Guilford County Board of Education
Board Meeting
November 8, 2007

GUILFORD COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

The Guilford County Board of Education met in a regular meeting on Thursday, October 25, 2007, at 712 North Eugene Street, Greensboro, North Carolina. The following board members were present: Jeff Belton, Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Darlene Garrett (arrived at 6:05 p.m.), Deena Hayes, Garth Hébert, Dot Kearns, Amos Quick, Nancy Routh and Anita Sharpe.  Also present were Superintendent Terry Grier and Attorney Jill Wilson.

Call to Order
Chairman Duncan called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance                                                                                                                       
Board member Kris Cooke led the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence.

Moment of Remembrance and Silence
Chairman Duncan led the board in a moment of remembrance and silence in honor of those students who have tragically lost their lives this school year.

Recognition

2007 GCS Teacher of the Year and Finalists
The board recognized Carolyn Hiatt, second-grade teacher at Hunter Elementary, as the district’s Teacher of the Year. The board also recognized Janice Clark from Aycock Middle as the district’s Middle School Teacher of the Year and Kristal Britton from Dudley High as the High School Teacher of the Year, as well as finalists George Eckart from The Middle College of Entertainment Technology at GTCC and Michael Joncas from Summerfield Elementary. Board member Amos Quick assisted in the presentation of awards to these winners.

As the district’s 2006-07 overall winner of Teacher of the Year, Carolyn received $1,000 from Wachovia and $500 as the elementary level winner. As the district’s middle and high school winners, Janice and Kristal both received $500. The remaining finalists received $300 each from Wachovia Bank. Additionally, a car was presented to Carolyn by Modern Infiniti, which is sponsored by Harris Teeter Neighborhood Markets. The four Teacher of the Year finalists had their choice of $1,000 in gift certificates to Harris Teeter or the Friendly Center.

Public Comments

Chairman Duncan called on members of the public who requested an opportunity to address the board.

Rev. George Brooks, 1301 Alamance Church Road, Greensboro, NC 27406
Catherine Barnette, Three Mainsail Court, Greensboro, NC 27455
Al Gerod Robinson, 3912 Tarrant Trace Circle, High Point, NC 27265
Steve England, 342 Westminister Ave., Reidsville, NC 27320
Ann Busby, 214 Hillcrest Drive, High Point, NC 27262
Connie Turner, 2624 W. Court St., Greensboro, NC 27407
David Montgomery, 2604 Wilpar Drive, Greensboro, NC 27406
Luther Brock, 1404 T Adams Farm Parkway, Greensboro, NC 27407
Kim Kirkman, 510 Hillwood Court, Greensboro, NC 27410
Orlanda Carter, 3904 Stonebrook Farms Road, Greensboro, NC 27406
Janet Daw, 5407 Rutledge Drive, Greensboro, NC 27455
Debra Lumpkins, 4057 Southview Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407
Pam Dawson, 1650 NC 61, Whitsett, NC 27377
Ralph Mitchell, 4700 Ridgepoint Drive, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313
George Harris, 8H Indigo Lake Terrace, Greensboro, NC 27455

Board member Deena Hayes asked that Superintendent Grier and the appropriate staff develop an analysis of the problems or barriers related to the poor outcomes for African American youth that include racial, historical and cultural factors and then to develop strategies to produce equitable and better outcomes for this population. Chairman Duncan suggested that this item be put on the November 8 agenda or as soon as staff is able to gather the information needed. Following board review of the analysis developed by staff, strategies will be developed and brought before the board for a vote.

Chairman Duncan asked for a report regarding the status of the district’s planning with respect to arts education and scheduling issues. Chief Human Resources Officer Peggy Thompson said that information can be provided at the December 4 board meeting.

Approval of Agenda
Chairman Duncan asked board members to review the meeting agenda and called for a motion to approve or amend it. Motion was made by Darlene Garrett, seconded by Amos Quick, to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed upon unanimous voice vote.

Consent Agenda
Superintendent Grier presented the following consent agenda items:

A.  Personnel Action Reports

The consent agenda included personnel actions as noted in the monthly Personnel Action Report requiring board approval. 

B.  Duke Energy Carolinas Right-of-Way Agreement, Northern Elementary School

The consent agenda included a recommendation to approve a right-of-way request by Duke Energy Carolinas affecting 30 and 20-foot strips at Northern Elementary School to permit the installation and maintenance of overhead and underground wiring to serve the school campus. The requested rights-of-way would have widths of 15 and 10 feet on each side of a centerline, and their locations would be determined by the centerline of the electrical facilities to be installed.

The Right-of-Way Agreement requested by Duke Energy Carolinas is similar in format and content to other right-of-way agreements approved for Duke Energy Carolinas at various recent board meetings. GCS legal counsel has reviewed and approved this agreement and memo as to form and legality.

Motion was made by Darlene Garrett, seconded by Jeff Belton, to approve the consent agenda as presented. The motion passed upon unanimous roll call vote.

Staff Reports

Construction Update
Andy LaRowe, executive director of facilities, presented to the board an update on the district’s construction projects.

Projects Occupied In August 2007

Eastern High Pod Village
The construction manager (CM) continues to work with the authorities having jurisdiction to address any remaining issues. The parent drop-off area is complete, additional handicap spaces have been added and a new warming oven will require a follow-up inspection. Going forward the CM will be completing additional sidewalks and railings at the drop-off area, the installation of a gas line to feed the new high school and working to complete the punch list.
 
Ferndale Middle
The contractors continue to work with the authorities having jurisdiction to address any remaining issues. Going forward, the technology department will continue to upgrade the existing school with new equipment and the contractors will continue working to complete the punch list.

Oak View Elementary
The contractor received the final certificate of occupancy (CO). Going forward the contractor will continue working to complete the site punch list.

Southern Middle
The contractors will be completing landscaping requirements as required to receive the final CO, installing community access television (CATV), adjusting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and working to complete the punch list.

Guilford Elementary
The contractors continue to work with the authorities having jurisdiction to address any remaining issues. Sinks that did not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements are being replaced and are pending inspection. Going forward the contractors continue working to complete their punch lists.

E. P. Pearce Elementary
The CM and contractors continue to work with the authorities having jurisdiction to address any remaining issues. Going forward the contractors are working to complete their punch lists.

Reedy Fork Elementary
The contractors continue to work with the authorities having jurisdiction to address any remaining issues. Going forward the contractors completed the landscaping, adjusted HVAC systems and completed the punch list. Staff is working with the designer to explore options that would improve on-site maneuverability for delivery or other commercial vehicles having business at the school.

Projects Under Construction

Eastern High
The project team continues to work with the authorities having jurisdiction through the plan review/permit approval process. Parallel to this effort the construction manager (CM) continues to move forward with site work activities.

Northern High
The project team continues to work through various site grading issues to minimize any impacts to opening the school as scheduled. Site work is now progressing with paving of main parking lot and access road.  The second floor area will continue to receive finish work including finish paint, ceilings and technology cabling.

Parkview Elementary
The project team continues to work with authorities having jurisdiction to resolve issues as they arise. The contractor is finishing the building exterior and interior framing.  The project team continues to work on various scheduling issues with keeping trailers on site and the renovation of the existing building.

Northern Guilford Elementary
The project team continues to work with authorities having jurisdiction to resolve issues as they arise. Right-of-Way negotiations have now been concluded, and road widening is underway. Going forward the contractors will continue to work completing the last of the building envelope allowing rough-in to continue in some areas and finish with work in other areas.

Pleasant Garden Elementary
This project is well under way. The construction team has worked through various unforeseen site conditions. The retaining wall is in, and grading is almost complete. Going forward the contractor will continue to work on the roadway, footings and underground rough-ins.

Academy at Smith High
The project team continues to work with authorities having jurisdiction to schedule and conduct inspections for various portions of the work as they are made ready for inspection. The project is scheduled to be turned over to GCS this month pending final inspections for mechanical, plumbing and general building. Both the fire marshal and building inspectors have indicated they will allow a stocking permit to place furniture while the elevators are brought up to current code as required by the Department of Labor, prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

Southeast High
New drive and walkways are already in use by students and staff. Going forward the next phase of this work is scheduled to receive bids by November. Next year staff anticipates removing existing cafeteria equipment and replacing it with new equipment. This work will be coordinated with food service to minimize the impact to students and staff.

Academy at High Point Central High (Science Lab)
The contractors continue to work with the authorities having jurisdiction to address any remaining issues. Going forward the contractors will work to install an emergency egress window and complete the punch list.

Projects in Design Phase

Union Hill Elementary
Negotiations towards a Construction Management (CM) at Risk contract are ongoing.  The architect is on board and site considerations are under review.

Special Education Center West
The architect has been selected and initial program discussions are underway. Staff continues to evaluate a proposed site working with the owner and conducting preliminary due diligence.

Jamestown Middle
The site has been purchased and design is 95% complete. Construction funding is included in the upcoming bond program.

High Point SCALE Project (English Road Building)
The design team is working to complete the design in order to move forward with putting the project out for bid. GCS staff in the facility will need to be relocated before any work can begin.

Board discussion followed including questions and comments regarding the need for some type of covered walkway to protect students from the rain when changing classes at Eastern High. Chairman Duncan requested staff to provide information to the board on the cost for installing canopies. There was further discussion regarding the desire of board members for the County Commissioners to help pay the cost for these additional required items as the need arises at Eastern.

Motion was made by Anita Sharpe, seconded by Kris Cooke to request the Guilford County Board of Commissioners to fund excess costs for the current facility at Eastern Guilford High School. The motion passed upon majority electronic vote of 10-to-1 as follows: Ayes – Jeff Belton, Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Darlene Garrett, Deena Hayes, Garth Hébert, Dot Kearns, Amos Quick, Nancy Routh and Anita Sharpe; Nays – Alan Duncan.

School Health Nursing Services Contract

Sharon Ozment, chief finance officer, presented to the board a recommendation to approve a contract with the Guilford County Health Department to provide nursing services to the elementary, middle and high schools as well as compensation for salaries of five school nurses.  The contract is renewed yearly, and the 2007-08 contract requests payment in the amount of $273,296. The contract reflects approximately a five-percent increase for this year.

Motion was made by Kris Cooke, seconded by Deena Hayes, to approve the School Health Nursing Services Contract as presented. The motion passed upon majority electronic vote of 9-to-2 as follows: Ayes – Jeff Belton, Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Darlene Garrett, Deena Hayes, Garth Hébert, Dot Kearns and Nancy Routh; Nays – Amos Quick and Anita Sharpe.

2008-09 Traditional Calendar Options

District Relations presented to the board two proposed traditional calendar options for the 2008–09 school year.  Both calendar options are in compliance with board guidelines and House Bill 1464 that outlines the criteria for public school calendars.  As a reminder, schools cannot start before August 25 and must end by June 10; there must also be 180 days of instruction and not more than 215 teacher days.

During the 2008-09 school year, the Christmas holiday falls on a Thursday which, by state law, requires that an extra holiday be added to the calendar. This is offset by one fewer workdays.

Option 1 features an August 26, 2008 start and a June 10, 2009 end date.  This option features:

• Fairly equal semesters
• Teacher workdays allocated throughout the year – including one in February to break up the long winter period
• A vacation day on November 26 (prior to the Thanksgiving holiday)
• A two-week winter break
• Five vacation/holidays for spring break
• Two days that schools could mandate as workdays

Option 2 features a September 2, 2008 start and a June 10, 2009 end date.  This option features:

• A post-Labor Day start
• Fairly equal grading periods
• Limited time for eighth-grade students to prepare for the state mandated computer skills test (usually administered the first week of October)
• No make-up days during the school year (stacked at the end)
• Increased financial liability with regards to teacher pay dates – paid for a full month in August before they actually begin work in September
• Two days that schools could mandate as workdays

Additional input was garnered from Guilford County Association of Educators (GCAE) school representatives during their October 17 meeting. Option 1 received their unanimous endorsement with the request that the board consider:

• Removing the S2 designation on 12/22
• Moving the September 16 early release day to September 23; moving the October 15 early release day to October 22.

Board discussion followed.

Motion was made by Nancy Routh, seconded by Deena Hayes, to approve a draft of the 2008-09 Academic Calendar (Option 1) to be presented for a period of public comment with the following recommended changes: move the September 16 early release date to September 23 and the October 15 early release date to October 22; add inclement weather make-up dates to April 14-17; add proposed district mandated workdays to the calendar while still in draft format. The motion passed upon majority electronic vote of 7-to-4 as follows: Ayes – Jeff Belton, Walter Childs, Alan Duncan, Deena Hayes, Garth Hébert, Amos Quick and Nancy Routh; Nays – Kris Cooke, Darlene Garrett, Dot Kearns and Anita Sharpe.

Twilight High School Update

Sharon Ozment, chief finance officer, presented to the board updated budget information on the Twilight High School proposal. The budget information has been revised to reflect the following:

• changed source of funding for principal position from state School Building Administration (PRC 005) to state Disadvantaged Student Supplemental Funding (PRC 024) in order to secure state funding for the principal position;
• changed source of funding for four classroom teachers from state Classroom Teachers (PRC 001) to state At-Risk Student Services/Alternative Schools (PRC 069);
• changed percent employed for part-time positions from 66.67 percent to 50 percent based on number of hours students will be served;
• changed months of employment for all 50 percent positions from 10 months to 12 months;
• added one social worker position;
• added one counselor position;
• changed +$5,000 supplement calculation from 66.67 percent per eligible position to 100 percent per eligible position;
• included EC teacher, social workers and counselors in positions eligible for +$5,000 supplement calculation; and
• added footnotes regarding per pupil expenditure (PPE) calculations per the board approved 2007-08 operating budget and for the Twilight High School proposal.

Chairman Duncan provided the opportunity for board members to make comments and to ask questions.

Motion was made by Dot Kearns, seconded by Walter Childs, to approve the recommendation for the Twilight High School given the budget presented. The motion passed upon majority electronic vote of 9-to-2 as follows: Ayes – Jeff Belton, Walter Childs, Kris Cooke, Alan Duncan, Deena Hayes, Garth Hébert, Dot Kearns, Nancy Routh and Anita Sharpe; Nays – Darlene Garrett and Amos Quick.

Bond Referendum Update

Leo Bobadilla, chief operations officer, and Joe Hill, facilities, presented to the board an update on the bond referendum. The revised spreadsheet included changes requested by the Board of Education on September 22, 2007 which included increasing the size of North Greensboro Area Elementary and separating out the costs for the autism wings at Ragsdale High, Southeast Area Elementary and Airport Area High Schools.

Board members discussed the locations of the proposed autism wings. There was discussion about redesigning the Jamestown Middle space to have an autism wing at that location instead of building it, as originally proposed, at Ragsdale High. This would make the middle school a smaller and more manageable size.

Chairman Duncan asked staff to look at the existing statute whereby the district could have heating and air conditioning redone on a 12-year plan and get it paid for by the savings going directly to the company that puts it in place, and after that time the district would get the savings directly. Staff will investigate this and bring information back to the board.

In response to board member Nancy Routh’s question regarding the status of Simeon Stadium, Chairman Duncan gave a brief report on a meeting he attended. Participating in the meeting were Chief Operations Officer Leo Bobadilla, Senator Stan Bingham (who had called the meeting at the request of City Council member Latimer Alexander), High Point Mayor Becky Smothers, City Council member Bill Bencini, some members of the High Point city staff, County Commissioner Paul Gibson and Representative Laura Wiley. Mr. Bobadilla stated that the City of High Point stated that they would provide maps of information for staff to review and identify opportunities. He will follow up with the city on the status of this. Chairman Duncan reported that at this point there is no change in the status of the stadium. Should a change develop in the future, Mr. Bobabilla will report back to the board.

Chairman Duncan asked staff to revisit the proposed bond list to take into consideration the following items:

• redesigning the Jamestown Middle space to have an autism wing at that location instead of building it at Ragsdale High
• provide information on what grade levels are educationally sound to be included at the autism centers
• look at the HVAC possibilities in terms of whether there is a way to do this that will work within the financing structure and not have it as part of the bond
• look at the cost to complete Northern and Eastern classrooms which are not yet finished

There was consensus by board members to ask staff to provide the additional information requested with the plan being for staff to bring back a final bond package to be voted on at the next board meeting.

Water Conservation

Leo Bobadilla, chief operations officer, presented to the board an update on the measures being taken across the district to conserve water due to the drought and the status of schools with wells.

Reports from the Chairman
Amos Quick provided an update of the work of the School Climate Task Force.

Closed Session

At 10:21 p.m., motion was made by Deena Hayes, seconded by Darlene Garrett, to go into closed session to preserve the attorney client privilege and to discuss personnel matters protected by state law. The motion passed upon unanimous voice vote.

The board returned to open session at 11:09 p.m.

Motion was made by Darlene Garrett, seconded by Walter Childs, to authorize the board chair to enter into A Waiver of Limitations and Extension of Time to File Suit with respect to the Eastern Guilford High School fire claim. The motion passed upon unanimous electronic vote.

Attorney Jill Wilson announced on the record the settlement of the Lyon Construction case with the Guilford County Board of Education being paid in the amount of $37,500.

Board Comments

Board members were each allowed two minutes to make remarks, as they deemed appropriate.

Adjournment

With no further business, at 11:20 pm., motion was made by Kris Cooke, seconded by Darlene Garrett, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed upon unanimous voice vote.