the early release days. Mr. Johnson stated that early release days would be nice before holidays and he would like to see the semester end before Christmas break.
Mrs. Duffee stated that it is a problem making the calendar to accommodate dual enrollment with the semester ending before Christmas creating a short semester and a long semester.
Dr. Nichols asked about the number of days in school to prepare for the FCAT and stated that there are good points to end the semester at Christmas break.
Mrs. Gardner stated that she wants the students in school on Veterans’ Day to have programs about the Veterans and wants an early release day before Christmas break.
Regular Board
Workshop
January 14, 2010
Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Duffee, and Dr. Nichols agreed on the students being in school on Veterans’ Day and the early release days.
Mr. Griffin reiterated that he does not like early release days.
ITEM #5: PERSONNEL
A.
Approval of
Personnel
5.4
Recommendation
of Instruction
Mrs. Duffee had questions about requesting an additional Teacher on Special Assignment and the funding. Superintendent Miller stated that he is trying to help improve a “D” school and give the administration more help with discipline issues. Mr. Miller stated that he was obligated to help this school improve.
Mr. Johnson stated that he would like to wait on this position until the next staffing plan was presented. He added that he was not opposed to this position but other schools are penalized because they do well.
Mr. Griffin stated that he has no problem with this position for the balance of this year.
B.
Approval of
Job Descriptions (Changes/Additions/Deletions)
Superintendent Miller asked Mrs.
Jackie-Fay Kelly, Program Manager for the
C.
Approval of
2nd Semester Master Schedule
Mrs. Gardner stated that according
to the Master Schedule there was not a 90 minute uninterrupted reading period
at
Mrs. Linda Cox, Director of Elementary Education stated that she would look into this matter.
ITEM #6: FINANCIAL MATTERS – No questions from the Board
ITEM #7: CONTRACTS/RESOLUTIONS/AGREEMENTS – No questions.
ITEM #8: PROJECTS/PROGRAMS/GRANTS/PLANS – No questions.
ITEM #9: FACILITIES AND CONSTRUCTION – No questions.
ITEM #10: SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS –
Mr. Bondurant stated that there were some bus expulsions and school expulsions to go before the Board on Tuesday and there are three bus expulsion hearings scheduled for Tuesday, prior to the Board Meeting.
ITEM #11: INFORMATION ITEMS
A.
Update From Sodexo – to be presented on Tuesday
B.
Update on
Truancy
C.
Update on
Investments
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:25 p.m.
_________________________________ __________________________________
Lee W. Miller Kenneth
R. Griffin
Superintendent of
Schools Chairman
of the Board
THE
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
JANUARY 19, 2010
4:00 P.M.
MINUTES
The Jackson County School Board met in a regular Board meeting, Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. in the Board room of the Jackson County School Board office. Mr. Kenneth R. Griffin, Chairman of the Board, called the meeting to order with the following members present: Mrs. Charlotte Gardner, Vice Chairman, Mrs. Betty Duffee, Mr. Chris Johnson, and Dr. Terry Nichols; Superintendent of School, Mr. Lee Miller, and School Board Attorney, Mr. Frank Bondurant. Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance followed by Dr. Nichols leading in prayer.
Chairman Griffin stated that anyone wanting to address an item on the agenda should fill out a card requesting the item to be addressed. Mr. Griffin stated that he would recognize them at the appropriate time. No one made a request.
With a motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Dr. Nichols and with a unanimous vote, the Board approved the agenda and included the “Just Cause” item.
PRESENTATIONS:
A. Recognition
of Malone School and Graceville High School By US News and World Report as Two
of the Best High Schools in the Nation
Superintendent Miller presented
Mr. Chris Franklin, Principal of Graceville High School, a certificate and
congratulated him for Graceville High achieving the Bronze award. Superintendent Miller stated that the criteria
for this award include rural geographic location, minority enrollment,
economically disadvantaged student enrollment, and overall student performance. (
CITIZENS REQUEST – No one made a request.
CONSENT AGENDA: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, with a motion by Mrs. Duffee, seconded by Dr. Nichols and with a unanimous vote, the Board approved Item # 3, A-C. A copy of this item can be found as a supplement to these minutes.
A.
Approval of
Minutes
December 10 – Board Workshop
December 15 – Board Meeting
B.
Approval of
Transfers
C.
Approval of
Supplements
D.
Old
Business-
Mrs. Duffee stated her original motion made at the Board Meeting December 15, 2009, which was:
Mr. Johnson stated that it is not the Boards’ intention to dictate a time for school to start, but stated there needs to be consistency within the district. Mrs. Duffee stated there needs to be equity for all children.
Mrs. Gardner asked Mr. Bondurant about this referring to transportation issues. Mr. Bondurant referred her question to Mr. Hamilton, Director of Transportation.
Dr. Nichols stated that he was in favor of leaving the Golson schedule the same for the remainder of the year, and looking at changes for next school year.
Regular Board Meeting
January 19, 2010
Dr. Nichols asked if this could be taken care of without a motion.
Superintendent Miller stated that could be done. Dr. Nichols stated that he would not support a motion for this action.
Mrs. Duffee stated the parents do not have enough trust in the school and feels it necessary for the Board to act.
Mrs. Gardner stated that it is the Boards’ job to make sure children get quality education.
Dr. Nichols stated that he has confidence the administration can take care of this.
Mrs. Gardner asked the Superintendent what reassurance he could give the Board that this concern will be addressed.
Superintendent Miller stated that he had already addressed some of the concerns of the Board including an earlier drop-off time for students, and the previous issue with students who walk home has been resolved. He added that all of the children are getting the requirements needed. He stated that he will get with the administrators to work out the problems for next year.
Mr. Bondurant stated that this is a procedure or practical matter to work out all concerns.
Mrs. Duffee stated that she needs the assurance.
Chairman Griffin called for a vote
on the amendment to the motion, adding that
The change to Golson’s schedule will begin with the 2010-11 school year, continuing with the schedule as it is for the remainder of this year.
The amended motion passed with a 4-1 vote, Dr. Nichols cast the no vote.
Chairman Griffin called for a vote on the motion as amended. The motion as amended stated:
With a vote of 4-1 the motion carried. Dr. Nichols cast the no vote.
Dr. Nichols stated that he is not opposed to the intent of the motion.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, with a motion by Dr. Nichols, seconded by Mrs. Duffee and with a unanimous vote, the Board approved Item # 4 A-D. A copy of this item can be found as a supplement to these minutes.
A.
Approval of
Volunteer Applications
B.
Approval of
Student Progression Plan
C.
Approval of
2010-2011 Instructional Calendar
D.
Request For
Approval To Pursue Participation in the
PERSONNEL: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent with a motion by Mrs. Duffee, seconded by Dr. Nichols and with a unanimous vote, the Board approved Item #5 A-D. A copy of this item can be found as a supplement to these minutes in the office of the Director of Personnel.
A.
Approval of
Personnel
5.1
Resignations
of Non-Instructional
SIP GRANT
Jesse Taber, Project Coordinator, resigned effective January 8, 2010
TRANSPORTATION
Barbara Burns, Bus Driver, resigned effective January 7, 2010
Regular Board Meeting
January 19, 2010
5.2
Recommendation
of Non-Instructional
Morris Bellany, Custodian, hired effective January 4, 2010
Brenda Sallas, Paraprofessional, hired effective December 11, 2009
Elizabeth Lewis, Paraprofessional, hired effective December 1, 2009
Virginia Braxton, Paraprofessional, hired effective January 11, 2010
EARLY
Clarice Boyette, Child Care Assistant, hired effective
December 7, 2009
GRACEVILLE ELEMENTARY
Barbara Reese, Paraprofessional, hired effective December 16, 2009
Jacqueline Hoff, ESE Paraprofessional, hired effective
January 4, 2010
Michaeline Sheffield, Paraprofessional, hired effective
December 14, 2009
Josia Monks, ESE Paraprofessional, hired effective
January 4, 2010
Rosalyn Austin, Paraprofessional, hired effective December 17, 2009
Nguyen Williams, ESE Paraprofessional, hired effective
January 4, 2010
Beverly O’Pry, ESE Paraprofessional, hired effective January 4, 2010
TRANSPORTATION
Charles Sanders, Bus Driver, hired effective December 7, 2009
Jamie Smith, Bus Driver, hired effective January 11, 2010
Donald Siples, Bus Driver, hired effective January 11, 2010
Samuel Thomas Farmer, Bus Driver, hired effective January 11, 2010
Requesting one new Computer and Audio Visual Technician position to be used as an entry-level replacement for the position vacant due to Dalton Ott’s retirement.
5.3
Resignation
of Instructional – None
5.4
Recommendation
of Instructional
Requesting one additional teacher position to be used as a Teacher on Special Assignment with administrative duties
5.5
Approval of
Transfers
Debra Johnson, Custodian, transferring from 10 month custodian to 12 month custodian, effective January 4, 2010
Ambers Wise, Bus Driver, transferring from bus driver at Transportation effective January 5, 2010
EARLY
Nicole Tijerina,
Pre-K Paraprofessional, transferring from Childcare Asistant
at
Lina Henrickson, Bus Driver, transferring from
Rhonda Church, Pre-K ESE Paraprofessional, transferring from Bus Driver, effective January 4, 2010
Petey Sims, Principal, transferring from Principal in waiting, effective February 1, 2010
Regular Board Meeting
January 19, 2010
Rex Suggs, Assistant Principal, transferring from Teacher on Special Assignment effective January 20, 2010
5.6 Approval of Leave Requests – None
5.7
Approval of
Retirement Requests
Barbara Mixson, Principal, requesting to exit Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) effective January 29, 2010
Annie McDowell, Custodian, requesting to exit Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) effective January 29, 2010
Dalton Ott, Master Technician, requesting to retire effective December 31, 2009
TRANSPORTATION
Helen Peters, Bus Driver, requesting to retire effective February 26, 2010
EARLY
Patricia Hall, requesting to enter the Deferred Retirement Option Program, (DROP) beginning December 1, 2009 and ending November 30, 2014
Carolyn R. Smith, Teacher, Requesting to enter the Deferred Retirement Option Program beginning January 1, 2010 and ending December 31, 2014
5.8
Terminal
Leave Pay
Pensula Bellamy, Total Sick Leave 125.81 days x 50% to pay =
5.9 Approval
of Licenses
Freeman Walker
Donald Siples
Jamie Smith
Samuel Thomas Farmer
5.10 Approval of Out-of-Field
Teachers
See Supplemental attachment
B.
Approval of
Job Descriptions (Changes/Additions/Deletions)
C.
Approval of
2nd Semester Master Schedule
D.
Approval of
2009-2010 Salary Negotiations
FINANCIAL MATTERS: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, with a motion by Mrs. Duffee, seconded by Mr. Johnson and with a unanimous vote, the Board approved Item # 6 A-B. A copy of this item can be found as a supplement to these minutes in the office of the Director of Finance.
A.
Approval of
Warrant Listing, Receipts, Budget Status Summary Report, and Budget Amendments
B.
Approval of
Bank Request for Proposal (RFP) For Construction Financing
CONTRACTS/RESOLUTIONS/AGREEMENTS: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, with a motion by Dr. Nichols, seconded by Mrs. Gardner and with a unanimous vote, the Board approved Item # 7 A-E. A copy of this item can be found as supplement to these minutes.
A.
Approval of
Purchase Orders and/or P-Card Purchases Over $10,000.00
Novell
PAEC
B.
Approval of
Contract Between
Regular Board Meeting
January 19, 2010
C.
Approval of
Contract Between RVI and
D.
Approval of
Contract Between
E.
Approval of
Contract Between
PROJECTS/PROGRAMS/GRANTS/PLANS: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, with a motion by Mrs. Gardner, seconded by Dr. Nichols and with a unanimous vote, the Board approved Item #8A. A copy of this item can be found as supplement to these minutes.
A. Approval
of Mini-Grant Proposal for Improvement of Instruction in the Arts for
FACILITIES AND CONSTRUCTION: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, with a motion by Mrs. Duffee, seconded by Mrs. Gardner and with a unanimous vote, the Board approved Item #8 A-G*. A copy of this item can be found as supplement to these minutes in the office of the Director of Facilities. (*Just Cause Item)
A.
Approval of
Change Orders
B.
Approval of
Disposal of property
C.
Approval of
Drawing for HVAC III, East and West Phase III
D.
Approval of
RFQ for Civil Engineering for Minor Projects
E.
Approval of
RFQ for Environmental Services
F.
Approval of
Purchase Order Over $10,000
Dell Computers CHS $41,859.60
INFORMATION – Projects Remaining on Current 5-Year Plan For
2009-2010
*G. Approval
of Quit Claim Deed
SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, with a motion by Dr. Nichols, seconded by Mrs. Duffee and with a unanimous vote, the Board approved Item #10 A-B. A copy of this item can be found as supplement to these minutes.
A.
Acceptance
of Suspensions
B.
Approval of
Expulsions
Bus Expulsion Marianna Middle 8th grade
School Expulsion ACE/JAS 9th
grade
School Expulsion MHS 9th
grade
School Expulsion SES 5th
grade
School Expulsion ACE/JAS 7th
grade
School Expulsion ACE/JAS 10th
grade
School Expulsion GHS 9th
grade
INFORMATION ITEMS:
A.
Update From Sodexo
Mr. Jack Noonan, General Manager, presented the Board with information regarding the Food Service program.
B.
Update on
Truancy
C.
Update on Investments
SCHOOL BOARD
MEMBER/SUPERINTENDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Regular Board Meeting
January 19, 2010
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:50 p.m.
________________________________ __________________________________
Lee W. Miller Kenneth
R. Griffin
Superintendent of
Schools Chairman
of the Board