THE
“OUT OF THE SUNSHINE MEETING”
OCTOBER 16, 2008
2:00 P.M.
MINUTES
The Jackson County School Board met in an advertised “Out Of The Sunshine” Meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. in the Board Room of the Jackson County School Board office. Dr. Terry Nichols, Chairman of the Board, called the meeting to order with the following members present: Dr. Terry Nichols, Chairman of the Board, Mr. Kenneth Griffin, Vice-Chairman, Mrs. Betty Duffee, Mrs. Charlotte Gardner and Mr. Chris Johnson; Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Daniel G. Sims, and School Board Attorney, Mr. Frank Bondurant. Also present were Ms. Elysha Luken, Attorney representing the Board and a court reporter.
Chairman Nichols stated that this meeting was called at the request of the Board’s attorney, Mr. Bondurant.
Mr. Bondurant stated that this special meeting was called to
discuss litigation with Sharpe, Inc., contractors associated with building
With that, the meeting went into a closed session at approximately 2:18 p.m.
After this session concluded, the Board entered into an open
session meeting. Mr. Bondurant, Attorney
for the Board, recommended that the Board file separate action on Hatch Mott
MacDonald
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 3:15 p.m.
________________________________ _____________________________
Daniel G. Sims Dr.
Terry E. Nichols
Superintendent of Schools Chairman of the Board
THE
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
OCTOBER 16, 2008
4:00 P.M.
MINUTES
The Jackson County School Board met in a regular Board Meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Jackson County School Board office. Dr. Terry Nichols, Chairman of the Board, called the meeting to order with the following members present: Mr. Kenneth Griffin, Vice-Chairman of the Board, Mrs. Betty Duffee, Mrs. Charlotte Gardner, and Mr. Chris Johnson; Superintendent Daniel G. Sims, and Attorney for the Board, Frank Bondurant. Everyone stood as Dr. Nichols led in prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
With a motion by Mr. Griffin, seconded by Mrs. Duffee and with a unanimous vote, the Board approved the agenda including the Just Cause item.
Chairman Nichols stated that anyone requesting to speak to an item on the agenda should fill out a card and he would be recognize them to speak to that item.
PRESENTATIONS:
A.
Recognition
of
Mrs. Shirl Williams, Director of Student Services, assisted Superintendent Sims with this recognition. Superintendent Sims stated that the criteria for receiving this award for 8th grade students is making Level 4 on the Math portion and Leverl4 or 5 on the Science Portion of the FCAT tests. These 8th grade students are now 9th grade students. Certificates were available for the following students:
Anne
Marie Nichols
Nicole
Willis
Gavin
Hall
*Ashlee Laramore
Clayton
Rooks
Ashley
Carr
Brandon Comerford
Mitchell
Hines
*Ashlee Laramore attended the meeting and introduced her family that was attending with her.
B.
Recognition
of Golden , Silver and
Superintendent Sims asked Mrs. Carolyn Glass, Coordinator of Community Education, to introduce the schools that received these awards. Mrs. Glass added that this award highlights volunteer programs at the schools. Superintendent Sims presented each school with a plaque.
Ruby Sylvester, Volunteer Coordinator
Board Meeting
Page 2
Pre-K/ Headstart Programs Kim Long, Manager
Five
Ruby Sylvester, Volunteer Coordinator
C.
Presentation
of School Improvement Plans
Superintendent Sims asked Mrs. Linda Cox, Director of School Improvement to address the Board. Mrs. Cox stated that the plans were given to the Board prior to the meeting with a summary sheet of the plans. She added that each Principal and/or School Improvement Chairman was available if the Board had any questions.
Adult Education Tom Hermann, Chairman
And Marsha McDaniel
Co-Chairman
Co-Chairman
Vickie Taylor, Chairman
Carolyn Pilcher, Chairman
CONSENT AGENDA: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, with a motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mrs. Duffee and with a unanimous vote, the Board approved Item # 2 A-C. A copy of this item can be found as a supplement to these minutes.
A.
Approval of
Minutes
· Special Board Meeting ~ September 11
· Board Workshop ~ September 11
· Board Meeting ~ September 16
· Public Hearing ~ September 16
· Special Board Meeting ~ September 23
B.
Approval of
Student Transfers
C.
Approval of
Salary Supplements
Board Meeting
Page 3
AGENDA ITEMS: Upon the recommendation of the
Superintendent, with a motion by Mrs.
A.
Approval of Volunteer
Applications
B.
Approval of
GED Testing Fee Increases at Adult Education
PERSONNEL: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, with a motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Griffin and with a unanimous vote, the Board approved Item #4A, 4.1 through 4.9. A copy of this item can be found as a supplement to these minutes in the office of the Director Personnel.
A.
Approval of
Personnel
4.1
Resignations
of Non-Instructional
Michelle Pritchard, Bus Monitor, resigned effective
September 17, 2008
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GRANT
Earl Don Ramsey, Project Coordinator, resigned effective
September 30, 2008
4.2
Recommendation
of Non-Instructional
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GRANT
Lena Moore, Director, hired effective September 22, 2008
Lynne Smith, Paraprofessional and Bus Monitor, hired effective
September 29, 2008
Lorenzo Dixon, Custodian, hired effective September 24, 2008
TRANSPORTATION
J.C. Kemp, Bus Driver, hired effective September 17, 2008
Jeremy Collins, Bus Driver, hired effective September 23, 2008
Heather Williams, Paraprofessional, hired effective September 23, 2008
4.3
Resignation
of Instructional
Thomas Holman, Teacher, resigned effective October 3, 2008
Karina Sanford, Teacher, resigned effective October 31, 2008
4.4
Recommendation
of Instructional
Mary Carr, Teacher, hired effective October 1, 2008
Sheila Galloway, Teacher, hired effective September 26, 2008
Requesting one teacher position at
4.5
Transfers –
None
4.6
Leave
Requests – None
4.7
Retirement
of Leave Requests
Donna R. Wester, Teacher, requesting to retire effective
September 10, 2008
TRANSPORTATION
Joe Carnley, Bus Driver, requesting to retire effective
September 30, 2008
Carolyn Glass, Coordinator of Community Education, requesting
to exit the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP)
effective April 10, 2008
Board Meeting
Page 4
Gloria Moore, Secretary, requesting to enter the Deferred Retirement
Option Program beginning November 1, 2008 and ending
December 31, 2013
4.8
Terminal
Leave Pay- None
4.9
Licenses –
None
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, with a motion by Mrs. Duffee, seconded by Mr. Griffin, Item #4A, 4.10 was on the floor for discussion. Chairman Nichols stated that several people have requested to speak to this item. Chairman Nichols asked each person that was going to speak to limit their talk to 3 minutes and keep to the issue at hand.
4.10
Employee
Discipline
Superintendent Sims read his recommendation of discipline actions against Mr. Charles G. Howard for making inappropriate comments of a racial nature in his classroom on September 26, 2008. This includes:
1. Two-week suspension without pay
2. Written reprimand
3. Termination of coaching duties and forfeiture of the balance of his coaching supplement
4. Letter of apology to the students involved
5. Diversity/Sensitivity training
6. Transfer to Adult Education effective October 16, 2008
Superintendent Sims stated that the incident has been reported to Professional Practices and they will perform their investigation. He added that a school district does not have the authority to revoke a teaching certificate.
Chairman Nichols asked each person making a request to speak to come forward, and address the board from the podium. Those that addressed the Board included:
1. Richard A Patterson,
2. Rev. Riley Henderson
3. Juan Dixon
4. Sacrine Douglas
5. Chephus Granberry
6. Acenia Dickens
7. Ron Mitchell
8. Benjamin Crump, Attorney
Each person identified the act of a racial slur, stating
that the teacher, Mr. Howard, should be fired from his position as a teacher
with the
9. David Howard, spoke as a representative in favor of accepting the recommendation from the Superintendent.
Board Member, Mr. Griffin, asked Mr. Bondurant, Attorney for the Board, for clarification of the Board’s position on the recommendation from the Superintendent. Mr. Bondurant stated that an employee disciplinary issue recommendation from the Superintendent, that the Board can render less harsh punishment, but cannot render more harsh punishment. He added that after hearing the Board’s position, the Superintendent can change his recommendation, but the Board cannot act on it at this meeting. He continued by stating that the employee must be put on notice if the recommendation was not what he had agreed upon. Mr. Bondurant stated that the Board would have to vote yes or no and if the vote was no, the employee would be put on notice. He also added that if the vote is not to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent, the employee would be suspended with pay until further notice. Mr. Griffin reiterated what Mr. Bondurant had said.
Board Meeting
Page 5
Board Member, Mr. Johnson, stated that this act should not be tolerated. He added that if other individuals are accused of using the same racial slur, that the decisions made by the Board will set precedence for future incidences.
Mr. Griffin asked the Superintendent if this was his only recommendation regarding Mr. Howard. Superintendent Sims stated that this is his recommendation.
Chairman Nichols asked Superintendent Sims about the investigation. Superintendent Sims stated that there was no malice intended and Mr. Howard was very remorseful.
Vote was called for and with a vote of 3-2, the recommendation passed. The two no votes were cast by Mrs. Gardner and Mr. Griffin. A copy of this item can be found as a supplement to these minutes in the office of the Director of Personnel.
FINANCIAL MATTERS: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, with a motion by Mr. Griffin, seconded by Mrs. Duffee and with a unanimous vote, the Board approved Item # 5A. 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 Report, and Budget Amendments
Chairman Nichols requested a brief recess to maintain order for the meeting when several people were leaving the room. After everyone left the room that wanted to do so, the meeting continued. The recess began at approximately 5:45 p.m. and the meeting resumed at approximately 5:50 p.m.
CONTRACTS/RESOLUTIONS/AGREEMENTS: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, with a motion by Mrs. Duffee, seconded by Mr. Griffin, and with a unanimous vote, the Board approved Item # 6 A-G. A copy of this item can be found as a supplement to these minutes.
A.
Approval of
Purchase Orders Over $10,000.00
Rivers Bus Sales County Wide $22,845.00
Headsprout
Scholastic, Inc. Grand Ridge School $14,000.00
B.
Approval of
Contract Between
C.
Approval of
Pre-Kindergarten Dental Contract Between
D.
Approval of
Contract Between
E.
Approval of
Contract Between
F.
Approval of
Contract Between
G.
Approval of
Contract Between
PROJECTS/PROGRAMS/GRANTS/PLANS: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, with a motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mrs. Gardner and with a unanimous vote, the Board approved Item #7A-H. A copy of this item can be found as a supplement to these minutes.
A.
Approval of
Master Inservice Plan
B.
Approval of
Title VI Grant
C.
Approval of
School Improvement Grants
D.
Approval of
School Improvement Plans
E.
Approval of
District ELL (English Language Learners) Plan
F.
Approval of
Mini Grant Application With
G.
Approval of
Board Meeting
Page 6
H.
Approval of
FACILITIES AND CONSTRUCTION: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, with a motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mrs. Duffee and with a vote of 3-2, the motion was approved. Mrs. Gardner and Mr. Griffin cast the no votes. (*Just Cause Item)
A.
Approval of
Bids For Graceville High School Weight Room and Restrooms
B.
Approval of
Bids For HVAC – Phase I
*C. Approval
of Utility Easement at
Mr. Griffin had questions about item # 8A, and asked how a reduction in income from ½ cent sales tax would affect the projects that have already been approved. Mr. St. Cyr stated that all projects scheduled were fully utilizing the revenue sources. He added that if the amount goes over the projections, this will eliminate revenue on other projects. Mr. St. Cyr stated that if there is a reduction in income, the budget will be prioritized and he will reschedule reallocated revenue.
Mrs. Gardner also had questions about Item #8A, and asked about the bid that was awarded with regard to the local bid being within ½ percent of the bid amount. Mrs. Gardner asked if the Board had to go with the lowest bid or the best bid. Mr. Bondurant stated that you must be able to say the lowest bid is not the best bid. He added that in order to give preference to the local vendors, the Board must set a policy stating the percentage acceptable to the lowest bid. Mr. Donofro commented that the low bidders in this project have very good references.
Mrs. Duffee asked if any of the sub contractors were from
Dr. Nichols handed the gavel to Mr. Griffin, Vice-Chairman, before stating that the Board must be careful to follow policy in the bid process.
Mr. Griffin passed the gavel back to Chairman Nichols, stating that through Superintendent Sims leadership, all schools have seen significant improvements through out the county.
SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS: 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 # 9 B. A copy of this item can be found as a supplement to these minutes. Mr. Nathan Isaac has filled out a card requesting to speak to this item.
Mr. Isaac stated that his son was suspended from school for
unjust cause. Mr. Isaac stated that he
had talked with Mrs. See, Assistant Principal at
Superintendent Sims stated that he would look into the
matter and follow up with Mrs. See and Mr. Wilson at
After Mr. Isaac spoke, the motion passed for Item #9B.
A.
Acceptance
of Suspensions
B.
Approval of
Expulsions
Bus Expulsion Jackson
Alternative 9th
Grade
School Expulsion Jackson
Alternative 10th
Grade
Board Meeting
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INFORMATION ITEMS:
A.
Update From Sodexho
Bryan Kent, General Manager of Sodexo, addressed the Board and provided information regarding the cafeterias and food service at the schools.
B.
Truancy
Update
C.
Update on
Investments
SCHOOL BOARD
MEMBER/SUPERINTENDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS- None
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:45 p.m.
________________________________ ________________________________
Daniel G. Sims Dr.
Terry E. Nichols
Superintendent of
Schools Chairman
of the Board